Is Gold Reaching New Heights as Investors Seek Safe Havens Amid Global Uncertainty?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gold prices have hit a record high, reaching Rs 1,28,395 per 10 grams.
- Geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty are driving investors toward gold.
- Expectations of US interest rate cuts are influencing demand for gold.
- The US dollar's decline makes gold more appealing to international investors.
- Silver prices also surged, reaching Rs 1,64,150 per kg.
Mumbai, Oct 16 (NationPress) The price of gold surged to a historic peak on Thursday as investors flocked to the safe-haven asset amid escalating geopolitical tensions and economic instability.
Anticipations of interest rate cuts in the US and a declining dollar further enhanced the demand for this precious metal.
MCX Gold December futures jumped by nearly Rs 1,200, or 1 percent, reaching a new high of Rs 1,28,395 per 10 grams.
In a similar fashion, MCX Silver December futures soared over Rs 1,900, or more than 1 percent, achieving a new peak of Rs 1,64,150 per kg.
During morning trading, gold futures on MCX were up by 0.60 percent at Rs 1,27,960 per 10 grams, while silver futures climbed 1 percent to Rs 1,63,812 per kg.
Spot gold increased by 0.4 percent to $4,224.79 per ounce in early trading, having previously reached a record high of $4,225.69.
Meanwhile, US gold futures for December delivery rose by 0.9 percent to $4,239.70 per ounce.
Gold, which tends to thrive during periods of low interest rates, has surged 61 percent this year as investors actively seek shelter from global market volatility.
The US dollar index fell by 0.1 percent, lingering near a one-week low, making gold more appealing to foreign investors as it became less expensive in other currencies.
Compounding global tensions, US officials criticized China’s expanded export restrictions on rare earth materials, deeming them a threat to global supply chains and suggesting possible retaliatory actions.
“Gold and Silver continue to rise significantly in both domestic and COMEX markets amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties, with expectations of US rate cuts and a weaker dollar providing further support,” experts stated.
China's additional restrictions on rare earth exports have drawn criticism from US officials, who hinted at potential retaliation in response to this move, according to analysts.
“Several data points like CPI, retail sales, and others are due for release later this week; however, if the US government shutdown continues, these data releases along with jobs data could be delayed,” analysts indicated.