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USD/CAD: Trading the Canadian Building April 2013

The  Canadian Building Permits  indicator measures the change in the number of new building  permits issued. It is one of the most important indicators of the construction sector. A reading that is higher than the market prediction is bullish for the  Canadian dollar.

Here are all the details, and 5 possible outcomes for USD/CAD.

Published on Tuesday at 12:30 GMT.

Indicator Background

Strong growth in new building  permits indicates an expanding  construction sector, which in turn is a critical component of economic growth. Conversely, negative readings indicate a contracting construction industry.

The indicator has been erratic, posting two sharp declines prior the March release, which showed a gain of 1.7%. The markets are expecting a strong release in April, with an estimate of 5.3%. Will the market meet or beat the estimate?

Sentiments and levels

Late last week, the markets were treated to dismal employment numbers out of both Canada and the US.  The very disappointing jobs report in Canada erased the gains of the previous report and cast a shadow over the loonie’s strength. However, also in the US, the Non-Farm Payrolls gain was very disappointing, so the chances of QE are reduced now. All in all, the pair could maintain its current balance. So, the overall sentiment on USD/CAD is neutral towards this release.

Technical levels, from top to bottom:   1.0340, 1.03, 1.0250, 1.0180, 1.0180, 1.0125 and 1.01.

[do action=”tradingviews” pair=”USDCAD” interval=”60″/]

5 Scenarios

  1. Within expectations: 4.8% to 5.8%: In such a case, the  USD/CAD is likely to rise within range, with a small chance of breaking higher.
  2. Above expectations: 5.9% to 6.4%: An unexpected higher reading can send  the  pair  well  below  one support  line.
  3. Well above expectations: Above 6.4%: The chances of such a scenario are low. Such an outcome would  push down  USD/CAD, and a second  support line might be broken as a result.
  4. Below expectations: 4.2% to 4.7%: A sharper decrease than forecast could cause the  pair to drift and  break one  level of resistance.
  5. Well below expectations:  Below 4.2%: Given the recent downward trend in the index, a further decline is a possibility. In this scenario, the  pair will fall and could break a second resistance level.

For more about the loonie, see the USD to Canadian dollar forecast.

To follow this event live:   [do action=”calendar-event” eventid=”e02249e0-85d4-4eee-886d-9c5d572be113″/]

Kenny Fisher

Kenny Fisher

Kenny Fisher - Senior Writer A native of Toronto, Canada, Kenneth worked for seven years in the marketing and trading departments at Bendix, a foreign exchange company in Toronto. Kenneth is also a lawyer, and has extensive experience as an editor and writer.