Trading GBP/CAD
The GBP/CAD is one of the key forex cross pairs. The pound sterling is the world’s 5th top reserve currency, while the Canadian dollar is 7th on the list. It is a popular FX asset with decent bid-ask spreads, high volatility and ample liquidity. This tutorial will break down GBP/CAD investing strategies, ideal trading windows, price history and benefits of the forex pair.
GBP/CAD Trading Brokers
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1
FOREX.comActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$1000.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Stocks, Futures, Futures OptionsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentralWire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN -
2
NinjaTrader
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, CryptoNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignalACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire TransferUSD -
3
OANDA USCFDs are not available to residents in the United States.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA)OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartistWire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
4
IGForex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOBCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread BettingWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentralPayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD -
5
Interactive Brokers
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$0$1001:50FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMAStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, CryptocurrenciesTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentralCheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF -
6
Videforex20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
$250$0.011:500Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, CryptoTradingViewSkrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB -
7
Plus500 USWelcome Deposit Bonus up to $200Trading with leverage involves risk.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$1000.0 LotsCFTC, NFAFutures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest RatesWebTrader, AppACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Mastercard, VisaUSD -
8
DNA Markets
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$1000.01 Lots1:500ASICCFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, CryptoMT4, MT5Credit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, BPAY, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin Payments, Bitwallet, AstroPay, MastercardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD -
9
RedMars
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
€2500.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)CySECCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptosMT5Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, VisaUSD, EUR -
10
InstaTrade
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$10.011:1000BVI FSCFISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, FuturesInstaTrade Gear, MT4Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, RUB
Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:
- FOREX.com - FOREX.com continues to uphold its stature as a premier FX broker, offering over 80 currency pairs and boasting some of the most competitive fees in the industry. With EUR/USD spreads dipping as low as 0.0 and $5 commission per $100k, it stands out. Moreover, its SMART Signals help to identify price behaviors across numerous major currency markets.
- NinjaTrader - NinjaTraders supports the trading of popular currencies including the EUR/USD. The software also offers advanced features to streamline the trading experience, including complex order types like market if touched (MIT) and one cancels other (OCO).
- OANDA US - OANDA offers a diverse selection of 68 currency pairs, more than many alternatives. The broker’s in-house platform offers superb day trading capabilities via powerful TradingView charts, including 65+ technical indicators and 11 customizable chart types.
- IG - IG offers an above-average suite of 80+ currency pairs on its proprietary web platform, mobile app or MetaTrader 4, with more advanced charts and forex analysis tools available on the ProRealTime software. Forex spreads are competitive based on tests, starting from 0.1 pips on majors like the EUR/USD.
- Interactive Brokers - IBKR presents an extensive range of over 100 major, minor, and exotic forex pairs, surpassing the offerings of nearly all leading alternatives, though not CMC Markets. Forex trading occurs over multiple platforms and boasts institutional-grade spreads starting from 0.1 pips and 20 complex order types, including brackets, scale, and one-cancels-all (OCA) orders.
- Videforex - Trade 35 major, minor and exotic forex pairs through CFDs with floating spreads from 0.1 pips. Alternatively, binary options allow you to speculate on rising and falling prices with a fixed stake and payout.
- Plus500 US - Plus500 US offers futures trading on a small selection of 13 currencies, including popular pairs like the EUR/USD and GBP/USD. Day trading margins are competitive, starting from $40, while the educational resources do an excellent job of breaking down the basics of forex futures for new traders.
- DNA Markets - DNA Markets continues to deliver an excellent environment for forex traders with 50+ currency pairs and low spreads from 0.0 pips on the EUR/USD during tests. The MetaTrader 4 platform, available on desktop, web and mobile, was also designed specifically for forex trading.
- RedMars - RedMars strongest investment category is forex with more than 50 currency pairs, from majors to minors and exotics. Spreads start from 0.0 pips, catering to active currency traders, and leverage can reach 1:500. However, there are no forex heatmaps or research tools to support aspiring forex traders.
- InstaTrade - InstaTrade offers a huge selection of around 100 currency pairs. It provides spreads starting at 0.0 on majors, plus integrated forex analysis in the web platform, featuring signals, plus technical and fundamental summaries. Additionally, InstaTrade offers educational modules covering forex basics for beginners, including margin trading and risk management.
Trading GBP/CAD Comparison
| Broker | Forex Assets | EUR/USD Spread | Forex App Rating | Minimum Deposit | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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80+ | 1.2 | / 5 | $100 | NFA, CFTC |
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50+ | 1.3 | / 5 | $0 | NFA, CFTC |
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65+ | 1.6 | / 5 | $0 | NFA, CFTC |
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80+ | 0.8 | / 5 | $0 | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB |
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100+ | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value | / 5 | $0 | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA |
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35 | Floating from 0.1 pips | / 5 | $250 | - |
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13 | 0.75 | / 5 | $100 | CFTC, NFA |
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50+ | 1.0 | / 5 | $100 | ASIC |
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50+ | 0.7 | - | €250 | CySEC |
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65 | 0.0 | - | $1 | BVI FSC |
FOREX.com
"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
FOREX.com Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.3 |
| EURUSD Spread | 1.2 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.4 |
| Total Assets | 80+ |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.
- The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
- Alongside a choice of leading platforms, FOREX.com offers a superb suite of supplementary tools including Trading Central research, SMART Signals pattern scanner, trading signals, and strategy builders.
Cons
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
- Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
- Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.
NinjaTrader
"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."
NinjaTrader Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.6 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 1.3 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.6 |
| Total Assets | 50+ |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Traders can get free platform access and trade simulation capabilities in the unlimited demo
- You can get thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries
- Low fees are offered, with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract
Cons
- The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
- Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
- There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
OANDA US
"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."
OANDA US Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 3.4 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 1.6 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.7 |
| Total Assets | 65+ |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Platforms | OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- The broker offers a transparent pricing structure with no hidden charges
- Seasoned day traders can access industry-leading tools, including an MT4 premium upgrade and advanced charting provided by MotiveWave
- OANDA is a reliable, trustworthy and secure brand with authorization from tier-one regulators including the CFTC
Cons
- There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
- It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
- The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
IG
"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."
IG Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.9 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.8 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.9 |
| Total Assets | 80+ |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) |
| Platforms | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading
- The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our Best Trading App award
- IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, providing ample diversification opportunities
Cons
- While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients
- Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges
- IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors
Interactive Brokers
"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."
Interactive Brokers Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value |
| Total Assets | 100+ |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF |
Pros
- With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
- There's a vast library of free or paid third-party research subscriptions catering to all types of traders, plus you can enjoy commission reimbursements from IBKR if you subscribe to Toggle AI.
- IBKR is one of the most respected and trusted brokerages and is regulated by top-tier authorities, so you can have confidence in the integrity and security of your trading account.
Cons
- Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
- IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
- You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
Videforex
"Newer traders will find a lot to enjoy about trading binary options on Videforex's easy-to-use proprietary platform, as well as the broker's copy trading solution. Payouts also remain higher than most alternatives climbing to 98%."
Videforex Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | Floating from 0.1 pips |
| EURUSD Spread | Floating from 0.1 pips |
| EURGBP Spread | Floating from 0.1 pips |
| Total Assets | 35 |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Platforms | TradingView |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB |
Pros
- The support times are fast and reliable based on tests - few brokers offer 24/7 multi-lingual video support
- Videforex regularly runs trading contests, offering great practice opportunities and cash prizes to beginners and experienced traders
- Traders can earn up to 98% payouts on 100+ assets with the broker’s binary options, which is in line with competing brands like IQCent
Cons
- US clients aren’t accepted due to legal restrictions
- No MetaTrader 4 integration
- The broker isn’t overseen by a trusted regulatory agency
Plus500 US
"Plus500 US stands out as an excellent choice for beginners, offering a very user-friendly platform, low day trading margins, and access to the Futures Academy to enhance trading skills."
Michael MacKenzie, Reviewer
Plus500 US Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Welcome Deposit Bonus up to $200 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.75 |
| Total Assets | 13 |
| Platforms | WebTrader, App |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- The Futures Academy is an excellent resource for new traders with engaging videos and easy-to-follow articles, while the unlimited demo account is great for testing strategies
- Plus500 US excels for its low fees with very competitive day trading margins and no inactivity fees, live data fees, routing fees, or platform fees
- The trading app provides a terrific user experience with a modern design, a clean layout and mobile-optimized charts
Cons
- Plus500 US does not offer social trading capabilities, a feature available at alternatives like eToro US which could strengthen its offering for aspiring traders
- The proprietary platform is user-friendly but lacks advanced technical analysis tools found in third-party solutions like MetaTrader 4
- Despite competitive pricing, Plus500 US lacks a discount program for high-volume day traders, a scheme found at brokers like Interactive Brokers
DNA Markets
"DNA Markets is an excellent choice for short-term traders familiar with the MetaTrader platforms. The smooth sign-up process also makes it easy to get started while the $100 minimum deposit is accessible. That said, DNA Markets trails the top brokers in education, research and mobile trading. "
DNA Markets Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.0 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 1.0 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.0 |
| Total Assets | 50+ |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD |
Pros
- DNA Markets offers top-rate platforms and charting tools for day traders with access to MT4 and MT5
- You can access low trading fees with spreads from 0.0 pips in the Raw account and zero non-trading fees
- The broker provides 24/5 customer support with response times of <2 minutes during testing
Cons
- Despite access to MT4 and MT5, there is no proprietary trading app for seamless account management whilst on the go
- Although it continues to strengthen its client base and reputation, DNA Markets lacks the track record of top brokers like Vantage
- Unlike many alternatives, there are limited educational and research tools for traders seeking an all-in-one solution
RedMars
"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."
RedMars Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.7 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.7 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.1 |
| Total Assets | 50+ |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Platforms | MT5 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- The broker supports a range of flexible payment methods, including wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably cryptocurrencies
- Getting started on RedMars is incredibly easy - you can be up and running in just a few minutes based on tests
- Clients in the EU, in particular, can trade with peace of mind knowing RedMars is authorized by the CySEC with up to €20K compensation available through the ICF in the event of bankruptcy
Cons
- RedMars falls short for newer traders, with little in the way of education, no beginner-friendly platform, a steep minimum deposit, and inadequate support during testing
- The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.
- With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
InstaTrade
"Although InstaTrade offers active trading on a comprehensive platform, it stands out with its fairly unique Fixed Income Structured Product (FISP), providing passive investment opportunities with up to 50% returns in 6 months if conditions are met. "
InstaTrade Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.2 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.0 |
| EURGBP Spread | 2.8 |
| Total Assets | 65 |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Platforms | InstaTrade Gear, MT4 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, RUB |
Pros
- VPS hosting caters to algo trading strategies with a dedicated physical server providing rapid execution speeds as low as 9 milliseconds.
- InstaTrade TV, consisting of video interviews and valuable market insights spanning equities, cryptos and more, helps identify opportunities and inform short-term trades.
- Despite an average investment offering of around 300 assets, InstaTrade offers a particularly strong suite of currency pairs, catering to advanced traders seeking opportunities in volatile exotics.
Cons
- InstaTrade is registered in the offshore jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, resulting in limited regulatory safeguards for retail investors.
- InstaTrade sports one of the most cluttered websites and client cabinets in the industry, potentially overwhelming new traders, especially compared to XTB’s intuitive trading journey and resources.
- InstaTrade’s growing educational tools provide valuable information for aspiring traders, but still trail category leaders like eToro with no structured course based on experience level.
Live Chart
Pros Of Trading GBP/CAD
- Volatility – This currency pair displays high levels of volatility, with wide spreads in slow periods and narrow spreads during busy periods. This allows for plenty of opportunities to make trades and profit from price fluctuations when spreads are tightest.
- Relative predictability – Historically, the GBP/CAD has a tendency to display notable trends in the long term, especially with the CAD being a commodity currency. So, research and analysis can be straightforward, making it a good choice for medium to long-term gains.
- High-interest rates – As the pair contains the GBP, it has some of the higher interest rates among key currencies. Thus, this FX pair provides enough liquidity and trading volume to make it a popular investment choice.
- Resources – Conducting technical analysis is easier to make with the number of tools available. Live candlestick charts help you access real-time price movement, historical graphs show you FX rates from yesterday or last week, and pivot points can help you analyze trends over time. Plenty of websites can give you access to investing forums with trader sentiment ratings and market outlook. All of these are useful when creating predictions for today or in the long term.
Risks Of Trading GBP/CAD
- Volatility – while the GBP/CAD volatility can result in quick wins, swift movements can also lead to losses. To counter this, traders must employ effective risk and money management strategies.
- Low relative liquidity – Being a minor currency pair, it has lower liquidity compared to other pairs like the GBP/USD. This can make it more expensive to trade.
- Report heavy – Much of the movement in exchange rates depends on important economic news, not only from the respective countries of the GBP/CAD pair but from neighboring countries like the US and Europe. Therefore, the choice to buy and sell is not as straightforward as you may think. For example, the Ukraine-Russia war in Europe has impacted the GBP and indirectly weakened the GBP/USD.
- Automated competition – You may be equipped with competitive bid-ask spreads or the provision of yearly forward rates. However, most traders face a serious challenge in a market dominated by a number of intelligent investment algorithms today. These bots are entering and exiting positions when predetermined criteria have been met.
Influences On Movement
There are many factors to consider when investing in the GBP/CAD, which shape market sentiment and average prices. The most significant influences are:
- Neighboring countries – It is essential to consider the economies of closely related countries. For example, Canada and the US are major trade partners. If America experiences growth, Canada will likely follow suit. Thus, the US dollar will likely affect GBP/CAD performance. On the other hand, decisions from Europe during Brexit were vital in determining GBP/CAD’s future. In fact, the pair is a proxy for the dynamics that happen to the EUR/USD.
- Monetary policies – The Bank of England makes important decisions that govern GBP’s interest rates. Likewise, major decisions from the Bank of Canada to raise or lower interest rates today affect the future performance of the CAD. So, keeping on top of economic announcements will help you gain a competitive edge.
- Commodity prices – As the Canadian dollar is a commodity currency, it is heavily influenced by commodity prices such as oil. They represent a large share of exports in Canada. So, the GBP/CAD price drops when oil prices go up and vice versa. As purchasing power increases, this movement will be reflected in a higher exchange rate.
Currency Correlations
Unlike major pairs, the GBP/CAD does not have the US dollar as a component, making it a cross, i.e., GBP/JPY. Cross-currency pairs often move differently to majors. However, to some extent, they are still dependent on the USD movement.
For example, the GBP/CAD can move in relation to GBP/USD and USD/CAD pairs. Pairs can move with each other but also in the opposite direction, which affects the correlation coefficient:
- Positive correlation – This occurs when pairs move in the same direction as each other. For example, popular pairs, GBP/USD, AUD/USD, and EUR/USD, are all positively correlated. This is an outcome of the US dollar being the counter currency. Thus, any changes to the strength of the US dollar will affect these pairs.
- Negative correlation – This occurs when currency pairs react in opposite directions. Popular pairs include USD/CHF, USD/JPY, and USD/CAD. You will notice that the US dollar is the base currency.
Application
A GBP/CAD trader can use this information to better understand the consequences of movement in certain pairs. Specifically, keeping an eye out for proxy pair EUR/USD can be used to your advantage. However, it is important to note that correlations do not always remain stable. This is because economic factors and market speculation can result in shifts in currency correlations.
GBP/CAD Trading Strategy
No matter the strategy you opt for, whether you utilize pivot points, support and resistance levels, 5-year averages, or live charts to create weekly projections, the following can make the difference in your strategy:
Timing
Successful GBP/CAD day trading depends on timing. You typically want to invest during the highest levels of volume and volatility to generate profits above the cost of spreads and commission. Thus, it’s important to trade during the ideal window.
Just because the forex market is open 24/5 does not mean every one of those hours is worth trading. So, when is the ideal time to trade? Significant movement in GBP/CAD usually occurs when the European trade session opens. This is between 08:00 to 17:00 GMT.
However, the majority of UK monthly economic data news comes out between 07:00 to 09:30 GMT, and US economic releases come out at 13:30 to 15:00 GMT. This is when the pair usually experiences higher volumes. Particularly, 30 to 60 minutes before releases and 1 to 3 hours after are good times to trade as news flow can impact the pair’s value.
Buying & Selling GBP/CAD
There are a number of strategies you can utilize when investing in GBP/CAD.
Scalping strategies involve attempting to make profits by buying or selling an FX pair and holding it for an ultra-short period. Since the GBP/CAD pair has good volatility, it makes scalping possible. A scalper capitalizes on small price movements that occur throughout the day. Then they rely on compounding their gains by making a large number of small trades.
You can opt for a swing trading strategy that focuses on capturing short to medium gains and cutting losses quicker in the market. Trading positions typically last anywhere between days to weeks, with the idea to consistently gain short-term profits that accumulate over time. Generally, swing traders go long at levels of support and short sell at levels of resistance.
You can also use trends to inform your strategies. A trend can move upwards, downward, or sideways. As mentioned, GBP/CAD benefits from relative predictability, so identifying historical trends to your advantage can prove profitable when deciding market entry and exit points. Generally, GBP/CAD trends tend to form in the medium to long term, which you can decipher on live charts. Trend traders normally go long when the pair’s current price moves downward, past the moving average, and then go short when the price goes above the moving average.
News
Some prefer to use the latest market news and outlook for their GBP/CAD investing strategies. This is because GBP and CAD prices can experience shifts in response to major news releases. In fact, some forex news resources offer the latest analysis, forecasts, premarket sentiments, and real-time GBP to CAD conversions. The following are some popular sources to utilize:
- TradingView gives you access to the latest GBP/CAD price changes, charting tools, forecasts, and market news
- IG is a leading forex trading platform with excellent tools and spot rates alongside 5 year, 10 year, and 20-year charts
- X-rates provides live exchange rates, a free currency conversion calculator, and a monthly exchange rate average
- XE provides real-time daily exchange rates of how many CAD converts to the pound, which is useful when getting optimum travel money rates and quotes
- Banks like HSBC and Mastercard provide live FX rates
History Of GBP/CAD
It is also useful to understand the origins of the currencies and any significant historical data before investing in the GBP/CAD.
Early GBP/CAD
The pound sterling was created in 775 AD when silver pennies were the dominant currency during the Anglo-Saxon period. Having been around for 1200 years, the GBP is thought to be the oldest currency still in circulation today. The Bank of England was the first central bank in history, born out of the Battle of Beachy Head in 1694 and 1944. The Bretton Woods conference shifted the world from the pound sterling to the US dollar.
In the early 1840s, Canada adopted the Canada pound but transitioned to a decimalized dollar in the 1850s. Nicknamed the ‘loonie’, the CAD was attached to the USD until 1970. This was after the fall of the CAD after 1960, but inflation meant that it had returned to a free-floating currency, and it remains so today. The Canadian dollar is controlled by the country’s central bank, the Bank of Canada.
Recent GBP/CAD
Over recent years, historical exchange rates of GBP/CAD have been affected by key events. After the UK’s referendum vote to leave the EU in 2016, the pound sterling saw its lowest levels since 1985. Brexit caused the GBP to fall more than 10% overnight, hitting $1.3236. The impact of the vote still has some lasting impacts until this day, with the decline affected by concerns over a successful Brexit deal. For example, in October 2019, the GBP to CAD exchange rate was struggling to move back to the higher levels it saw in the previous month. At the time, its rates were sitting at 1.639, while the Brexit deadline was expected to happen at the end of that month.
The CAD dollar saw a sharp rise in 2007, hitting parity with the US dollar for the first time since 1976. However, in recent years, dramatic fluctuations in the value of the Canadian dollar have primarily correlated with the shift in oil prices, which reflects its status as a commodity currency. For example, in 2016, the price of oil dropped to $30 per barrel. Against the US dollar, CAD hit a low of 1.46.
While the CAD value is mainly dependent on the US market and oil prices for success, the pound is much more impacted by political and economic risks. During Brexit, the GBP was weakened. This can clearly be seen on charts, especially paired with USD, which at the time was much stronger than the pound.
In 2022, another major economic risk that affects the GBP is the inflation rate caused by the higher oil prices. At the same time, because the United Kingdom is impacted by Europe, the effect of the Ukrainian-Russian war can also be seen in charts, with GBP/CAD dropping to 1.58 in May 2022.
Role Of GBP
Before you start investing your capital into the GBP/CAD pair, it helps to gain context on the role these two currencies play. With this knowledge, you will be in a stronger position to make predictions about the market.
While the UK is smaller in size geographically, its economy is the fifth-largest in the world. In fact, London is home to nearly 43% of daily forex exchange transactions. The country’s economy is service-oriented, followed by manufacturing and agriculture sectors. Its banking and financial activities are also becoming the greatest contributors to the national GDP.
The UK’s monetary and fiscal policies have been shown to outperform most other EU countries. The British pound is, in fact, the world’s fifth most widely held reserve currency. It is also one of the few currencies worth more than the US dollar. GBP accounts for around 13% of daily forex trading volume in the forex market, with commonly traded pairs being GBP/USD and EUR/GBP.
While the pound has a long history of global economic leadership, major political events, such as Brexit could undermine the position of the pound. This is what long-term investors will have to take into account. On the other hand, this volatility can provide short-term traders with investment opportunities.
Role Of CAD
It is also important to understand the role the CAD plays.
Canada is ranked tenth in the world in terms of GDP and has had relatively strong growth over the last 20 years, with brief periods of recessions in the early 1990s and 2009. While manufacturing is the country’s cornerstone, Canada’s economy relies heavily on commodities as it is a producer of petroleum, minerals, woods, and grains. Thus, trade flows from those exports can influence investor sentiment. As mentioned, investors must also consider the events happening in the US due to the tight trading relationship with Canada.
Major economic data from Canada includes the release of GDP, retail sales, industrial production, inflation, and trade balances. Monetary policy is controlled by the Bank of Canada. As a country with relative economic health, it has had high-interest rates against other developed economies. And while it is not a top reserve currency like the GBP, it is considered a global safe haven.
Final Word On Trading GBP/CAD
The GBP/CAD pair promises volatility, relative predictability, and high-interest rates, which attract traders from around the world. It is important to utilize tools like technical analysis, real-time exchange rates, historical chart graphs, signals, and trends. On top of that, it is important to maintain risk management strategies and to conduct quality trading during the ideal investing window. Investing with a trusted OTC broker such as Oanda can also prove fruitful.
FAQs
When Is The Best Time To Trade GBP/CAD?
During the European session, the ideal window to trade this pair is 08:00 – 17:00 GMT. This is when the pair is most liquid and volatile.
What Are The Highest And Lowest Rates Of GBP/CAD?
In recent years, GBP/CAD saw rates as high as 2.04 in July 2015. However, they have not reached that peak since and have seen rates as low as 1.58 in August 2019.
How Much Is 1 GBP To CAD?
The GBP to CAD exchange rate is always shifting. See a live chart for the latest rate between these currencies.
Is GBP Stronger Than The CAD?
Historically, the value of the GBP has been stronger than the CAD. The British economy’s GDP ranks higher than CAD, and it ranks above the Canadian dollar as one of the world’s reserve currency. However, many factors are constantly affecting the value of both currencies, such as political events and the price of oil. Thus, it is important to keep up with the latest news on the pair.
Should I Trade With GBP/CAD?
When day trading the pair effectively, profits can be decent. There are plenty of investment strategies you can opt for, like swing trading, trend trading, or scalping. If you trade in the ideal window, keep up with the news, utilize resources like charts, and practice strategies, investing in the GBP/CAD can be prosperous.