|

CAD holds range but USD undertone is softening – Scotiabank

There was a little confusion around the temporary roll-back of US tariffs yesterday. Canada was not included in the round of reciprocal tariffs announced on Liberation Day but Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the 10% baseline tariff applied to both Canada and Mexico, Scotiabank's Chief FX Strategist Shaun Osborne notes.

CAD gains modestly on the day

"It turns out that was incorrect, a reflection of how confused policymaking is right now. Other tariffs, of course, remain in place. The CAD has weathered all the recent uncertainty relatively well, despite headwinds from higher market volatility and weaker commodities. Narrowed spreads are providing some support for the CAD and helping nudge our fair value estimate a little lower."

"Spot is trading below today’s updated estimated equilibrium though (1.4128) and the USD’s undervaluation may firm up support for USDCAD in the 1.40/1.41 range. The USD is heading for a fourth weekly loss versus the CAD and a weekly close under 1.4107 (50% retracement of the Sep/Feb USD rally) would suggest more downside pressure building on spot."

"As it is, there is a clearer strengthening of USD-bearish trend momentum on the intraday and daily charts which suggests the USD is at risk of retesting last week’s low at 1.4025/30 and making a run at 1.3945 (61.8% retracement support). Note the 200-day MA sits at 1.4005."

Author

FXStreet Insights Team

The FXStreet Insights Team is a group of journalists that handpicks selected market observations published by renowned experts. The content includes notes by commercial as well as additional insights by internal and external analysts.

More from FXStreet Insights Team
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD holds steady above 1.1750 as traders await FOMC Minutes

The EUR/USD pair holds steady near 1.1770 during the early Asian session on Tuesday. Traders continue to price in the prospect of further rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve in 2026, following the 25-basis-point rate reduction delivered at the December meeting. The release of the Federal Open Market Committee Minutes will be in the spotlight later on Tuesday.

GBP/USD finds key support near 1.35 despite year-end grind

GBP/USD remains bolstered on the high end as markets grind through the last trading week of the year. Cable caught a bullish tilt to keep price action on the high side of the 1.3500 handle, though year-end holiday volumes are unlikely to see significant progress in either direction as 2025 draws to a close.

Gold rebounds to near $4,350 after Monday's 4+% correction

Gold is bouncing to near $4,350 early Tuesday, helped by renewed US Dollar weakness and a dismal mood. Gold was hit sharply by profit-taking on Monday during US trading hours and retreated towards $4,300, where buyers reappeared.

Crypto market outlook for 2026

Year 2025 was volatile, as crypto often is.  Among positive catalysts were favourable regulatory changes in the U.S., rise of Digital Asset Treasuries, adoption of AI and tokenization of Real-World-Assets.

Economic outlook 2026-2027 in advanced countries: Solidity test

After a year marked by global economic resilience and ending on a note of optimism, 2026 looks promising and could be a year of solid economic performance. In our baseline scenario, we expect most of the supportive factors at work in 2025 to continue to play a role in 2026.

Crypto market outlook for 2026

Year 2025 was volatile, as crypto often is.  Among positive catalysts were favourable regulatory changes in the U.S., rise of Digital Asset Treasuries (DAT), adoption of AI and tokenization of Real-World-Assets (RWA).