Why Are Gold and Silver Prices Dropping Amidst a Strong US Dollar?
 
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gold prices opened lower at Rs 1,21,148 per 10 grams.
- Silver prices started at Rs 1,48,140 per kg.
- A stronger US dollar negatively impacts the appeal of precious metals.
- Gold has increased by 3.9% in October despite recent declines.
- Stock markets reacted to mixed global signals and ongoing trade tensions.
Mumbai, Oct 31 (NationPress) The value of precious metals experienced a decline during early trading on Friday, as both gold and silver prices fell on the Multi-Commodity Exchange (MCX). This trend reflects a downturn in the global markets, influenced by a stronger US dollar.
Gold futures on the MCX started 0.29 percent lower at Rs 1,21,148 per 10 grams, compared to Thursday’s closing price of Rs 1,21,508. Similarly, silver futures opened the session 0.47 percent down at Rs 1,48,140 per kg, following a trend of declining global spot prices.
However, by around 11:38 a.m., there was a slight recovery, with the December 5 gold futures contract trading at Rs 1,21,557 per 10 grams, up 0.04 percent, while the silver futures contract remained stable at Rs 1,48,747 per kg. The initial drop was attributed to traders booking profits ahead of significant US economic data releases.
In international markets, spot gold decreased by 0.5 percent to $4,004 per ounce in the morning, influenced by a robust dollar and diminishing expectations for early rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. Meanwhile, US gold futures for December delivery showed little change at $4,016.70 per ounce.
Despite the decline on Friday, gold, which saw an increase of nearly 3.9 percent in October, remains on track for its third consecutive monthly gain. The US dollar index continues to hover near its three-month high, impacting the sentiment surrounding precious metals and making bullion less attractive to holders of other currencies.
Concurrently, the stock market opened on a flat note amidst mixed global signals, as US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached an agreement to ease trade tensions for one year without a concrete trade deal.
The Sensex initiated the session at 84,379.79, down 25 points from the previous close of 84,404.46. Nifty started 14 points lower at 25,863.80. However, both indices soon turned positive due to buying activity in the automobile and banking sectors.
According to analysts, "The Trump-Xi summit resulted in only a one-year truce in the US-China trade war, rather than a breakthrough agreement. This has left market participants somewhat disappointed, despite the relief from reduced trade tensions and potential for future progress."
 
                         
                                             
                                             
                                             
                                             
                             
                             
                             
                            