Before the Canadian Parliament established the Canadian Dollar in 1871, practically every province was conducting transactions in local currencies. Today, the Canadian Dollar value has floated ever since 1970, and is the 7th most traded currency in the world. Just as in the U.S., slang for a dollar is a “buck”, which dates back to the same term used to describe the value of a beaver pelt in the 17th century.
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Canadian Dollar Facts
Canadian dollar futures allow traders to assess value against the U.S. dollar, as well as the opportunity to address risk from currency fluctuations in other foreign trade markets.
Currency rates are determined by a one base currency quoted in relation to a different currency. Major currencies that are traded are floating. Central bank monetary policies can affect the value of currency. The Bank of Canada regulates monetary policy for its currency. For instance, low interest rates dictated as policy can be bearish for currency value because new money is being pumped into the market. This is unappealing to foreign investors because returns yield those low interest rates. In contrast, high interest rates set as policy are bullish and appealing to foreign investors because of high interest yields from the returns. Currency values can be also be affected by the nation’s current account balance. An excess or influx in the balance is considered to be bullish, while a deficit or drainage is considered to be bearish. Economic stability and investment in the country also help strengthen currency values because international investors are likely to buy into that country’s favorable markets.
Source: Barchart
Last updated September 2015.
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