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A traveller’s guide to CAD currency predictions

18th February 2020

If you exchanged 2000 AUD on April 21, 2019, you could have spent an extra 132.20 CAD on maple syrup then if you exchanged less than a year later on February 17, 2020. In the space of 10 months, the AUD to CAD exchange rate depreciated significantly, leaving Aussie travellers with less travel money in their back pocket. We understand that it is unlikely you are buying your foreign currency ten months in advance, but this shows just how dramatically changing exchange rates can impact your spending power overseas.

Forecasting what the AUD will do versus the CAD is certainly not for the faint-hearted, especially when you consider how many factors contribute to exchange rate fluctuations. However, having an understanding of what impacts forecasts can help you maximise your overseas spending money.
 
We’ve compiled some forecasts below to give you an idea of what to expect if you’re planning a trip to Canada soon.
 

AUD to CAD Exchange Rate Forecasts:

AUD/CAD

Mean (of 68 bank forecasts)

Citigroup

Westpac

Seasonality

Q2 2020

Q3 2020

Q2 2020

Q3 2020

Q2 2020

Q3 2020

Exchange rate

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.87

0.88

Exchange 2k in AUD

$1800

$1800

$1800

$1800

$1740

$1760

Difference

$0

$0

$20

Data correct as of 17 February 2020.

The good news is the AUD/CAD exchange rate isn't expected to fluctuate too much. If we take the mean as an example though, a bonus $20 is still nothing to scoff at. 

 
 
If you have no idea what a beavertail is, stop reading right now and google it. They look amazing and, plot twist, are not a beaver’s actual tail. 
 
Now that we know what a beavertail is, I’m sure you’re questioning how the banks came to these predictions. Short answer: they gain insight from a wide scope of information sources and make a prediction based on that. There is a multitude of data out there, and many financial institutions have their own method of analysis. None of these are full proof though, so it’s worth considering a few AUD to CAD forecasts for a well-rounded view on when to purchase your travel money. 
 
If you wanted a thorough understanding of the metrics behind the predictions, I would recommend you enrol in a university economics degree because that shiz is bananas. Alternatively, if you are just after a baseline understanding, we have thrown together a traveller friendly guide. At its core, you just need to get a solid understanding of the relationship between macroeconomic fundamentals and exchange rates. 
 

Get started with a few key definitions.

Appreciation: When the value of one currency increases relative to another. E.g. If the AUD went from 0.91CAD to 0.94CAD it has appreciated (this means more beavertail - yay stomach but RIP diet).  
 
Depreciation: Surprise surprise, this is when the value of a currency decreases relative to another. E.g. If the AUD went from 0.94 CAD to 0.91 CAD (less beavertail and probably more abs). 
 
Higher valued currency: cheaper imports (no more abandoning that online shopping cart), more expensive exports and extra spending money on the Canadian slopes. 
 
Lower valued currency: more expensive imports, cheaper exports (more Canadian’s wearing UGG boots) and less cash for your road trip through The Rockies. 
 
Inflation: The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising and, in turn, a currency’s purchasing power is falling. In other words, $40 back in the day used to get our grandparents dinner, dessert and a cheeky beverage or two. Now it only pays for the ice in our drink and the patronising stare of the retail assistant as we transfer more funds into our internet banking account. 
 
Economic growth: The increase in an economy’s capacity to produce goods and services. Growth is generally good, but we don’t want it to be too fast. Good growth is like seeing a moose up close and posting a seriously epic picture on Facebook. Bad growth is like having the moose ram you in the snow and ending up on local Canadian news. 
 

Now, take a look at these bad boys. 


It’s important to keep in mind that, as mentioned above, AUD to CAD exchange rates are influenced by a multitude of factors. Ultimately, they sum up the supply and demand of a currency in an easy to measure metric. 
 
Actual demand is driven by people’s perception of a currency’s value, and this perception alone is influenced by economics, politics and the media (to name just a few). 
 
You also need to remember that the changes are relative to the other country in which the currency is being compared to.  All elements interact and influence each other separately, so they must be considered all together and aligned with both countries to get a truly holistic view
With this in mind, it is wise to keep an eye on what’s going on in both Canadian and global politics when looking at AUD to CAD predictions.  A trade agreement, change in leadership or scandal can lead to a media frenzy that causes the public to potentially gain or lose trust in the economy and, potentially, put pressure on the USD. 
More trust = more people willing to invest in country = greater demand for currency = appreciation
Less trust = less foreign capital invested into country = decreased demand for currency = depreciation
 
From a travellers perspective, we don’t have a great deal of control over how the AUD will perform against the CAD. However, a little bit of knowledge and pre-planning can leave you with some more spending money in your back pocket. Better yet? Sign up for currency alerts and let us do the hard work for you. 
 
Don’t stress about missing out on a better rate after purchase either! Attach Rate Move Guarantee in store and we will refund you the difference should the rate change within 14 days. Talk about supersizing your deal! 
 
 
*Prices are approximations based of the difference between mean estimates for AUD to CAD in Q2 2020 and Q3 2020. Keep in mind prices may vary across states and individual vendors. Cost and quantity estimations should be used as a guide only. This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.  You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.  While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate, or is appropriate for you.  We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog.