Is the Indian Rupee Strengthening and Gold Prices Rising?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rupee strengthens to 85.44 against the dollar.
- Gold prices rise by nearly 1% amid market shifts.
- Dollar index declines, supporting gold demand.
- Upcoming wedding season may cap price declines.
- Market experts provide insights on support and resistance levels.
New Delhi, May 19 (NationPress) The Indian rupee commenced the day at 12 paise stronger, reaching 85.44 against the US dollar this Monday, amidst significant global economic dynamics and market responses.
The rupee had closed at 85.52 against the dollar on Friday.
Gold prices, on the other hand, saw a rise of nearly 1 percent during the morning session in the domestic futures market on Monday, driven by a weaker dollar and emerging concerns over potential trade tariffs reminiscent of the Donald Trump era.
The MCX Gold June 5 contract traded 0.95 percent higher at Rs 93,317 per 10 grams. The dollar index saw a decline of almost 0.3 percent, which in turn bolstered gold prices. A weaker US dollar makes gold more affordable in other currencies, increasing its appeal.
Rahul Kalantri, VP of commodities at Mehta Equities, indicated that gold has support between $3,195 and $3,175, while facing resistance at $3,245 to $3,260. Silver has support between $32.10 and $31.80 and resistance at $32.65 to $32.85.
“Gold prices surged past $3,220 per ounce on Monday, recovering from the most significant decline in six months observed last week. This rebound was driven by renewed demand for safe-haven assets following Moody’s downgrade of the US sovereign credit rating, citing issues with fiscal balance and escalating debt costs,” he remarked.
Despite recent positive sentiment stemming from a temporary truce in US-China tariffs, disappointing US economic indicators and low inflation have led markets to anticipate further interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, providing additional support for gold.
“In INR, gold has support at Rs 91,850 to Rs 91,480 and resistance at Rs 92,850 to Rs 93,490. Silver has support at Rs 94,480 to Rs 94,850 (per kg) and resistance at Rs 95,950 to Rs 96,650,” he added.
Gold prices have remained relatively stable over the last two sessions, hindered by the absence of strong positive triggers as the US achieved a temporary truce with China and tensions between India and Pakistan have also diminished.
Nevertheless, local buying in anticipation of the forthcoming wedding season in India is likely to limit any downside, keeping prices elevated, stated Aksha Kamboj, Vice President of the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA).