Monthly Archives: February 2026
Canada’s annual new housing price index fell to -2.3% from -2% in January, signaling weakness
Written on February 19, 2026 at 7:11 pm, by davin
Canada’s new home prices fell 2.3% year-over-year in January, deepening weakness. Markets may price earlier Bank of Canada cuts, pressuring the loonie, banks, and boosting options trades on rates, CAD, and TSX volatility. – vtmarketsmy.com
In December, Canada’s employment insurance claimants rose 0.4% month on month, slowing from 1.6% previously
Written on February 19, 2026 at 7:11 pm, by davin
Canada’s Employment Insurance growth slowed to 0.4% in December from 1.6%, hinting labor weakness is easing. That could reduce Bank of Canada cut odds, support CAD, and lower TSX volatility. – vtmarketsmy.com
In December, Canada’s merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $1.3B, beating expectations of a $2.1B shortfall
Written on February 19, 2026 at 7:10 pm, by davin
Canada’s December trade deficit shrank to $1.3B versus $2.1B forecast, boosting CAD and Canadian assets. Strong commodities and inflation may delay BoC cuts, raising USD/CAD volatility. – vtmarketsmy.com
Canadian export values rose to $65.63B from $63.94B in December as overseas demand improved
Written on February 19, 2026 at 7:10 pm, by davin
Canada’s exports jumped to $65.63B in December, signaling economic strength. With inflation at 2.9%, rate cuts may slip, boosting the loonie and pressuring USD/CAD toward 1.3300. – vtmarketsmy.com
Canada’s imports totalled $66.93B in December, up from $66.14B the previous month.
Written on February 19, 2026 at 6:11 pm, by davin
Canada’s December imports rose to $66.93B, signaling resilient demand. This could delay Bank of Canada cuts, boost the Canadian dollar, and create opportunities in CAD bullish trades, CORRA options, and consumer equities. – vtmarketsmy.com
US continuing jobless claims rose above forecasts to 1.869 million vs 1.86 million, signalling labour market weakness in February
Written on February 19, 2026 at 6:11 pm, by davin
Jobless claims hit 1.869M, slightly above forecasts—hinting a cooling labor market. But sticky 3.2% CPI muddies rate-cut timing. Expect volatility; consider long-vol options as Fed cut odds jump. – vtmarketsmy.com
In January, Canada’s monthly new housing price index fell 0.4%, missing the 0.1% forecast
Written on February 19, 2026 at 6:10 pm, by davin
Canada’s new home prices unexpectedly fell 0.4% in January, raising odds of a Bank of Canada rate cut. That’s bearish for CAD, favoring USD/CAD calls and hedges on banks. – vtmarketsmy.com
America’s goods trade deficit widened to $99.3B in December, up from $86.9B previously
Written on February 19, 2026 at 6:10 pm, by davin
US goods trade deficit widened to $99.3B in December, signaling dollar weakness and slower growth. With retail sales down and yields falling, consider hedges: short USD, long Treasuries, buy VIX calls. – vtmarketsmy.com
US wholesale inventories rose 0.2% in December, matching analysts’ expectations and keeping stock levels steady across industries
Written on February 19, 2026 at 5:11 pm, by davin
US wholesale inventories rose 0.2% in December, exactly as forecast—no surprises. This steady signal hints at a calm, range-bound market, easing Fed pressure and favoring low-volatility, time-decay trades. – vtmarketsmy.com
US initial jobless claims four-week average slips to 219K from 219.5K on February 13
Written on February 19, 2026 at 5:11 pm, by davin
Jobless claims stayed ultra-low at 219,000—signaling a tight labor market. With inflation at 3.2%, the Fed likely keeps rates “higher for longer,” limiting stocks, supporting yields, and raising volatility-hedge appeal. – vtmarketsmy.com
