- USD/CAD receives downward pressure as Crude oil prices improve.
- WTI price gains ground on the heightened situation in the Red Sea.
- US Dollar might have cheered up the improved ISM Manufacturing data.
USD/CAD snaps its five-day winning streak, trading lower near 1.3340 during the Asian session on Thursday. The Canadian Dollar (CAD) receives upward support on improved Crude oil prices.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) price trades higher near $73.10 per barrel. Crude oil prices are on the rise, fueled by heightened tensions in the Israel-Gaza conflict. In addition to geopolitical concerns, disruptions at a key oilfield in Libya are playing a role in boosting Crude oil prices. The Iran-backed Houthis targeted a container ship in the southern Red Sea en route to Israel. This incident has escalated fear about maritime security in the Red Sea region.
Canada will see labor market data for December on Friday including Unemployment Rate and Net Change in Employment. On the United States (US) docket, labor market data releases including ADP Employment Change and Initial Jobless Claims will be eyed on Thursday.
The US Dollar Index (DXY) strengthened on risk-off mood, coupled with improved United States (US) Treasury yields. The positive momentum might have found support from the improved ISM Manufacturing PMI report, which showed an increase to 47.4 in December from the previous reading of 46.7, exceeding the market consensus of 47.1. However, JOLTS Job Openings reduced to 8.79M, falling short of the expected figure of 8.85M in November.
The December minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) indicate that participants believe the policy rate has either peaked or is near its highest point in the current tightening cycle. Despite this observation, they highlight that the exact path of the policy will depend on how the economic conditions evolve.
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 treads water just above 1.0400 post-US data
Another sign of the good health of the US economy came in response to firm flash US Manufacturing and Services PMIs, which in turn reinforced further the already strong performance of the US Dollar, relegating EUR/USD to the 1.0400 neighbourhood on Friday.
GBP/USD remains depressed near 1.2520 on stronger Dollar
Poor results from the UK docket kept the British pound on the back foot on Thursday, hovering around the low-1.2500s in a context of generalized weakness in the risk-linked galaxy vs. another outstanding day in the Greenback.
Gold keeps the bid bias unchanged near $2,700
Persistent safe haven demand continues to prop up the march north in Gold prices so far on Friday, hitting new two-week tops past the key $2,700 mark per troy ounce despite extra strength in the Greenback and mixed US yields.
Geopolitics back on the radar
Rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine caused renewed unease in the markets this week. Putin signed an amendment to Russian nuclear doctrine, which allows Russia to use nuclear weapons for retaliating against strikes carried out with conventional weapons.
Eurozone PMI sounds the alarm about growth once more
The composite PMI dropped from 50 to 48.1, once more stressing growth concerns for the eurozone. Hard data has actually come in better than expected recently – so ahead of the December meeting, the ECB has to figure out whether this is the PMI crying wolf or whether it should take this signal seriously. We think it’s the latter.
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.