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USD/CAD Extends Losses with Crude Oil Strength and Dovish Fed Outlook

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  • May 22, 2025
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USD/CAD currency pair continues to trade with a bearish trend, extending losses for the fourth day in a row in response to bolstering crude oil prices and reduced prospects for a Bank of Canada rate reduction. The Canadian Dollar is supported by warmer-than-anticipated domestic inflation numbers, whereas the US Dollar continues to suffer due to dovish Federal Reserve hopes, fresh US-China trade tensions, and increasing fiscal worries after a US credit rating downgrade. Technically, a break below the critical 1.3900 support and rejection from the 200-day SMA further increase the bearish outlook, making the pair susceptible to greater losses in the near term. KEY LOOKOUTS • More robust than expected Canadian core inflation has taken some sting out of the chances of a near-future rate cut by the Bank of Canada, offering underlying support to the Loonie. • Being a commodity-linked currency, the Canadian Dollar is inextricably linked with oil prices. Any persistent rise in crude oil—under geopolitical tensions or supply issues—can further buoy the CAD. • Traders are waiting for forthcoming US macro data, such as flash PMIs, for signals on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate trajectory, with dovish sentiments keeping the USD under pressure. • The inability of the pair to remain above the 1.3900 level and rejection against the 200-day SMA indicate sustained bear pressure, with more falls to come should support at 1.3810 be broken. Traders should closely monitor key drivers influencing the USD/CAD pair, including the impact of elevated Canadian inflation on the Bank of Canada’s rate path, which currently tilts against a near-term rate cut and supports the Loonie. Crude oil prices remain a crucial factor, with recent gains driven by geopolitical uncertainty continuing to bolster the commodity-linked Canadian Dollar. In the meantime, the US Dollar remains under pressure from dovish expectations about the Federal Reserve and the issue of US fiscal stability, particularly after being downgraded by Moody’s credit rating. From a technical perspective, the pair’s inability to retake the 1.3900 level and its rejection of the 200-day SMA support a bearish direction, with traders on high alert for a possible break below the 1.3810 support area. USD/CAD is under pressure as increasing oil prices and higher Canadian inflation support the Loonie. Dovish Fed expectations and US fiscal worries weigh on the US Dollar, while a decline below 1.3810 could indicate further declines for the pair. •  USD/CAD is trading with a bearish bias, extending its losses for the fourth day running. •  Reversal in crude oil prices supports the Canadian Dollar owing to its commodity-linked nature. •  Higher-than-anticipated Canadian inflation lowers the prospect of a June cut by the Bank of Canada. •  US Dollar declines in line with dovish Federal Reserve hopes and increasing fiscal worries. •  US sovereign credit rating downgrade by Moody’s adds to pressure on the USD. •  Technical breakdown under 1.3900 and rejection from the 200-day SMA indicate sustained downside risk. •  Focus turns to US macro data due later in the day and global flash PMIs for new trading signals. The USD/CAD currency pair is still saddled by wider macroeconomic considerations affecting the US Dollar as well as the Canadian Dollar. On the Canadian front, recent inflation numbers were higher than anticipated, lowering the potential for an instant interest rate reduction by the Bank of Canada. This has bolstered faith in the Loonie, particularly when coupled with the recovery of crude oil prices, which are the backbone of Canada’s economy. Stronger oil prices, underpinned by geopolitical tensions like uncertainty over US-Iran nuclear talks, still provide support to the Canadian Dollar. USD/CAD DAILY PRICE CHART CHART SOURCE: TradingView On the American side, the Dollar is under constant pressure because of escalating fiscal worries and weakening expectations regarding upcoming interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve. Moody’s sovereign downgrade of the US credit rating and anxieties regarding swelling deficits have triggered caution among investors. Furthermore, tensions between the US and China have reemerged, also placing the USD under increased risk aversion, adding to the pressure on the currency. Market participants are now intently following future economic indicators, including US macro data and world flash PMIs, for clues that may affect the policy direction and investor appetite in the future. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS USD/CAD is still under pressure after it was unable to stay above the key 1.3900 level and was rejected close to the 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA), indicating bearish momentum. The recent breakdown of the pair below a short-term consolidation area indicates a change in sentiment in the direction of sellers. If the support area of 1.3810–1.3800 is broken convincingly, it may pave the way for a further decline towards the next significant support levels. Momentum indicators also have a negative bias, supporting the possibility of further downside in the short term. FORECAST USD/CAD is able to remain above the 1.3800 support area and experiences fresh buying interest, a bounce towards the 1.3900 level may be in the pipeline. A move above this area would invite new bullish interest, with the potential to see the pair return to the 1.3950–1.3980 zone. To experience an ongoing upside drive, the pair would have to regain and stay above the 200-day SMA, currently serving as a major resistance. Positive surprises in future US economic data or a recovery in US Treasury yields would also be able to sustain a USD recovery, causing the pair to strengthen in the near term. Conversely, a strong break below the 1.3810–1.3800 support will likely lead to a deeper correction, exposing the next downside targets at 1.3750 and maybe 1.3700. Ongoing rigidity in crude oil prices and sustained cooling of US economic data would most likely continue to keep the Canadian Dollar underpinned, exerting pressure on the pair. Moreover, if the Federal Reserve continues to stick to its dovish stance and US fiscal worries remain, the bearish scenario could deepen, keeping USD/CAD susceptible to more losses during upcoming sessions.

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Currencies

USD/CAD Declines Below 1.3850 as Dollar Retreats Ahead of Highly Anticipated U.S. Jobs Report

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  • May 2, 2025
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USD/CAD pair fell below the 1.3850 level in Friday’s Asian session, trading around 1.3830, as the U.S. Dollar receded ahead of the highly anticipated Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report. Although the greenback had gained some strength recently, investor caution re-emerged with doubts about how current tariff measures are affecting job growth. Greater positive sentiment in the market, fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s positive comments on trade agreements with major Asian allies provided some relief to the USD. In contrast, softer-than-anticipated economic reports from both the U.S. and Canada—such as increasing U.S. unemployment claims and a third consecutive drop in Canada’s Manufacturing PMI—added to the conservative tone. The Bank of Canada’s recent meeting minutes also indicated a contained policy stance, dampening hopes of near-term rate reductions in spite of continued economic weakness. KEY LOOKOUTS • Market players are all eyes on Friday’s NFP reports for indications of how tariffs and trade tensions are impacting the U.S. labor market, and possibly impacting the direction of the USD. • Any breakthrough or delays in U.S. trade talks with China, India, Japan, and South Korea may determine market mood and USD strength. • While the BoC has kept rates steady in the face of sticky inflation and a robust labor market, future economic releases will be pivotal in determining future rate expectations. • Further softness in Canada’s manufacturing sector and other macro datapoints could bear down on the CAD, particularly if economic slowdown accelerates. USD/CAD pair are the following U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls report, which might offer vital information on the effects of tariffs on employment and shape Federal Reserve policy expectations. Market participants are also watching events on the trade front, as any improvement in U.S. negotiations with China, India, Japan, and South Korea might enhance risk appetite and underpin the U.S. Dollar. On the Canadian side, ongoing weakness in manufacturing—dramatized by April’s steep decline in the S&P Global Manufacturing PMI—may continue to stress the Canadian Dollar. Further, the Bank of Canada’s conservative policy tone, as embodied in its most recent meeting minutes, indicates that rate decisions will continue to be highly data-sensitive, so coming economic releases will be important for the CAD outlook. Traders are keeping a close eye on the U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls report for indications of the impact of tariffs on the labor market, which may alter USD sentiment. Poor Canadian manufacturing figures and the Bank of Canada’s conservative approach contribute to downside pressure on the CAD. Trade updates also continue to be a primary market driver. •  USD/CAD dipped below 1.3850, trading at around 1.3830 during Friday’s Asian session with a lull in the recent rally of the U.S. Dollar. • Investor attention is on the forthcoming U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) release, which can provide insights on whether tariffs are impacting employment trends. • U.S. Initial Jobless Claims increased to 241,000, exceeding estimates and introducing caution to the economic outlook. • The U.S. ISM Manufacturing PMI fell to 48.7, still in contraction but better than predicted, providing mixed signals. •  Canada’s Manufacturing PMI dipped to 45.3 in April, lowest since May 2020, indicating ongoing sectoral weakness. • Bank of Canada left rates unchanged at 2.75%, due to sticky core inflation and a firming labor market, but left the door open for future rate cuts. • Optimistic market sentiment trailed following U.S. President Trump’s comments on the possibility of trade agreements with significant Asian economies, providing partial support to the USD. Investor sentiment in the USD/CAD cross is being influenced by a combination of economic data and geopolitical events. With the focus now shifting to the impending U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls report, markets are looking forward to gaining some insight into how existing trade policies, most notably tariffs, are potentially impacting employment and general economic activity. The latest comments from U.S. President Donald Trump hinting at possible trade deals with nations such as India, Japan, and South Korea have also alleviated some of the concerns related to trade. Moreover, news of China being willing to resume talks with the U.S. has also added to a slightly positive market sentiment. USD/CAD DAILY CHART PRICE CHART SOURCE: TradingView In Canada, economic data continues to reflect strain, especially in the manufacturing segment. S&P Global Manufacturing PMI declined for the third consecutive month in April to its weakest since the beginning of the pandemic. In spite of these conditions, the policy rate was left unchanged by the Bank of Canada due to entrenched core inflation as well as an unemployment market which proved surprisingly resistent. With both economies charting mixed data and shifting trade dynamics, market players are prudent, awaiting future economic releases and policy announcements for firmer guidance. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS USD/CAD has retreated after it failed to hold above the resistance 1.3850 level, hinting at a possible short-term consolidation. The duo is now trading around the 1.3830 level, with short-term support at 1.3800, a level that has served as a psychological floor in recent sessions. A breach below this support would pave the way towards 1.3750. On the higher side, a move above 1.3850 would be required to be sustained to restore bullish momentum, with the next resistance likely at 1.3900. Momentum tools like the RSI are turning lower, hinting at a possible continuation of range-bound behavior unless there is a robust catalyst. FORECAST Unless strong catalysts occur, like better-than-expected U.S. economic statistics on the next major releases, notably the Nonfarm Payrolls, this optimism in USD will fade and can potentially favor further downward moves to CAD. Strengthening trade sentiment, most likely should breakthroughs emerge on trade deals with China or other significant trading partners, might support positive momentum as well. Technically, a breakout above the 1.3850 resistance level could set the stage for the 1.3900–1.3950 range, particularly if risk appetite sours and investors flock to the safety of the USD. Conversely, however, if U.S. jobs data sends the wrong message or hints at slowing economic growth owing to tariff pressures, the USD could face fresh selling pressure. Dollar weakness would drag USD/CAD down,

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Currencies

USD/CAD Falls Below 1.4100 Pre-US CPI Data Due to Weak Dollar and Pressure in Oil Market

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  • April 10, 2025
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The USD/CAD currency pair remains trading lower, falling below the 1.4100 level as the US Dollar continues to be under pressure prior to the eagerly awaited US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for March. Anticipation of a modest dip in both headline and core inflation has cooled USD demand, with markets rethinking the chances of an imminent Fed rate cut. The Canadian Dollar also has its own headwinds as weakening oil prices—brought about by rising US-China trade tensions and renewed concerns about demand—bear down on the commodity-sensitive currency. Despite weakness in the USD, these countervailing forces are expected to cap the pair’s downside. KEY LOOKOUTS •  A softer-than-anticipated inflation figure may spur rumors of future Fed rate reductions, which could be a further drag on the US Dollar. •  As a significant Canadian export, falling crude prices due to worldwide demand worries and US-China trade tensions might cap CAD advances. •  Reaction to last week’s FOMC Meeting Minutes will continue to be pivotal, particularly about balancing inflation taming and economic slowdown. •  Any intensification of trade tensions might trigger risk-off sentiment, impacting oil prices and general currency market flows. The USD/CAD pair is down pressure below the 1.4100 level as investors wait for the US CPI inflation reading, which has the potential to influence expectations of upcoming Federal Reserve policy action. A lower inflation print would likely raise speculation on rate cuts, weakening the US Dollar further. But the Canadian Dollar is also coming under headwinds with declining oil prices amidst renewed concerns about demand triggered by rising US-China trade tensions. These counterforces—USD weakness against CAD vulnerability on sliding crude—are poised to create a tug-of-war in the pair’s direction, sustaining volatility in the near term. USD/CAD trades below 1.4100 as investors await key US CPI data, with expectations of a slight cooldown in inflation. While the US Dollar remains subdued, falling oil prices amid US-China trade tensions weigh on the Canadian Dollar, limiting further downside. • USD/CAD trades below 1.4100 for the second consecutive day amid US Dollar weakness. • March US CPI data are due, with inflation projected to slow to 2.6% from 2.8% in February. • Core CPI is predicted at 3%, down slightly from the last 3.1% reading. • FOMC minutes reveal concern over increasing inflation and decelerating growth, implying dovish Fed policy. • Market pricing indicates a 40% probability of a Fed rate cut next meeting, representing uncertainty. • WTI crude oil is close to $60.20, weighed down by demand concerns driven by US-China trade tensions. • Canadian Dollar is still susceptible to declining oil prices, topping gains against weakening USD. The USD/CAD currency pair is in the limelight as the market waits for the release of the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for March. This report is viewed closely because it gives information about inflation patterns within the United States, which greatly influence Federal Reserve actions. Mild cooling of inflation relative to the last month will be expected and may shape investors’ sentiments of future monetary policy actions. Concurrently, the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes indicate that policymakers are closely walking a tightrope between inflation fears and risks of a decelerating economic growth. USD/CAD DAILY PRICE CHART CHART SOURCE: TradingView In addition, external pressures like global trade tensions are fueling market uncertainty. Fresh tensions between the US and China have renewed concerns about global demand, especially in the energy markets. Since oil is a crucial component of the Canadian economy, these events are being closely watched. The movement of crude oil prices and their reaction to overall economic signals will remain a key consideration for the Canadian Dollar. With both the US and Canadian economies having unique issues, market players are watchful in anticipation of any major economic releases. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS USD/CAD continues to exhibit signs of weakness as it continues below the psychological level of 1.4100. The currency pair has dipped below short-term support levels, reflecting a bearish near-term bias. Momentum indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicate poor upside potential since they are resting close to neutral levels, and moving averages are beginning to tilt downwards, enhancing selling pressure. Should the pair be unable to hold its ground at or above 1.4100, however, it would begin to weaken to the next level of support around 1.4050, while a solid break higher at 1.4100 could set up the retesting of 1.4150 resistance. FORECAST In the event the US CPI for tomorrow surprises higher on the back of more solid-than-expected inflation, then the US Dollar will be pushed upwards by reinforcing the Fed’s hold-back from further interest rate cutting. A resurgence of USD strength could assist USD/CAD in rising back above the 1.4100 level, with possible levels of resistance at 1.4150 and 1.4200. Also, any indications of stability or rebound in oil prices would assist the Canadian Dollar, but if oil demand prospects are brightened by softening global tensions, the pair’s higher limit could be curtailed. Conversely, a weaker inflation print might revive hopes of Fed rate cuts, pulling the US Dollar down and further lowering USD/CAD. A fall below the current support at 1.4050 might result in a more pronounced pullback towards 1.4000 or even 1.3960. If oil prices remain low based on ongoing demand issues or lingering US-China trade tensions, the Canadian Dollar might depreciate even more, halting the descent of USD/CAD even if there is stress on the US Dollar.

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Currencies

USD/CAD Struggles Near 1.4300 Amid Tariff Threats and Economic Concerns

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  • January 22, 2025
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The USD/CAD pair trades cautiously near 1.4300 amid heightened economic and political uncertainty. US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on Canada has dampened the Canadian economic outlook, prompting a strong response from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who stated that his government is ready to respond to any scenario. Additionally, expectations of a 25 bps rate cut by the Bank of Canada (BoC) following weaker-than-expected inflation data have further pressured the Canadian Dollar. In contrast, the US Federal Reserve is anticipated to hold interest rates steady, amplifying policy divergence. Technically, USD/CAD remains range-bound but shows a firm outlook, with potential for a rally above 1.4518 or a downside break below 1.4120. KEY LOOKOUTS • Follow US-Canada trade developments, as a 25% tariff from Trump will be huge for the Canadian economy and its dynamics in the USD/CAD market. • The upcoming decision of the BoC will likely be 25 bps, which might affect CAD sentiment and the broader economic forecast. • Resistances are seen at 1.4518 and support at 1.4120; it might act as a break out or breakdown point for considerable price action. • Maintain an eye on the fight between the Fed’s hawkish stance and the BoC’s dovish tone, which forms investor emotion and currency trends. USD/CAD now hovers around 1.4300 with market attention still on US-Canada trade wars and differing monetary policies. US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff over Canada, where he faces a stiff response from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The BoC has been touted to reduce interest rates by 25 basis points for its meeting, which is expected to follow the rather disappointing inflation data. In sharp contrast, the US Federal Reserve maintains a steady policy that further weighed in against the Canadian Dollar. Technically, this is a range-bound movement of USD/CAD with key levels such as 1.4518 and 1.4120, and any breakout will likely define the directional trend. USD/CAD trades circumspectly near 1.4300 amid US-Canada tariff tensions and expectations of a BoC rate cut. Diverging monetary policies and key technical levels at 1.4518 and 1.4120 remain critical. • Pair trades cautiously with economic and political uncertainties weighing down on market sentiments. • US President Donald Trump proposes a 25% tariff on Canada that raises concerns of economic impacts. • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he is prepared to act on any trade issues if tariffs are implemented. • The Bank of Canada is expected to reduce interest rates by 25 bps to 3% in its next policy meeting. • The CPI data for December showed a fall in annual inflation to 1.8%, which has been fueling dovish BoC bets. • The US Federal Reserve is likely to hold interest rates, which will widen the policy gap with the BoC. • USD/CAD is range-bound, with resistance at 1.4518 and support at 1.4120, setting critical breakout levels. The USD/CAD pair trades near 1.4300, reflecting market caution amid heightened economic and political uncertainties. US President Donald Trump’s threat of a 25% tariff on Canada has intensified concerns about the Canadian economy, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau affirming readiness to counter any challenges. Additionally, expectations of a 25 bps rate cut by the Bank of Canada (BoC), driven by weaker December inflation data, have weighed on the Canadian Dollar. In contrast, the US Federal Reserve’s steady interest rate stance highlights the growing policy divergence between the two central banks. Technically, USD/CAD remains range-bound, with key levels at 1.4518 and 1.4120 likely to dictate the next significant move. USD/CAD Daily Price Chart. Source: TradingView Prepared By ELLYANA US Federal Reserve is expected to maintain its current interest rate policy, highlighting the growing policy divergence between the two economies. This divergence has boosted the appeal of the US Dollar against the Loonie. From a technical perspective, USD/CAD has been range-bound for over a month, trading within the 1.4260-1.4465 band. Key resistance at 1.4518 and support at 1.4120 are critical levels to watch, with a breakout likely signaling the pair’s next major directional move. Market participants remain focused on trade developments and upcoming monetary policy decisions, which could significantly impact the pair’s trajectory. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS From a technical perspective, USD/CAD has been trading in a tight range of 1.4260 to 1.4465 for over a month, reflecting market indecision. The 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) slopes upward near 1.4235, signaling a bullish undertone despite the range-bound movement. Meanwhile, the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains within the neutral 40-60 range, indicating a lack of clear momentum. A decisive break above the resistance at 1.4518 could pave the way for a rally toward the psychological level of 1.4600 and potentially the March 2020 high of 1.4668. Conversely, a downside break below the December 11 low of 1.4120 might lead to further weakness, targeting the December 4 high of 1.4080 and the key psychological support at 1.4000. Traders should watch these critical levels for confirmation of the next directional move. FORECAST USD/CAD shows potential for an upward breakout, supported by the 50-day EMA’s upward slope near 1.4235, which reflects a bullish bias. A sustained move above the immediate resistance level at 1.4518 could send the pair further north. A break above that level could then take the pair to round-level resistance at 1.4600 and the March 2020 high of 1.4668. The steady interest rate stance of the Federal Reserve and the vulnerability of Canada’s economy to trade tensions with the US further bolster the upside outlook. Positive momentum indicators and a possible rally in the US Dollar may push the pair to these higher levels. USD/CAD fails to hold above the 1.4260 level, it may come under downward pressure. A break below the December 11 low of 1.4120 may send the pair further down to the December 4 high of 1.4080 and the psychological support at 1.4000. Weak Canadian inflation data, coupled with expectations of a Bank of Canada rate cut, could weigh on the Canadian Dollar. However, a resolution of US-Canada trade tensions or stronger-than-expected

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