Economists at MUFG Bank weigh up risks for CAD ahead of BoC’s upcoming policy meeting.
The Canadian rate market is currently pricing in only 4 bps of hikes for this week and 7 bps by December, which suggests that the CAD could prove more sensitive to a hawkish BoC policy surprise in the near term. Beyond this year though we believe that the Canadian rate market is currently under-pricing the risk of BoC rate cuts.
The CAD stands to benefit initially if the conflict in the Middle East broadens out and the price of Oil rises above $100/barrel. However, the BoC policy outlook is not as favourable so upside potential should be less than last year.
See – BoC Preview: Forecasts from nine major banks, keeping rates on hold and prospect of further hikes alive