- USD/CAD trades flat near 1.3950, holding below the 200-day EMA.
- DXY eases to 100.15 as softer US CPI data fuels rate cut speculation.
- Canada pushes to eliminate Trump-era tariffs ahead of potential trade talks with the United States.
The USD/CAD pair remains under pressure for the second consecutive day, trading flat near 1.3950 during Wednesday’s European trading hours. The pair is holding below the 200-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), coinciding with a broader decline in the US Dollar (USD) following a weaker-than-expected Consumer Price Index (CPI) print on Tuesday.
The US Dollar Index (DXY) stabilized around 100.15 after briefly dipping to 99.81 on Wednesday, pulling back further from the one-month highs hit earlier this week on Monday. The initial optimism around US-China tariff relief has faded, with traders refocusing on the potential economic fallout from shifting trade dynamics. Meanwhile, softer inflation data sparks bets that the Federal Reserve (Fed) could resume its easing cycle, with markets now pricing in the possibility of two rate cuts later this year.
Geopolitical trade tensions also remain in focus after Canada’s Ambassador to the US, Kirsten Hillman, stated on May 12 that eliminating the "ruinous" tariffs imposed by the Trump administration is Canada’s top priority in any future trade talks. Hillman stressed that "no discussion to be had with the Americans without that being on the table from Canada's perspective", calling it the "starting point" for negotiations. The remarks underscore lingering trade friction between the two countries, adding a layer of uncertainty for the Canadian Dollar (CAD) amid broader US Dollar (USD) weakness.
On the commodities front, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices eased to $62.93 per barrel, trimming gains from the previous session. The decline was attributed to concerns over rising US crude inventories, as reported by the American Petroleum Institute, which indicated a 4.3 million barrel increase. This development has tempered the recent optimism driven by easing trade tensions and has implications for the Canadian Dollar, given Canada's status as a major oil exporter.
Looking ahead, market participants are turning their attention to a raft of high-impact US data due Thursday, including April's Producer Price Index (PPI), Retail Sales, and weekly Initial Jobless Claims. Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech will also be closely watched for policy cues, especially amid growing speculation of a policy pivot.
Canadian Dollar FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 moves in a consolidative theme near 1.1570
Following multi-year highs north of the 1.1600 barrier, EUR/USD now looks range bound around the 1.1570 zone as the NA session draws to a close on Thursday. The strong upside in the pair came on the back of broad-based decline in the US Dollar, which was particularly sponsored by lower US inflation data, further cooling of the labour market, and prospects of further rate cuts by the Fed.
GBP/USD looks bullish just below 1.3600
GBP/USD maintains its constructive stance in place in the latter part of Thursday’s session, hovering just below 1.3600 the figure on the back of heightened losses in the Greenback. In the meantime, investors continue to pencil in two potential rate cuts by the Fed for the remainder of the year.
Gold consolidates its gains near $3,380
Gold maintains its weekly rebound well in place, now trading in the sub-$3,400 region per troy ounce in response to the persistent selling bias in the US Dollar, declining US yields across the curve and growing geopolitical tensions.
Cardano Price Forecast: Whales acquire 310 million ADA amid potential triangle breakout
Cardano (ADA) shows weakness as it reverses from an overhead trendline of a triangle pattern. The altcoin edges lower by over 1% at press time on Thursday, fueling a steeper correction in its Open Interest. Amid weakness, Cardano whales have acquired 310 million ADA tokens so far this month, projecting increased confidence as the triangle pattern nears resolution.
US tariffs here to stay, trade deals ‘largely symbolic’
Despite legal challenges to IEEPA tariffs, US trade policy remains firm. Tariffs on steel and aluminium have doubled, and new sectoral tariffs are expected. Trade deals may emerge, but most will be symbolic. Effective tariff rates will stay high throughout 2025.
The Best brokers to trade EUR/USD
SPONSORED Discover the top brokers for trading EUR/USD in 2025. Our list features brokers with competitive spreads, fast execution, and powerful platforms. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, find the right partner to navigate the dynamic Forex market.