Loonie Weakens As Canada Economic Growth Slows

The Canadian dollar slipped against its major counterparts in the European session on Thursday, as a data showed that the nation's economic growth slowed in the first quarter.

Data from Statistics Canada showed that gross domestic product grew 0.3 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in the first quarter, following an increase of 0.4 percent in the previous quarter.

The annualized rate of GDP slowed to 1.3 percent from 1.7 percent seen in last quarter. Economists were looking for a growth of 1.9 percent.

On month, the GDP rose 0.3 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in March, slightly down February's 0.4 percent increase. The rate matched expectations.

Oil prices fell following an industry data showing a surprise build in crude inventories last week.

Data from the American Petroleum Institute showed that U.S. crude inventories rose by 1 million barrels to 434.9 million barrels in the week ended May 25, contrary to expectations for a fall of 525,000 barrels.

Crude for July delivery fell $0.81 to $67.40 a barrel.

The currency showed mixed performance against its major counterparts in the Asian session. While the loonie held steady against the greenback and the yen, it rose against the aussie. Against the euro, it dropped.

The loonie declined to 0.9794 against the aussie, after having advanced to 0.9715 at 6:30 am ET. If the loonie falls further, 0.99 is seen as its next support level.

The loonie reached as low as 1.2931 against the greenback, down from an 8-day high of 1.2818 hit at 6:30 am ET. Next likely support for the loonie is seen around the 1.31 area.

Data from the Labor Department showed a bigger than expected decrease in first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits in the week ended May 26th.

The report said initial jobless claims fell to 221,000, a decrease of 13,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 234,000. Economists had expected jobless claims to dip to 228,000.

Following an advance to 1.4973 against the euro at 6:30 am ET, the loonie reversed direction and edged down to 1.5079. On the downside, 1.52 is seen as the next support level for the loonie.

Data from the Eurostat showed that the euro area unemployment rate declined in April to the lowest since late 2008.

The jobless rate fell to 8.5 percent in April from 8.6 percent in March. This was the lowest since December 2008. Nonetheless, the rate was slightly above the expected 8.4 percent.

Pulling away from a 6-day high of 84.97 hit at 6:30 am ET, the loonie edged down to 84.02 versus the yen. The loonie is seen finding support around the 82.00 region.

Data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism showed that Japan's housing starts rose unexpectedly in April.

Housing starts climbed 0.3 percent year-on-year in April, reversing an 8.3 percent drop in March and confounding expectations for a decline of 8.9 percent. This was the first increase in ten months.

Looking ahead, U.S. pending home sales for April are due shortly.

US Dollar vs Yen (FX:USDJPY)
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De Mar 2024 à Avr 2024