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Gold near ₹1.52 lakh, silver climbs to ₹2,35,200

Gold prices recovered on Wednesday, September 16, after falling sharply in the previous session, while silver extended its gains in the domestic futures market. Investors continued to watch developments in West Asia, crude oil prices and the US Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision, keeping precious metals in focus.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for October delivery were trading at around ₹1,51,785 per 10 grams in early trade, up nearly 0.65%. Silver futures for December delivery gained 1.33% to ₹2,35,200 per kg around 9.04 am. The recovery came after gold fell nearly 2% on Tuesday.

The latest movement in the gold price today reflects the continued volatility in the bullion market. Gold has been moving sharply in both directions as investors balance safe-haven demand against expectations of US interest-rate changes.

International gold prices also recovered on Wednesday. Spot gold rose about 0.8% to $4,328.39 an ounce, while spot silver climbed 1.5% to $64.60 an ounce. Investors were waiting for the US Federal Reserve’s policy announcement later in the day, which could influence the direction of global bullion prices.

Gold tends to attract buying when investors are worried about geopolitical or economic uncertainty. At the same time, expectations of higher interest rates can weigh on the metal because gold does not generate interest income. This has created a tug-of-war in the market, with safe-haven demand providing support while rate expectations limit the upside.

The continuing tensions in West Asia have also kept investors cautious. Developments affecting crude oil supplies are particularly important because any prolonged disruption could push energy prices higher and add to inflation concerns across major economies. Recent damage to Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline and the suspension of crude loadings at Yanbu have added to supply concerns.

Domestic retail prices remained elevated despite the recent correction. According to Indian Bullion Association data, 24-carat gold was priced at ₹1,52,330 per 10 grams on Wednesday, while 22-carat gold stood at ₹1,39,636 per 10 grams. Silver of 999 purity was quoted at ₹2,34,900 per kg.

Retail rates vary across cities because of local market conditions and other costs. In New Delhi, 24-carat gold was priced at ₹1,51,790 per 10 grams and 22-carat gold at ₹1,39,141. Silver 999 was quoted at ₹2,34,070 per kg.

Mumbai recorded a 24-carat gold rate of ₹1,52,050 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold was priced at ₹1,39,379. Silver stood at ₹2,34,480 per kg.

In Bengaluru, 24-carat gold was quoted at ₹1,52,170 per 10 grams and 22-carat gold at ₹1,39,489. Silver was priced at ₹2,34,660 per kg.

The difference between MCX prices and retail jewellery rates is normal. Consumers also need to account for making charges, GST and other applicable costs when buying jewellery. The final amount paid at a jewellery store can therefore be higher than the quoted market rate.

Silver has been attracting particular attention in recent weeks. Its price is influenced not only by investment demand but also by its use in industries such as electronics, solar energy and manufacturing. That industrial demand gives silver a different price dynamic from gold and can lead to sharper movements.

The silver price today was showing strong momentum in the domestic futures market, with the December contract up 1.33% in early trade. The move followed a period of volatility in which silver, like gold, was affected by currency movements, crude oil prices and changing expectations around US monetary policy.

The US Federal Reserve’s decision remains the immediate global trigger for both metals. Investors are looking for signals on the future path of interest rates rather than focusing only on the decision itself. A more hawkish stance could put pressure on gold, while softer signals could support demand for precious metals.

The dollar is another important factor. A stronger US currency generally makes dollar-denominated gold more expensive for overseas buyers and can weigh on international demand. Movements in the rupee can also influence domestic gold rates in India, making the local price different from the international trend.

Wednesday’s recovery therefore comes at an important point for the bullion market. Gold remains close to historically high levels despite the recent correction, while silver continues to see strong buying interest.

Investors and retail buyers will be watching the Federal Reserve’s policy signals, crude oil movements, the rupee-dollar exchange rate and developments in West Asia. These factors are likely to determine the next major move in gold and silver prices as markets remain highly sensitive to global economic and geopolitical developments.

 

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Beyond

Gold above ₹1,41,300, silver climbs to ₹2,19,400

Gold prices today extended their rally on Monday, while silver prices registered sharper gains as investors rushed towards safe-haven assets amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

In early trade, MCX gold rose by ₹733 to ₹1,41,322 per 10 grams, while MCX silver climbed ₹2,796 to ₹2,19,400 per kilogram. The strong opening reflected increased investor demand for bullion as concerns over the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran prompted traders to move away from riskier assets.

The rally in gold and silver prices follows a sharp rise in global uncertainty after fresh military developments in the Middle East. As geopolitical risks intensified, investors sought the relative safety of precious metals, traditionally viewed as reliable investments during periods of economic and political instability.

Internationally, spot gold also traded higher, supported by a softer US dollar. A weaker greenback makes gold more affordable for buyers using other currencies, often boosting global demand. Market participants are also closely tracking US economic data and comments from the Federal Reserve for clues on future interest rate decisions, which could influence the direction of bullion prices.

Silver, often considered both a precious and industrial metal, outperformed gold during the session. Apart from safe-haven buying, expectations of steady industrial demand also supported silver prices today, helping the metal post stronger gains than gold.

In the domestic bullion market, gold prices remained elevated across major cities on Monday. Delhi recorded 24-carat gold at ₹1,43,460 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold was priced at ₹1,31,500 per 10 grams. Similar price levels were reported in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, with slight variations depending on local taxes, making charges and jewellers’ pricing. Despite the rally, many buyers continued to adopt a wait-and-watch approach, hoping for some stability in prices before making fresh purchases.

Jewellers said buying activity remained mixed despite the rally. While investment demand continued to improve as consumers looked for safe assets, retail jewellery purchases stayed relatively subdued because of elevated prices. Many buyers are waiting for prices to stabilise before making large purchases.

Market analysts believe the outlook for gold prices remains positive as long as geopolitical tensions persist. Any further escalation in the Middle East or signs of slower global economic growth could strengthen demand for safe-haven assets, providing additional support to bullion prices.

Apart from geopolitical developments, investors are also monitoring inflation trends and central bank policies. If the US Federal Reserve signals interest rate cuts later this year, gold could receive another boost, as lower interest rates generally reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like bullion.

The movement in the US dollar index, global bond yields and crude oil prices will also play an important role in determining the near-term direction of MCX gold and MCX silver. A stronger dollar or higher bond yields could limit gains, while continued uncertainty may keep precious metals well supported.

For Indian investors, the rise in gold rates today reflects a combination of stronger international prices and fluctuations in the rupee. Since India imports most of its gold, any movement in global prices or the domestic currency directly impacts retail bullion rates.

Experts advise investors to remain cautious amid heightened market volatility. While gold continues to serve as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical risks, short-term price swings are likely as markets react to global developments. Those looking to invest are encouraged to adopt a staggered approach rather than making large one-time purchases.

With geopolitical tensions showing little sign of easing and global markets remaining volatile, gold prices today, silver prices today, MCX gold, MCX silver and international bullion markets are expected to remain in focus. Investors will closely watch developments in the Middle East, US economic data and central bank commentary for fresh cues on the next move in precious metals.

Also Read: Brent crude tops $90 amid escalating US-Iran tensions