Tensions Lift Oil and Pressure Metals (10.22.2026)
Brent crude climbed above $110 after a deadly drone attack on Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah field raised fresh concerns about energy supplies. Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure added to the pressure, threatening Moscow’s plans to expand diesel exports.
Higher oil prices revived inflation fears, pushing gold toward $4,100 despite geopolitical uncertainty. The Fed, ECB and BOJ are expected to hold rates steady next week, although a December Fed hike remains possible.
Economic Calendar
EUR/USD Edges Above 1.1200
The euro recorded modest gains above 1.1200, with EUR/USD rising toward 1.1235 during early Asian trading on Thursday. However, broader upside potential remains constrained as widespread anti-government protests in France and ongoing fiscal vulnerabilities continue to generate selling pressure on the shared currency.
Interest rate futures reflect minimal probability of European Central Bank policy tightening at next week's meeting. Market participants are now awaiting scheduled remarks from ECB policymaker Fabio Panetta later today for updated policy guidance.
The first resistance is positioned at 1.1260 while the support starts from 1.1180.
Gold Drops Below $4,100
Gold slipped below $4,100 per ounce on Thursday, reversing previous gains as escalating Middle East conflict pushed crude prices higher and re-ignited inflation concerns. Oil markets rallied following a fatal drone strike on Saudi Aramco's Shaybah field, prompting partial US embassy evacuations.
While the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Bank of Japan are broadly expected to hold rates unchanged next week, persistent energy-driven inflation keeps market expectations aligned with a potential Fed rate increase in December. Higher interest rate expectations continue to weigh on non-yielding precious metals despite their traditional inflation-hedge status.
First resistance is seen at $4140, with initial support near $4070.
Yen Strengthens Slightly Past 158
The Japanese yen strengthened slightly past 158 per dollar on Thursday, remaining within a tight range ahead of next week's Bank of Japan decision. Markets broadly anticipate rates staying steady until December, despite persistent inflation. BOJ Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino reiterated Governor Kazuo Ueda's hawkish stance, highlighting that underlying inflation approaches the 2% target and warning against delayed policy action.
Nevertheless, low domestic rates and persistent interest rate differentials with major economies continue to encourage carry trades, suppressing sustained currency gains.
First resistance is seen at 158.40, with initial support near 157.80.
GBP/USD Consolidates Near 1.3400
GBP/USD consolidated with a positive bias near 1.3400 on Thursday, resting just below multi-week highs. Technically, the pair trades above its 100-day moving average at 1.3389, sandwiched between 38.2% Fibonacci support at 1.3341 and 50% resistance at 1.3404.
This tight range indicates a neutral short-term setup as markets await a directional breakout. An upside push past 1.3404 brings resistance targets at 1.3467, 1.3557, and 1.3672 into view, while a downside break below support highlights 1.3263 and 1.3137 as primary downside risk levels.
From a technical view, resistance stands near 1.3460, with support around 1.3320.
Silver Trades Below $57
Silver traded below $57 per ounce on Thursday, surrendering recent gains as escalating Middle East friction pushed crude prices higher and renewed inflation fears. Oil markets surged following a fatal drone strike on Saudi Aramco's Shaybah facility, leading to partial US embassy evacuations.
Although the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Bank of Japan are broadly projected to maintain interest rates unchanged next week, persistent energy-driven price pressures keep investors aligned with a potential Fed rate increase in December, keeping downward pressure on precious metal prices.
From a technical view, resistance stands near $57.50, while support is located around $56.00.
Brent Crude Oil
Brent climbed above $110, recovering earlier losses after a drone strike on Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah field killed two people. The attack, followed by a US order for some embassy personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia, intensified concerns about regional oil supplies.
In Eastern Europe, Ukrainian drones targeted Russian energy infrastructure, threatening Moscow’s plans to expand diesel exports under the Trump-Putin agreement.
Resistance is seen at 112.00, while the nearest support stands at 108.30.
Bitcoin (BTC/USD)
Bitcoin declined 1.43% to $82,808, reversing part of its recent recovery. The cryptocurrency has lost 1.88% over the past four weeks and 24.73% over the past year.
Trading Economics projects Bitcoin at $83,259 by quarter-end and $91,589 within twelve months, suggesting a more positive longer-term outlook despite recent weakness.
Initial resistance sits near 83,000, with support around 80,500.
Nasdaq 100
The US 100 Tech Index gained 1.13%, rising to 29,484, extending its four-week advance to 3.24%. The index is also 17.48% higher year over year, reflecting sustained strength in technology shares.
Trading Economics forecasts a pullback to 28,572 by quarter-end and 26,801 within a year, pointing to potential downside despite the recent gains.
Resistance stands at 29.650, while the nearest support is located at 29,150.
Offshore Chinese Yuan (USD/CNH)
The offshore yuan traded near 6.67 per dollar, close to its strongest level since June 2022, supported by solid exports and firmer central bank fixings. China’s economy grew 4.5% year over year in the third quarter, recovering from a three-year low and exceeding forecasts despite weak domestic spending.
September exports surged 36.3% to $447.18 billion, beating expectations of 25.5% and recording their fastest growth in seven months, driven partly by global demand for AI infrastructure and Chinese technology products.
The first resistance stands at 6.6850, while support begins at 6.6700.