June 18, 2026
FOMC: Hawkish Dot Plot Sends Dollar Higher
The Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged at 3.50-3.75%, but the dot plot turned hawkish. 9 of 18 officials expect at least one rate hike this year. End-2026 median rate projection rose to 3.8% from 3.4% in March. DXY surged above 100.20 and held near 100.49.
Gold – Under Pressure from Strong Dollar
Gold retreated to $4,250/oz after a four‑day winning streak. Resistance at $4,369 and $4,400, support at $4,219 and $4,200. A hawkish Fed and rising yields continue to weigh on bullion.
Oil – Extending Losses on Supply Hopes
WTI crude traded near $75.20, near three‑month lows. The US‑Iran peace agreement and potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz have reduced geopolitical risk. Support at $74-$73, resistance at $80-$81.26.
ASX200 – Approaching 9,000
The ASX200 rose 0.5% to 8,966, its highest in two months. Gold miners (Regis +6.1%) and tech led gains, while energy fell (Karoon -13.4%). RBA held rates at 4.35% as expected.
Key Events Today
BoE Rate Decision (expected to hold at 3.75%)
US-Iran peace agreement signing (Switzerland)
Trading Takeaways
Dollar: Bullish above 100.00. Resistance at 100.64-101.00.
Gold: Bearish below $4,400. Support at $4,200.
Oil: Bearish below $80. Watch for supply news.
FOMC: Hawkish Dot Plot Sends Dollar Higher
The Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged at 3.50-3.75%, but the dot plot turned hawkish. 9 of 18 officials expect at least one rate hike this year. End-2026 median rate projection rose to 3.8% from 3.4% in March. DXY surged above 100.20 and held near 100.49.
Gold – Under Pressure from Strong Dollar
Gold retreated to $4,250/oz after a four‑day winning streak. Resistance at $4,369 and $4,400, support at $4,219 and $4,200. A hawkish Fed and rising yields continue to weigh on bullion.
Oil – Extending Losses on Supply Hopes
WTI crude traded near $75.20, near three‑month lows. The US‑Iran peace agreement and potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz have reduced geopolitical risk. Support at $74-$73, resistance at $80-$81.26.
ASX200 – Approaching 9,000
The ASX200 rose 0.5% to 8,966, its highest in two months. Gold miners (Regis +6.1%) and tech led gains, while energy fell (Karoon -13.4%). RBA held rates at 4.35% as expected.
Key Events Today
BoE Rate Decision (expected to hold at 3.75%)
US-Iran peace agreement signing (Switzerland)
Trading Takeaways
Dollar: Bullish above 100.00. Resistance at 100.64-101.00.
Gold: Bearish below $4,400. Support at $4,200.
Oil: Bearish below $80. Watch for supply news.
