At mid-year 2026, gold is caught between US dollar strength, Fed rate-hike expectations and central bank demand. Here’s why gold may stay range-bound in H2.

Explore the 2026 mid-year market outlook as AI drives growth, liquidity shapes risk assets, and traders watch the Fed, US dollar, gold, oil and FX markets. 

May 2026 non-farm payrolls beat expectations, but World Cup hiring, weak wage growth, inflation pressure and fragile consumer confidence may keep the Fed from hiking rates.