Currencies to Strengthen After OPEC+ Oil Production Cut

 | Apr 12, 2023 04:24AM ET

Oil prices skyrocketed after OPEC+ announced on April 3 that the alliance would cut production by 1 million barrels per day starting May 2023. With the recent Russian cut by 0.5 million barrels per day in March, the overall decline will be 1.5 million barrels per day, lasting until the end of 2023. 

A reversal in oil prices, declining since March 2022, could make it much more difficult for central banks to lower inflation and force them to tighten monetary policy. The currencies of countries with the most hawkish central banks may outperform the market. Moreover, the currencies of oil-exporting countries may also strengthen significantly in 2023.

This article describes the currencies that would benefit from the OPEC+ decision and how it can affect risky assets.

h2 Canadian Dollar/h2

The Canadian dollar strongly correlates with Brent crude oil prices due to Canada's heavy reliance on oil exports. Canada is a major producer of crude oil, and its economy is closely tied to the energy sector. As a result, oil price fluctuations can significantly impact the Canadian dollar's value.

Brent crude oil is a benchmark for global oil prices, and various factors, including supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and global economic conditions, influence its price. As Brent crude oil prices rise, the value of the Canadian dollar tends to increase, as the increased revenue from oil exports strengthens the Canadian economy and boosts demand for the currency.

Conversely, when Brent crude oil prices fall, the value of the Canadian dollar tends to decline, as the weaker oil sector weighs on the economy and reduces demand for the currency.