Osborne notes that the CAD is currently in the mid-1.39 range, awaiting updates on US-Canada trade relations.

    by VT Markets
    /
    May 20, 2025
    The corrected report about the Canadian market commentary was dated incorrectly. It was actually written as a preview before Canada released its CPI data for April, making it outdated immediately upon the data’s release. For those tracking the USD/CAD pair, updates are available. This information may include forward-looking statements that come with risks. The markets discussed are for informational purposes only and do not serve as investment advice. FXStreet does not guarantee that the information provided is error-free or timely. Investing in open markets carries significant risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment and feeling emotional distress.

    Author’s Perspective

    The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and may not align with FXStreet or its advertisers. The author receives no payment other than for writing the article and does not hold any positions in the stocks mentioned. FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized investment recommendations. They are not liable for any errors, omissions, or losses that may occur from using the information. The views shared are the authors’ and do not qualify as investment advice. This report was assembled before the release of Canada’s April CPI data. It was essentially a preview that was incorrectly portrayed as a response. Once the actual figures came out, the analysis became irrelevant—useful only for readers interested in the context of earlier expectations. In the short term, this sort of error gives us valuable insight—not into market direction but into the risks of making early bets. Relying too much on predictions, especially during volatile data weeks, can leave trades vulnerable. Inflation data frequently causes sharp movements, particularly with currency pairs like USD/CAD, where expectations about the Bank of Canada can change quickly. When these changes are based on unconfirmed realities, the risk increases.

    Market Reactions And Risks

    Markets were ready to react rather than anticipate. This serves as a reminder: markets do not reward those who guess correctly; they reward those who respond quickly with the right adjustments. While Macklem’s team has been transparent, inflationary pressures and global trade issues could shift the narrative faster than models can predict. There will always be a delay between surprises and adjustments, and being caught in that gap without protection can result in losses. Increased volatility suggests reducing leverage, especially when macro fundamentals influence price movements. Even if a pair has been relatively stable, it does not guarantee stability when new data comes in. CPI reports are often one of the few factors that central banks reference when adjusting targets, leading to tighter spreads and exaggerated price action in brief bursts. It’s not an exaggeration to say that one unexpected data point can wipe out a week of charting. In the near future, we should monitor the volume around upcoming Canadian core readings. The liquidity of the pair is generally lower than that of more actively traded currency pairs, so position sizes must be managed carefully, especially when data releases occur outside North American trading hours. Watching cross-asset correlations can be insightful; oil prices significantly influence the loonie, and changes in crude levels—especially due to instability in the Middle East—can impact CAD movements just as much as domestic data. Options flow can also serve as a useful indicator. Last week, implied volatilities increased slightly before the Canadian reports but didn’t completely readjust afterward. This suggests that traders were more concerned about downside risks than upside and may now be reconsidering those positions based on the broader US dollar’s reaction this week. It’s wise not to pre-emptively bet on Bank of Canada decisions based solely on domestic data. Positioning should consider a mix of forward guidance and established credibility. Experiences from tightening cycles in G7 countries show that holding inflexible views can hinder timely decision-making when sentiment changes suddenly. Broader themes are also impacting the Canadian dollar’s strength or weakness. Factors like global interest rate differences, shifts in commodities, and weather-related disruptions in western Canada are all relevant. What matters more is not to overvalue data that lacks reliable forward indicators. Always assess how the market responds to the data, instead of focusing solely on the data itself. This is often where smart decision-making occurs. Seasonal trends also play a role, although not always predictably. Historically, May shows variability, as post-tax season reinvestments can lead to quick price changes. Derivative traders often ignore this, choosing instead to chase momentum. Caution is advised—some pairs may move sideways after data events before trending in a clear direction a week or two later. Ultimately, it’s the market’s reaction—not the numbers themselves—that drives short-term volatility. Experienced traders should adjust their pace accordingly. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

    here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

    see more

    Back To Top
    Chatbots