Market Pulse – August 18, 2026

NordFX_Economic_Calendar_Aug18_2026

📉 Asian markets slipped: Nikkei fell 1.8%, ending a 5‑day rally, while China, Hong Kong and Kospi eased 0.3–0.8% on rising oil prices and fading hopes for an extended US–Iran ceasefire.

🛢️ Oil holds near $81.50/barrel, firm on Middle East tension.

🥇 Gold trades near $4,400/oz, extending gains as soft US data cools Fed rate‑hike bets – markets now see just a 1‑in‑3 chance of a September hike.

💵 The Dollar Index stays soft, sub‑98, lifting EUR/USD toward the 1.1580–1.1600 zone.

📊 Today: NAHB Housing Index (US) and Trade Balance (Eurozone). Ahead: FOMC Minutes (Aug 20), Jackson Hole Symposium (Aug 27–29).

⚡️ Stay sharp – volatility ahead!

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