Gold prices traded in the $4,235–$4,440 range during the week of September 14, 2026, as the Federal Reserve delivered its first 25-basis-point rate hike in three years on September 16, lifting the target range to 3.75–4.00% with signals of further tightening ahead. The move initially weighed on XAU/USD via higher Treasury yields near 5% on the 10-year note, but falling crude oil prices—easing from above $107 per barrel—tempered near-term inflation concerns and supported a rebound toward $4,380 by September 18. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continued to influence energy markets and risk sentiment, while resilient labor data and mixed central bank actions elsewhere added to volatility around key technical levels near $4,400–$4,500.