Gold prices commenced the week on a downward trajectory, extending the losses witnessed on Saturday as a combination of geopolitical volatility and expectations for sustained high interest rates continued to put pressure on bullion. In the Delhi market, the rate for 24 Karat gold shed Rs 142 to settle at Rs 14,306 per gram, while 22 Karat gold saw a decline of Rs 130, reaching Rs 13,115 per gram. In contrast, silver prices showed resilience, remaining flat at Rs 235 per gram and Rs 2,35,000 per kilogram.
Weakness on MCX Futures
The bearish sentiment was also mirrored on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX). Gold futures for the August 5 contract opened at Rs 1,42,633 per 10 grams, reflecting a dip of Rs 845, or 0.58 per cent, compared to the previous closing price of Rs 1,43,478. This follows a broader market correction that saw precious metals fall by up to 2 percent in the previous session.
Impact of Middle East Tensions
The market is currently reeling from fears regarding a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has sent crude oil prices spiraling upward. Higher oil costs have reignited inflation concerns stemming from the escalating conflict in the Middle East. These inflationary pressures suggest that global interest rates may remain elevated for a longer duration, diminishing the appeal of non-interest-bearing assets like gold, which often struggle in a high-rate environment.
Breakdown of 24K Gold Prices
On Monday, 24 Karat gold experienced significant price drops across various quantities in Delhi. The rate for 1 gram stood at Rs 14,306, a reduction of Rs 142. For an 8-gram purchase, the cost decreased by Rs 1,136 to Rs 1,14,448, while 10 grams of gold were priced at Rs 1,43,060, down by Rs 1,420. For bulk investors, 100 grams of 24K gold were available at Rs 14,30,600, reflecting a fall of Rs 14,200.
Pricing for 22K and 18K Gold
Prices for 22 Karat gold also trended lower across the board. The price of 1 gram of 22K gold was Rs 13,115, a drop of Rs 130. The cost for 8 grams fell by Rs 1,040 to Rs 1,04,920, while 10 grams were priced at Rs 1,31,150, down by Rs 1,300. Furthermore, 100 grams of 22K gold were priced at Rs 13,11,500, marking a decrease of Rs 13,000. 18K gold remained under similar pressure, with 1 gram priced at Rs 10,733, down Rs 107 from the previous session, and 100 grams retailing at Rs 10,73,300, a decrease of Rs 10,700.
Stability in Silver
Silver prices in Delhi offered a degree of stability amid the volatility in the gold market. The rate remained unchanged, with 1 gram trading at Rs 235. Larger quantities also saw no movement: 8 grams remained at Rs 1,880, 10 grams at Rs 2,350, 100 grams at Rs 23,500, and 1 kilogram remained steady at Rs 2,35,000.
Market Analysis
According to Justin Khoo, Senior Market Analyst for APAC at VT Markets, the implications for gold are multifaceted. In the near term, a hawkish policy environment, persistent inflation expectations of 3.3%, and the prospect of further rate hikes have weighed heavily on prices. Gold has dropped 0.75% to $4,075, trading approximately 27% below its January peak of $5,589.
