Headline: Loonie Leads G10 as USD/CAD Drops to Lowest Since Late October
The Canadian dollar staged a standout rally, topping the G10 leaderboard and pushing USD/CAD to its weakest level since October 30. The move came despite mixed risk sentiment and softer domestic housing data, suggesting flows and shifting rate expectations may be in the driver’s seat.
The loonie advanced roughly 0.6%, outpacing the Australian dollar and defying a broader backdrop where the US dollar strengthened against the euro and yen. The latest leg lower in USD/CAD returns the pair to levels last seen the day after synchronized rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Canada. Since then, the Bank of Canada has steered to the sidelines, a stance reinforced by the latest CPI reading, while dovish remarks from Fed Governor Waller have added pressure to the dollar.
Domestic headlines were not especially supportive for Canada, with housing starts disappointing. However, modest gains in gold and oil offered a tailwind, and the price action appears largely flow-driven with hints of improving risk appetite. Technically, USD/CAD remains within its late-October to early-November range, even as near-term momentum favors the Canadian dollar; the broader setup still shows a mild upside bias for the pair.
Key Points: – Canadian dollar is the top G10 performer, up about 0.6% on the day – USD/CAD falls to its lowest level since October 30 – Bank of Canada remains on hold following earlier cuts, supported by recent CPI – Fed Governor Waller’s dovish tone weighs on the US dollar – Canada’s housing starts were weak, but gold and oil posted modest gains – Move appears flow-driven, with tentative signs of improving risk sentiment
