USD/CAD Price Analysis – Oct 22, 2024
Daily Price Outlook
During the European trading session, the USD/CAD currency pair struggled to maintain its bullish momentum, dropping to around the 1.3830 level despite a strong US dollar and a dovish stance from the Bank of Canada (BoC) regarding interest rate cuts.
However, the recent losses in the USD/CAD pair may be short-lived, as the BoC is anticipated to cut interest rates by 50 basis points to 3.75%.
Moreover, a bullish US dollar could help limit further declines in the pair. The outlook for the US dollar remains positive, with investors expecting a gradual rate-cut cycle from the Federal Reserve for the remainder of the year.
Anticipated Rate Cuts and Economic Challenges for the Canadian Dollar
On the CAD front, the USD/CAD pair experiencing fluctuations as investors await the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) interest rate decision, set to be announced on Wednesday. However, the BoC is expected to cut its key borrowing rate by 50 basis points (bps) to 3.75%.
This would mark the fourth consecutive interest rate reduction by the central bank. The larger cut is a response to a rising unemployment rate and slowing inflation, indicating the need for stronger economic support.
On the data front, the latest figures highlight ongoing challenges in the Canadian economy. The slight decrease in the unemployment rate to 6.5% suggests some improvement, but it is still above the 5% level typically associated with full employment. This indicates that many Canadians are still struggling to find jobs.
These factors have prompted discussions around the need for more stimulus to encourage spending and job creation. As a result, the anticipated rate cuts from the BoC are seen as crucial to supporting economic recovery and addressing these persistent issues.
US Dollar Strength and Its Impact on the USD/CAD Pair
On the US front, a strong US dollar has been helping the USD/CAD pair. Investors are optimistic about the USD’s outlook, as many expect the Federal Reserve (Fed) to start a gradual rate-cut cycle later this year.
According to the CME FedWatch tool, the Fed is likely to reduce interest rates by 25 basis points (bps) in both November and December. This potential rate cut is contributing to the USD's strength and helping the USD/CAD pair to limit its losses.
In addition, the upcoming presidential election, just two weeks away, is adding uncertainty to the Canadian dollar. However, the competition between former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris is intense, and a Trump victory could lead to higher import tariffs. This would negatively impact the currencies of the US's trading partners, including Canada.
On the economic front, investors are also keenly awaiting the flash S&P Global PMI data for October, scheduled for release on Thursday. This data will provide insights into the economic health of both the US and Canada, further influencing the currency markets.
USD/CAD – Technical Analysis
The USD/CAD pair is trading near $1.38294, slightly down by 0.02% on the 4-hour chart. Currently, the pair remains below the pivot point at $1.38441, showing a neutral-to-bearish bias in the short term. Despite the minor decline, the pair is holding above key support levels, which could provide a bounce, though resistance areas will need to be tested for further upside momentum.
Immediate resistance is positioned at $1.38623, followed by $1.38821 and $1.39030. A successful break above these resistance levels could signal renewed bullish momentum. However, failure to breach these areas may result in further consolidation or a deeper pullback.
On the downside, immediate support is at $1.38120, with subsequent support levels at $1.37911 and $1.37691. The 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), located at $1.37976, is acting as a dynamic support level and will be a critical indicator for traders to watch. A move below this EMA could lead to additional downside pressure.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is currently at 58, indicating that there is still room for upward movement, though momentum remains moderate.
In conclusion, the technical picture for USD/CAD remains mixed, with critical support and resistance levels providing the next directional cues.
Related News
- GOLD Price Analysis – Oct 22, 2024
JOIN LONGHORNFX TODAY
24/7 live support, lightning fast withdrawals, guaranteed safe and reliable trading platforms with a true ECN broker.