- The relentless USD buying pushed USD/CAD to a fresh multi-week high on Thursday.
- The disappointing release of the US GDP capped the upside for the USD and spot prices.
- Softer crude oil prices, aggressive Fed rate hike bets support prospects for further gains.
The USD/CAD pair trimmed a part of its intraday gains during the early North American session and was last seen trading around the 1.2855-1.2860 region, just a few pips below the highest level since March 9.
The pair attracted fresh buying near the 1.2800 mark on Thursday and prolonged its recent strong rally witnessed over the past one week or so amid the relentless US dollar buying. Investors seem convinced that the Fed would adopt a more aggressive policy response to combat stubbornly high inflation and have been pricing in a 50 bps rate hike at the upcoming meeting on May 3-4.
The markets also expect the US central bank to continue tightening its monetary policy when it meets again in June and July and ultimately lift rates to around 3.0% by the end of the year. The USD, however, eased a bit from the five-year peak following the disappointing release of the US GDP report, which showed that the economy unexpectedly contracted by 1.4% during the first quarter.
That said, additional details revealed that the GDP Price Index accelerated to 8% in Q1 and reaffirmed the prospects of rapid Fed rate hikes. This, along with a fresh leg up in the US Treasury bond yields, acted as a tailwind for the buck. On the other hand, a softer tone around crude oil prices undermined the commodity-linked loonie and offered additional support to the USD/CAD pair.
This, in turn, favours intraday bulls and supports prospects for a move back towards testing the YTD high, around the 1.2900 mark touched in March. Some follow-through buying will mark a fresh bullish breakout and set the stage for a further near-term appreciating move for the USD/CAD pair. This, in turn, suggests that any meaningful pullback might still be seen as a buying opportunity.
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 clings to recovery gains near 1.0850 ahead of Fedspeak
EUR/USD trades in positive territory near 1.0850 on Friday following a four-day slide. China's stimulus optimism and a broad US Dollar correction help the pair retrace the dovish ECB decision-induced decline. All eyes remain on the Fedspeak.
GBP/USD pares UK data-led gains at around 1.3050
GBP/USD is trading at around 1.3050 in the second half of the day on Friday, supported by upbeat UK Retail Sales data and a pullback seen in the US Dollar. Later in the day, comments from Federal Reserve officials will be scrutinized by market participants.
Gold at new record peaks above $2,700 on increased prospects of global easing
Gold (XAU/USD) establishes a foothold above the $2,700 psychological level on Friday after piercing through above this level on the previous day, setting yet another fresh all-time high. Growing prospects of a globally low interest rate environment boost the yellow metal.
Crypto ETF adoption should pick up pace despite slow start, analysts say
Big institutional investors are still wary of allocating funds in Bitcoin spot ETFs, delaying adoption by traditional investors. Demand is expected to increase in the mid-term once institutions open the gates to the crypto asset class.
Canada debates whether to supersize rate cuts
A fourth consecutive Bank of Canada rate cut is expected, but the market senses it will accelerate the move towards neutral policy rates with a 50bp step change. Inflation is finally below target and unemployment is trending higher, but the economy is still growing.
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.