加元承压政策与油价成关键

Core Viewpoint - The USD/CAD exchange rate is under pressure due to the divergence in monetary policies between the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Canada, alongside fluctuations in oil prices [1][2] Group 1: Monetary Policy Divergence - The Federal Reserve is expected to implement three rate cuts totaling 75 basis points by March 2025, with a projected rate range of 3.50%-3.75% [1] - Despite the Fed's forecast of only one additional rate cut in 2026, market expectations lean towards further easing, with an 81.7% probability of maintaining rates in January [1] - The Bank of Canada has maintained a neutral to hawkish stance, keeping rates at 2.25% after four cuts totaling 100 basis points, leading to expectations of rate hikes in 2026 [1] Group 2: Economic Indicators - Canada's GDP grew by 2.6% in Q3, with employment figures exceeding expectations and the unemployment rate dropping to 6.5%, indicating economic resilience [1] - The narrowing interest rate differential between the US and Canada is a primary factor pressuring the USD/CAD exchange rate [1] Group 3: Commodity Correlation - The Canadian dollar, as a commodity currency, is closely linked to oil prices, with Canada being the largest oil supplier to the US [1] - Recent WTI crude oil prices rebounded to $57.20 per barrel, supported by geopolitical factors in the Middle East [1] - Although oil prices have dropped by 15.2% in 2025, the narrowing spread between WCS and WTI prices and supply chain concerns have attracted capital inflows into Canadian assets [1] Group 4: Technical Analysis - The USD/CAD has been in a downward trend since November, breaking below the 1.3700 support level and testing lower support levels around 1.3640-1.3660 [2] - If the exchange rate effectively breaks below the 1.3640 support, it may decline to the 1.3550-1.3580 range, while resistance levels are identified at 1.3720-1.3750 [2] - The medium-term outlook remains bearish, with a focus on the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting minutes and Bank of Canada guidance on interest rates and inflation [2]