Gold set for third weekly fall on hawkish US Fed, elevated dollar
Bullion has lost over 6 per cent so far this week.
Published Fri, Mar 20, 2026 · 12:32 PM
Gold prices rose on Friday on technical buying, but were headed for a third consecutive weekly decline, pressured by a firm US dollar and as a hawkish US Federal Reserve dampened hopes for near-term interest rate cuts.
Spot gold rose 1.1 per cent to US$4,700.97 per ounce as of 0257 GMT, rebounding from a near two-month low hit in the previous session.
US gold futures for April delivery rose 2.1 per cent to US$4,701.30.
“Gold held some important technical supports in the weekly time frame and gold may see a recovery to the level where it broke down, around US$4,800,” said Nicholas Frappell, global head of institutional markets at ABC Refinery.
However, bullion has lost over 6 per cent so far this week. Spot gold has fallen more than 10 per cent since the US-Israeli strike on Iran on Feb 28.
The dollar has emerged as one of the clearest “safe-haven” winners, strengthening over 2 per cent so far this month. Meanwhile, the Fed kept rates steady on Wednesday, echoing major developed market central banks, and indicated that inflation could rise.
Navigate Asia in
a new global order
Get the insights delivered to your inbox.
Interest rate futures show traders see little chance of a Fed reduction this year, according to the CME’s FedWatch tool.
Gold is considered an inflation hedge, but high interest rates weigh on it by making yield-bearing assets more attractive, while a stronger dollar makes the bullion more expensive for holders of other currencies.
“After notable underperformance during the Middle East conflict, participants were poised to sell rather than buy gold and were listening out for a reason to confirm their sentiments,” Frappell said.
Oil prices stayed above US$105 a barrel after touching US$119 on Thursday, as Iran attacked energy targets overnight in the Middle East, following Israel’s attacks on Iranian natural gas facilities.
US President Donald Trump has told Israel not to repeat its strikes, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent saying the US may soon remove sanctions from Iranian oil stranded on tankers. A further release of crude from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve was possible, Bessent said.
Spot silver gained 1.5 per cent to US$73.91 per ounce. Spot platinum rose 1.9 per cent at US$2,008.85 and palladium added 1.2 per cent to US$1,463.75. REUTERS
Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.
