(March 18): Gold prices held steady on Wednesday as investors stayed on the sidelines, assessing the economic impact of the Middle East conflict ahead of the US Federal Reserve's policy decision. Spot gold edged up 0.1% at US$5,008.58 per ounce as of 0629 GMT. The Fed is widely expected to hold rates steady for a second consecutive meeting later in the day. Oil prices stayed above US$100 a barrel, as Iranian attacks on the UAE deepened fears over the global supply outlook. "We may see these oil prices coming down gently, but with that geopolitical risk premium still intact, then that could see some bargain hunting for gold," said Wong.

Source: The Edge Markets March 18, 2026 05:07 UTC