- USD/CAD jumps to 1.3735 as the Canadian Dollar weakens on dismal market sentiment.
- Investors turn risk-averse as trades priced out Fed rate cut hopes for June.
- BoC Macklen sees expectations for the Fed pivoting to rate cuts in June as reasonable.
The USD/CAD pair is advancing towards 1.3750 in Friday’s London session. The Loonie asset extends its winning spell for the third trading session as investors see the Federal Reserve (Fed) pivoting to rate cuts by the third quarter of this year.
Speculation about the Fed delivering rate cuts has waned as consumer price inflation in the United States turned sticky in March. Also, the core Producer Price Index (PPI) data, which shows an increase or decrease in the prices of goods and services, excluding food and energy prices, by owners at factory gates, remains hotter than expected. The annual core PPI grew by 2.4% from estimates of 2.3% and the prior reading of 2.0%.
For now, investors anticipate that the Fed could begin reducing interest rates after the September meeting. Also, investors expect that there will be two rate cuts instead of three, as projected by Fed policymakers in the latest dot plot.
Faded expectations for the Fed lowering interest rates from the June meeting have dented appeal for risk-sensitive assets. S&P 500 futures have posted some losses in the European session. The US Dollar Index (DXY) extends its upside to 105.85. The scenario of the Fed keeping interest rates higher for a longer period bodes well for the US Dollar.
On the Loonie front, the Canadian dollar has weakened due to firm market expectations that the Bank of Canada (BoC) will start lowering borrowing rates in June. After maintaining the status quo on Wednesday, BoC Governor Tiff Macklem said a rate cut in June is possible.
Going forward, expectations of more upside in global oil prices due to escalating geopolitical tensions could support the Canadian Dollar. Fears of Iran’s confrontation with Israel heightened after air strikes on the Iranian embassy in Damascus by the Israeli forces. Also, Israel is preparing to invade Rafae where displaced Palestinians have sheltered.
It is worth noting that Canada is the leading oil exporter to the United States, and higher oil prices support the Canadian Dollar.
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 stays near 1.0400 in thin holiday trading
EUR/USD trades with mild losses near 1.0400 on Tuesday. The expectation that the US Federal Reserve will deliver fewer rate cuts in 2025 provides some support for the US Dollar. Trading volumes are likely to remain low heading into the Christmas break.
GBP/USD struggles to find direction, holds steady near 1.2550
GBP/USD consolidates in a range at around 1.2550 on Tuesday after closing in negative territory on Monday. The US Dollar preserves its strength and makes it difficult for the pair to gain traction as trading conditions thin out on Christmas Eve.
Gold holds above $2,600, bulls non-committed on hawkish Fed outlook
Gold trades in a narrow channel above $2,600 on Tuesday, albeit lacking strong follow-through buying. Geopolitical tensions and trade war fears lend support to the safe-haven XAU/USD, while the Fed’s hawkish shift acts as a tailwind for the USD and caps the precious metal.
IRS says crypto staking should be taxed in response to lawsuit
In a filing on Monday, the US International Revenue Service stated that the rewards gotten from staking cryptocurrencies should be taxed, responding to a lawsuit from couple Joshua and Jessica Jarrett.
2025 outlook: What is next for developed economies and currencies?
As the door closes in 2024, and while the year feels like it has passed in the blink of an eye, a lot has happened. If I had to summarise it all in four words, it would be: ‘a year of surprises’.
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads
VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.