CAD strengthens amid improving economic outlook.
The Canadian dollar (CAD) has strengthened to its highest level in 4 weeks, as investors anticipate that the Bank of Canada (BOC) will raise interest rates again next month. This comes after the currency strengthened for the first time since January.
The Bank of Canada raised its policy interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.75% last Wednesday, marking the highest level in 22 years. This rate hike follows a pause in rate increases after three consecutive hikes, driven by concerns that inflation may exceed the 2% target, amid sustained economic growth.
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data reveals that Canada's CPI increased by 4.4% in April, higher than the market's forecast of 4.1% and up from 4.3% in March. However, the Core CPI, which excludes volatile items, decreased from 4.3% in March to 4.1% in April, lower than the expected 4.4%.
Benjamin Reitzes, Rates and Macro Strategist at BMO Capital Markets, noted that "if data continues to firm over the next few weeks, another 25 basis point hike in July is possible."
Overall, the strengthening of the Canadian dollar reflects positive investor sentiment and confidence in Canada's economic prospects, supported by expectations of further interest rate increases by the Bank of Canada.
Supporting evidence for the rate hike includes a 2.5% increase in Canada's exports in April, reaching a record high. Additionally, GDP in the first quarter performed better than expected, with a growth rate of 0.8% compared to the forecasted 0.4%. Canada's merchandise trade surplus also increased to CAD 1.9 billion, up from a revised decrease of CAD 0.2 billion in March.
Furthermore, domestic consumer spending has shown significant strength, with several areas experiencing a strong rebound, such as the recovery in service demand, increased residential activity, and a tight labor market. These factors indicate that demand remains sustained and higher than anticipated.
According to Canadian Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, the economic recovery from the Ukraine crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic has led to higher prices, stimulating increased demand for goods and services. She also stated, "The Canadian economy has shown remarkable resilience in 2023."
These factors collectively contribute to the justification for the interest rate hike, reflecting the positive performance and flexibility of the Canadian economy.
Technical analysis data (5H)
Resistance: 1.3373, 1.3387, 1.3395
Support: 1.3351, 1.3343, 1.3328
Name | S3 | S2 | S1 | Pivot Points | R1 | R2 | R3 |
Classic | 1.3328 | 1.3343 | 1.3351 | 1.3365 | 1.3373 | 1.3387 | 1.3395 |
Fibonacci | 1.3343 | 1.3351 | 1.3356 | 1.3365 | 1.3374 | 1.3379 | 1.3387 |
Camarilla | 1.3354 | 1.3356 | 1.3358 | 1.3365 | 1.3362 | 1.3364 | 1.3366 |
Woodie's | 1.3326 | 1.3342 | 1.3349 | 1.3364 | 1.3371 | 1.3386 | 1.3393 |
DeMark's | - | - | 1.3347 | 1.3363 | 1.3369 | - | - |
Buy/Long 1: If there is a touch of support within the price range of 1.3343 - 1.3351 but unable to break the resistance at 1.3351, you may consider setting the TP around 1.3387 and the SL around 1.3328 or according to your acceptable risk.
Buy/Long 2: If you can break the resistance within the price range of 1.3373 - 1.3387, you may consider setting the TP around 1.3395 and the SL around 1.3343 or according to your acceptable risk.
Sell/Short 1: If there is a touch of resistance within the price range of 1.3373 - 1.3387 but unable to break the resistance at 1.3373, you may consider setting the TP around 1.3343 and the SL around 1.3395 or according to your acceptable risk.
Sell/Short 2: If you can break the support within the price range of 1.3343 - 1.3351, you may consider setting the TP around 1.3328 and the SL around 1.3387 or according to your acceptable risk.
Name | Value | Action |
RSI(14) | 29.619 | Sell |
STOCH(9,6) | 38.593 | Sell |
STOCHRSI(14) | 20.182 | Oversold |
MACD(12,26) | -0.004 | Sell |
ADX(14) | 23.718 | Sell |
Williams %R | -76.596 | Sell |
CCI(14) | -140.8758 | Sell |
ATR(14) | 0.0036 | High Volatility |
Highs/Lows(14) | -0.0035 | Sell |
Ultimate Oscillator | 37.555 | Sell |
ROC | -0.573 | Sell |
Bull/Bear Power(13) | -0.0061 | Sell |
Buy:0 Sell:10 Neutral:0 Summary:Strong Sell |