Another mixed week for the Loonie, and based on its relative performance, it’s likely the main driver was risk sentiment and counter currency flows.
Oil was likely a driver as well as it lead the Loonie higher mid-week after news of Saudi Arabia’s plans to cut production likely brought in more bulls for both assets.
Canadian Headlines and Economic data
Monday:
Business sentiment turned positive in Canada in Q4, BoC survey finds – “The survey, conducted ahead of many tougher restrictions aimed at curbing surging COVID-19 infections, found that while half of businesses say their current sales are below pre-pandemic levels, most expect them to rise in the next 12 months.”
Canada Business Sentiment Rebounded Before Second-Wave Lockdowns
Tuesday:
Canada PM shuffles top Cabinet players ahead of possible election
This rise in oil prices was likely supportive of the Loonie for the through, along with counter currency weakness, most notably from the Greenback on speculation of more stimulus coming from the Biden administration.
Friday:
The Loonie tumbled on the session, likely driven by pandemic fears overshadowing improving Chinese trade data and weaker U.S. dollar / U.S. economic data (U.S. retail sales fall again in December, NY Manufacturing Activity Further Slows in January), driving oil prices lower as well.
This post first appeared on babypips.com
