Date: 19th June 2026.
US Dollar Surges as Hawkish Fed Outlook Pressures Gold and Stocks.
The US Dollar continues to increase in value for a third consecutive day, breaking above key resistance levels. The US Dollar Index has now risen 1.68% this week so far, while other currencies have come under pressure from poor economic data.
The market continues to price in a more hawkish Federal Reserve, including the possibility of a rate adjustment either in July, or at the latest, September. The chances of the Federal Reserve increasing interest rates twice in 2026 are now 70%, significantly higher than previously. Analysts are indicating that Wednesday’s Fed press conference is likely to have a longer-term impact on the market. This includes the US stock market, as well as the US Dollar and Gold.
Gold & Global Metals Decline As Dollar Maintains Bullish Momentum
Gold is decreasing in value for two key reasons. With global tensions easing, investors see a lesser need for safe-haven assets, including Gold. Other safe haven assets such as the Swiss Franc and the Japanese Yen have also come under strain. In addition to this, the US Dollar is becoming more attractive as a yielding asset, which is likely to see higher interest being paid in the upcoming months.
The Federal Reserve’s outlook became more hawkish, with the median forecast for interest rates at the end of the year rising from 3.4% to 3.8%. Half of the Fed’s Board members (nine out of 18) now expect at least one interest rate hike in 2026. Only one member is forecasting a total increase of 0.75%. Meanwhile, 17 of the 18 members believe inflation remains a significant risk.
At his first meeting as chairman, Kevin Warsh chose not to provide his own economic projections. However, during the press conference, he stressed that the Fed is fully committed to bringing inflation back under control. In addition, analysts interpreted the chairman’s remarks as signalling a strong willingness to take whatever measures are necessary to return inflation to the Fed’s 2% target.
For more information on Kevin Warsh’s press conference, read yesterday’s article.
HFM - Gold 30-Minute Chart
On larger timeframes, the price of Gold continues to support a bearish outlook. The price continues to witness clear lower lows and highs, as well as consecutive bearish impulse waves. At the same time, bullish impulse waves seem weak and unable to maintain momentum.
At the same time, the price on smaller timeframes is clearly showing bearish signals, including trading below the 200-bar moving average. In addition to this, the RSI trades at 42.50 and below the VWAP, both indicating a bearish outlook. However, on smaller timeframes, the price has deviated significantly away from the average price, indicating that the price may retrace before continuing downward. Though this will also depend on the US Dollar.
If the US Dollar Index remains above 100.60 on Friday and Monday, Gold may continue to remain under pressure. However, if the price does not increase above today’s highs thereafter, Gold may attempt a bullish breakout.
S&P 500 Declines - How Will The Fed Impact Stocks?
The S&P 500 has understandably come under pressure from the press conference of the new Federal Reserve chairman. However, investors should note that analysts’ outlook for the stock market is not as negative as it is for precious metals.
Precious metals are particularly coming under pressure as they are non-yielding assets whereas the S&P 500 has a dividend yield of 1.08%. In addition to this, the stock market continues to find strong demand for the AI trend and positive economic conditions. This was also reiterated by Mr Warsh at Wednesday’s press conference.
Nonetheless, interest rate hikes and reducing the Fed’s balance sheet can apply pressure to the stock market. For this reason, economists are advising traders to expect both up-and-down volatility. During this morning’s Asian session, the S&P 500 is witnessing a slight bearish outlook for the short term.
HFM - S&P 500 30-Minute Chart
The price of the index is trading below the 200-bar simple moving average and at the day’s VWAP. All global indices are trading lower, and the VIX index has added 2.20%, which indicates risk-off appetite. For this reason, signals indicate that a downward swing is possible. Currently, the price is retracing upward, but if the index falls below $7,476.55, sell signals will strengthen significantly. However, if the price rises above $7,500.00, sell signals will completely fade.
Key Takeaways:
US Dollar Strengthens - The US Dollar Index has gained 1.68% this week. The currency finds support from growing expectations of a more hawkish Federal Reserve.
Market Prices in Higher Rates - Investors now see a strong chance of a Fed rate hike by July or September, with a 70% probability of two rate hikes in 2026.
Gold Remains Under Pressure - Easing geopolitical tensions and a stronger, higher-yielding US Dollar continue to weigh on Gold prices.
Fed Outlook Drives Market Volatility - Chairman Kevin Warsh reinforced the Fed’s commitment to controlling inflation, increasing pressure on Gold and stocks while supporting the US Dollar.
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Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.
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Michalis Efthymiou
HFMarkets
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