A Couche-Tard convenience store is seen in Montreal, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. The Canadian Press
Canada enters a busy economic week with fresh data, historic developments, and industry updates that could influence markets and consumer sentiment. Here are the major storylines to watch as the week unfolds.
Couche-Tard Results Under Pressure
Alimentation Couche-Tard will unveil its second-quarter earnings after markets close on Monday. Analysts will get their chance to question executives during Tuesday’s call. The company signaled trouble in September when it reported a tougher retail climate. Shoppers were cutting back, and spending patterns showed clear caution. Investors will now be watching to see if the slowdown deepened through the fall.
Historic HBC Charter Draws Interest
A rare piece of Canadian history could soon find a new owner. Interested buyers have until Friday to declare their intent to purchase the royal charter that founded Hudson’s Bay. Reflect Advisors, the financial adviser overseeing the process, will run an auction in early December. The document represents one of the country’s oldest commercial legacies and has already sparked significant curiosity among collectors.
All Eyes on Canada's GDP Update
Statistics Canada will release the September and third-quarter GDP numbers on Friday. Early estimates suggested real GDP inched up by 0.1 percent in September. The third quarter is expected to show a modest annualized rise of 0.4 percent. Economists will use the updated data to assess whether Canada is inching toward stronger growth or navigating a prolonged period of sluggish momentum.
Black Friday Arrives in a Turbulent Economy
The U.S. Thanksgiving holiday ushers in Black Friday, the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season. Retailers are preparing for intense discount wars as shoppers manage higher costs. Tariffs and persistent inflation continue weighing on household budgets, raising questions about how strong consumer demand will be this year. The results could offer early clues about fourth-quarter performance for both Canadian and U.S. businesses.
Trans Mountain to Reveal Quarterly Performance
Trans Mountain Corp. is expected to release its quarterly results before the week ends. The update will provide insight into how the Vancouver-area pipeline is operating after recent expansions. The Crown corporation is also evaluating long-term growth plans, while Alberta continues to push for another pipeline route to the northern B.C. coast. The broader goal is to increase Canada’s capacity to export oil to global markets.
This week’s developments offer a revealing snapshot of Canada’s economic pulse. From retail earnings to national output and pipeline expansion, each update carries signals that could shape business expectations heading into the final stretch of the year.
