Gold prices today rise to another record high, silver rates drop
Expectations of more stimulus measures and surging coronavirus cases across the world lifted the demand for goldGold is widely viewed as a hedge against inflation and currency debasement
PremiumGold prices in India hit a new high today amid a strong global rally in the precious metal. On MCX, August gold futures rose about 0.4% to a new high of ₹48,420 per 10 gram, surpassing previous high of ₹48,289. Silver rates dropped with futures on MCX edging lower by 0.14% to ₹48,716 per kg. In global markets, gold prices jumped to its highest level in about eight years. Surging coronavirus cases across the world and hopes of more stimulus measures lifted the demand for gold.
In global markets, spot gold was up 0.2% at $1,769.59 per ounce. Earlier in the session, it hit $1,773, its highest level since late 2012. US gold futures rose 0.4% to $1,789.20.
Some profit-taking could be seen at higher levels, says Jigar Trivedi of Anand Rathi Shares. "Sentiments are positive. Gold has appreciated by 24% this year (25% in 2019). Hence we are cautiously optimistic," he added.
Coronavirus cases in the US surged 25% in the week ended June 21 compared from the week before, according to estimates. Among other precious metals, platinum was steady at $828.92 and silver was mostly unchanged at $17.96.
Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday said the next stimulus bill will be focused on getting people back to work quickly and that he would consider a further delay of the tax filing deadline.
Gold tends to benefit from stimulus measures from central banks because it is widely viewed as a hedge against inflation and currency debasement.
A weakness in US dollar also helped gold. The dollar index hovered near a more than one-week low hit in the previous session.
Investment demand for gold continues to go up. SPDR Gold Trust, the world's largest gold-backed ETF or exchange-traded fund, said its holdings rose 0.28% to 1,169.25 tonnes on Tuesday. (With Agency Inputs)
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