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As traders anticipate a BoJ hawkish hold, USD/JPY hovers near 159.30 while the Yen strengthens

USD/JPY is trading near 159.30 as traders position ahead of the Bank of Japan decision. Markets expect the BoJ to keep its benchmark rate at 0.75% while signalling it may tighten further.

The Yen has firmed on these expectations, even as policy differences with the US Federal Reserve continue to support the US Dollar. The Middle East conflict, nearing two months, is also sustaining demand for the Dollar as a safe haven.

Four Hour Technical Snapshot

On the four-hour chart, USD/JPY trades around 159.29. It is holding above support near 159.27 and the 100-period simple moving average at 159.21, while resistance sits near 159.30 and the 20-period SMA at 159.47.

The Relative Strength Index (14) is about 47, pointing to neutral momentum. Further support is seen at 159.20, with a break below about 159.10 suggesting a deeper move lower.

The technical analysis section was produced with help from an AI tool.

Looking back at the sentiment in late 2025, we recall the market being coiled with tension around the 159.30 level, anticipating a hawkish Bank of Japan. That period of extreme policy divergence has now passed, following decisive action that shifted the landscape entirely. The carry trade, which was once overwhelmingly profitable, has seen its appeal diminish as the interest rate differential between the Fed and BoJ has narrowed to below 375 basis points.

Volatility And Positioning Backdrop

The push above 160.00 late last year proved to be the breaking point, triggering yen-buying intervention from the Ministry of Finance, much like the actions we witnessed in 2022 and 2024. That move was substantial, driving the pair down aggressively and reminding traders that official warnings carry significant weight. Consequently, the high cost of fighting the authorities has made us cautious about rebuilding large short-yen positions near those historic highs.

Implied volatility on USD/JPY options, which spiked to over 14% during the intervention period, has now settled into a more subdued 8-9% range for 3-month contracts as of this week. This calmer environment suggests that strategies like selling strangles or straddles could be advantageous, aiming to collect premium as the pair consolidates in its new, lower range. The extreme directional bets that defined last year are giving way to more nuanced, range-bound plays.

The technical picture from 2025, with its focus on the 159.00 area, is now a distant memory. Our focus today is on the formidable resistance near the 148.00 level, which has capped rallies twice this year, while strong support has formed around 144.50. Derivative traders should use these boundaries to structure their positions, perhaps using knock-out options to cheapen entry costs for plays within this established channel.

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Amid simmering Iran tensions and an approaching Fed week, DJIA futures fall 0.4% to 49,100

US equity futures fell on Monday, with DJIA futures down about 0.4% near 49,100 after briefly moving below 49,050. The S&P 500 dipped about 0.2% and the Nasdaq Composite fell roughly 0.4% after both set record highs on Friday.

Tension linked to Iran left energy markets tight, after President Donald Trump cancelled plans to send Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan for ceasefire talks. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said no meeting with Washington is scheduled, while Axios reported Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz in return for deferring nuclear talks.

Oil Markets Tighten

WTI rose above $97 a barrel and Brent topped $109, both up about 3% on the day. Stochastic RSI on the 5-minute chart was near 34.

The FOMC decision is due Wednesday at 18:00 GMT, with the press conference at 18:30 GMT. CME FedWatch put the chance of a hold at 3.50% to 3.75% at about 99%, while Polymarket showed 40% odds of zero cuts in 2026 and 28% pricing one cut.

Five of the Magnificent Seven report this week, with Microsoft, Meta, Alphabet, and Amazon on Wednesday and Apple on Thursday. JPMorgan raised its year-end S&P 500 target to 7,600 from 7,200.

Verizon rose about 3.5% after lifting its 2026 adjusted earnings outlook, while Qualcomm jumped about 10% on partnership reports. Domino’s fell about 10%, Marvell dropped over 5%, and POET Technologies slid nearly 50%.

Key Macro Catalysts Ahead

Thursday brings Q1 GDP at 12:30 GMT, seen at 2.2% annualised versus 0.5% prior, plus core PCE expected at 3.2% YoY versus 3.0%. Friday’s ISM manufacturing PMI is forecast at 53 versus 52.7.

Given the market’s retreat from record highs, we should brace for higher volatility in the coming days. The mix of geopolitical tension, a pivotal Federal Reserve meeting, and concentrated tech earnings creates a perfect storm for wider price swings. Options strategies that profit from chop, such as straddles on the SPX or NDX, could be more prudent than holding outright directional futures bets.

The Iran impasse is the most immediate factor, and the jump in crude prices above $97 for WTI is a clear signal. With the Strait of Hormuz still facing disruption, a chokepoint for roughly 20% of the world’s daily oil consumption, being long energy remains the most direct trade. We should look at call options on energy ETFs or producers, as this energy shock will likely persist and weigh on industrial and transport stocks.

Wednesday’s Fed meeting is less about the rate hold, which is fully priced in, and more about future guidance. After the series of cuts we saw through 2025 failed to fully tame inflation, any hawkish language from Powell could solidify the market’s pricing for zero cuts this year. A surprisingly soft tone on inflation, however, could spark a sharp rally, making cheap, short-dated index calls an interesting speculative play.

This week’s direction will ultimately be decided by the technology giants reporting after Wednesday’s close. Expectations are incredibly high for AI-related capital expenditure, and any sign of a slowdown from Microsoft or Alphabet could unravel the recent rally. Considering the S&P 500 has already blown past the median year-end targets we saw at the start of 2026, the risk of a sharp pullback on any earnings disappointment is significant.

We must also watch Thursday’s economic data, where a hot core PCE reading above the expected 3.2% would reinforce the Fed’s cautious stance. Looking back at the persistent inflation of 2023, another accelerating print would be a major headwind for equities. This, combined with Friday’s ISM data, will likely confirm that higher oil prices are feeding directly into the cost of goods, complicating the path forward for the market.

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During North American trading, GBP/USD rose slightly as US-Iran talks stalled, leaving markets fragile

GBP/USD rose in Monday’s North American session, gaining 0.19% as US-Iran talks stalled and US equities traded lower. The pair traded at 1.3548 after rebounding from an intraday low of 1.3506.

Later on Monday, GBP/USD traded near 1.3565, up 0.23% on the day, supported by a softer US Dollar amid improving risk appetite. Reports referred to an Iranian proposal linked to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the conflict with the United States.

Market Session Recap

In the Asian session, GBP/USD drew dip-buying interest near the 1.3500 psychological level and climbed to a more than one-week high. It traded just below the mid-1.3500s, up 0.10% on the day, with 1.3600 cited as an upside target.

The FXStreet content team, made up of economic journalists and FX specialists, produces and oversees FXStreet’s published content. It states its coverage follows a journalistic approach to the foreign exchange market.

We recall that back in early 2025, there was brief optimism when GBP/USD tested the 1.3550 level, driven by hopes surrounding US-Iran talks. That period was defined by a fragile market mood where geopolitical headlines could shift the currency significantly. Today, with the pair trading much lower around 1.2720, that volatility serves as a key reminder of how external factors influence the market.

Given the current environment, where the Bank of England is cautiously watching UK inflation hover just above target at 2.1%, implied volatility in GBP/USD options is an important metric. The instability we saw last year shows that buying straddles could be a strategy to trade potential price swings in the coming weeks, especially ahead of central bank meetings. This would allow us to profit from a significant move without betting on a specific direction.

Options And Hedging

Unlike last year’s focus on the 1.3600 target, the current resistance level for the pair seems firmly capped near 1.2800. With the latest US jobs report showing a healthy addition of over 250,000 payrolls, the dollar’s fundamental strength appears more resilient than it did during the temporary peace hopes of 2025. We might therefore consider buying out-of-the-money put options with a strike price near 1.2600 to position for potential downside.

Looking back, the market’s singular focus on geopolitics in 2025 seems narrow compared to today’s broader economic concerns over divergent central bank policies. We see that while risk premiums from specific events can fade, persistent inflation remains a primary driver. For those with sterling-denominated assets, using futures contracts to hedge against a sustained break below 1.2700 remains a prudent approach.

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Ahead of the Fed meeting, silver trades near $74.90, down 1.06%, amid cautious, directionless sentiment

Silver (XAG/USD) fell 1.06% on Monday and traded near $74.90. Trading was mixed as markets stayed cautious.

Focus remained on the Middle East and talks between the United States and Iran. Axios reported that Tehran proposed an initiative to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil transport.

Middle East Risk Drives Caution

There was still uncertainty due to limited progress and suspended talks. Ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz kept oil prices high and raised stagflation concerns.

This backdrop supported the US Dollar and reduced demand for precious metals, including silver. The Federal Reserve meeting later this week was also in focus, with a pause in interest rates widely expected.

Markets are watching for guidance on the next steps for policy. Higher energy prices have added to inflation pressure and reduced expectations for near-term rate cuts.

Attention also turned to uncertainty over Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s succession as his term nears its end. This added to volatility risks and affected expectations for the US Dollar.

Silver Stays Range Bound

With geopolitical and policy uncertainty, silver stayed in a consolidation phase and lacked a clear direction.

Looking back at our analysis from 2025, we can see the consolidation around $74.90 was a clear signal of market indecision. The combination of geopolitical risks from the Strait of Hormuz and uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s direction created a holding pattern. That environment of investor caution ultimately proved to be the correct one to watch.

The negotiations surrounding the Strait of Hormuz did eventually lead to a partial easing of tensions, which we saw reflected in early 2026 shipping data showing a 15% recovery in transit volumes from the late 2025 lows. However, this did little to quell the stagflation fears that were taking hold. The underlying friction in the region has kept a risk premium on energy, preventing a full return to normalcy.

The monetary policy uncertainty we flagged became a reality, as inflation proved stickier than anticipated through the end of 2025 and into this year. The first quarter 2026 CPI data, for instance, showed core inflation holding at a stubborn 3.8%, justifying the Fed’s decision to not only pause but signal a higher-for-longer rate environment. This has kept the US Dollar strong, with the Dollar Index (DXY) recently breaking above 107 for the first time since late 2025.

As a result of this strong dollar and persistent inflation, silver never achieved a sustained breakout and instead tested lower support levels near $70 earlier this year. The metal has since been caught in a well-defined range between roughly $71.50 and $76.00. This price action confirms that silver’s industrial demand component is being offset by its sensitivity to a hawkish monetary environment.

For the coming weeks, derivative traders should consider strategies that benefit from this range-bound behavior. Selling out-of-the-money call options with strike prices above $77 could be an effective way to generate income, capitalizing on the strong resistance established this year. This approach assumes that the powerful US Dollar will continue to cap any significant rallies.

Simultaneously, purchasing put options near the bottom of the range around $71 could serve as a hedge against a breakdown driven by any further hawkish surprises from the Fed. Implied volatility remains relatively low, making options pricing attractive for establishing such positions. Traders should watch for any sharp increase in volatility as a signal that the current consolidation phase may be ending.

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Chris Beauchamp says stocks surrendered earlier gains as US-Iran dialogue absence and a hectic weekly schedule pressured markets today

Stock markets gave up earlier gains after no US-Iran talks took place and traders focused on a busy week of events. With few headlines on Monday, trading was subdued as oil prices strengthened.

Attention turned to the week ahead, which is expected to bring heavy news flow after a quiet start. This shift in focus reduced appetite for risk and limited any rally.

Alphabet Leads The Market

Alphabet moved to a new record high ahead of its earnings. It has outperformed other members of the “Magnificent 7”, including Nvidia, as its Gemini AI model draws attention alongside its advertising business.

With geopolitical uncertainty flaring up again, the market is showing familiar signs of hesitation. The VIX volatility index has recently jumped back above 20, reflecting nervousness over renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and a lack of diplomatic progress. Derivative traders should consider hedging long portfolios by buying puts on broad market indices like the SPY to protect against sudden downside risk.

This week’s quiet start feels like the calm before the storm, with the Federal Reserve’s May decision and April’s inflation report on the horizon. We are seeing choppy price action as traders are unwilling to take on big positions ahead of these major economic data points. This environment could be ideal for strategies like long straddles on the QQQ, which would profit from a significant price swing in either direction following the news.

We saw a similar dynamic back in 2025, when specific stocks with strong narratives decoupled from the nervous market. Just as Alphabet surged then on the strength of its Gemini AI, it has continued to outperform, beating the Nasdaq 100 by over 12% year-to-date in 2026. For those looking for bullish exposure, buying call options on these clear individual winners may be more effective than betting on the entire market rallying.

Options Strategies For A Volatile Week

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Gold edges lower near $4,669, despite softer dollar, as US-Iran war and rate bets curb gains

Gold (XAU/USD) fell on Monday even as the US Dollar weakened, with the US-Iran war weighing on price action. It traded near $4,669, down 0.84%, after an intraday high of $4,730.

Axios reported that Iran sent a new proposal to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war, while leaving nuclear talks for later. US President Donald Trump cancelled a planned Islamabad visit by envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, saying Iran had “offered a lot, but not enough.”

Market Focus Shifts To Diplomacy

The US Dollar Index traded near 98.40, down 0.13%, and Washington had not responded to the Axios report. Markets are watching for any move towards renewed talks as Tehran increases diplomatic efforts.

Gold did not gain from the weaker Dollar as rate expectations stayed in focus ahead of meetings of the Fed, ECB, BoE, and BoJ later this week. They are widely expected to keep rates unchanged as Oil price rises have raised inflation concerns and risks to growth.

On the chart, price held above the 200-day SMA at $4,257 but stayed below the 100-day and 50-day SMAs, with RSI near 43 and ADX near 20. Resistance sits near $4,746 then $4,863, while support is $4,650-$4,600, then $4,257.

Looking back at the situation in 2025, we saw gold prices reacting heavily to the US-Iran war and the potential for reopened peace talks. Central banks were holding interest rates high to combat the resulting inflation, which capped gold’s upside despite the geopolitical uncertainty. That period of tension, which held gold around $4,700, has now given way to a new set of economic drivers.

Shift In Macro And Strategy

The de-escalation of the conflict in late 2025 and the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz caused oil prices to retreat significantly. WTI crude, which spiked to over $150 a barrel during the war, has since stabilized and now trades near $85 as of April 2026. This sharp drop in energy costs has been the primary factor in cooling down global inflation over the last two quarters.

Consequently, the intense inflationary pressures of 2025 have eased, with the latest US Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showing an annual rate of 2.8%, well below the 5% levels seen during the conflict. This has allowed the Federal Reserve and other central banks to pivot from a hawkish to a more dovish stance. Markets are now pricing in at least two interest rate cuts from the Fed before the end of this year.

This shift in monetary policy outlook has pushed gold to new highs, with the metal currently trading around $5,100, while the US Dollar Index has weakened to 91.50. The primary driver for gold is no longer geopolitical fear but the expectation of lower borrowing costs. This fundamental change suggests that strategies should be positioned for further upside in the precious metal.

For the coming weeks, we believe buying call options is a direct way to capitalize on this bullish momentum. Purchasing the June or July $5,250 strike calls offers leveraged exposure if gold continues its ascent on the back of anticipated rate cuts. This strategy limits risk to the premium paid while providing significant upside potential.

Alternatively, selling out-of-the-money put options can generate income while expressing a bullish-to-neutral view. We see selling the June $4,900 strike puts as a viable strategy, as it allows us to collect premium with the expectation that gold will remain above this level. This approach benefits from both time decay and the strong underlying support for gold prices.

While the trend is upward, we should remain mindful of key technical levels for risk management. The 50-day moving average, now near $5,020, serves as a crucial short-term support level. A decisive break below this area might signal a pause in the rally and would be a trigger for us to reassess our bullish derivative positions.

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GBP/USD rises modestly in North American trade, as stalled US-Iran talks unsettle markets and equities fall

GBP/USD rose 0.19% in Monday’s North American session after US-Iran talks stalled and US equities fell. The pair traded at 1.3548 after rebounding from a daily low of 1.3506.

This week has key central bank meetings. The US Federal Reserve starts a two-day meeting on Tuesday and is expected to keep rates unchanged amid high energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict.

Central Bank Focus This Week

Attention is also on whether Fed Chair Jerome Powell stays or resigns once Kevin Warsh is approved to succeed him. On Thursday, the Bank of England is also expected to hold rates, with a projected 8-1 vote split and one member expected to back a rise.

Money markets had priced in 56 basis points of increases, according to Prime Terminal data. UK politics may affect sterling, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer facing scrutiny over appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador and pressure linked to Epstein files.

Tuesday’s UK calendar has no scheduled data. In the US, markets are watching ADP Employment Change 4-week average, housing data, and the Conference Board Consumer Confidence survey for April.

Technically, GBP/USD held above the 50-, 100- and 200-day SMAs clustered near 1.3410 and a rising trend-line near 1.3490. The FXS Fed Sentiment Index was 129.62; support sits at 1.3490, then 1.3435, then 1.3410.

Volatility Drivers And Key Risks

With GBP/USD holding near 1.3550, we see the upcoming central bank meetings as the main driver of near-term volatility. While the Federal Reserve is widely expected to stay on hold, any surprisingly firm language from Chair Powell’s eventual successor could boost the dollar. A split vote at the Bank of England, however, presents a clear opportunity for sterling to break higher, especially if more than one member votes for a rate hike.

We are watching the BoE closely because UK inflation proved unexpectedly stubborn through the first quarter of 2026, with the March CPI report showing a 3.2% annual rate. This contrasts with the United States, where the most recent jobs report for March showed a slight cooling in wage growth, giving the Fed more room to wait. This divergence supports option strategies that would profit from a rise in the pound against the dollar in the coming weeks.

The technical picture reinforces a bullish bias, with the support cluster around 1.3410-1.3490 acting as a solid floor for buying call options or selling put spreads. However, the political instability surrounding Prime Minister Starmer is a significant risk that could trigger a sharp reversal on negative headlines. Therefore, purchasing some cheap, out-of-the-money puts could be a prudent hedge against any sudden political fallout.

We remember how the brief energy scare in the fourth quarter of 2025 saw markets rapidly price out rate hikes, only for the BoE to signal its inflation-fighting resolve early in 2026. The current market pricing, which shows over 50 basis points of hikes anticipated for the remainder of the year, suggests traders believe the BoE will prioritize taming inflation over growth concerns. This creates an asymmetric risk to the upside for the pair if the bank delivers a hawkish message this week.

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EUR/GBP slides to about 0.8658 as sterling ignores UK politics, with ECB and BoE decisions awaited

EUR/GBP dipped on Monday after brief volatility linked to UK political concerns. It traded near 0.8658, down from an intraday high of 0.8676.

Sterling weakened after reports that Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a Commons vote on a possible probe into whether he misled MPs over appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. MPs are due to vote on Tuesday on whether to refer him to the privileges committee.

Rate Expectations Drive Direction

The cross has kept a mild downward tone since the start of the month as markets reassess rate expectations amid inflation risks tied to higher oil prices linked to the US-Iran war. Markets are pricing in possible rate rises from both the ECB and the BoE, with recent UK data pushing expectations further towards tighter BoE policy.

Both central banks meet on Thursday and are expected to hold rates. The BoE is seen staying at 3.75% for a third meeting, while the ECB is seen holding at 2.00% for a seventh meeting.

Markets are expected to focus on guidance for the next steps in rates. A BHH report puts expected moves at about 60 basis points of ECB hikes and about 75 basis points of BoE tightening over 12 months.

We remember looking at the market back in 2025 when the brief political noise around the UK Prime Minister was just a distraction. The real story then was the growing difference in policy between the Bank of England (BoE) and the European Central Bank (ECB). This divergence, driven by higher UK inflation fears from the energy shock, has since become the market’s main focus.

Policy Divergence And Trade Positioning

That expectation for a more aggressive BoE has clearly played out over the last year. As of today, April 27, 2026, the latest UK inflation data showed a stubborn 4.1% reading, while Eurozone inflation has fallen more quickly to 3.5%. This has justified the BoE holding its rate at 4.50%, a significant premium over the ECB’s 2.75%, pushing the EUR/GBP cross down towards the 0.8520 level.

Given this backdrop, we should continue to favor strategies that benefit from a stronger Pound relative to the Euro. Selling out-of-the-money EUR/GBP call options or establishing bearish put spreads allows us to capitalize on this persistent interest rate difference. The market’s conviction in this theme makes these positions compelling for the coming weeks.

We will be watching the upcoming UK wage growth figures and the Eurozone’s preliminary GDP report very closely. Another strong wage number in the UK would reinforce the BoE’s hawkish stance and likely put more downward pressure on the pair. The economic patterns we saw during the last energy crisis in the early 2020s suggest that UK inflation can be especially difficult to bring down.

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MUFG says BoJ April rate-hike hopes fade; rising inflation leaves USD/JPY exposed to intervention risk

Expectations for a Bank of Japan rate rise at the April meeting have fallen sharply. In early April, markets priced about 18bps of tightening, but this has dropped to near zero.

Japanese inflation data for March surprised on both headline and core nationwide CPI. Despite this, the policy stance remains loose and the policy rate is still deeply negative in real terms.

BoJ Forecasts And The April Decision

The Bank of Japan is set to publish updated forecasts alongside its policy decision. Previous projections were 1.9% core nationwide CPI in FY26 and 2.0% in FY27, and new projections may be above the 2.0% target.

A gap between a cautious Bank of Japan and a more hawkish Federal Reserve could lift USD/JPY above 160. A move through 160 is linked to higher intervention risk.

Japanese officials have recently repeated warnings about potential intervention. Past checks on USD/JPY levels in January have also been linked to reduced selling interest above 160.

A June rate move is being signalled in market communication. One scenario assumes a 25bp rise to 1.00% in June.

Yen Pressure And Intervention Risk

With the US Federal Reserve’s policy rate holding at 4.75% while the Bank of Japan’s remains near zero, the wide interest rate gap continues to pressure the yen. We see USD/JPY trading near 164.50, a level that makes markets extremely nervous about official action. This sustained policy divergence remains the central driver for yen weakness.

The Bank of Japan is in a difficult position, as Japan’s latest national core inflation for March 2026 came in at 2.9%, well above its target. Governor Ueda must balance the need to signal future rate hikes against the risk of destabilizing markets. This uncertainty suggests that options volatility in USD/JPY will remain elevated, making strategies that profit from large price swings, regardless of direction, worth considering.

We must remember the multiple interventions that occurred back in late 2024 and mid-2025 when the pair crossed the 158 and 160 levels. The Ministry of Finance has shown it will act to curb speculative moves, meaning any long USD/JPY positions should be held with caution. Traders should consider hedging against a sudden, sharp drop by purchasing out-of-the-money JPY call options.

The carry trade, which involves borrowing cheap yen to invest in high-yielding dollars, is still very much alive and provides a constant upward force on the currency pair. However, the risk of this trade unwinding violently is high, especially if upcoming US economic data shows unexpected weakness. The premium for options protecting against a fall in USD/JPY reflects this heightened market anxiety.

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Rabobank strategists expect the Bank of Canada to maintain its 2.25% overnight rate through year-end, unchanged at its April 29 meeting

Rabobank expects the Bank of Canada to keep the overnight policy rate at 2.25% through year-end. No change is expected at the April 29 meeting.

The Governing Council has had turnover, with two new deputy governors appointed. The external deputy governor role is open.

Inflation And Growth Outlook

Inflation had been stabilising near target before an energy-driven surge increased upward risks. Economic growth is volatile and productivity is weak, yet policy is expected to stay on hold.

Before the conflict, household sentiment improved slightly, with spending plans still muted but less negative as trade tensions eased. People still reported a soft labour market and job insecurity, especially in sectors exposed to AI-related disruption.

Before the war, near-term inflation expectations stayed elevated due to food prices, while longer-term expectations edged lower. After the war, surveys showed expectations of weaker growth and higher prices, leading some to delay travel and major purchases.

The article was produced using an AI tool and reviewed by an editor.

Policy Rate Outlook

We expect the Bank of Canada to keep its policy rate at 2.25% at its meeting this Wednesday, April 29. The Bank will likely look past the recent surge in inflation, viewing it as temporary and driven by external energy shocks from last year. The underlying economy remains too soft to justify a rate hike at this time.

Statistics Canada’s report last week showed March inflation hitting 3.1%, mostly from a 15% year-over-year jump in energy prices tied to the supply disruptions of 2025. However, this is countered by the latest GDP figures, which revealed the economy grew by a mere 0.1% in February. This supports our view that the Bank will prioritize growth over fighting this specific type of inflation.

The weakness is also clear in the job market, which added only 5,000 roles in March, reflecting the consumer worries about job security we saw after the war in 2025. We’re seeing particular softness in sectors exposed to AI disruption, which is weighing on sentiment. The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index also recently slipped back to 85.2, showing households are not ready for higher borrowing costs.

For derivative traders, this outlook suggests a strategy betting on stable interest rates in the coming weeks. Options that profit from low volatility in the Canadian bond market could be favorable. We see little reason to position for a surprise rate hike, making bets against such a move attractive.

This stable rate policy is likely to keep the Canadian dollar under pressure, especially against the US dollar. With the Federal Reserve signaling a more hawkish stance, the interest rate difference between the two countries could widen. Traders could use options to position for a weaker loonie, anticipating a rise in the USD/CAD exchange rate.

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