Posted at 21 September 2026 / Categories Market Roundups
Market Roundup
• New Zealand Credit Card Spending (YoY) (Aug) 3.5%, 5.3% previous
Looking Ahead Economic Data (GMT)
•08:00 Greek Current Account (YoY) (Jul) -0.603B previous
Looking Ahead Events And Other Releases (GMT)
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Currency Forecast
EUR/USD : The euro dipped against the U.S. dollar on Monday after the Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured first place in a state election in northeastern Germany, delivering a poor result for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative party. ARD projections showed the AfD winning 38.3% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, followed by the SPD with 35.4%. Merz’s conservatives were projected at 4.9%, falling below the threshold for entering the state parliament. The outcome marked the AfD’s second state-level election victory this month. Oil prices fell on hopes of a diplomatic solution to the conflict amid a UN meet this week and as investors eyed a partial recovery in shipments from Saudi Arabia. Immediate resistance can be seen at 1.1558(Sep 17th high), an upside break can trigger rise towards 1.1585(SMA 20).On the downside, immediate support is seen at 1.1454(23.6%fib), a break below could take the pair towards 1.1433(Lower BB).
GBP/USD: The British pound edged lower on Monday as dollar remained bid following Fed's hawkish hike last week. The US central bank increased its benchmark rate by 25 bps to 3.75%-4.00% at its September meeting, while signaling that another rate hike could come later this year to keep inflation under control. Traders are pricing in a 56.5% chance of a further increase at the October meeting, based on the CME FedWatch tool.Meanwhile, the Bank of England held rates at 3.75% last week and projected that inflation could exceed 4% in early 2027.On the Geopolitical front, Iran and the US traded fresh threats, with President Donald Trump warning that Iran could face economic collapse or the removal of its leadership if it refused to reach a deal, while Iran’s military vowed a harsh response to any further attack. Immediate resistance can be seen at 1.3349(50%fib), an upside break can trigger rise towards 1.3508(61.8%fib).On the downside, immediate support is seen at 1.3327(Lower BB), a break below could take the pair towards1.3284(38.2%fib).
AUD/USD: The Australian gains slightly against dollar on Monday as investors assessed the outlook for Australian monetary policy amid persistent concerns over sticky inflation.Markets are now pricing in a 25-basis-point rate increase by the Reserve Bank of Australia on September 29 as increasingly likely, with futures implying the move is close to fully priced.Investors will closely monitor comments from RBA policymakers on Tuesday, with Hunter, Governor Michele Bullock and Monetary Policy Board member Ross scheduled to speak. Their remarks could provide further clues on the central bank’s policy outlookBroader risk sentiment remained fragile as Houthi forces struck Riyadh while the United States and Iran exchanged threats of renewed hostilities, keeping geopolitical risks elevated across financial markets. Immediate resistance can be seen at 0.7134(Sep 18th high), an upside break can trigger rise towards 0.7164(38.2%fib).On the downside, immediate support is seen at 0.7080 (38.2%fib), a break below could take the pair towards 07072(Lower BB)
USD /JPY : The U.S. dollar gained modestly against yen on Monday as trading remained subdued ahead of Japan’s three-day holiday, limiting moves in the currency pair. The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate to 1.25% on Friday, its highest level in 31 years, but the widely expected move failed to lift the yen as two dissenting votes and a lack of clear hawkish guidance disappointed investors. The Federal Reserve and European Central Bank also raised rates this month, with both signaling that further tightening may be needed to contain inflation amid the prolonged Middle East conflict. Geopolitical risks remained elevated as the U.S. and Iran exchanged fresh threats, while reported Houthi attacks on Riyadh added to concerns over a wider regional escalation. Immediate resistance can be seen at 158.08(Sep 18th high), an upside break can trigger rise towards 158.58(50%fib).On the downside, immediate support is seen at 156.85(SMA20) a break below could take the pair towards 156.20 (61.8%fib).
Equities Recap
Asian stocks rose on Monday, led by chip-related shares, as investors awaited a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week for signals on trade ties and the global economic outlook.
China A50 was up by 0.81% , South Korea’s KOSPI was up at 1.65%, Nikkei was up at 1.38%
Commodities Recap
Gold prices fell on Monday as investors assessed developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on inflation and interest rates.
Spot gold fell 0.5% to $4,354.30 per ounce by 0648 GMT after hitting a one-week high on Friday. US gold futures were down 0.8% at $4,391.50.
Oil prices fell to their lowest level in more than a week on Monday as investors looked for diplomatic progress on the Iran war at this week’s UN meeting and assessed a partial recovery in Saudi shipments despite continued Houthi attacks.
Brent crude futures and US West Texas Intermediate crude touched their lowest since September 10 earlier on Monday. The Brent contract for November was at $102.09 a barrel at 0655 GMT, down $1.78, or 1.71%, ?after settling 0.91% lower on Friday.