Rupiah Nears 18,000, Gold and Stocks Rise

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - US inflation data (PCE) in May showed the largest increase since 2023. Core inflation reached 3.4% year-on-year.

The higher inflation has increased expectations that the US Federal Reserve may keep monetary policy tighter for longer. This has prompted investor caution.

Most Asian stock markets traded lower in early Friday trading. However, Indonesia’s stock index (IHSG) opened slightly higher at 6,010.

Regional market weakness may push the IHSG into intraday losses later in the day. Investors are watching global market sentiment closely.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened again after yesterday’s gain in early trading on Friday, 26 June 2026, to around 17,980 against the US dollar. The US Dollar Index remained stable near 101.5, supporting the stronger dollar.

Nevertheless, the rupiah is expected to remain near yesterday’s close to its previous trading level. Volatility is expected to remain low.

Meanwhile, global gold prices rose to approximately US$4,020 per troy ounce, or around Rp2.34 million per gram. Gold recovered after the US inflation data matched market expectations.

With the PCE in line with forecasts, investors are now shifting their attention to upcoming economic data. New reports may become the next driver for financial markets.

Writer: Gunawan Benjamin (Economist, Islamic University of North Sumatra)