Bank of Canada Joins the Hawks, Earnings Season Lifts Stock Markets

<p aria-level="1"><a href="https://admiralmarkets.com/analytics/traders-blog/bank-of-canada-joins-the-hawks-earnings-season-lifts-stock-markets"><picture class="lozad" data-iesrc="https://fxmedia.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/EN_-_Fundamental_analysis-207.jpg" data- data- data-alt="bank of canada CADUSD" data-height="376" data-width="800"><source type="image/webp" media="(min-width: 640px)" srcset="https://dqvh7oj3vu3ch.cloudfront.net/720x,webp/fxmedia.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/EN_-_Fundamental_analysis-207.jpg"></source><source type="image/webp" media="(max-width: 639px)" srcset="https://dqvh7oj3vu3ch.cloudfront.net/375x,webp/fxmedia.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/EN_-_Fundamental_analysis-207.jpg"></source></picture></a></p><p>As expected, the Bank of Canada raised key interest rate guidance from 0.5 percent to 1 percent in its April decision, joining the international hawkish stance set by the US Federal Reserve and Bank of England. The central banks are acting to tamp down high inflation sparked by a global economic recovery from the COVID-19 downturn and geopolitical supply-side fears in the crude oil markets.  </p><p>The CAD strengthened against the USD on the news, setting up the prospect of more rivalry and volatility in the pair during May when the Federal Reserve is expected to hike US interest rate guidance to 1 percent.  </p><p><em>Interested to learn more about fundamental analysis? Join Admirals Webinars!</em></p><p><em><div><div><span>Free trading webinars</span><p>Tune into live webinars hosted by our trading experts</p><a target="_blank" href="https://admiralmarkets.com/education/webinars">REGISTER FOR FREE</a></div><div><a target="_blank" href="https://admiralmarkets.com/education/webinars"><a href="https://admiralmarkets.com/analytics/traders-blog/bank-of-canada-joins-the-hawks-earnings-season-lifts-stock-markets"><picture class="lozad" data-iesrc="https://dce5jani6jm7e.cloudfront.net/data/education/articles/webinar.svg" data- data- data-alt="Free trading webinars" data-height="" data-width=""><source type="image/webp" media="(min-width: 640px)" srcset="https://dqvh7oj3vu3ch.cloudfront.net/720x,webp/dce5jani6jm7e.cloudfront.net/data/education/articles/webinar.svg"></source><source type="image/webp" media="(max-width: 639px)" srcset="https://dqvh7oj3vu3ch.cloudfront.net/375x,webp/dce5jani6jm7e.cloudfront.net/data/education/articles/webinar.svg"></source></picture></a></a></div></div> </em></p><h2>ECB diverges from hawks</h2><p>Relative to the BoC and Federal Reserve, the ECB is staying dovish and is expected to keep its key interest rate guidance at 0 percent later today when the central bank announces its April decision. The Eurozone faces strong headwinds from inflationary pressures and fears over a recession caused by the Ukraine conflict. Hiking interest rates under these circumstances might increase the risk of defaults in the household and corporate credit markets. The EUR currency pairs may move if there are any unexpected signals from the central bank.  </p><h2>Earnings season starts</h2><p>Global stock exchanges were lifted as earnings season started, led by large-cap travel companies like Delta Airlines which reported better-than-expected revenues for the first quarter while forecasting a return to profit over the next three quarters.  </p><p>Earnings reports to watch for later today include financial giants Wells Fargo &amp; Co, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs. The financial sector’s corporate reports may provide vital clues as to interest rate income expectations in the next quarter.   </p><p>Finally, in the commodity markets, spot crude oil prices remain elevated. Crude oil demand is expected to keep rising as traveling picks up and COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in regions around the world.  </p><p>See more market-moving trading events on <a href="https://admiralmarkets.com/analytics/forex-calendar">Admirals Forex Calendar. </a></p><p></p><div><div><span>Invest in the world’s top instruments</span><p>Thousands of stocks and ETFs at your fingertips</p><a target="_blank" href="https://admiralmarkets.com/start-trading/admiral-invest-stocks-and-etfs">START INVESTING</a></div></div><p> </p><p><em>This material does not contain and should not be construed as containing investment advice, investment recommendations, an offer of or solicitation for any transactions in financial instruments. Please note that such trading analysis is not a reliable indicator for any current or future performance, as circumstances may change over time. Before making any investment decisions, you should seek advice from independent financial advisors to ensure you understand the <a href="https://admiralmarkets.com/risk-disclosure">risks</a>. </em></p>