Gold extends losses for 2nd day, falls ₹160 due to sluggish demand

Gold prices declined by ₹160 per 10 grams in the national capital on Tuesday, extending the losses to the second day due to sluggish demand from jewellers and retailers, according to the All India Sarafa Association.

The precious metal of 99.9% purity fell by ₹160 to ₹82,840 per 10 grams. It had closed at ₹83,000 per 10 grams on Monday. Gold of 99.5% purity also slipped ₹160 to ₹82,440 per 10 grams from the previous close of ₹82,600 per 10 grams.

However, silver traded flat at ₹92,000 per kg on Tuesday.

Traders have shifted their focus to the crucial FOMC interest rate decision on Wednesday, which will play a significant role in influencing the US Dollar and will help the next leg of a directional move for the bullion prices, marketmen said.

"Gold extended its fall on Tuesday as the US dollar regained its strength against its major peers, following US President Donald Trump's statement that he wants global tariffs & 'much bigger' than 2.5%," Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said.

In futures trade, gold contracts for February delivery increased ₹327 or 0.41% to ₹79,905 per 10 grams on MCX.

"Gold exhibited a positive movement with gains in MCX, supported by a weaker rupee. In the international market, Comex gold found strong support near $2,735, maintaining its upward momentum," Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities, said.

Silver futures for March delivery rose ₹190 or 0.21% to ₹90,413 per kg on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX).

Comex gold futures advanced $10 per ounce or 0.36% to $2,776.20 per ounce in the international markets. Comex silver futures quoted 0.48% higher in the Asian market hours at $30.56 per ounce.

Traders anticipate that bullion prices will remain volatile this week due to the FOMC meeting, as well as the release of advance GDP data, consumer confidence reports, and jobless claims data, which may contribute to fluctuations in the yellow metal's prices,” Deveya Gaglani, Senior Research Analyst-Commodities, Axis Securities, said.