18.03.2026 10:40
Gold prices are under pressure due to a strong dollar and rising interest rate expectations, while markets are focused on the interest rate decision to be announced by the FED to determine their direction. Analysts point out that if the FED adopts a "hawkish" stance, selling pressure on gold prices may increase.
As the effects of the war in the Middle East are closely monitored in global markets, there continues to be limited selling pressure on gold prices. Despite the rise in energy prices, high inflation and interest rate concerns are putting pressure on gold.
SPOT GOLD BELOW 5,000 DOLLARS
Spot gold has been trading near the 5,000 dollar level for days, and as of the morning of March 18, 2026, it is trading around 4,995 dollars. These levels indicate that investors are maintaining a cautious stance.
GRAM GOLD STARTED THE DAY AT 7,100 TL
Domestically, the price of gram gold started the day at 7,100 TL, while physical gold is being sold at 7,290 TL in the Grand Bazaar. Prices in the domestic market continue to follow the global spot movement.
EYES ON THE FED INTEREST RATE DECISION
The focus of the markets is on the interest rate decision to be announced by the U.S. Federal Reserve (FED) this evening. While the interest rate is expected to be kept stable in the range of 3.50%-3.75%, the statements of FED Chairman Jerome Powell are of critical importance. Analysts point out that if the FED adopts a "hawkish" stance, selling pressure on gold prices may increase.
DOLLAR AND BOND YIELDS PRESSURING GOLD
The rising demand for dollars due to increasing commodity prices and the rise in U.S. bond yields are creating pressure on gold. These developments are among the factors supporting gold's weak outlook.
INTEREST RATE EXPECTATIONS HAVE TURNED AROUND
At the beginning of the year, a rate cut was expected from the FED, but recent data has shown that expectations have turned around. The probability of a rate hike in the next three months has risen to 25%, while the expectation for a rate cut remains at 20%. This scenario indicates that uncertainty in the markets has increased and that FED policies will be decisive for the direction of gold prices.