Markets were mixed as higher-for-longer U.S. rate expectations and a stronger dollar pressured gold, silver and major currencies, while improving Gulf supply prospects and hopes for U.S.-Iran talks pushed oil lower. Technology shares remained resilient, keeping broader equity volatility subdued.
Today's Snapshot
- Dow Jones: 51,863.69 (-0.36%)
- Nasdaq Composite: 27,244.28 (+0.45%)
- S&P 500: 7,764.64 (0.00%)
- Gold: $4,335.19/oz (-0.54%)
- Silver: $66.27/oz (-1.09%)
- Brent Crude: $98.28/bbl (-0.98%)
Note: Data and market levels are as of 05:30 UTC, September 23, 2026, and remain subject to live market fluctuations.
Global Markets
(A) Precious Metals
Gold: $4,335.19/oz (-0.54%)
Gold fell 0.54% to $4,335.19/oz as higher-for-longer U.S. rate expectations and a dollar near two-month highs reduced demand for non-yielding bullion. Comments supporting tighter policy also kept pressure on gold.
Silver: $66.27/oz (-1.09%)
Silver dropped 1.09% to $66.27/oz as a stronger dollar and expectations for elevated interest rates weighed on precious metals. The decline largely followed the broader weakness in the metals market.
(B) Energy
Brent Crude: $98.28/bbl (-0.98%)
Brent fell 0.98% to $98.28/bbl as improving Gulf supply prospects, higher Iraqi exports and hopes for U.S.-Iran talks reduced supply concerns. U.S. crude inventories also rose by 1.8 million barrels, adding pressure on prices.
(C) FX
DXY: 100.71 (+0.11%)
The dollar index rose 0.11% to 100.71, staying near a two-month high as expectations of further U.S. rate hikes supported the dollar.
USD/JPY: 157.63 (+0.11%)
USD/JPY gained 0.11% to 157.63 as the wide U.S.-Japan yield gap continued to pressure the yen.
EUR/USD: 1.1447 (-0.01%)
EUR/USD slipped 0.01% to 1.1447 as dollar strength and higher U.S. rate expectations limited euro demand.
GBP/USD: 1.3325 (-0.14%)
GBP/USD fell 0.14% to 1.3325 as a firmer dollar and shifting rate expectations weighed on sterling.
AUD/USD: 0.7116 (+0.06%)
AUD/USD rose 0.06% to 0.7116 as expectations of another Australian rate hike supported the currency. Michele Bullock said upside inflation risks may be materialising.
NZD/USD: 0.5708 (-0.28%)
NZD/USD dropped 0.28% to 0.5708 as broad dollar strength outweighed expectations for further New Zealand tightening.
High-Impact Economic Events
| Country | Release | Forecast | Previous | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | French Flash Manufacturing PMI | 50.9 | 51.1 | 7:15 AM (GMT+02:00) |
| France | French Flash Services PMI | 48.3 | 48.0 | 7:15 AM (GMT+02:00) |
| Germany | German Flash Manufacturing PMI | 54.1 | 54.3 | 7:30 AM (GMT+02:00) |
| Germany | German Flash Services PMI | 49.9 | 49.7 | 7:30 AM (GMT+02:00) |
| United Kingdom | Flash Manufacturing PMI | 51.5 | 51.7 | 8:30 AM (GMT+01:00) |
| United Kingdom | Flash Services PMI | 52.0 | 52.5 | 8:30 AM (GMT+01:00) |
Note: These economic events are for informational purposes only. Please conduct your own research before making any market decisions.
Volatility
The VIX stands at 14.21, showing subdued market volatility as strength in technology stocks and easing oil-supply concerns supported risk appetite.
What Markets Are Watching
1. Flash PMI Data & Central-Bank Policy
Markets are watching September Flash PMI releases from Europe, the UK and the U.S. for evidence on whether economic activity is holding up despite tighter monetary conditions. Strong activity or persistent pricing pressures could reinforce expectations that interest rates remain elevated.
2. Gulf Oil Supply & U.S.-Iran Talks
Attention remains on developments surrounding Saudi oil flows, the Strait of Hormuz and diplomatic discussions involving the U.S. and Iran. Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline has restarted, Iraq is increasing exports, and hopes for negotiations have helped push Brent back below $100.
3. U.S.-China Meeting & AI Trade
Markets are also focused on the upcoming U.S.-China leaders' meeting, with investors watching for developments around the trade truce and cooperation or restrictions affecting artificial intelligence and technology. AI-related optimism has already helped push the Nasdaq to a fresh record.
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Yesterday’s Market News - September 22, 2026
Gold Falls 0.51% to $4,321.69, Silver Drops 0.83% to $65.51 and Brent Rises 1.47% to $97.58
Read full recap →Sources
- 1. Reuters - Asia stocks ride tech wave higher, oil slips again
- 2. Reuters - Morning Bid: A$ gets a bit part as AI steals the show
- 3. Reuters - Gold lacklustre as higher-for-longer rate outlook weighs on sentiment
- 4. Reuters - Oil falls $1 on better supply outlook, hopes for U.S.-Iran talks
- 5. ForexFactory - September 23, 2026 Economic Calendar
Disclaimer
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial guidance, or a solicitation to buy or sell any financial instruments. Market data and figures are subject to change without notice. Data has been taken from sources we believe to be reliable; however, please conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Trading leveraged or complex products carries significant risk; please ensure you understand the risks before trading.
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