Canadian dollar steadies as data shows economy seesawing

TORONTO: The Canadian dollar was little changed against the greenback on Friday after domestic data that was consistent with an economy regaining some ground in May after an April freefall and ahead of a speech next week by Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem.

Canadian retail sales plummeted 26.4% in April, Statistics Canada data showed. That was a bigger drop than economists had expected but a flash estimate from the national statistical agency was for sales to rebound 19.1% in May.

"Just as the shutdown was a bit more intense, as things begin to reopen the initial rebound will likely be bigger," said Doug Porter, chief economist at BMO Capital Markets.

The Canadian dollar was trading nearly unchanged at 1.3600 to the greenback, or 73.53 US cents. The currency traded in a range of 1.3547 to 1.3616, while it was down 0.1% for the week.

The steady performance for the loonie came ahead of a speech on Monday by Macklem, whose term as governor began earlier this month, that could help guide expectations for the Bank of Canada's large-scale asset purchase (LSAP) program.

"Any discussion on the path for LSAP's going forward by Macklem on Monday, or in central bank communications going forward, is likely to cause heightened volatility for the loonie," strategists at Monex Canada, including Simon Harvey, said in a note.

The price of oil, one of Canada's major exports, was bolstered by a promise from OPEC producers and allies to meet supply cuts. US crude oil futures settled 2.3% higher at $39.75 a barrel.

Canadian government bond yields were higher across a flatter curve, with the 10-year up less than one basis point at 0.534%.