Gold dips over weak global trend and muted demand

Gold prices dipped for the second straight day and drifted lower by Rs 25 to Rs 31,570 per 10 gram amid weakening global trend and falling demand from the local jewellers at the bullion market on Wednesday.

Precious metal too fell below the Rs 41,000-mark, down by Rs 120 per kg, due to reduced offtake by industrial units and coin makers.

Sentiment remained weak on the back of weak trend overseas as dollar firmed up amid easing risk aversion and expectations of further interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve, eroded demand for the precious metal as a safe-haven.

Globally, gold fell by 0.32 per cent to USD 1,254.16 an ounce, its lowest since mid-December last year. Silver shed 0.49 per cent to USD 16.19 an ounce in Singapore.

Furthermore, muted demand from the local jewellers and retailers at the domestic spot markets fuelled the downtrend.

In the national capital, gold of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity lost Rs 25 each to Rs 31,570 and Rs 31,420 per 10 gram, respectively. The precious metal had fallen by Rs 55 yesterday.

Sovereign gold, however, remained steady at Rs 24,800 per piece of eight gram.

In line with overall trend, silver also drifted lower by 120 to Rs 40,880 per kg and weekly-based delivery by Rs 60 to Rs 39,615 per kg.

On the other hand, silver coins continued to be traded at previous level of Rs 76,000 for buying and Rs 77,000 for selling of 100 pieces.

(With PTI inputs)