Nasdaq Soars to Record Despite Hawkish Fed; Gold Reverses

(By ATFX Analyst Team)

 

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. equities registered significant gains on Monday, supported by declines in both Treasury yields and crude oil prices, which collectively enhanced risk sentiment prior to the anticipated summit between Chinese and U.S. leaders.
  • The Nasdaq Composite Index concluded at a new record high.
  • Conversely, gold prices were pressured as the U.S. dollar appreciated, following further hawkish commentary from Federal Reserve officials.

Today’s focus: Eurozone September Consumer Confidence (Preliminary) is projected to remain in negative territory, underscoring persistent caution regarding energy costs and labor market dynamics.

U.S. September Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index (Forecast: 4 | Previous: 5): A weaker print would reinforce prevailing indications of persistent manufacturing sector softness within a sustained higher interest rate environment.

 

Global Market Review 22/09/2026

  • U.S. equity markets advanced, with the Nasdaq achieving a record close.
  • The yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury note declined, whereas the U.S. Dollar Index appreciated by 0.13%.
  • Spot gold decreased by 0.8%, driven by market expectations of continued Federal Reserve tightening and prevailing hawkish central bank rhetoric, which bolstered the dollar.
  • WTI crude oil prices fell by over 3%, as market participants monitored diplomatic developments related to Middle East tensions during the United Nations General Assembly.

 

Key Events Today:

Japan Holiday

Time (GMT+8)EventImportance
11:10RBA Governor Michele Bullock Speaks***
22:00EU Consumer Confidence Flash SEP**
22:00US Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index SEP**

[ATFX] September 23 Key Data & Events to Watch (GMT+8)

Japan Holiday

NYMEX October Crude Contract Expiry

Time (GMT+8)EventImportance
04:30API Crude Oil Stock Change***
07:00AU Manufacturing & Services & Composite PMI Flash SEP**
15:30EU GERMANY Manufacturing & Services & Composite PMI Flash SEP**
16:00EU Manufacturing & Services & Composite PMI Flash SEP**
16:30UK Manufacturing & Services & Composite PMI Flash SEP**
21:45US Manufacturing & Services & Composite Flash SEP**
22:30EIA Crude Oil Stocks Change**

 

Markets Analysis 22/09/2026

EURUSD on 22 September 2026: resistance 1.1488/1.1512, support 1.1434/1.1411, with a Range Trading bias.

  • Resistance: 1.1488 / 1.1512
  • Support: 1.1434 / 1.1411

The euro depreciated against the U.S. dollar in response to renewed hawkish rhetoric from the Federal Reserve, while lingering political uncertainty in Germany further constrained investor sentiment.

Analyst View: EUR/USD remains confined to a narrow consolidation range near recent lows. As long as the pair stays below 1.1500, downside pressure is likely to persist.

Bias: Range Trading

 

GBPUSD on 22 September 2026: resistance 1.3407/1.3435, support 1.3342/1.3314, with a Range Trading bias.

  • Resistance: 1.3407 / 1.3435
  • Support: 1.3342 / 1.3314

The British pound exhibited range-bound trading dynamics, briefly testing the 1.3400 level before retracting in the context of broad-based U.S. dollar strength.

Analyst View: With limited domestic catalysts from the UK, GBP/USD is expected to continue consolidating within its current lower trading range.

Bias: Range Trading

 

USDJPY on 22 September 2026: resistance 158.26/158.70, support 156.76/156.19, with a Short-Term Bullish bias.

  • Resistance: 158.26 / 158.70
  • Support: 156.76 / 156.19

USD/JPY advanced for the fifth session out of six, reaching its highest level since September 3, thereby reigniting concerns regarding potential currency market intervention.

Analyst View: Momentum has improved following a break above the 20-day moving average, with scope for a move beyond 158.00.

Bias: Short-Term Bullish

 

US Crude Oil Futures (OCT) on 22 September 2026: resistance 95.61/97.74, support 88.71/86.61, with a Bearish bias.

  • Resistance: 95.61 / 97.74
  • Support: 88.71 / 86.61

Crude oil prices extended their declines, reaching their lowest level since September 8, as market optimism increased regarding the potential for diplomatic initiatives at the United Nations to facilitate de-escalation of Middle East tensions.

Analyst View: News of ongoing diplomatic engagement in the region is likely to remain a bearish influence on crude prices. Price break below key moving-average support leaves prices vulnerable to a further test of the $90 area.

Bias: Bearish

 

Spot Gold (XAU/USD) on 22 September 2026: resistance 4405/4438, support 4300/4267, with a Range Trading bias.

  • Resistance: 4405 / 4438
  • Support: 4300 / 4267

 

Spot Silver (XAG/USD) on 22 September 2026: resistance 67.43/68.32, support 65.31/64.60, with a Range Trading bias.

  • Resistance: 67.43 / 68.32
  • Support: 65.31 / 64.60

Gold prices declined in the latest session as further Federal Reserve officials signaled support for additional interest rate increases, thereby reinforcing market expectations for a sustained period of tighter monetary policy.

Analyst View: Gold surrendered the previous session’s gains but held above its 10-day moving average. Immediate resistance remains near the 20-day moving average around $4,390.

Bias: Range Trading

 

Dow Jones Futures on 22 September 2026: resistance 52,397/52,776, support 51,551/51,179, with a Short-Term Bullish bias.

  • Resistance: 52,397 / 52,776
  • Support: 51,551 / 51,179

U.S. equity markets experienced a broad-based rally, driven primarily by advances in technology and artificial intelligence sectors, with additional support from declining yields and oil prices.

Analyst View: A break above the 10-day moving average would strengthen the near-term recovery outlook and expose resistance above 52,400.

Bias: Short-Term Bullish

 

NASDAQ 100 on 22 September 2026: resistance 30,826/30,996, support 30,248/30,026, with a Short-Term Bullish bias.

  • Resistance: 30,826 / 30,996
  • Support: 30,248 / 30,026

The Nasdaq Composite Index attained a record close, propelled by gains in AMD and other leading artificial intelligence–related equities, while semiconductor stocks demonstrated notable outperformance.

Analyst View: Optimism surrounding potential AI-related discussions between U.S. and Chinese leaders remains supportive. Momentum remains constructive above recent highs.

Bias: Short-Term Bullish

 

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) on 22 September 2026: resistance 86,862/87,734, support 84,041/83,155, with a Short-Term Bullish bias.

  • Resistance: 86,862 / 87,734
  • Support: 84,041 / 83,155

Bitcoin advanced to its highest level since January, supported by substantial capital rotation into higher-risk assets amid declining U.S. Treasury yields. Additionally, moderating oil prices contributed to easing broader inflationary pressures.

Analyst View: The broader trend remains positive, although some profit-taking may emerge ahead of the key psychological resistance at $90,000.

Bias: Short-Term Bullish

Enjoy trading! The content is for reference only. Please ensure that you understand the risk.

About the author

 

Martin Lam is ATFX Chief Analyst for Asia Pacific, with over 20 years of experience in global forex and investment markets. He holds a degree in Finance and Economics from Deakin University and has held senior roles at leading FX brokerage firms.

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