USDCAD: Amidst a slowdown in interest rate increases, US markets

U.S. stocks are on track to post their biggest weekly gain this year as investors express optimism that U.S. interest rate hikes will be halted. This also led to higher bond prices and a weaker dollar. The focus now shifts to the US jobs report, which will be released later today.

The Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates on hold on Wednesday, combined with Chairman Jerome Powell's assertion that risks to the interest rate outlook are balanced, led to a rise in bond yields. The benchmark 10-year Treasury note fell more than 20 basis points in two sessions.