The USD/CAD currency pair has mounted a rebound from its two-week low of 1.4260, rising back above the 1.4300 mark as market participants look forward to the much-awaited Federal Reserve policy meeting decision. A small recovery in the US Dollar from multi-month lows, together with softer crude oil prices, has given the pair support for the second day in a row. Gains are still capped, however, with investors holding back ahead of the Fed’s interest rate decision and economic forecasts, as well as closely monitoring Chair Jerome Powell’s rhetoric for guidance on the coming rate-cut direction.
KEY LOOKOUTS
• Market participants will be keeping a close eye on the Federal Reserve’s rate move and economic forecast, paying specific attention to any hints regarding the timing and rhythm of impending rate cuts.
• The direction of the USD after the meeting will be important in deciding on the next move of USD/CAD, particularly if Powell sounds more dovish or hawkish than anticipated.
• Being an oil-linked currency, the Canadian Dollar is still vulnerable to the movements in oil prices. Any additional weakness in crude oil may still drag the Loonie.
• Rising tensions in the Middle East may have an impact on oil supply projections and risk appetite, which could in turn affect oil prices and safe-haven demand for the USD.
With the USD/CAD currency pair trading just above the 1.4300 level, market attention continues to be squarely on the next Federal Reserve policy announcement, which is set to give the US Dollar new guidance. Traders will be keenly listening to Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s comments and the revised economic forecasts for hints on the central bank’s future rate-cut trajectory. In the meantime, any substantial move in crude oil prices would impact the Canadian Dollar, as it strongly correlates with oil. Further, tensions in the Middle East are also a possible risk factor that can affect market sentiment and commodity prices, thus impacting the near-term USD/CAD course.
USD/CAD remains above 1.4300 prior to the Fed policy announcement, helped by a small US Dollar recovery and lower oil prices. Market focus now centers around Jerome Powell’s remarks for insights into upcoming rate cuts, with geopolitical tensions and oil price actions continuing as main driving factors.
• USD/CAD recovers above 1.4300 from a two-week low just below 1.4260.
• Small US Dollar recovery from multi-month lows helps the pair.
• Traders stay on guard in anticipation of the pivotal Federal Reserve policy announcement.
• Fed likely to leave rates steady; attention turns to economic projections and Powell’s comments.
• Impending rate-cut indications from the Fed may have a profound impact on USD direction.
• Weakening crude oil prices deter the Canadian Dollar, facilitating USD/CAD gains.
• Middle East geopolitical tensions may affect oil prices and risk mood, which can impact the pair.
The USD/CAD currency pair is in the limelight as markets globally await the outcome of the closely watched Federal Reserve policy meeting. As no interest-rate change is anticipated, investors are following keenly the Fed’s revised economic forecast and comments from Chair Jerome Powell. These observations will prove to be pivotal in determining the central bank’s attitude towards upcoming monetary policy, especially in context to future interest rate reductions later this year. The result of this meeting is expected to influence overall market sentiment and direct currency movements in the subsequent sessions.
USD/CAD Daily Price Chart
Chart Source: TradingView
While meanwhile, wider economic conditions still influence the USD/CAD forecast. Oil prices, which heavily influence the Canadian economy, have been revealing their volatility, providing another source of uncertainty. Furthermore, heightened tensions in the Middle East are closely watched, as they have the potential to affect global energy markets and investor mood. Since there are more than one factor involved, market players are walking on eggshells, waiting for more definitive indications before making firm actions.
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
USD/CAD has been able to bounce from the recent support level around 1.4260, showing buying interest at lower levels. The pair recovering above the 1.4300 level shows a possible short-term bullish tilt, although the momentum is moderate. Traders will be monitoring a sustained move above this level to confirm further upside potential. On the negative side, if the pair cannot remain above 1.4300, it will go back to the recent support zone, whereas resistance levels at 1.4350 and 1.4380 may prove to be obstacles for any potential rise.
FORECAST
In case the Federal Reserve retains a dovish tone and avoids any indication of near-term rate cuts, the US Dollar is likely to move even higher, possibly taking USD/CAD up. A strong push through the 1.4300 level can create space for the pair to challenge the subsequent resistance levels at 1.4350 and 1.4380. Further deterioration in crude oil prices can also fuel upside movement in the pair, as the Canadian Dollar remains highly sensitive to movements in the oil market. An aggressive bullish break can even lead to a run-up to the 1.4400 area in the short term.
Conversely, if the Fed indicates a dovish turn or suggests rate cuts earlier than anticipated, the US Dollar can come under fresh pressure, and that would initiate a decline in USD/CAD. A breakdown below the 1.4260 support could speed up selling pressure, taking the pair down to 1.4220 or even lower. Furthermore, any sudden surge in crude oil prices or de-escalation of geopolitical tensions would bolster the Canadian Dollar, leading to further losses for the pair.
