The USD/CAD exchange rate is opening the first full trading week of 2026 with a firmer bias as shifting geopolitical and macro drivers guide early positioning. The US dollar rate today is strengthening following US intervention in Venezuela, with markets now turning their focus to upcoming ISM manufacturing PMI data for confirmation of underlying economic momentum. This renewed USD bid has tilted near-term CAD to USD sentiment in favour of the greenback. Meanwhile, the Canadian dollar rate today is drifting modestly lower amid a stronger US dollar. However, downside pressure remains contained as rising crude oil prices, fuelled by developments in Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro, continue to offer support to the loonie. With energy markets providing a buffer, the exchange rate is likely to remain sensitive to US data and geopolitical headlines.
A quick view of the CAD today against the USD and other major currencies.
| Pair | Rates | Daily | Ranges | ||
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In today’s daily FX spotlight, attention turns to the economic calendar and FX calendar, with PMI data in focus on both sides of the border. Markets will be watching the S&P Global Manufacturing PMI releases from the US and Canada for fresh insight into industrial momentum, which could influence near-term sentiment around the US dollar today and the Canadian dollar today. A stronger US print may lend support to the greenback, while an improvement in Canada’s PMI could help underpin the loonie. With policy expectations finely balanced, the data may set the tone for short-term FX moves.
| date | event | actual | consensus | previous |
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The latest Canadian dollar news suggests a cautious, data-dependent outlook, with the Canadian dollar rate today lacking clear momentum as markets await fresh signals on manufacturing activity. With both US and Canadian PMI data in focus, the loonie is being guided more by relative growth signals than domestic fundamentals alone. While steady oil prices and stable Bank of Canada expectations continue to provide a floor, uncertainty around global demand and the US outlook is likely to keep the Canadian dollar trading cautiously near recent levels rather than breaking into a sustained trend.