Markets Hold Steady as Trump Policy Update Looms; Earnings & CPI in Focus

Today's expected range for the Canadian Dollar against the major currencies:

US Dollar        1.4300-1.4500

Euro                 1.4630-1.4860

Sterling            1.7380-1.7810

WTI Oil (opening level) $79.04

The CAD is opening at 1.4378 ( 0.6955)

We are one week away from hearing from Trump on what his policies will be. I see Canada in a holding pattern until that day. So expect more of the same all week long, regardless of what numbers come out. 

Key points

Equities: Mixed session; S&P 500 +0.16%, Nasdaq -0.38%; tech underperforms; earnings season kicks off with major banks reporting

Volatility: VIX at 19.19; tension rises ahead of US CPI; short-term measures (VIX1D, VIX9D) reflect moderate market caution

Digital Assets: Bitcoin $94,893 (+0.39%), Ethereum $3,181 (+1.4%); cautious trading as CPI looms; altcoins mixed with Solana +2.14%

Currencies: USD weakens on story suggesting gradual Trump tariff hikes

Commodities: Crude rally pauses, dollar softness give fresh bid to metals