Strong US Data Fuels Fed Hike Bets (10.30.2026)
Strong US economic growth and persistent inflation reinforced expectations for another Federal Reserve rate hike in December, keeping precious metals under pressure. Softer yields and easing geopolitical tensions shaped global market sentiment.The ECB has left the possibility of a December rate increase open as higher energy costs threaten to push inflation further above target. In Japan, the BOJ held rates at 1.25%, but its acknowledgment that underlying inflation has reached 2% strengthened expectations of another hike. One board member voted for an immediate increase, while renewed demand for Japanese bonds added support to the yen.
The US economy expanded by an annualized 3.4% in the third quarter, exceeding forecasts of 3.2%, while September PCE inflation reached 3.6% annually. Despite holding rates unchanged, the Federal Reserve faces persistent price pressures supported by resilient consumer spending. Markets assign roughly a 75% probability to a December hike, keeping the dollar's interest rate advantage in focus.
Brent crude approached four-year highs above $112 as concerns over renewed US strikes on Iran and continued tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz threatened energy supplies. Diplomatic contact between Washington and Tehran offers some prospect of progress, but military tensions continue to support prices. Regional oil exports have nevertheless recovered to near prewar levels, limiting the impact of shipping disruptions.
Economic Calendar

EUR/USD Extends Recovery Above 1.1200

EUR/USD extended its recovery from multi-month lows around 1.1100 for a third session, crossing above 1.1200 during Friday's Asian trading. Sterling and euro sentiment were buoyed as the ECB signaled potential December rate increases to tackle energy-driven inflation.
Softening US Treasury yields and Middle East diplomatic hopes weighed on the dollar, though strong 3.4% annualized US Q3 growth preserves a 75% probability of a December Fed hike. Strait of Hormuz energy risks continue to limit pair gains ahead of Eurozone GDP and unemployment data.
The first resistance is positioned at 1.1220 while the support starts from 1.1150.
Gold Drops Below $4,000 Mark

Gold slipped below $4,000 per ounce on Friday, continuing its decline as persistent inflation and strong economic growth reinforced expectations for a Federal Reserve rate increase later this year. The US PCE price index expanded 0.5% in September, pushing annual inflation to 3.6%, while third-quarter GDP grew at an annualized 3.4% rate.
Although the Fed kept interest rates unchanged ahead of upcoming midterm elections, futures markets still price in roughly a 75% probability of a December rate hike. Gold faces a 4% monthly decline for October.
First resistance is seen at $4060, with initial support near $3950.
Yen Gains Toward 157 per Dollar

The Japanese yen strengthened toward 157 per dollar on Friday, rising for a third consecutive session after the Bank of Japan held rates at 1.25%. BOJ officials indicated underlying inflation has met its 2% target, clearing a path for a December rate increase.
Notably, board member Hajime Taka dissented, advocating an immediate hike to 1.5%. Safe-haven flows further supported the yen following weak tech earnings, while global asset managers returned to Japanese bonds attracted by improving yields and domestic growth dynamics.
First resistance is seen at 158.10, with initial support near 156.70.
GBP/USD Hits 1.3400; BOE Hikes Loom

GBP/USD extended its rally into a third day during Friday's Asian session, climbing to approximately 1.3400. Sterling is strengthened by the market's conviction that the Bank of England will deliver a 25-basis-point rate hike next week, with another following in February. In a parallel move, Chancellor Healey introduced tax increases for banks, savers, and landlords to mitigate high energy prices.
Meanwhile, rising optimism about peace in the Middle East has curbed US dollar safe-haven demand, with the probability of a December Fed rate hike falling from 84% to 75%.
From a technical view, resistance stands near 1.3420, with support around 1.3330.
Silver Falls Toward $51 Level

Silver dropped toward $51 per ounce on Friday, marking its lowest level since November 2025 as sticky inflation and strong US economic growth supported rate hike expectations. The September US PCE price index rose 0.5%, raising annual inflation to 3.6%, while third-quarter GDP expanded at an annualized 3.4% rate.
Although the Fed held rates steady ahead of upcoming midterm elections, CME FedWatch tools signal a 75% chance of a December hike. Silver now faces an approximate 15% drop for October, marking a second consecutive monthly decline.
From a technical view, resistance stands near $53.20, while support is located around $50.50.
Bitcoin (BTC/USD)

Bitcoin traded near $77,467, slipping 0.43% from the previous session. The cryptocurrency has lost 8.70% over the past four weeks, extending its annual decline to 29.29%.
Trading Economics forecasts a recovery toward $81,901 by the end of the quarter, followed by $90,304 over the next twelve months. These projections suggest potential upside from current prices, although Bitcoin's recent performance reflects continued selling pressure.
Initial resistance sits near 79,000, with support around 76,300.
Brent Oil

Brent crude climbed above $112 a barrel, approaching four-year highs following reports that a senior US commander had presented Trump with military options against Iran. Trump has repeatedly warned that strikes could resume after next week’s midterm elections, keeping concerns over regional oil supplies firmly in place.
Diplomatic efforts are continuing, with Iranian officials confirming that Vice President JD Vance sent a letter seeking to restart peace talks. Brent has gained more than 10% in October as the US-Iran conflict, Saudi-Houthi clashes and tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz threaten shipping routes. Nevertheless, regional crude exports have recovered to near prewar levels as producers continue moving cargoes through the strait.
Resistance is seen at 114.00, while the nearest support stands at 110.20.
Nasdaq 100

The US100 fell 1.38% to 28,850, bringing its four-week decline to 5.36%. Despite the recent pullback, the index remains 11.64% higher than a year earlier.
Concerns over AI investment costs and disappointing technology earnings have weighed on sentiment, while expectations of a December Fed rate hike add pressure to growth-oriented stocks. Trading Economics projects the index at 28,344 by the end of the quarter and 26,579 over the next twelve months.
Resistance stands at 29.100, while the nearest support is located at 28,600.
Offshore Chinese Yuan

USD/CNH traded near 6.6550 as the Chinese yuan kept gaining against the dollar. The currency has appreciated 0.22% over the past week, 0.80% over the past month and approximately 4.6% since the beginning of the year.
The People's Bank of China set its daily USD/CNY reference rate at 6.7138, compared with 6.7147 previously, marking a third consecutive firmer fixing. Lower US Treasury yields and diplomatic developments in the Middle East have helped weaken the dollar, although strong US economic data and expectations of a December Fed hike could slow the yuan's advance.
The first resistance stands at 6.6700, while support begins at 6.6500.
















































































