Gold, silver volatile on MCX as Fed rate hike fears, dollar surge weigh
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Gold and silver futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) swung sharply between gains and losses on Thursday, 25 June, as growing expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate hike as early as September and a surging US dollar kept precious metals under pressure. Both metals hovered near multi-month lows, with analysts warning that upcoming US inflation data could set the next directional move.
How Gold Traded on MCX
Gold futures (August) opened at ₹1,40,672 per 10 grams, down ₹598 or 0.42% from the previous close of ₹1,41,270. Buying interest emerged mid-session, lifting the yellow metal to an intraday high of ₹1,41,989, a gain of ₹719 or 0.50%, before it slipped to an intraday low of ₹1,40,543, a decline of ₹727 or 0.51%. The wide intraday range reflects the tug-of-war between bargain hunters and macro-driven sellers.
Silver's Steeper Swings
Silver futures (July) mirrored gold's volatility but with sharper moves. The white metal opened at ₹2,10,308, down ₹2,767 or 1.30% from the previous close of ₹2,13,075. It touched an intraday low of ₹2,10,043, a drop of ₹3,032 or 1.42%, before rebounding to an intraday high of ₹2,15,950, up ₹2,875 or 1.34%. The swing of nearly 2.76% between the day's extremes underscores heightened uncertainty in industrial metals with dual safe-haven and commodity appeal.
Global Markets Echo Domestic Weakness
International markets offered little relief. COMEX gold was down 0.42% at $3,991.80 per ounce, while COMEX silver declined 1.65% to $57.13 per ounce. According to analysts, gold is hovering near an eight-month low and silver is trading around its weakest levels since December. A stronger US dollar — reportedly at a one-year high — has been the primary headwind, as a firmer greenback makes dollar-denominated commodities costlier for overseas buyers.
What Analysts Said
Market analysts attributed the selling pressure to a confluence of factors: the stronger dollar, rising Fed rate-hike expectations, and spillover from a sharp decline in US technology stocks, which reportedly prompted some investors to liquidate bullion holdings to cover losses elsewhere. 'While easing geopolitical tensions and lower crude oil prices have reduced inflation concerns, market participants remain focused on upcoming US inflation data for fresh clues on the Federal Reserve's policy trajectory,' analysts noted.
Crude Oil Adds to the Macro Pressure
Crude oil prices remained under strain, compounding the risk-off tone. Global benchmark Brent crude fell about 2% to around $72 per barrel, while US WTI crude declined 1.83% to trade below the $70-per-barrel mark. Lower oil prices, while easing inflation fears, also signal softer global demand — a dynamic that tends to reduce gold's inflation-hedge appeal even as it pressures growth assets. All eyes now turn to the next US inflation print, which analysts say will be pivotal in determining whether the Fed's September rate decision tilts hawkish.