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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 EUR/USD

EUR/USD Falls as ECB Reduces Rates in Face of Global Trade News and Market Volatility

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  • April 17, 2025
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The EUR/USD currency pair experienced fresh selling pressure, declining back to 1.1340 following the European Central Bank (ECB) decision to make a widely expected 25 basis point cut in rates — its sixth successive reduction — as part of its ongoing campaign to nudge inflation back towards the 2% goal in the face of a weakening Eurozone economy. The ECB’s move, along with its deletion of previous language indicating interest rates are still restrictive, hints at a possible end to the easing cycle. In the meantime, optimism about U.S.-Japan trade talks gave the U.S. Dollar a boost, while doubts over U.S.-China trade ties and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s dovish economic outlook kept global markets on edge. In spite of the near-term retreat, EUR/USD still has a bullish technical setup, with the next significant resistance seen at 1.1500. KEY LOOKOUTS • The European Central Bank cut its key lending rates by 25 basis points but importantly avoided saying that rates will continue to be “restrictive” — suggesting that it might be ready to end its easing cycle as inflation trends improve. • Encouraging developments in trade talks between Japan and the U.S., which were highlighted by President Trump, relieved the U.S. Dollar and dampened EUR/USD recovery efforts. • Investors are looking forward to ECB President Christine Lagarde’s comments for greater insights into the central bank’s future policy direction, particularly how the continued global trade tensions affect it. •  As EUR/USD dipped below 1.1340, technical metrics such as the 14-day RSI holding above 70 and more sloping EMAs indicate the pair’s wider bullish trend is intact. The EUR/USD pair fell under renewed selling pressure, moving towards 1.1340 after the European Central Bank (ECB) declared a widely anticipated 25 basis point rate cut, its sixth in a row since the beginning of its easing cycle. The ECB’s decision reflects its ongoing efforts to tame inflation and support a slowing Eurozone economy, though the omission of any reference to rates remaining “restrictive” suggests policymakers may be eyeing a temporary pause. Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar regained strength on the back of positive progress in U.S.-Japan trade negotiations, offering some relief to global markets amid persistent uncertainty over U.S.-China trade relations. Even with the ongoing correction, the EUR/USD pair still has a generally bullish outlook, with investors waiting anxiously for further guidance from ECB President Christine Lagarde’s next comments. EUR/USD continued to decline towards 1.1340 after the ECB trimmed interest rates by 25 basis points, as anticipated, indicating a possible end to its easing cycle. The U.S. Dollar strengthened amid positive U.S.-Japan trade news, further putting pressure on the pair. Investors now look to ECB President Lagarde’s remarks for new policy guidance. •  The European Central Bank cut its main borrowing costs as expected, its sixth consecutive reduction in response to softening Eurozone growth and cooling inflation. •  The EUR/USD currency pair fell towards 1.1340 following the rate decision, with strong selling pressure during early North American trading hours. •  For the first time in months, the ECB left out the word indicating interest rates are “restrictive,” which may indicate a possible halt to its rate-cutting cycle. •  Encouraging news from U.S.-Japan trade negotiations, led by President Trump’s announcement of “big progress,” brought relief to the U.S. Dollar. •   Markets are looking to ECB President Christine Lagarde’s comments for insight into future policy direction, particularly in the context of global trade uncertainty. •  In spite of the recent decline, the EUR/USD currency pair maintains a bullish setup with the support of higher sloping EMAs and the RSI remaining above the 70 level. •  Continued uncertainty regarding U.S.-China trade tensions continues to overshadow market sentiment, keeping traders defensive in the short term. The European Central Bank (ECB) announced yet another 25 basis point cut in interest rates, its sixth consecutive rate reduction since initiating its monetary easing cycle in June. The move is an extension of the ECB’s continued bid to stabilize the Eurozone economy as inflation makes slow progress towards its 2% target. Notably, the central bank did not reproduce its standard line that interest rates would continue to be “restrictive,” implying policymakers may be weighing a pause in additional reductions. The ECB reiterated that future policy will be “data-dependent” and influenced by the current global economic situation, specifically the uncertainty of international trade patterns. EUR/USD DAILY PRICE CHART CHART SOURCE: TradingView Meanwhile, international market focus has turned to developments in negotiations of trade talks between the United States and Japan. Favorable comments from both parties indicate better ties, providing a breath of relief for international markets that have been under pressure from tariff tensions. As the U.S.-Japan talks are progressing, however, general anxiety over the U.S.-China trade war remains, causing businesses and investors to remain guarded. As policymakers around the world adjust to these rapidly changing circumstances, market players are monitoring closely for any indication of how governments and central banks will act to protect economic stability. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS EUR/USD currency pair is undergoing a good correction after unable to maintain its momentum above the 1.1400 mark. Even after the correction, the overall trend is bullish since the price continues to trade above the major short-to-long-term Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs), indicating underlying strength. Furthermore, the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) continues to remain above the 70 level, indicating that bullish momentum remains in place, though marginally overheated in the near term. Traders are currently monitoring the psychological resistance level of 1.1500, which is still a critical upside target, while the April 11 low around 1.1190 acts as a robust support level, likely to be bought if the correction worsens. FORECAST EUR/USD continues to be bullish provided the pair remains above critical technical support levels. The steepening slope of the Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) and the Relative Strength Index (RSI) remaining above the 70 level indicate solid underlying buying demand. If the pair picks up momentum, the first target would be the psychological resistance at 1.1400, and a clear break above this level could

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Currencies EUR/USD

EUR/USD Stays Put Around 1.1350 as Market Prepares for ECB Interest Rate Decision and Fed Inflation War

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  • April 15, 2025
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The EUR/USD currency pair stays put around the 1.1350 level as the US Dollar tries to regain stability as stagflation fears increase and as market sentiment turns defensive. Market participants are watching remarks from Federal Reserve officials, such as Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic, who noted the long way that will have to go to achieve the central bank’s 2% inflation target — a sign that rate decreases will not come as early as some had anticipated. In the meantime, everyone is focused on the next policy meeting of the European Central Bank, when a widely anticipated 25 basis point reduction in interest rates might determine the Euro’s short-term direction. Uncertainty over global trade tensions and changing projections by major financial institutions such as Deutsche Bank also contribute to the confusion, leaving market participants vigilant for any hints about the future course of monetary policy on both the Atlantic and other sides. KEY LOOKOUTS • Markets are expecting a 25 basis point rate cut in Thursday’s European Central Bank meeting, and they are looking for forward guidance on the future of monetary easing. • Federal Reserve officials, particularly Raphael Bostic, indicate that rate cuts might take a bit longer as the US central bank stays loyal to its 2% inflation target. • Market participants look for the ECB’s Bank Lending Survey for information on credit conditions, which may have implications for both the rate decision and the ECB’s economic outlook. • Increased trade uncertainty and possible US tariff changes remain weighing on market sentiment, providing near-term support for the Euro with recession fears in the US. With the EUR/USD pair trading around the 1.1350 mark, market attention turns to a number of key drivers that may decide its next direction. The European Central Bank is to make its highly anticipated policy rate decision on Thursday, with traders broadly factoring in a 25 basis point interest rate cut, while also looking for any guidance on future easing cycles. Across the Atlantic, the Federal Reserve’s measured approach to inflation — in the wake of Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic’s comments — indicates that the journey towards U.S. rate cuts could be slower than anticipated. The publication of the ECB’s Bank Lending Survey will also provide new clues on the state of credit in the Eurozone. At the same time, persistent global trade tensions and doubts over possible U.S. tariff shifts remain to influence investor mood, offering risk and support to the Euro in the short term. The EUR/USD pair remains anchored around 1.1350 as markets look for the ECB’s anticipated 25 basis point rate cut and more hints on monetary policy. The US Dollar, meanwhile, looks to stabilize as Fed officials remain cautious about inflation and ongoing global trade tensions. Investors look for major data and central bank comments to determine the next move. •  EUR/USD hovers around 1.1350 as the pair remains range-bound with risky market sentiment. •  The US Dollar tries to firm up as stagflation fears reemerge and dampen global risk appetite. •  Federal Reserve’s Bostic indicates a long way to go before reaching the 2% inflation goal, dashing hopes for imminent rate cuts. •  ECB to cut the rate by 25 basis points at its policy meet on Thursday, keeping the Euro in limelight. •  Deutsche Bank revises rate cut prediction for Fed, anticipating first cut in Dec 2025, two additional cuts in early 2026. •  The ECB’s Bank Lending Survey (BLS) is under the spotlight for information regarding credit conditions and the health of the Eurozone economy. • Global trade tensions and recessionary concerns continue to underpin the Euro and place pressure on the US Dollar’s rebound. The EUR/USD currency pair remains firm as market participants look towards this week’s key central bank news and economic releases. The European Central Bank is widely anticipated to cut interest rates by 25 basis points at its next policy meeting, a move designed to underpin growth throughout the Eurozone. Meanwhile, market players are monitoring the ECB’s Bank Lending Survey, which will offer useful insight into how credit conditions are influencing the region’s overall financial well-being. EUR/USD DAILY PRICE CHART CHART SOURCE: TradingView Meanwhile, the US Dollar is holding its ground as traders digest recent comments from Federal Reserve officials. Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic’s statement underlined that the path to bringing inflation back to the 2% target remains challenging, hinting that US rate cuts may not arrive as soon as previously expected. In addition to central bank indications, persistent global trade tensions and policy uncertainty are also exercising considerable influence over investor sentiment, with markets pricing in possible risks to the global economy in the coming months. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS EUR/USD is trading around the 1.1350 level, hinting at consolidation as the pair awaits strong directional signals. The latest price action suggests indecision surrounding major levels of resistance and support, pointing to the fact that traders wait for new sparks from central bank policies or fresh economic data to push through resolute moves. A continued penetration of near-term resistance may be enough to establish further room on the upside, but a inability to maintain present support levels would risk exposing the pair to greater bear pressure short-term. FORECAST If the European Central Bank’s forthcoming policy announcement and economic commentary succeed in finding an even keel — loosening but remaining upbeat on the recovery of the Eurozone — then the EUR/USD pair might strengthen in the near term. Surprise improvements in Eurozone economic statistics or hints at weakening US inflation might similarly prop up the Euro, sending the pair higher to resistance levels as risk appetite is regained by investors. On the flip side, if the rate cut by the ECB is coupled with a more dovish tone or the US Dollar gains new strength on the back of improved economic indicators or diminishing recession fears, EUR/USD could see fresh selling pressures. Also, ongoing global trade tensions and any rise in geopolitical tensions would tempt investors to take refuge in the

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