THE WEEK AHEAD

The week ahead brings a slew of economic indicators, headlined by the release of gross domestic product data (GDP) for the September quarter. A massive week in local data sees GDP, international trade data, retail trade figures and building approvals set for release.

Offshore, the US Federal Reserve's beige book, its report on the current US economic situation, is due, along with jobless claims data and pending home sales figures. In Europe, EU third quarter gross domestic product data is due, as well as the European Central Bank's interest rate decisions for December.

Meanwhile, annual general meetings dominate the corporate calendar as Christmas approaches. RBA Governor Glenn Stevens will speak at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia annual dinner in the week ahead, while Australian Security and Investment Commission chairman Tony D'Aloisio also speaks.

RBA

On Monday, RBA governor Glenn Stevens will address the CEDA annual dinner in Melbourne. Investors will keep a close eye on this ahead of the central bank's December policy meeting next week.

Tuesday will see assistant governor Guy Debelle speak at the Australian Securitisation Forum in Sydney, where he will answer questions as part of a panel discussion.

Local data

A big week in local data begins on Monday with new home sales data for October from the Housing Industry Association, along with business indicators data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which includes inventories, sales and profits data for the third quarter.

On Tuesday, the ABS will release current account balance figures for September, as well as building approvals data. Economists expect approvals to have rebounded five per cent in October.

Government finance statistics for the third quarter, private sector credit figures for October and third quarter net export contributions are also due.

The RP Data-Rismark house price index for October wraps up a big day in local figures. Analysts expect it to show home prices have flattened over the past three months, with credit lending up 0.1 per cent.

Wednesday will see the release of the highly anticipated third quarter gross domestic product data. Experts predict the economy grew 0.7 per cent for the quarter, a solid result but not fantastic.

On Thursday, international trade in goods and services figures for October are set for release, which analysts expect to show a $2.5 billion surplus.

Retail trade data for October from the ABS is also due, with experts predicting a 0.5 per cent increase, keeping growth at a rate of four per cent.

Friday will see the release of the AIG performance of services index.

Corporate

In corporate news, Monday will see annual general meetings (AGM) held by Aspen Group, Jetset Travelworld and Sandifre Resources.

Tuesday will see Australasia Gold, Brickworks, Consolidated Media Holdings, Crown, Goodman Group, Neptune Marine Services and Padbury Mining all hold AGMs.

TPG telecom will hold its AGM on Wednesday, while Metcash will report its full year result.

Thursday will see Nufarm hold its AGM.

Wrapping up the week, David Jones will hold its AGM on Friday.

Offshore

In the UK on Monday, Hometrack housing price data for November is due, along with M4 money supply data.

In Europe, European Monetary Union economic confidence data for November is set for release, as well as industrial confidence data for the month.

Tuesday will see the S&P Case-Shiller home price index released in the US, as well as consumer confidence data. Economists expect confidence to have risen 1.8 points to 52.0.

The Chicago purchasing managers' index for November is also due, along with the Federal Reserve's Beige Book report on the current US economic situation.

In the UK, Gfk consumer confidence data for November is due, while EU unemployment data is also set for release.

On Wednesday, US productivity and costs data is due, along with the ADP employment report.

The ISM manufacturing index, new vehicle sales figures and construction spending data are set for release. Construction spending is expected to have fallen 0.1 per cent.

The weekly US EIA petroleum status report is also due.

In the EU, the purchasing manager index manufacturing for November is expected to be released.

Thursday brings US jobless claims data as well as pending home sales figures, as well as the weekly EIA natural gas report.

PMI construction data for November is due in the UK.

A big day in Europe brings highly anticipated gross domestic product data for the third quarter, as well as the European Central Bank interest rate decision for December.

The EU producer price index is also due.

Friday brings the US employment situation report, including jobs data, average hour worked figures and non-farm payrolls statistics. Analysts are tipping a 150,000 lift in jobs, but expect the jobless rate to remain unchanged at 9.6 per cent.

ISM Non-Manufacturing figures for November are also due, with economists predicting a fall of 0.9 points to 56.0.

Elsewhere, the purchasing manager index services data for November is due, along with EU retail sales data.

Wrapping up

On Tuesday, Xstrata Copper chief executive Charlie Sartain will speak at an Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) breakfast in Brisbane.

Elsewhere, Australian Security and Investment Commission chairman Tony D'Aloisio speaks at a Trans-Tasman Business Circle (TTBC) function in Sydney.

Wednesday will see Ansell non-executive director Peter Day and Woodside director Melinda Cilento speak at an AICD function in Melbourne.

On Thursday, Jetstar chief executive officer Bruce Buchanan will speak at a separate AICD event in Cairns.