CAD: CPI Data Tuesday, Underlying Pressures Expected To Continue Abating
Feb-16 16:21
A positive session for USDCAD on Monday would mark a fourth consecutive day of gains for the pair. Despite this, spot remains within last Monday’s range as the recent greenback decline consolidates overall, keeping a bearish condition for USDCAD intact.
Sights remain on key support at 1.3482, the Jan 30 low. A clear break of this level would confirm a resumption of the medium-term downtrend. Key short-term resistance is unchanged at 1.3725, the Feb 2 high. A move through this hurdle would suggest scope for a stronger short-term recovery.
The focus turns to tomorrow’s CPI report, where underlying inflation is expected to remain on a downward trend in January, though headline will see some upward pressures largely as a result of base effects.
An as-expected January report won't do much to dampen speculation over a BOC rate hike by year-end, but by the same token it won't take a cut off the table either. Overall MNI's analyst median is for a 2.5% Y/Y headline CPI rate (Bloomberg consensus 2.4%), which would represent a modest uptick from the 2.36% reading in December.