19.02.202518:56 Forex Analysis & Reviews: USD/CAD. Analysis and Forecast

Today, USD/CAD encountered fresh selling pressure, pausing its two-day recovery from a two-month low.

Investor expectations for a March rate cut by the Bank of Canada (BoC) have diminished following a slight acceleration in Canadian consumer inflation. At the same time, renewed U.S. dollar weakness is adding further pressure on USD/CAD.

According to Statistics Canada, the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.1% in January, while the annual rate stood at 1.9%. The core CPI, which excludes volatile components, increased to 2.1%. Combined with strong labor market data, these figures have led investors to reassess their expectations regarding a rate cut at the BoC's March 12 meeting.Crude oil prices continue to recover, supporting the Canadian dollar. Rising oil prices are being driven by geopolitical tensions and concerns over supply disruptions due to severe winter conditions in the United States.

This adds further support to CAD, while the U.S. dollar is weakening amid expectations of further Fed rate cuts following an unexpected decline in U.S. retail sales.

Traders will closely watch the FOMC meeting minutes, which may provide clues about the Federal Reserve's policy outlook. This could have a significant impact on the U.S. dollar and, consequently, USD/CAD. Additionally, oil price movements could create short-term trading opportunities for the pair.

Technical Outlook

Last week, a break below the 1.4270 support level served as a key bearish signal. Oscillators on the daily chart remain in negative territory, suggesting a potential for further downside. A break below 1.4150 could confirm a bearish trend, leading to a test of 1.4100. If the decline extends further, USD/CAD could challenge the psychological level of 1.4000, though some support may emerge along the way.

On the other hand, if USD/CAD manages to recover above yesterday's high of 1.4215, it will encounter strong resistance in the 1.4255–1.4270 range. A sustained break above this area could trigger a short-covering rally, pushing the pair back toward the 1.4300 round number.