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Gold falls to ₹1.53 lakh, Silver steady at ₹2.60 lakh

Gold prices in India declined slightly on Thursday, April 23, while silver remained firm near ₹2.60 lakh per kilogram. The fall in gold prices comes amid global market uncertainty, rising crude oil prices and cautious buying by investors.

According to the latest retail rates, 24-carat gold was priced at around ₹1.53 lakh per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold stood near ₹1.40 lakh per 10 grams. The 18-carat variety was trading close to ₹1.15 lakh per 10 grams. Prices may differ slightly across cities due to local taxes and jewellery making charges.

In Delhi, 24-carat gold was quoted at around ₹1.55 lakh per 10 grams, making it one of the costliest markets in the country. The 22-carat rate in the capital was around ₹1.42 lakh per 10 grams. Mumbai and Kolkata saw slightly lower prices compared to Delhi, while Chennai remained among the higher-priced southern markets.

Silver prices stayed strong at around ₹2.60 lakh per kilogram despite recent volatility. Traders said silver continues to move sharply due to industrial demand and changing global market sentiment.

Experts said bullion prices have become volatile this week because of geopolitical tensions in West Asia and a rise in crude oil prices. Higher oil prices increase inflation worries, which usually supports gold demand as a safe-haven asset. However, some investors booked profits after recent record highs, limiting further gains.

Jewellers said customer demand is currently selective, with many buyers waiting for prices to stabilise before making large purchases. Retail demand is expected to improve during the upcoming wedding and festive season if rates ease further.

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Renewables meet global electricity demand in 2025

Global renewable energy has, for the first time, grown fast enough to meet all the increase in worldwide electricity demand in 2025, marking a major milestone in the shift toward cleaner power.

Strong expansion in solar and wind energy ensured that new electricity needs were fully covered by clean sources, limiting the need for additional fossil fuel generation. Solar power led the growth, contributing the largest share of new electricity output globally.

China remained the biggest driver of renewable expansion, adding large amounts of solar capacity. India also played a key role, with rapid growth in both solar and wind power. This helped reduce reliance on fossil fuels in its electricity mix.

Clean energy generation rose more than the increase in global electricity demand during the year. As a result, fossil fuel-based power generation stayed largely flat, a rare trend in recent decades. Coal’s share in global electricity also declined as renewables expanded.

In India, renewable generation grew faster than demand, leading to lower fossil fuel use in power production. Experts say this reflects a clear transition toward cleaner energy systems in major developing economies.

Also Read: Hyundai, TVS join hands for electric 3-wheelers

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Gold falls to ₹1,55,280, Silver slips to ₹2,64,900

Gold and silver prices edged lower in the domestic market on April 22, 2026, as investors opted for profit booking after recent fluctuations in global bullion trends. The decline comes despite continued underlying uncertainty in international markets that has kept precious metals volatile.

Gold prices dropped by ₹10, with 22-carat gold quoted at ₹1,55,280 per 10 grams. Silver also saw a mild correction, falling ₹100 to trade at ₹2,64,900 per kilogram. The movement reflects cautious sentiment among traders who are locking in gains after recent swings in global commodity prices.

Market participants attributed the dip primarily to short-term profit-taking. In recent sessions, both gold and silver had experienced sharp price movements due to geopolitical developments and shifting expectations around global interest rates. After such volatility, mild corrections are common as traders rebalance positions.

Analysts noted that while gold continues to enjoy structural support from safe-haven demand, especially amid geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic uncertainty, near-term price action is being driven by technical adjustments and profit booking. Silver, which has both industrial and investment demand, showed a similar but slightly more volatile reaction.

On the global front, bullion prices remain influenced by movements in the US dollar and bond yields. A stronger dollar or rising yields typically weigh on precious metals, while geopolitical risks and inflation concerns provide support.

In the Indian market, domestic prices are also shaped by import costs, currency fluctuations, and local demand trends. Despite the current dip, overall sentiment in the bullion market remains broadly stable, with investors closely tracking global cues for further direction.

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RBI partially withdraws curbs on rupee trades

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has partially withdrawn restrictions on rupee derivative trading that were introduced earlier this month to contain sharp volatility in the currency market.

The earlier curbs were imposed after the rupee weakened to record lows against the US dollar. To reduce pressure, the RBI had restricted certain derivative transactions, including non-deliverable forward (NDF) contracts and rebooking of cancelled forward deals.

In its latest move, the central bank has allowed some of these transactions to resume, signalling that pressure on the rupee has eased.

However, the RBI has kept limits on banks’ net open currency positions, showing that it remains cautious about speculative activity.

Market experts say the easing will help companies and banks hedge foreign exchange risks more smoothly, especially importers and businesses with overseas exposure.

The rupee has recovered from recent lows and is now trading in a more stable range. Analysts believe the RBI is trying to balance currency stability with normal market functioning.

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Jio Financial falls 4% after weak Q4 profit

Shares of Jio Financial Services fell nearly 4% on April 20 after the company reported weaker fourth-quarter earnings. The stock dropped to an intraday low of ₹234.50 before recovering slightly.

The company posted a consolidated net profit of ₹272 crore for the March quarter, down around 14% from ₹316 crore a year earlier. The decline in profit came mainly due to higher expenses and lower treasury income.

Despite the fall in earnings, revenue showed strong growth. Total income rose to ₹1,020 crore, almost double from ₹518 crore in the same quarter last year. However, total expenses also increased sharply as the company continued investing in business expansion.

For the full financial year FY26, Jio Financial reported a net profit of ₹1,561 crore, slightly lower than the previous year.

The company’s lending business continued to grow strongly. Assets under management (AUM) increased 35% quarter-on-quarter to ₹25,700 crore. Its customer base also expanded to 23 million users.

Jio Financial’s asset management joint venture with BlackRock also saw steady traction, with average assets under management reaching ₹16,700 crore.

The board has recommended a final dividend of ₹0.60 per share for FY26.

Brokerage firm Jefferies remained positive on the company’s long-term prospects, saying Jio Financial is steadily building its financial services platform. Analysts believe short-term profit pressure may continue, but growth in lending, payments, insurance, and wealth management could support future earnings.

Also Read: Gold drops to ₹1.53 lakh, Silver slides ₹2,300/kg

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Gold drops to ₹1.53 lakh, Silver slides ₹2,300/kg

Gold and silver prices declined in India on April 21, 2026, reflecting weakness in global bullion markets and reduced safe-haven demand.

Gold prices fell to around ₹1,53,000 per 10 grams in the Indian market, marking a slight decline from recent highs. Silver also weakened, dropping by approximately ₹2,300 per kilogram, indicating continued volatility in precious metals trading.

The decline in domestic prices mirrors international trends, where both metals came under pressure due to a stronger US dollar and easing geopolitical concerns. Investors are closely watching developments around US–Iran discussions, which have reduced demand for traditional safe-haven assets like gold and silver.

Analysts say recent profit-taking has also contributed to the fall, as bullion had previously seen a strong rally. With prices near record levels in recent weeks, many traders opted to lock in gains, adding further downward pressure.

In global markets, gold slipped below the $4,800 per ounce mark, while silver also recorded losses. This international movement directly influenced Indian spot and futures prices, given India’s dependence on imported bullion rates.

Despite the current dip, market experts believe the outlook remains mixed. Ongoing inflation concerns, central bank gold purchases, and industrial demand for silver continue to provide underlying support. However, near-term movements are expected to remain volatile, driven by macroeconomic data and geopolitical updates.

Traders are advised to monitor key global indicators, especially US dollar strength, interest rate expectations, and developments in Middle East diplomacy, as these will likely determine the next major price direction for precious metals.

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Andhra Pradesh to start India’s first private gold mine

India is preparing for a major development in its mining sector as the Jonnagiri gold project in Andhra Pradesh gets ready to begin operations next month. Located in Kurnool district, the mine is being seen as the country’s first major private gold mining project in decades.

The launch is significant because India is one of the world’s largest consumers of gold but depends heavily on imports to meet demand. Every year, the country imports large quantities of gold for jewellery, investment and industrial use. The Jonnagiri project is expected to help improve domestic production and reduce some reliance on overseas supplies over time.

The mine has been developed by private companies with an investment of around ₹400 crore. Industry officials say the project uses modern mining and ore-processing technology and has gone through several years of exploration, approvals and development before reaching the production stage.

The mining area is spread across villages in Kurnool district and is believed to contain sizeable gold resources. Initial estimates suggest the project could produce around 1,000 kilograms of refined gold annually once operations reach full capacity. The mine is expected to remain operational for many years.

Apart from boosting gold output, the project is also expected to generate employment and economic activity in the surrounding region. Local workers may benefit from jobs linked to mining, transport, processing and support services. Infrastructure development in nearby areas could also improve as industrial activity increases.

Experts say the mine is important not only for Andhra Pradesh but for India’s larger mining ambitions. Domestic gold production has remained limited for years, especially after the decline of historic mining centres such as Kolar Gold Fields in Karnataka. The new project could signal renewed interest in exploring and developing India’s mineral resources.

While the mine alone will not dramatically cut India’s gold imports, it is seen as a positive beginning. If successful, it may encourage more private investment in exploration and responsible mining projects across the country.

Officials are expected to formally inaugurate the project once final clearances and trial runs are completed. With gold prices remaining high and demand staying strong, the timing of the launch is being viewed as favourable.

Also Read: Akshaya Tritiya gold buying slows by 30%

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Akshaya Tritiya gold buying slows by 30%

Akshaya Tritiya, one of India’s most important occasions for buying gold, witnessed softer demand this year as record-high prices made jewellery purchases costlier for families. Jewellers across the country reported a noticeable drop in volumes, with industry estimates suggesting demand fell by nearly 30% compared to last year.

Even though fewer people bought gold in larger quantities, many customers still visited stores to maintain the tradition of making a purchase on the auspicious day. Instead of heavy ornaments and bridal sets, buyers chose rings, earrings, pendants, coins and lightweight jewellery that better suited their budgets.

Gold prices have surged sharply over the past year, making it difficult for many middle-class households to buy as much as they usually would during the festival. As a result, symbolic purchases became more common, with customers preferring smaller items rather than postponing the tradition completely.

Jewellers said footfall remained healthy in many cities, but average billing patterns changed. Shoppers were more cautious, comparing designs and prices before making decisions. Many also exchanged old jewellery for new pieces to reduce costs.

In Chennai and other southern markets, demand remained relatively steady but buyers were clearly price-sensitive. Some traders also pointed to election-season concerns, saying customers were cautious about carrying large amounts of cash or expensive purchases due to increased monitoring and seizure fears.

At the same time, younger customers showed growing interest in digital gold and other modern investment options. Instead of buying physical jewellery, some investors preferred small-ticket digital purchases that can be accumulated over time. Silver coins and ornaments also attracted attention as a lower-cost alternative.

Despite lower volumes, the total value of festive sales remained strong because gold prices are near historic highs. Industry estimates suggested combined gold and silver trade during Akshaya Tritiya could still remain robust, supported by the high value of each purchase.

Also Read: Gold at ₹1,55,770, Silver at ₹2,74,900 after early dip

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Gold at ₹1,55,770, Silver at ₹2,74,900 after early dip

Gold and silver prices edged lower in the domestic market on Monday, giving slight relief to buyers after recent sharp movements in precious metals. The price of 24-carat gold fell by ₹10 to ₹1,55,770 per 10 grams, while silver dropped ₹100 to ₹2,74,900 per kilogram.

The price of 22-carat gold also declined by ₹10, with 10 grams trading at ₹1,42,790 in major cities. In Delhi, 24-carat gold was priced slightly higher at ₹1,55,920, while 22-carat gold stood at ₹1,42,940. Prices in Mumbai and Kolkata remained close to the national average, while Chennai continued to trade at a premium.

The fall in domestic prices followed weakness in international bullion markets. Global gold rates slipped as the US dollar strengthened, making gold more expensive for overseas buyers. A stronger dollar often puts pressure on gold prices because the metal is traded internationally in the US currency.

Investors also remained cautious due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in global markets. Concerns over inflation, interest rates and international conflicts continue to influence the movement of safe-haven assets such as gold.

Market experts said gold is facing mixed signals. On one hand, higher bond yields and a stronger dollar reduce its appeal because gold does not generate interest income. On the other hand, global uncertainty and inflation worries continue to support demand for the yellow metal.

Silver prices also moved lower in line with gold. Besides being a precious metal, silver is widely used in industrial sectors such as electronics, solar panels and manufacturing. Because of this, silver prices often react to both investment demand and economic growth expectations.

In India, jewellery demand has remained moderate as many consumers are delaying purchases due to high prices. Buyers are waiting for a bigger correction before making festive or wedding-related purchases. However, investment demand through bullion and digital gold products has remained steady.

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US extends waiver on Russian oil shipments

The United States has extended a short-term sanctions waiver allowing countries to continue purchasing Russian oil that was already loaded onto ships before the cutoff date, a move aimed at preventing disruption in global energy markets.

According to officials, the waiver applies only to crude oil and petroleum products that were already in transit as of April 17, 2026. These shipments will now be allowed to be delivered and completed under a temporary authorisation that runs until May 16.

The decision effectively replaces an earlier waiver that had expired earlier this month. It comes after a period of uncertainty in global oil trade, with governments and refiners closely watching how sanctions on Russia could impact supply chains and fuel prices.

US authorities clarified that the exemption is narrowly defined and does not permit new transactions or fresh purchases of Russian oil. It is limited strictly to cargoes already loaded and moving through international waters.

The waiver is also designed to avoid sudden shocks in the oil market. Officials argue that blocking shipments already in transit could disrupt contracts, create logistical bottlenecks, and further tighten global supply at a sensitive time for energy markets.

The move follows broader fluctuations in global oil prices driven by geopolitical tensions and supply concerns. Recent volatility has already led to temporary measures aimed at stabilising energy flows and preventing sharp price spikes.

At the same time, the decision has drawn criticism from some quarters, with opponents arguing that it may indirectly ease pressure on Russia’s export revenues. However, US officials maintain that the measure does not significantly benefit Russia, as it applies only to oil that has already been extracted, sold, and shipped.

Countries that rely heavily on imported crude, including several major Asian economies, are expected to benefit from the continued arrival of these shipments, ensuring short-term supply stability.

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