Gold Stabilizes Near $4,300 Amid Heightened Rate-Hike Bets

Gold prices hovered around $4,300 an ounce on September 15, 2026, as concerns over oil disruptions from the Middle East intensified expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike. The anticipated increase in borrowing costs typically weighs on gold, which doesn't earn interest.

The recent spike in energy prices has put pressure on the Fed to raise rates sooner rather than later, with traders now pricing in a 92% chance of a hike when the central bank meets this week.

Gold had fallen over 1% the previous session to a five-week low before stabilizing near $4,300. The precious metal often struggles alongside higher interest rates due to its lack of interest-earning potential.