Trading the News: Bank of Canada (BoC) Interest Rate Decision
The Bank of Canada’s (BoC) first interest rate decision for 2019 may shake up the near-term outlook for USD/CAD as the central bank releases the updated Monetary Policy Report (MPR).
Even though the BoC is anticipated to keep the benchmark interest rate at 1.75%, the central bank may continue to prepare households and businesses for higher borrowing-costs as ‘the Canadian economy as a whole grew in line with the Bank’s projection in the third quarter.’ With that said, comments alluding to an imminent rate-hike is likely to trigger a bullish reaction in the Canadian dollar, with USD/CAD at risk of staging a larger correctionas the exchange rate carves a series of lower highs & lows.
However, the BoC may adopt a cautious outlook amid the weakening outlook for the global economy, and the Canadian dollar may face a more bearish fate should Governor Stephen Poloz & Co. tame bets for an imminent rate-hike. Sign up and join DailyFX Currency Analyst David Song LIVE for an opportunity to discuss potential trade setups.
Impact that BoC rate decision has had on USD/CAD during the last meeting
| Period | Data Released | Estimate | Actual | Pips Change | Pips Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DEC 2018 | 12/05/2018 15:00:00 GMT | 1.75% | 1.75% | +81 | +66 |
December 2018 Bank of Canada (BoC) Interest Rate Decision
USD/CAD10-Minute Chart
As expected, the Bank of Canada (BoC) kept the benchmark interest rate unchanged at its last meeting for 2018, but it seems as though the central bank will implement higher borrowing-costs over the coming months as the ‘Governing Council continues to judge that the policy interest rate will need to rise into a neutral range to achieve the inflation target.’ However, the BoC appears to be softening its hawkish tone as data prints coming out of the Canadian economy ‘indicate there may be additional room for non-inflationary growth,’ and the central bank may stick to its wait-and-see approach for the foreseeable future as ‘trade conflicts are weighing more heavily on global demand.’
The Canadian dollar struggled to hold its ground following the BoC rate decision, with USD/CAD advancing from the 1.3300 region to end the day at 1.3353. Review the DailyFX Advanced Guide for Trading the News to learn our 8 step strategy.
USD/CAD Daily Chart
- USD/CAD snaps the upward trend from October following the failed run at the 2017-high (1.3793), with the exchange rate carving a series of lower highs & lows amid the lack of momentum to close above the Fibonacci overlap around 1.3630 (38.2% retracement) to 1.3660 (78.6% expansion).
- The Relative Strength Index (RSI) highlights a similar dynamic as it snaps the bullish formation, with the 1.3130 (61.8% retracement) region back on the radar, with the next area of interest coming in around 1.2980 (61.8% retracement) to 1.3030 (50% expansion).
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--- Written by David Song, Currency Analyst
Follow me on Twitter at @DavidJSong.
