Canadian Dollar Short-term Outlook: USD/CAD From Plunge to Pivot- Reversal at Risk Rises
Canadian Dollar Technical Outlook: USD/CAD Short-term Trade Levels
- USD/CAD rebounded sharply from last month’s low, interrupting the decline but not yet repairing broader technical damage.
- The recovery has stalled into downtrend resistance, with the weekly opening range now framing a key decision zone for near-term direction.
- US ADP & Canada employment data on tap into the close of the week
- Resistance 1.3722/33 (key), 1.38, ~1.3829- Support 1.3617/18, 1.3566/71 (key), 1.3485
USD/CAD has rebounded sharply after plunging more than 3% from the January highs, stabilizing off last month’s low and prompting questions over whether a more durable pivot is taking shape. That recovery stalled into downtrend resistance yesterday and the focus is on inflection off this zone. With the weekly opening range taking shape just below this barrier, focus shifts to whether price can break higher and confirm a more significant low, or if the rebound ultimately gives way to renewed downside pressure. The response here is likely to determine whether the recent bounce marks a turning point or simply a pause within the larger decline. Battle lines drawn on the USD/CAD short-term technical charts.
Review my latest Weekly Strategy Webinar for an in-depth breakdown of this Loonie setup and more. Join live on Monday’s at 8:30am EST.
Canadian Dollar Price Chart – USD/CAD Daily
Chart Prepared by Michael Boutros, Sr. Technical Strategist; USD/CAD on TradingView
Technical Outlook: In last month’s Canadian Dollar Short-term Outlook, we noted that USD/CAD had, “rebounded off support today on the heels of President Trumps speech at Davos and the immediate focus is on this near-term recovery. From a trading standpoint, rallies would need to be limited to 1.3874 IF price is heading lower on this stretch with a close below 1.3785 needed to fuel the next leg of the decline.” USD/CAD broke support two-days later with price plunging more than 3.2% off the January high before rebounding at the 2024 September low-day close (LDC) at 0.3485.
The recovery extended more than 1.6% off the lows with price exhausting yesterday at the 75% parallel of the November downtrend. Was a more significant low registered last month or is this just a near-term pullback before the start of a larger advance? The immediate focus is on a breakout of the weekly opening-range for guidance heading into key Canada employment data on Friday.
Canadian Dollar Price Chart – USD/CAD 240min
Chart Prepared by Michael Boutros, Sr. Technical Strategist; USD/CAD on TradingView
Notes: A closer look at Canadian Dollar price action shows USD/CAD attempting to snap a two-day winning streak today after exhausting into the median-line. Initial support rests with the objective weekly open and the 38.2% retracement of the recent advance at 1.3617/18 and is backed by 1.3566/71- a region defined by the 61.8% retracement and the 2025 low-day close. Note that basic channel support converges on this threshold over the next few days and losses below this level would invalidate the near-term uptrend and shift the focus back towards 1.3485 and the March 2024 low / 100% extension of the November decline at 1.3420/31. Look for a larger reaction there IF reached.
Initial resistance is eyed at 1.3722/33- a region defined by the September & August low, the 2026 yearly open, and the 38.2% retracement of the November decline. A breach / daily close above this level would suggest a more significant low is in place and a larger recovery is underway. Subsequent resistance objectives are eyed at the 1.38-handle and the 52-week moving average, currently near 1.3829.
Bottom line: The USD/CAD rebound faltered at downtrend resistance yesterday with the weekly opening-range taking shape just below. From a trading standpoint, losses would need to be limited to 1.3566 IF price is heading higher on this stretch with a close above 1.3733 needed to fuel the next major leg of the advance.
Keep in mind we get the release of the US ADP employment report tomorrow with Canada jobs data on tap Friday. Stay nimble into the releases and watch the weekly close here for guidance. Review my latest Canadian Dollar Weekly Forecast for a closer look at the longer-term USD/CAD technical trade levels.
Key USD/CAD Economic Data Releases
Economic Calendar - latest economic developments and upcoming event risk.
Active Short-term Technical Charts
- British Pound Short-term Outlook: GBP/USD Consolidates After January Surge– Breakout Setup Builds
- US Dollar Short-term Outlook: USD Cracks Major Support- Downside Risk Mounts
- Australian Dollar Outlook: AUD/USD Seven-Day Rally Hits Resistance- Bulls Eye Major Test at 70
- Swiss Franc Short-term Outlook: USD/CHF Rally Nears Make-or-Break Resistance
- Euro Short-term Outlook: EUR/USD Trapped in Downtrend- Breakout Risk Brewing
- Japanese Yen Short-term Outlook: USD/JPY Surges to Fresh Yearly High- Big Test for the Bulls
Written by Michael Boutros, Senior Technical Strategist
Follow Michael on X @MBForex
The information on this web site is not targeted at the general public of any particular country. It is not intended for distribution to residents in any country where such distribution or use would contravene any local law or regulatory requirement. The information and opinions in this report are for general information use only and are not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any currency or CFD contract. All opinions and information contained in this report are subject to change without notice. This report has been prepared without regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any particular recipient. Any references to historical price movements or levels is informational based on our analysis and we do not represent or warranty that any such movements or levels are likely to reoccur in the future. While the information contained herein was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, author does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness, nor does author assume any liability for any direct, indirect or consequential loss that may result from the reliance by any person upon any such information or opinions.
Futures, Options on Futures, Foreign Exchange and other leveraged products involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Losses can exceed your deposits. Increasing leverage increases risk. Spot Gold and Silver contracts are not subject to regulation under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act. Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are not available for US residents. Products and services available depend on your location and the entity holding your account. Before deciding to trade forex, commodity futures, or digital assets, you should carefully consider your financial objectives, level of experience and risk appetite. Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices or other information contained herein is intended as general information about the subject matter covered and is provided with the understanding that we do not provide any investment, legal, or tax advice. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors on all investment, legal, or tax matters. References to FOREX.com or GAIN Capital refer to StoneX Group Inc. and its subsidiaries. Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.
FOREX.com is a registered FCM and RFED with the CFTC and member of the National Futures Association (NFA # 0339826). Forex trading involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Full Disclosures and Risk Warning. Increased leverage increases risk.
GAIN Capital Group LLC (dba FOREX.com) 30 Independence Blvd, Suite 300 (3rd floor), Warren, NJ 07059, USA. GAIN Capital Group LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of StoneX Group Inc.
© FOREX.COM 2026