Canadian Dollar to Follow Crude Oil Higher? Watch for Break Above This Key Barrier

 | Apr 02, 2024 04:47AM ET

  • The USD/CAD currency pair is currently encountering resistance around the 1.36 level.

  • Buyers have been consistently testing this level in recent weeks, indicating potential upward pressure.

  • A breakout above 1.36 could signal a bullish trend continuation, with the next significant resistance area around 1.39, where medium-term highs are located.

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  • Since the start of the year, the USD/CAD has been trading sideways in a channel, and there's a possibility it might test the upper limit soon.

    This could be sparked by two main factors. The US dollar has been strengthening due to expectations that the Federal Reserve might delay its pivot, while demand for the Canadian dollar has been supported by rising oil prices and improving business sentiment, as Bank of Canada's survey of Canadian businesses indicated recently.

    Among the macroeconomic data expected this week, the focus will be on the US labor market report, typically released on the first Friday of the month.

    h2 Canadian Business Sentiment Improves/h2

    Canadian businesses and consumers are showing moderate optimism. According to the Bank of Canada's survey, there's an expectation of gradual improvement in business conditions in the coming quarters.

    The survey indicates a decrease in the percentage of businesses anticipating a recession and an increase in those expecting sales to improve. However, fewer companies are planning to increase spending on new equipment this year.

    On the consumer side, the survey suggests that interest rates are not expected to rise further, with a likelihood of rate cuts in the near future. However, high inflation and the Bank of Canada's tight monetary policy continue to restrain consumer spending.

    Recent GDP data from the US economy, released just before Easter, was positive. Although the quarter-on-quarter growth rate of 3.4% was slightly lower than the previous reading of 4.9%, it still exceeded forecasts of 3.2%.