- USD/CAD oscillates in a narrow band and is influenced by a combination of diverging forces.
- A modest uptick in crude oil prices underpins the Loonie and acts as a headwind for the pair.
- A softer risk tone benefits the safe-haven greenback and helps limit any meaningful downside.
- Traders now look to Canadian consumer inflation and the US macro data for a fresh impetus.
The USD/CAD pair is struggling to gain any meaningful traction on Tuesday and oscillating in a narrow trading band through the Asian session. The pair is currently hovering around the 1.3400 mark, nearly unchanged for the day, and is influenced by a combination of diverging forces.
A modest uptick in crude oil prices underpins the commodity-linked Loonie and acts as a headwind for the USD/CAD pair. The negative factor, to a larger extent, is offset by some follow-through US Dollar buying, which, in turn, lends some support to the major and helps limit the downside, at least for the time being.
Data released earlier this Tuesday showed that China's economy grew at a better-than-expected pace in the fourth quarter. Furthermore, improving trends in Chinese Retail Sales and Industrial Production fueled optimism over an economic recovery in the world's largest crude importer and acts as a tailwind for oil prices.
That said, worries about a potential global recession keep a lid on any meaningful upside for the black liquid. Traders also seem reluctant and prefer to wait on the sidelines ahead of the monthly OPEC report, due later this Tuesday, which will be looked upon for any change in the demand forecast for the current year.
The US Dollar, on the other hand, attracts some haven flows amid the prevalent cautious market mood, though lacks bullish conviction amid hopes for a less aggressive policy tightening by the Fed. The mixed fundamental backdrop warrants some caution before positioning for a firm intraday direction for the USD/CAD pair.
Moving ahead, the focus shifts to Canadian consumer inflation figures, due for release later during the early North American session. This, along with oil price dynamics, might influence the Canadian Dollar. Apart from this, the Empire State Manufacturing Index from the US should provide some impetus to the USD/CAD pair.
Technical levels to watch
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 retreats to 1.0750, eyes on Fedspeak
EUR/USD stays under modest bearish pressure and trades slightly near 1.0750 on Wednesday. Hawkish comments from Fed officials help the US Dollar stay resilient and don't allow the pair to stage a rebound.
GBP/USD struggles to hold above 1.2500 ahead of Thursday's BoE event
GBP/USD stays on the back foot and trades in negative territory below 1.2500 after losing nearly 0.5% on Tuesday. The renewed US Dollar strength on hawkish Fed comments weighs on the pair as market focus shifts to the BoE's policy announcements on Thursday.
Gold fluctuates in narrow range below $2,320
After retreating to the $2,310 area early Wednesday, Gold regained its traction and rose toward $2,320. Hawkish tone of Fed policymakers help the US Treasury bond yields edge higher and make it difficult for XAU/USD to gather bullish momentum.
SEC vs. Ripple lawsuit sees redacted filing go public, XRP dips to $0.51
Ripple (XRP) dipped to $0.51 low on Wednesday, erasing its gains from earlier this week. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing is now public, in its redacted version.
Softer growth, cooler inflation and rate cuts remain on the horizon
Economic growth in the US appears to be in solid shape. Although real GDP growth came in well below consensus expectations, the headline miss was mostly the result of larger-than-anticipated drags from trade and inventories.