06/18/2026
The CAD/USD is opening at 1.4107 (0.7089)
The US dollar surged after the Federal Reserve delivered a hawkish surprise at Kevin Warsh’s first meeting as Chair. While rates were left unchanged, 9 of 19 Fed officials now expect at least one rate hike this year, compared with none in March. The Fed also raised its inflation forecasts, reinforcing expectations that interest rates could remain higher for longer.
The shift boosted short-term Treasury yields and pushed the USD sharply higher against most major currencies. USD/CAD remains in a strong uptrend, supported by expectations of tighter US monetary policy and resilient economic data.
US retail sales rose 0.9% in May, beating forecasts, while pending home sales jumped 3.8%, highlighting continued strength in consumer demand. Meanwhile, hopes for a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz weighed on oil prices, reducing support for the Canadian dollar and adding to USD/CAD upside momentum.