USD/CAD encounters resistance near 1.3580 as focus shifts to FOMC minutes

After failing to surpass the immediate resistance level of 1.3580, the USD/CAD pair is exhibiting some volatility in the Tokyo morning session. The Canadian dollar is attracting bids due to a boost in investor risk appetite and a rise in oil prices.

As investors believe that the US Dollar Index will continue to underperform, risk-sensitive currencies are gaining traction. After giving up the crucial support level of 103.50, the USD Index saw a significant fall on Friday. In the interim, S&P500 futures have began trading on a positive note, signaling a reduction in risk.

This week, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) report will be the focal point of attention. The minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee will explain why the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 50 basis points (bps) in December's monetary policy meeting (Fed).

As they preview this week's US events, TD Securities analysts believe that the FOMC's December policy meeting minutes will shed fresh light on the Fed's policy outlook for 2023. According to analysts at TD Securities, by the time of the FOMC meeting in May, the terminal rate will be between 5.25 and 5.50 percent.

Investors will eagerly scrutinize the Canadian employment data that will be released on Friday. Analysts at TD Securities expect an 8,000 gain in employment in December as the labor market begins to deteriorate. The unemployment rate may decline to 5.2%, and the annual wage range may rise to 5.5%. A rise in pay growth may keep inflation at elevated levels.

In the interim, the price of oil has risen to over $80.50 per barrel as investors anticipate a drop in Covid-19 cases in China, which will restore economic development. Notably, Canada is the United States' leading oil exporter, and higher oil prices strengthen the Canadian Dollar.