By MarketsFarm
WINNIPEG, Dec. 21 (MarketsFarm) – The Canadian dollar was weaker on Monday morning, following crude oil and global stock indices.
At 8:45 CST Monday morning the Canadian dollar was at US$0.7778 or US$1=C$1.2856, which compares with Friday’s North American close of US$0.7828 or US$1=C$1.2775.
The crude oil-sensitive currency was lower following announcements of governments around the world banning travellers from the United Kingdom, where a mutation of the COVID-19 virus has been identified. Crude oil prices fell by over four per cent following the announcement. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was down UC$2.21 at US$46.89 per barrel. Brent Crude lost US$2.21 to trade at US$50.05.
Global stock indices were also lower to start the week. Ontario is expected to announce more stringent lockdown measures today, as the number of COVID-19 patients requiring intensive care continues to rise. The TSX was down 161.76 points at 8:50 CST to trade at 17,371.00 points.
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