Gold jumps Rs 900, silver remains constant

New Delhi: Gold prices jumped by Rs 900 to Rs 1,06,970 per 10 grams in the national capital, inching closer to record high levels on fresh buying by stockists and firm global trends. Traders said the rally was growing amid conviction that the Federal Reserve may opt for an interest rate cut at its upcoming policy meeting on September 16-17.

According to the All India Sarafa Association, gold of 99.5 per cent purity also advanced by Rs 900 to Rs 1,06,100 per 10 grams, from the previous close of Rs 1,05,200 per 10 grams. Silver prices remained flat at Rs 1,25,600 per kg, as per the Association. In the international markets, spot gold edged higher to $3,551.44 per ounce, remaining close to its record high of $3,578.80 per ounce on Wednesday.

Spot silver rose by 0.22 per cent to trade at $40.76 per ounce. “Gold rose on the last trading day of the week, fuelled by expectations of lower US interest rates and safe-haven demand. Following Thursday’s disappointing employment report, markets fully priced in a September rate cut.

“Pessimism regarding the peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, due to a lack of progress, has also heightened demand for safe-haven asset,” said Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities.

On Friday, the rupee declined 15 paise to close at an all-time low of Rs 88.27 against the US dollar amid sustained outflow of foreign funds and fear of additional US tariffs against India.