USD/CAD: Canadian Dollar Higher As Risk Appetite Returns After U.S. Election

 | Nov 07, 2018 09:49

The Canadian dollar has posted gains in the Wednesday session, USD/CAD is trading at 1.3080, down 0.33% on the day. On the release front, Canada releases Ivey PMI, which is expected to improve to 50.9 points. There are no major U.S. releases on the schedule. On Thursday, Canada releases Housing Starts. In the U.S., the Federal Reserve will set the benchmark rate and release a rate statement. We’ll also get a look at unemployment claims.

Investors expressed relief that the uncertainty over the U.S. mid-term elections is over, with both the Republicans and Democrats able to point to a victory of sorts. The markets were pleased that President Donald Trump did not suffer a stinging defeat. Had the Democrats taken back both houses of Congress, Trump would have been a lame duck for the next two years, and he would have had great difficulty passing any further market-friendly reforms. The mixed results have improved risk appetite, and the Canadian dollar has responded with gains on Wednesday.

Participation was high in the mid-term elections on Tuesday, and voters rendered a split-decision. The Democrats regained control of the House of Representatives for the first time since 2010, but the Republicans maintained control of the Senate, and have increased their majority. The results are a setback for President Trump, as the Democrats will be in a stronger position to derail Trump’s plans to boost fiscal stimulus and lower taxes.

USD/CAD Fundamentals

Wednesday (November 7)

  • 10:00 Canadian Ivey PMI. Estimate 50.9
  • 10:30 US Crude Oil Inventories. Estimate 2.0M
  • 13:01 US 30-year Bond Auction
  • 15:00 US Consumer Credit. Estimate 15.7B

Thursday (November 8)

  • 8:15 Canadian Housing Starts. Estimate 199K
  • 8:30 US Unemployment Claims. Estimate 214K
  • 14:00 US FOMC Statement
  • 14:00 US Federal Funds Rate. Estimate

*All release times are EST

*Key events are in bold

USD/CAD for Wednesday, November 7, 2018