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How to Trade USD/CAD on the Monthly Chart

Everything you need to know about trading USD/CAD on MN — when it works, when it doesn't, and how to size your risk for this specific combination.

Reviewed by the Candleread desk · Updated 2026-04-09

The short answer

USD/CAD on the MN (Monthly) timeframe is best suited for position traders. USD/CAD has an average daily range of 70 pips and a typical spread of 1.2 pips. The best session for this pair is the New York session (8 AM – 5 PM ET), where liquidity peaks and spreads tighten. On MN, each candle represents 43200 minutes of price action, producing about 0.033 candles per day.

Why USD/CAD on MN?

US dollar vs Canadian dollar. Known as 'Loonie.' Heavily correlated with crude oil prices. Moves on WTI crude, BoC policy, and US–Canada trade flows. The Canada employment report (first Friday of the month, same day as US NFP) creates double volatility. On the Monthly timeframe: One candle per month. For yearly trend analysis and macro positioning. Almost no one trades on this timeframe — it's for context, not entries. Fund managers, macro analysts, and traders setting yearly directional bias. Typical hold time: 3-12 months.

USD/CAD Key Stats

Here are the numbers that matter when trading USD/CAD on MN:

  • •Category: major pair
  • •Typical spread: 1.2 pips
  • •Average daily range: 70 pips
  • •Best session: New York session (8 AM – 5 PM ET)
  • •Timeframe: MN (Monthly) — position
  • •Candles per day: 0.033

The Monthly Timeframe Explained

One candle per month. For yearly trend analysis and macro positioning. Almost no one trades on this timeframe — it's for context, not entries. Monthly levels represent years of accumulated order flow. A break of a monthly level is a major structural shift. Used to identify the 'big picture' before zooming into lower timeframes.

How to Set Up a USD/CAD MN Trade

  1. 1

    Check the higher timeframe trend

    Before entering on MN, check the next timeframe up for the trend direction. If you're trading MN, look at the W1 chart for bias.

  2. 2

    Identify key levels

    Mark support and resistance on the MN chart for USD/CAD. Given the 70-pip average range, expect levels spaced 23–35 pips apart.

  3. 3

    Wait for your setup

    Whether you're trading breakouts, pullbacks, or bounces — wait for the setup, don't chase. On MN, patience means waiting for the right candle pattern at the right level.

  4. 4

    Size your position

    Use the position size calculator. Risk 1% of your account. With a typical stop of 28 pips on USD/CAD MN, that determines your lot size.

  5. 5

    Manage the trade

    On MN, check the trade every once per day. Move stop to breakeven after 1R of profit. Let winners run to 2–3R.

When NOT to Trade This Combination

Avoid USD/CAD on MN during the wrong session — USD/CAD's best session is New York session (8 AM – 5 PM ET) and trading outside that window means wider spreads and lower volume. Also avoid right before and during high-impact news releases unless you specifically have a news-trading strategy. On MN, a single news candle can blow through your stop and target in seconds.

Key takeaways

  • ✓USD/CAD on MN is a position setup with 70-pip average daily range
  • ✓Best session: New York session (8 AM – 5 PM ET)
  • ✓Always check the higher timeframe for trend direction before entering on MN
  • ✓Size positions using the 1% rule — calculator says the lot size, not your gut
  • ✓Spread of 1.2 pips matters more on shorter timeframes — factor it into your stop

Frequently asked

What is the best timeframe to trade USD/CAD?+
It depends on your style. Scalpers use M5–M15, day traders use M15–H1, and swing traders use H4–D1. USD/CAD has enough liquidity and tight enough spreads for all timeframes. The MN (Monthly) timeframe is best for position traders.
What is the average spread on USD/CAD?+
On a good ECN broker, USD/CAD typically has a spread of 1.2 pips. During New York session (8 AM – 5 PM ET), spreads tighten further. During low-liquidity periods (Asian session for majors, holidays), spreads can widen 2–3x.
How many pips does USD/CAD move per day?+
USD/CAD averages about 70 pips per day. This is the Average Daily Range (ADR). On high-impact news days (NFP, CPI, central bank decisions), the range can be 1.5–2x normal.
Is USD/CAD good for beginners?+
Yes. USD/CAD is one of the best pairs for beginners because of its tight spreads, deep liquidity, and predictable behavior during major sessions. Start on the MN timeframe.

Keep reading

Trade AUD/USD on MN

Trade EUR/CAD on MN

Trade GBP/CAD on MN

USD/CAD on other timeframes

Position size calculator

Pip value calculator