• Struggles to build on cautious BOC-led up-move.
• Positive oil prices offset persistent USD strength.
• US monthly jobs data holds the key.
The USD/CAD pair oscillated in a narrow trading range through the early European session and was consolidating overnight gains to weekly tops.
On Thursday, the pair extended its recovery move from 6-week lows, touched earlier this week, and got an additional boost after the Bank of Canada (BOC) tames expectations for an imminent rate hike.
The central bank's cautious outlook helped the pair to build on previous session's strong up-move, led by upbeat ADP report on the US private sector employment, and jump back above the 1.2800 handle.
Meanwhile, a combination of diverging factors failed to provide any fresh impetus, with the pair struggling for a firm direction on the last trading day of the week. A strong follow-through US Dollar buying interest being offset by positive trading sentiment around crude oil prices, which tends to underpin the commodity-linked Loonie, and has eventually led to a subdued/range-bound trading action.
Later during the NA session, the keenly watched US monthly jobs report, popularly known as NFP, would now be looked upon for some fresh directional impetus ahead of next week's FOMC meeting.
Technical levels to watch
Any subsequent up-move is likely to confront immediate hurdle near the 1.2900 handle, above which the pair could easily surpass 1.2915-20 supply zone and head towards testing the very important 200-day SMA hurdle near the 1.2955 region.
On the flip side, 1.2830 level no seems to protect the immediate downside, which if broken could drag the pair back below the 1.2800 handle towards its next major support near mid-1.2700s.
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD clings to daily gains above 1.0650
EUR/USD gained traction and turned positive on the day above 1.0650. The improvement seen in risk mood following the earlier flight to safety weighs on the US Dollar ahead of the weekend and helps the pair push higher.
GBP/USD recovers toward 1.2450 after UK Retail Sales data
GBP/USD reversed its direction and advanced to the 1.2450 area after touching a fresh multi-month low below 1.2400 in the Asian session. The positive shift seen in risk mood on easing fears over a deepening Iran-Israel conflict supports the pair.
Gold holds steady at around $2,380 following earlier spike
Gold stabilized near $2,380 after spiking above $2,400 with the immediate reaction to reports of Israel striking Iran. Meanwhile, the pullback seen in the US Treasury bond yields helps XAU/USD hold its ground.
Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC post-halving rally could be partially priced in Premium
Bitcoin price shows no signs of directional bias while it holds above $60,000. The fourth BTC halving is partially priced in, according to Deutsche Bank’s research.
Week ahead – US GDP and BoJ decision on top of next week’s agenda
US GDP, core PCE and PMIs the next tests for the Dollar. Investors await BoJ for guidance about next rate hike. EU and UK PMIs, as well as Australian CPIs also on tap.