The sputtering Canadian dollar was down by more than three quarters of a cent early Friday, trading at 68.87 cents US, its lowest since 2003.

Since the start of the year, the loonie has lost more than three cents against the American dollar.

Traders say much of the downward pressure has come from the falling price of oil — a major Canadian export.

In electronic trading Friday morning, oil was down 82 cents, selling for $30.38 US a barrel, down 18 per cent so far this year.