Anna 
During Wednesday’s early North American session, the Canadian Dollar (CAD) experienced a substantial decline of nearly 0.8%, marking its lowest levels of the year thus far. The catalyst for this downward movement stemmed from the US Consumer Prices Index (CPI) figures for March, which reaffirmed persistent inflationary pressures, subsequently propelling US Treasury yields and the US Dollar to fresh multi-month highs.
Inflationary concerns persist as CPI figures continue to exceed the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) 2% core inflation target, supported by last week’s robust employment and stable price growth data. These indicators bolster the Fed’s hawkish stance, effectively shelving the initial plan for three rate cuts devised in January. Consequently, this shift is anticipated to provide support for the US Dollar in the short term.
Meanwhile, in Canada, the Bank of Canada (BoC) opted to maintain interest rates at their current levels, aligning with market expectations. However, the central bank acknowledged a downward trajectory in core inflation. Market participants interpreted these remarks as a signal of potential rate cuts in June, further amplifying downward pressure on the CAD.
The juxtaposition of high US inflation figures, a hawkish Fed, and speculation surrounding a potential rate cut by the BoC has contributed to the CAD’s decline to yearly lows. Investors remain vigilant as they navigate the evolving economic landscape, particularly in light of central bank policies and their implications for currency markets.
