On Tuesday, August 24, USD/CAD plummeted during the initial Asian session as the DXY softened and the WTI bounced.
- On Tuesday, the USD/CAD continued its losses from the previous session.
- The US Dollar Index dropped around 93.00 on better risk appetite and delayed the Fed’s taper talks.
- Oil prices rose sharply, giving the Canadian currency a boost.
USD/CAD fundamental forecast: dollar correction remains the key
During Tuesday’s first Asian trading session, selling pressure on the US dollar drives the USD/CAD pair lower. At the time of writing, USD/CAD is trading at 1.2648, down by almost 2% against the previous day.
DXY slips
In the aftermath of the delayed Fed taper discussion, the US Dollar Index (DXY), which monitors the dollar’s performance against six major currencies, is losing ground and is trading below 93.00.
The reason for this is that the Jackson Hole Summit will be held online rather than in person, and markets see this as a clue that Powell will not speak about tapering on Friday.
As a result, DXY dipped and is just below the 93-mark.
Canadian gains
On the flip side, the Canadian dollar rose due to the significant rise in crude oil prices, which are presently up over 6% on the day at $65.50, limiting the loonie’s downside potential. As Canada is one of the major exporters of WTI, any price change in crude oil influences CAD.
Previously, the lower Retail Sales report, which was slightly below forecasts with a 4.2 percent gain in June, affected the Canadian currency.
Delta concerns
The prognosis for the US dollar has significantly improved over the last two weeks, and the fundamental reasons are unlikely to change anytime soon.
The delay in taper talks will affect the DXY temporarily, and the greenback growth will continue to happen in the upcoming days.
Key data releases from the US
The Federal Reserve will begin its annual three-day Jackson Hole meeting in the United States on Thursday, August 26.
Despite the widespread coverage of the impending taper, Fed officials are likely to remain cautious in light of recent economic data, leaving their options open if US growth and job creation deteriorate.
For the time being, traders are waiting for new trading impetus from the US Existing Home Sales data.
Key data releases from Canada
The Canadian economic calendar for the coming week is restricted to raw material and industrial price indices for July. However, these releases won’t affect the market significantly.
USD/CAD technical analysis: key levels in action
USD/CAD is above the 200-day moving average on the daily chart, and the RSI is close to the neutral level.
The USD/CAD pair is now seeking to maintain its position above the 1.2600 support level. The USD/CAD pair will retest the 1.2875 resistance level if the pair goes beyond this level.
The pair might go towards the 1.2920 mark if the resistance level at 1.2875 is successfully challenged. The next resistance level will be 1.2950 if the USD/CAD goes over 1.2920.
The pair will be pushed towards the 1.2820 support level if it falls below 1.2850 on the support side. Next, the USD/CAD will fall to 1.2790, the next support level if it falls below this level. Finally, if the price falls below 1.2790, the 1.2765 support level will be tested.
