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Winter’s Arrival: Toronto Prepares for Sunday Snowfall

                                                      T oronto snow. Toronto is under a special weather statement as forecasters predict 2 to 10 cm of snow across the Greater Toronto Area beginning Sunday morning and continuing into the evening. The system is expected to bring a mix of rain and snow, with temperatures hovering near freezing, raising the possibility of slippery roads and transit delays. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has already begun winter preparations, including salting platforms and readying snow-clearing equipment. Commuters are advised to plan ahead, as the first snowfall often leads to slower service and longer travel times. Poor driving conditions are likely, especially for those who have not yet switched to winter tires. Motorists are urged to adjust travel plans and allow extra time on the roads...

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C$ Climbs to 6-Day High on Fed Rate Cut Forecast

 


In a positive turn of events, the Canadian dollar (C$) has strengthened to a six-day high against its U.S. counterpart. Investors are celebrating the Federal Reserve’s decision to stick with its interest rate-cutting forecast for 2024.

Here are the key points:

  • The loonie (as the Canadian dollar is affectionately known) is trading 0.5% higher at 1.35 to the U.S. dollar, or 74.07 U.S. cents. It touched its strongest intraday level since last Thursday at 1.3491.
  • The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, but policymakers indicated they still expect to reduce rates by three 25-basis-point cuts by the end of 2024. This is despite slower-than-expected progress toward the U.S. central bank’s 2% inflation target.
  • Wall Street rallied, U.S. Treasury yields fell, and the U.S. dollar lost ground against a basket of major currencies.
  • The Bank of Canada also expects to ease rates this year, as revealed in the minutes from the central bank’s policy meeting earlier this month. However, policymakers remain divided over when there will be enough evidence that conditions are right for cuts.
  • The decline in the price of oil, one of Canada’s major exports, had little impact on the loonie. U.S. crude oil futures settled 2.1% lower at $81.68 a barrel, giving back some recent gains.
  • Canadian government yields fell across the curve, tracking moves in U.S. Treasuries. The 10-year yield was down 3.2 basis points at 3.492%, extending its pullback from the highest intraday level in one month at 3.624% on Tuesday.

In summary, the Canadian dollar’s ascent reflects optimism about the Fed’s commitment to rate cuts, while the Bank of Canada keeps a close eye on economic conditions. 


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