Gold Slips as Firm Dollar, Fed Rate-Hike Bets Weigh on Bullion

Gold prices declined on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, pressured by a firm U.S. dollar as traders positioned for another Federal Reserve interest-rate increase this year. The stronger greenback made dollar-denominated bullion more expensive for overseas buyers, curbing demand. Rate-hike expectations further dulled gold's appeal, as higher yields raise the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets. Market participants are watching Fed policy signals for direction on the pace and timing of further tightening.