Why Are Gold and Silver Prices Declining as the US Dollar Strengthens?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, Jan 16 (NationPress) Gold and silver prices experienced a decline in both MCX and global markets on Friday, driven by a stronger US dollar in the wake of disappointing weekly jobless claims.
Moreover, a more conciliatory stance from US President Donald Trump regarding Iran diminished the demand for these safe-haven assets.
In morning trading, MCX gold February futures decreased by 0.26 percent, settling at Rs 1,42,743 per 10 grams, whereas MCX silver March futures fell by 0.94 percent to Rs 2,88,824 per kg.
On the global stage, spot gold dipped approximately 0.29 percent to $4,602.43 an ounce, although it remains around 2 percent higher for the week. Spot silver saw a decline of about 0.8 percent to $91.69 an ounce after reaching an all-time high of around $93.57–$93.70 earlier in the session.
Analysts noted that the drop coincided with the dollar index rising towards 99.49, marking its strongest position since early December.
Market observers pointed out that ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly unrest in Iran and issues involving Venezuela and Greenland, continue to fuel demand for precious metals.
Anticipation of volatility in gold and silver prices persists this week, particularly as the dollar index fluctuates ahead of the upcoming US Supreme Court ruling on tariffs.
The Augmont Bullion report indicated that silver sharply receded from its record high of $93 after Trump opted not to impose new tariffs on critical mineral imports. Instead, he stated that the US would keep negotiations open with foreign nations to secure supplies and mitigate supply-chain risks, considering import restrictions only if discussions failed to yield timely results.
The report suggested that traders might see some profit-taking and retracement before prices potentially increase again.
Investors are keenly awaiting signals from the US Federal Reserve regarding possible easing measures amid global uncertainty. Softer-than-expected November producer inflation data, along with mild December consumer inflation indicators, have raised expectations of multiple rate cuts by the Fed later this year.
aar/na