USD/CAD steadies near 1.4400 after mixed employment data from both countries

USD/CAD is consolidating around 1.4400 as traders digest contrasting employment figures from Canada and the United States. Canadian employment data showed a modest gain of 15,000 jobs last month, below expectations of 25,000, while the unemployment rate held steady at 6.5%. US non-farm payrolls data revealed stronger-than-expected job growth, but wage growth remained subdued, creating mixed signals for Federal Reserve policy. The pair found support at 1.4380 after testing lower levels earlier in the session. Market focus now shifts to Wednesday's US CPI release, which could provide clearer direction for the dollar. Technical indicators suggest a neutral bias, with resistance at 1.4450 and support at 1.4350. Oil prices at $78 per barrel continue to provide underlying support for the Canadian dollar, limiting USD/CAD upside potential.