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USD/CAD: Trading the Canadian GDP

Canadian GDP is a measurement of the production and growth of the economy. Analysts consider GDP one the most important indicators of economic activity. A reading which is better than the market forecast is bullish for the Canadian dollar.

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

Published on Friday at 13:30 GMT.

Indicator Background

The Canadian GDP is released  monthly, unlike most other developed countries which  post GDP on a quarterly basis.  The key indicator provides an excellent indication of the health and direction of the economy. Traders should pay  close attention to  this indicator, as an unexpected reading can quickly affect the movement of USD/CAD.

Canadian GDP edged up to 0.3% in September, above the forecast of 0.1%. The indicator is expected to dip to 0.1% in the October report.

Sentiments and levels

The Canadian dollar piggybacked on stronger oil prices in early December, but the Fed rate hike has sent the Canadian currency lower. Economic sentiment remains high ahead of Donald Trump taking over in Washington, which could be bullish for the greenback.  So, the overall sentiment is bullish on USD/CAD towards this release.

Technical levels, from top to bottom: 1.3648, 1.3551, 1.3433, 1.3351 and 1.3219

5 Scenarios

  1. Within expectations: -0.2% to +0.4%. In such a scenario, USD/CAD is likely to rise within range, with a small chance of breaking higher.
  2. Above expectations: 0.5% to 0.9%. An unexpected higher reading could send  the pair  below one support line.
  3. Well above expectations: Above 0.9%. A surge  by the indicator  would likely push  USD/CAD downwards, and a second support level might be broken as a result.
  4. Below expectations: -0.7% to -0.3%. A weak reading could cause the  pair to climb and break one level of resistance.
  5. Well below expectations:  Below -0.7%. A strong contraction in economic growth would likely hurt the loonie and  USD/CAD could break above a second resistance level.

For more on the loonie, see the USD/CAD forecast.

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.