The Canadian dollar has gained ground in the Thursday session. Currently, USD/CAD is trading at 1.3092, down 0.49% on the day. On the release front, U.S, unemployment claims are expected to edge lower to 213 thousand. The ISM Manufacturing PMI is forecast to drop for a second straight month, with an estimate of 59.0 points. On Friday, traders should be prepared for volatility from USD/CAD, with key employment releases on both sides of the border.
The Canadian economy grew 0.1% in August, marking a seventh straight month of expansion. Higher oil production in Alberta and higher oil prices fueled the modest gain. The economy has been performing well and remains on track for annualized growth of 2% in 2018. Unemployment is at low levels and is expected to remain pegged at 5.9% for October. The Bank of Canada raised rates last week to 1.75%, and the hawkish message from the bank was a broad hint to the markets that further rate hikes are in store. With the economy operating close to full capacity, rate hikes are an effective method of ensuring that the economy does not overheat. The BoC is also mindful that the Federal Reserve is expected to raise rates again in December, which would mark a fourth rate hike in 2018. Policymakers do not want to see divergence widen between U.S and Canadian rates, and another rate hike from the BoC would be bullish for the Canadian dollar.
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