Why is The Canadian Dollar So Low? A Guide for Canadians

Why is the Canadian dollar so low or dropping? Currency value plays a crucial role in the global economy, influencing trade, investments, and the overall financial well-being of nations. Therefore, every Canadian business owner or executive should have at least a basic understanding of why currencies lose value – crucial to understanding why the Canadian dollar is so low.

As a medium of exchange, currencies facilitate trade and investment across borders, making their stability and value important. The depreciation of the Canadian dollar can impact everyday life, from the cost of imported goods to the value of investments.

This article explains the factors contributing to currency depreciation, focusing on the Canadian context. In particular, we will examine how the following factors influence the value of the Canadian dollar.

• Inflation
• Interest rates
• Economic growth
• Political stability
• Balance of payments

Additionally, we will discuss the role of currency intervention by the Bank of Canada and provide insights on how businesses and individuals can cope with currency depreciation.

Factors Contributing to Currency Depreciation

Here are the main factors that can affect a currency’s value.

Inflation

Inflation is the continuing increase in the price level of an economy’s goods and services over time. Experts commonly measure inflation by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks the prices of certain goods and services typically consumed by households.

As prices increase, the purchasing power of a currency decreases, which can lead to currency depreciation. So high inflation rates can cause a currency to lose value relative to other currencies with lower inflation rates.

That’s because as the general price level rises, domestic goods and services become more expensive than foreign goods and services. Consequently, this can reduce domestic currency demand and increase foreign currency demand, leading to currency depreciation.

In Canada, the Bank of Canada is responsible for managing inflation, targeting an annual rate of 2%. Historically, Canada has maintained relatively stable inflation rates, although periods of higher inflation have occasionally occurred.

For example, during the 1970s and early 1980s, Canada experienced high inflation, which contributed to the depreciation of the Canadian dollar.

You can track inflation rates online through YCharts. As of this article, Canada’s current inflation rate is 5.25%, higher than the long-term average of 3.15%.

Interest rates

Interest rates play a significant role in determining currency value. Central banks like the Bank of Canada set benchmark interest rates to manage inflation, economic growth, and employment.

By adjusting interest rates, central banks can influence the economy’s borrowing, lending, and spending.

Consider the following for a better understanding.

Higher interest rates can attract foreign investment since it typically means a higher return on assets denominated in the domestic currency. This increased demand for domestic currency can lead to appreciation. Conversely, lower interest rates can discourage foreign investment, reducing demand for domestic currency and potentially leading to depreciation.

Higher interest rates encourage people to save, discouraging borrowing and spending. That causes companies to increase prices slowly or lower prices to promote demand, reducing inflation. Lower interest rates can do the opposite by increasing inflation if it’s too low.

The Bank of Canada sets the overnight rate – the interest rate that major financial institutions use to borrow and lend funds among themselves for one day.

This rate influences other economic interest rates, such as mortgage and commercial lending. In managing interest rates, the Bank of Canada aims to achieve its inflation target while supporting economic growth and employment.

So when we think about why is the Canadian dollar so low, interest rates are a significant factor.

Economic Growth

Economic growth is another critical factor influencing currency value. A growing economy generally indicates increased demand for goods and services, leading to higher investment, production, and employment levels.

This positive economic environment can attract foreign investors, boosting demand for domestic currency and potentially leading to currency appreciation. On the other hand, weak or negative economic growth may deter foreign investment and reduce demand for domestic currency, resulting in currency depreciation.

Canada’s economic growth has been relatively stable over the years, with occasional periods of slow expansion or contraction. These fluctuations in economic performance can influence the value of the Canadian dollar.

For example, during the 2008-2009 global financial crisis, Canada experienced a significant economic downturn, which contributed to the depreciation of the Canadian dollar. However, the currency rebounded as the economy recovered in the following years.

Political Stability and Market Confidence

Political stability is crucial for maintaining market confidence in a country’s currency. Political events, such as elections, policy changes, or geopolitical tensions, can create uncertainty in the market, potentially affecting currency value.

A stable political environment fosters investor confidence, attracting foreign capital and supporting currency appreciation. Conversely, political instability or uncertainty can discourage investment and lead to currency depreciation.

The good news is Canada has a history of political stability, contributing to the relative strength of the Canadian dollar. However, occasional political events have created uncertainty and influenced the currency’s value.

For instance, during the 1995 Quebec referendum on sovereignty, the Canadian dollar experienced heightened volatility due to concerns over the potential breakup of the country. Similarly, changes in government or shifts in trade policies can also temporarily impact the value of the Canadian dollar.

Balance Of Payments

A country’s balance of payments can significantly impact its currency value.

The balance of payments is the nation’s economic transactions with other countries over a specific period. It comprises two main components: the current account and the capital account.

The current account includes trade in goods and services, investment income, and unilateral transfers (such as remittances or foreign aid). The capital account comprises financial transactions related to investments and changes in foreign exchange reserves.

A trade surplus, where the value of exports exceeds the value of imports, can increase demand for domestic currency as foreign buyers need to convert their money to purchase the country’s goods and services. This increased demand can result in currency appreciation.

In contrast, a trade deficit, where the value of imports exceeds the value of exports, can lead to an increased supply of the domestic currency in the foreign exchange market, potentially resulting in currency depreciation.

Canada’s balance of payments situation has fluctuated over the years, with periods of trade surpluses and deficits. Factors such as fluctuations in global commodity prices, particularly oil, can significantly affect Canada’s trade balance. That’s because the country is a significant exporter of natural resources.

In short, a trade deficit can put downward pressure on the Canadian dollar, while a trade surplus can support currency appreciation. Canada’s balance of payments may be partly the answer to why is the Canadian dollar so low.

The Role of Currency Intervention

Currency intervention refers to actions by a central bank to influence the value of its domestic currency in the foreign exchange market. These interventions can involve buying or selling domestic or foreign currencies, usually to counter extreme fluctuations in exchange rates.

The primary goal of currency intervention is maintaining stability and confidence in the domestic currency, promoting economic growth, and managing inflation.

For example, during the 1998 financial crisis, the Bank of Canada and other central banks coordinated efforts to support the global financial system’s stability by intervening in the foreign exchange market.

More recently, the Bank of Canada reactivated its US dollar swap line with the US Federal Reserve to maintain the flow of credit and liquidity in the financial system amid heightened market volatility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, currency intervention can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can help stabilize exchange rates, support economic growth, and maintain investor confidence. On the other hand, interventions can carry risks, such as undermining the central bank’s credibility if the intervention is unsuccessful or perceived as overly interventionist.

Furthermore, interventions may lead to retaliatory actions by other countries, resulting in a “currency war,” where governments engage in competitive devaluations to gain an advantage in international trade.

Therefore, central banks, including the Bank of Canada, must carefully weigh currency intervention’s potential benefits and risks to determine the most appropriate course of action.

Coping With Currency Depreciation

Policymakers and individuals can implement various strategies to mitigate the negative impacts associated with currency depreciation to maintain economic stability.

Some viable measures to maintain currency stability include the following.

Inflation Targeting

Inflation targeting is a monetary policy framework central banks, including the Bank of Canada, use to manage inflation rates.

By setting an explicit target for inflation, central banks can signal their commitment to price stability and enhance market confidence. Moreover, by adjusting interest rates and employing other monetary tools, central banks can maintain inflation at the target level, supporting currency stability.

Interest Rate Adjustments

Interest rate adjustments can be a powerful tool for stabilizing currency value.

As discussed earlier, higher interest rates can attract foreign investment and increase demand for domestic currency, leading to appreciation. Conversely, lowering interest rates can stimulate domestic economic activity, potentially offsetting the negative impacts of currency depreciation.

When making adjustments, central banks must carefully consider the effects of interest rate changes on inflation, economic growth, and currency stability.

Strategies For Businesses and Individuals

Businesses and individuals can protect themselves against currency depreciation by diversifying their investments across different currencies and asset classes. This diversification can reduce the risks associated with fluctuations in the value of the domestic currency, providing a buffer against potential financial losses.

Hedging Foreign Exchange Risk

Another strategy to cope with currency depreciation is hedging foreign exchange risk.

That involves using financial instruments, such as currency forwards or options, to lock in a specific exchange rate for future transactions. Doing so can help businesses and individuals protect themselves against the risk of currency fluctuations – and minimize the impact of depreciation on their financial position.

The Role of Public Awareness and Understanding

Public awareness and understanding of the factors contributing to currency depreciation play a crucial role in coping with its effects.

In particular, financial literacy enables individuals to make informed decisions about their investments, spending, and savings. This can help mitigate the potential negative impacts of currency depreciation on their financial well-being.

Governments, central banks, and educational institutions can work together to promote financial literacy and raise public awareness of currency-related issues.

Providing educational initiatives and resources, such as workshops, online courses, and informational materials, can empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to navigate currency depreciation’s complexities better.

In addition, it’s essential to encourage public discourse on currency-related issues. This can help individuals and businesses better understand and adapt to currency fluctuations. A well-informed public can contribute to a more stable economic environment. People will be better equipped to make decisions that minimize the impact of currency depreciation on their financial situation.

So, Why Is the Canadian Dollar So Low?

Well, it’s easier to know if we have the inside scoop. But since we don’t, the best we can do is provide the necessary information to investigate further.

This article has explored key factors influencing currency value, including inflation, interest rates, economic growth, political stability, the balance of payments, and the role of currency intervention by the Bank of Canada.

Consider everything and current events to answer the question, why is the Canadian dollar so low? Good luck.