Stocks gain, USD mixed ahead of Fed

Today's FOMC decision (7:00 pm GMT - decision, 7:30 pm GMT - press conference) is long-awaited and will be closely watched as it will offer hints on the timeline of policy tightening. No rate hike is expected today yet but clear guidance for the future meeting will be offered. Market participants will also look into any decision on balance sheet. US stock markets indices are trading higher ahead of the decision announcement. Nasdaq leads gains, trading 2.4% higher on the day. S&P 500 is also performing well, adding 1.5% at press time. No clear picture can be seen on the FX market however. USD trades mixed, gaining against JPY, CHF and EUR and dropping against CAD, NZD, AUD and GBP. Gold trades lower giving back most of recent gains. Precious metals tests support zone near $1,830.

S&P 500 (US500) bounces off the lows in 4,300 pts area and breaks above resistance at 4,400 pts ahead of FOMC decision. Source: xStation5

USDJPY reached the upper limit of the upward channel and resistance at 114.40. A small pullback can be observed in the final hour ahead of FOMC decision. Source: xStation5

GOLD drops on Fed day with precious metal giving back all of recent gains. Price is currently testing mid-term price zone at $1,830 as a support. Source: xStation5