USD/CAD steadies above 1.4200, upside seems possible due to new Trump tariffs

USD/CAD could increase further due to fresh tariffs from US President Donald Trump.
The latest FOMC Meeting Minutes emphasized needing more time to assess multiple factors before considering any rate adjustments.
The Bank of Canada may rethink its approach to policy easing after January’s inflation data indicated an upward trend.

Akhtar Faruqui FXStreet

USD/CAD remains steady after two successive days of gains, trading around 1.4230 during the Asian hours on Thursday. The upside of the pair is attributed to concerns over tariffs from US President Donald Trump, who has confirmed that a 25% tariff on pharmaceutical and semiconductor imports will take effect in April. Additionally, Trump reaffirmed that auto tariffs will remain at 25%, further escalating global trade tensions.

Market participants are now focused on key US economic data, including weekly Initial Jobless Claims, the CB Leading Economic Index, and the Philly Fed Manufacturing Index, set to be released during the North American session.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Meeting Minutes for January’s policy meeting, published on Wednesday, reaffirmed the decision to keep interest rates unchanged in January. Policymakers emphasized the need for more time to assess economic activity, labor market trends, and inflation before considering any rate adjustments. The committee also agreed that clear signs of declining inflation are necessary before implementing rate cuts.

The Bank of Canada (BoC) may reconsider easing policy after January’s inflation data showed an uptick, data showed on Tuesday. Canada’s headline CPI inflation rose to 1.9% year-over-year, aligning with forecasts and increasing from the previous 1.8%. Meanwhile, core BoC CPI inflation accelerated to 2.1% YoY, up from 1.8%, marking its fastest pace in nearly a year.

Following the CPI release, market expectations for a 25-basis-point rate cut at the BoC’s March 12 policy meeting dropped to below 30%. “There is too much underlying inflationary pressure in Canada to warrant an inflation-targeting central bank easing monetary policy further,” wrote Scotiabank’s Derek Holt.

Canadian Dollar FAQs

What key factors drive the Canadian Dollar?

The key factors driving the Canadian Dollar (CAD) are the level of interest rates set by the Bank of Canada (BoC), the price of Oil, Canada’s largest export, the health of its economy, inflation and the Trade Balance, which is the difference between the value of Canada’s exports versus its imports. Other factors include market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – with risk-on being CAD-positive. As its largest trading partner, the health of the US economy is also a key factor influencing the Canadian Dollar.

How do the decisions of the Bank of Canada impact the Canadian Dollar?

The Bank of Canada (BoC) has a significant influence on the Canadian Dollar by setting the level of interest rates that banks can lend to one another. This influences the level of interest rates for everyone. The main goal of the BoC is to maintain inflation at 1-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively higher interest rates tend to be positive for the CAD. The Bank of Canada can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former CAD-negative and the latter CAD-positive.

How does the price of Oil impact the Canadian Dollar?

The price of Oil is a key factor impacting the value of the Canadian Dollar. Petroleum is Canada’s biggest export, so Oil price tends to have an immediate impact on the CAD value. Generally, if Oil price rises CAD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Oil falls. Higher Oil prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance, which is also supportive of the CAD.

How does inflation data impact the value of the Canadian Dollar?

While inflation had always traditionally been thought of as a negative factor for a currency since it lowers the value of money, the opposite has actually been the case in modern times with the relaxation of cross-border capital controls. Higher inflation tends to lead central banks to put up interest rates which attracts more capital inflows from global investors seeking a lucrative place to keep their money. This increases demand for the local currency, which in Canada’s case is the Canadian Dollar.

How does economic data influence the value of the Canadian Dollar?

Macroeconomic data releases gauge the health of the economy and can have an impact on the Canadian Dollar. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, employment, and consumer sentiment surveys can all influence the direction of the CAD. A strong economy is good for the Canadian Dollar. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the Bank of Canada to put up interest rates, leading to a stronger currency. If economic data is weak, however, the CAD is likely to fall.

Author

Akhtar Faruqui

FXStreet

Akhtar Faruqui is a Forex Analyst based in New Delhi, India. With a keen eye for market trends and a passion for dissecting complex financial dynamics, he is dedicated to delivering accurate and insightful Forex news and analysis.

GBP/USD flirts with tops near 1.3470

GBP/USD manages to regain composure and challenge the area of daily highs around 1.3470 on Friday. Cable picks up pace despite marginal gains in the Greenback in a context of swelling geopolitical tensions and rising global oil prices.

EUR/USD struggles above 1.1500 despite USD weakness

EUR/USD struggles with its recovery above 1.1500 in European trading on Monday, despite broad US Dollar weakness and improved risk sentiment. The USD loses traction following US President Trump's call off an attack on Iran and that talks between the two sides would happen on Monday. Traders will closely monitor the developments surrounding US-Iran negotiations and US ISM PMI data.

Gold extends range play below $4,100 as rebounding USD meets receding Fed hike bets

Gold struggles to capitalize on a modest weekly bullish gap opening, and remains below the $4,100 mark heading into the European session. The US Dollar stages a modest recovery from its lowest level since June 17, which is seen capping the upside for the commodity. The upside for the USD, however, seems limited amid renewed hopes for a US-Iran peace deal and receding US Fed rate-hike expectations.

Week ahead: US payrolls report and AI earnings to keep investors on edge

After the Fed decision, NFP report awaited for more rate hike clues. Employment also on the agenda in Canada and New Zealand. Chinese trade and Japanese wage data to be watched too. But Iran and AI headlines to remain in driver’s seat for risk sentiment.

Solana risks a steeper decline below $70 despite steady ETF inflows

Solana (SOL) is trading in the red, losing bullish momentum and remaining capped below its 50-day Exponential Moving Average at $75.68. SOL-focused Exchange Traded Funds show resilience with a monthly inflow of $14.62 million in July, while the near-term retail support wanes with the funding rate turning negative.

9-3: Is the Federal Reserve’s vote tally Warsh's new forward guidance?

The rate did not move. Neither did the statement, and that’s the more interesting fact. Set the July 29 Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) statement beside the one issued on June 17, and the two documents are identical apart from a single verb and a paragraph at the bottom naming three dissenters.