Forex Morning Briefing — 18 August 2026

Before the day's releases hit, here is the state of play across the majors. Gold (XAU/USD) strengthened to 4,451 (+0.74%), while GBP/USD softened slightly at 1.3528 (-0.14%).

Market snapshot

• EUR/USD 1.1573 (-0.01%)
• GBP/USD 1.3528 (-0.14%)
• USD/JPY 159.75 (+0.33%)
• AUD/USD 0.7101 (+0.22%)
• USD/ZAR 16.27 (+0.47%)
• Gold (XAU/USD) 4,451 (+0.74%)

What's moving markets

• British Pound drops against Yen after UK employment data release *(FXStreet)*
• Euro: Upside bias needs confirmation above 1.1615 against US Dollar – UOB *(FXStreet)*
• United Kingdom Unemployment Rate stays at 4.9% in June vs. 4.8% expected *(FXStreet)*
• Indonesian Rupiah holds weak footing ahead of looming BI policy decision *(FXStreet)*
• Swiss Franc edges lower as US Dollar rebounds, FOMC minutes in focus *(FXStreet)*

On today's calendar

• Tue 06:00 UTC — GBP Claimant Count Change (high impact) — forecast 16.5K, previous 6.7K
• Tue 06:00 UTC — GBP Average Earnings Index 3m/y — forecast 4.0%, previous 4.3%

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*This briefing is generated from live market data and public news feeds for information only. It is not investment advice. Trading forex and CFDs carries a high risk of loss — read our risk disclosure.*