Gold prices have been on a steady rise in recent days, reaching ₹80,660 per 10 grams in the national capital on Monday. This marks a fifth consecutive session of gains, with the precious metal appreciating by ₹1,660, or 2.1 per cent, over the past five trading days.
Several factors have contributed to the upward momentum in gold prices. One key driver has been the weakening of the Indian rupee, which hit a low of 86.61 against the US dollar on Monday. This depreciation has supported gold prices in the domestic market, as a weaker rupee tends to make the dollar-denominated metal more expensive for Indian buyers.
Geopolitical tensions have also played a role in pushing gold prices higher. Fresh sanctions imposed on Russia by US President Joe Biden have raised concerns about global stability, leading investors to seek safe-haven assets like gold.
Meanwhile, in the international markets, gold futures on the Comex exchange have shown some volatility, with prices fluctuating in response to economic data and geopolitical events. The recent US Nonfarm Payrolls report, which indicated a strong labor market and consumer demand, has raised expectations that the Federal Reserve may pause its rate-cutting cycle. This has led to a slight dip in gold prices on the Comex exchange.
Despite these fluctuations, experts believe that gold prices could continue to be supported by inflation fears and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. The upcoming US CPI inflation rate data release will be closely watched for any signs of a sharp decline in inflation, which could prompt further action from the Fed.
In conclusion, the current rally in gold prices reflects a complex interplay of economic, geopolitical, and market factors. Investors will be closely monitoring developments in the coming days to gauge the direction of gold prices and assess their investment strategies accordingly.