Euro holds gains against Canadian Dollar on upbeat German IFO data

EUR/CAD extends its gains for the second consecutive day, trading around 1.6160 during the European hours on Tuesday. The currency cross remains stronger as the Euro (EUR) holds gains following the release of the German IFO business sentiment index data.

The Business Climate Index improved in August, rising to 88.8 from a revised 86.7 in July, outpacing market estimates of 87.2. Sub-indexes also demonstrated strength: the Current Assessment Index rose to 88.5, beating expectations of 87.0 and the prior 86.5 reading, while the Expectations Index jumped to 89.1, comfortably topping both July’s revised 86.8 figure and the forecast of 87.5.

Euro strength tightens conditions as ECB leans on anchored inflation expectations

Strategists at BNY stress that “inflation remains the core issue in Europe,” even as signs of improving activity emerge. They argue that “tightening too early would be a mistake,” noting that the ECB’s latest inflation survey shows expectations “are anchoring more firmly,” giving policymakers some leeway to wait and assess incoming data. At the same time, they highlight that the Euro is “near cyclical highs and already doing some of the tightening,” effectively contributing to a further tightening in financial conditions without the ECB having to move aggressively in the near term.

Meanwhile, the EUR/CAD cross appreciated as the Canadian Dollar (CAD) struggled under market caution stemming from collapsed US-Canada trade talks. Tension escalated after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to match US tariffs dollar-for-dollar following Washington's implementation of 50% tariffs on select Canadian goods.

The commodity-linked Canadian Dollar faced additional pressure from a second consecutive day of subdued crude oil prices, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) trading around $84.20 per barrel at the time of writing. Though crude prices saw slight support from intensified US economic pressure aimed at forcing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the gains were capped. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent outlined plans to isolate Iran via secondary sanctions, while President Donald Trump warned foreign nations of a strict timeline to sever commercial ties with Tehran or risk unilateral US penalties.

Markets watch for escalation as Iran vows retaliation and leans on China

Analysts at Danske Bank note that Iran has "promised to retaliate against expanded US economic sanctions that the Americans said would cut off Iran's economic lifeline," underscoring the risk of a more confrontational trajectory. They add that Tehran is signalling it is not isolated, with officials "expressing confidence that major trading partners like China would resist Washington's pressure campaign," a stance that could shape how far and how fast the new sanctions regime can be enforced.