USD/CAD climbs back closer to mid-1.3600s, focus remains on US NFP/Canadian jobs data

The USD/CAD pair attracts fresh buying near the 1.3540-1.3535 area on Friday and builds on the previous day's goodish rebound from the vicinity of the 100-day SMA support. The uptick, also marking the second successive day of a positive move, lifts spot prices to the 1.3625-1.3630 area during the first half of the European session and is sponsored by a combination of factors.

Crude oil prices struggle to capitalize on the overnight gains and edge lower on the last day of the week, which, in turn, undermines the commodity-linked Loonie. Despite the latest optimism led by the easing of strict COVID-19 curbs in China, which is expected to boost fuel demand, looming recession risks act as a headwind for the black liquid. This, along with a strong follow-through buying around the US Dollar, offers additional support to the USD/CAD pair and remains supportive of the momentum.

The USD continues to draw support from Thursday's upbeat US macro data, which pointed to a resilient US labour market and could allow the Federal Reserve to stick to its aggressive rate hike path. This, along with the prevalent cautious market mood, further seems to benefit the safe-haven greenback. It, however, remains to be seen if the USD bulls can retain control or opt to lighten their bets ahead of the closely-watched US monthly jobs data, due for release during the early North American session.

The popularly known US NFP report, due for release later during the early North American session, could influence the Fed's near-term policy outlook. This, in turn, will play a key role in driving the USD demand. Investors will further take cues from the release of the monthly employment details from Canada, which, along with oil price dynamics, should provide some meaningful impetus to the USD/CAD pair.

Technical levels to watch