Canadian greenback weakens 0.4% in opposition to the dollar
Loonie trades in a variety of 1.4169 to 1.4235
Value of U.S. oil settles 2.9% decrease
Canadian bond yields fall throughout the curve
TORONTO, Feb 21 (Reuters) – The Canadian greenback weakened in opposition to its U.S. counterpart on Friday because the dollar notched broad-based good points and the Financial institution of Canada supplied a clearer sign it could reduce rates of interest to help the economic system within the occasion of a commerce struggle.
The loonie was buying and selling 0.4% decrease at 1.4230 to the U.S. greenback, or 70.27 U.S. cents, after buying and selling in a variety of 1.4169 to 1.4235. For the week, the forex was down 0.3%.
The Financial institution of Canada’s 2% inflation goal ought to be maintained in a evaluate set for 2026 because the central financial institution must give attention to dangers such because the imposition of U.S. tariffs, Financial institution of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem mentioned.
“Offered the inflationary affect of tariffs just isn’t too massive, financial coverage may help clean the (economic system’s) adjustment by supporting demand so it does not weaken an excessive amount of greater than provide,” Macklem added.
“Governor Macklem is lastly saying the quiet half out loud,” Royce Mendes, managing director and head of macro technique at Desjardins, mentioned in a be aware.
“After having been non-committal concerning the seemingly financial coverage response to U.S. tariffs, he is now being clearer that the central financial institution would seemingly reduce charges greater than it could have in any other case if a commerce struggle erupts.”
Buyers see a 43% likelihood of a March fee reduce by the BoC, up from 33% earlier than Macklem’s speech.
The U.S. greenback clawed again some current declines in opposition to a basket of main currencies, whereas the value of oil , considered one of Canada’s main exports, settled 2.9% decrease at $70.40 a barrel.
Canadian retail gross sales grew by 2.5% in December from November as a gross sales tax vacation bumped up spending on meals and drinks. A preliminary estimate confirmed gross sales slipping 0.4% in January.
Canadian bond yields moved decrease throughout the curve. The ten-year was down 11.7 foundation factors at 3.094%. (Reporting by Fergal Smith in Toronto; Modifying by Nia Williams)
