Gold, silver surge up to 3% this week as crude oil dip eases inflation fears
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Gold and silver prices surged as much as 3 per cent this week on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), supported by a decline in crude oil prices that eased concerns over energy-driven inflation. The rally unfolded even as the US Federal Reserve raised its policy rate and maintained a hawkish tone, keeping precious metals under pressure for much of the early part of the week.
Friday's Session: Gold and Silver Levels
On Friday, 19 September, MCX gold futures (October) rose 0.84 per cent or ₹1,282 to settle at ₹1,54,263 per 10 grams. The yellow metal touched an intraday high of ₹1,54,600 and an intraday low of ₹1,52,171 during the session.
MCX silver futures (December) edged up 0.16 per cent to ₹2,42,000 per kg, swinging between an intraday high of ₹2,43,047 and a low of ₹2,38,173.
According to data from the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), 24-carat gold stood at ₹1,53,727 per 10 grams on Friday — up ₹1,789 or over 1 per cent from ₹1,51,938 on 11 September.
Weekly Gains: Silver Outshines Gold
Silver emerged as the stronger performer over the week. According to IBJA data, the white metal climbed ₹7,988 or 3.48 per cent from ₹2,28,920 on 11 September to ₹2,36,908 per kg. On a daily basis, silver rose ₹7,266 or 3.16 per cent from ₹2,29,642 on Thursday.
Market experts attributed silver's outperformance to expectations of a supply deficit for the sixth consecutive year. Silver supply is estimated to fall short of demand by around 46.3 million ounces in 2026, according to analyst assessments.
What Drove the Weekly Rally
Precious metals faced headwinds at the start of the week, with supply-related risks in the Middle East and signals from the US Federal Reserve pressing on sentiment. Higher US bond yields — driven by expectations of continued monetary tightening — weighed on non-yielding assets such as gold.
The turning point came when crude oil prices declined for three consecutive sessions and fell below $100 a barrel. Markets reassessed the impact of the closure of a key Saudi Arabian pipeline, concluding the supply disruption would be smaller than initially feared. This eased energy inflation concerns and lent support to bullion.
Notably, however, the relief proved short-lived. The Fed raised its policy rate by 25 basis points this week, taking the federal funds rate to a range of 3.75 per cent to 4 per cent. Most signals from Fed officials indicated that monetary tightening could continue further this year, capping the upside for gold.
Technical Levels to Watch
Analysts identify the $4,470–$4,500 per ounce zone as near-term resistance for COMEX gold, with $4,300–$4,340 serving as an important support zone. For MCX gold, the ₹1,54,000–₹1,54,700 range is viewed as immediate resistance, while ₹1,50,000–₹1,50,700 is expected to provide strong support.
What Investors Are Watching Next
Experts say investors will closely track US interest rates, bond yields, and global geopolitical developments in the coming days, as these are likely to play a decisive role in setting the direction for gold and silver prices. With the Fed signalling further rate hikes and crude oil markets remaining volatile, the path for precious metals is likely to remain choppy.