(By ATFX Analyst Team)
Key Takeaways
The Bank of Japan raised interest rates by 25 bps to 1.25%, a new 31-year high, to curb rising prices, as expected. Investors will scrutinize Governor Kazuo Ueda’s press conference for forward guidance on policy normalization and commentary regarding recent currency fluctuations. |
Global Market Review 18/09/2026
- U.S. equities rallied as Treasury yields declined and the U.S. Dollar Index remained broadly stable.
- Gold appreciated nearly 2%, rebounding from a six-week low amid improved sentiment driven by lower oil prices and a softer dollar.
- Crude oil prices extended losses as concerns over Middle East supply disruptions eased and reports suggested potential increases in Saudi oil supply.
Key Events Today:
| Time (GMT+8) | Event | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 | BoJ Interest Rate Decision | *** |
| 14:00 | EU GERMANY PPI AUG | ** |
| 14:00 | GB Retail Sales AUG | ** |
| 14:30 | BOJ Press Conference | *** |
| 18:30 | ECB President Lagarde Speech | *** |
| 21:15 | US Industrial Production AUG | ** |
| 21:15 | US Manufacturing Production AUG | ** |
| 22:00 | US CB Leading Index AUG | ** |
Key Data and Events Coming Week (GMT+8)
Monday: CN Loan Prime Rate, Japan Holiday
Tuesday: EU Consumer Confidence, US Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index
Wednesday: API/EIA Crude Oil Stock Change, AU/JP/EU/GB/US Manufacturing & Services & Composite PMI, NYMEX October Crude Contract Expiry
Thursday: JP Manufacturing & Services & Composite PMI, AU Unemployment Rate, SNB Interest Rate Decision, GERMANY Ifo Business Climate, US Initial Jobless Claims & Building Permits & New Home Sales & Kansas Fed Manufacturing Index
Friday: US Durable Goods Orders & Michigan Consumer Sentiment
Markets Analysis 18/09/2026
- Resistance: 1.1502 / 1.1512
- Support: 1.1458 / 1.1445
The euro staged a modest recovery from late-July lows, supported by lower U.S. Treasury yields and softer oil prices. Eurozone inflation remained elevated, with final August CPI holding at 3.2% YoY.
Analyst View: EUR/USD briefly tested 1.1500 but failed to sustain gains. The pair remains confined to a near-term consolidation range.
Bias: Consolidating at lows
- Resistance: 1.3397 / 1.3427
- Support: 1.3326 / 1.3303
The Bank of England maintained its policy rate, as widely anticipated, and reiterated a cautious outlook on inflation risks and evolving geopolitical developments.
Analyst View: Sterling remains near its lowest level since late July. Selling pressure has eased, suggesting room for consolidation after the recent decline.
Bias: Consolidating at lows
- Resistance: 157.70 / 158.28
- Support: 156.20 / 155.75
The Japanese yen depreciated in response to the Bank of Japan’s widely anticipated rate hike to 1.25%. Market participants are now focused on Governor Ueda’s press conference.
Analyst View: USD/JPY advanced further in the wake of the Bank of Japan’s policy announcement, reaching its highest level since September 3 and testing the 157.00 threshold. Attention now turns to subsequent resistance at 157.70 and 158.28.
Bias: Near-term Bullish
- Resistance: 99.90 / 102.52
- Support: 93.53 / 91.44
Oil prices continued to decline as concerns regarding supply disruptions moderated, though geopolitical risks related to Iran persist as a key uncertainty.
Analyst View: Prices have fallen back into the zone between the 10-day and 20-day moving averages, suggesting near-term consolidation.
Bias: Corrective Pullback
- Resistance: 4397 / 4424
- Support: 4316 / 4283
- Resistance: 66.73 / 67.44
- Support: 64.59 / 63.70
Gold recovered from a six-week low as diminishing inflation concerns and declining Treasury yields increased investor demand.
Analyst View: Gold is testing resistance above its 10-day moving average. A confirmed break higher could reinforce momentum toward the $4,400 area.
Bias: Short-term Bullish
- Resistance: 52,036 / 52,407
- Support: 51,564 / 51,194
The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended its losing streak, underpinned by advances in technology, utilities, and basic materials sectors.
Analyst View: Further acceptance above 52,000 would strengthen the recovery outlook and improve upside momentum.
Bias: Moderately Bullish
- Resistance: 29,589 / 29,735
- Support: 29,243 / 29,127
Technology and artificial intelligence-related equities led gains, enabling the Nasdaq to outperform other major U.S. indices.
Analyst View: The index has reclaimed key moving-average resistance levels. Sustained strength could open the door for a retest of last week’s highs.
Bias: Moderately Bullish
- Resistance: 77,841 / 78,552
- Support: 75,550 / 74,827
Bitcoin advanced, extending its recovery following a sharp decline associated with setbacks in U.S. cryptocurrency legislation.
Analyst View: BTC/USD is testing resistance at the 10-day moving average. A break above $77,000 would support a stronger recovery, while failure could leave prices range-bound near recent lows.
Bias: Mildly Bullish
Enjoy trading! The content is for reference only. Please ensure that you understand the risk.
