New Delhi (PTI): Gold prices stayed in ascending order for the second straight day, climbing Rs 2,650 to a fresh peak of Rs 1,40,850 per 10 grams in the national capital on Tuesday, tracking robust trends in the global markets, according to the All India Sarafa Association.

The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity closed at Rs 1,38,200 per 10 grams on Monday.

So far this year, gold prices in the domestic market have jumped by Rs 61,900, or 78.40 per cent, from Rs 78,950 per 10 grams recorded on December 31, 2024.

Silver also rallied for the second consecutive day, surging Rs 2,750 to touch a record of Rs 2,17,250 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes). In the previous session, the white metal settled at Rs 2,14,500 per kg after registering a sharp rise of Rs 10,400 per kg.

"An unprecedented rally continues in bullion, with spot gold nearing another milestone at the USD 4,500 mark.

"The latest round of rallies is driven by expectations that the Federal Reserve will deliver more than one rate cut in 2026, alongside rising geopolitical tensions that are strengthening the safe-haven appeal of gold and silver," Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said.

During the calendar year, silver prices have added Rs 1,27,550, or 142.2 per cent, from Rs 89,700 per kilogram recorded on December 31, 2024.

On Tuesday, spot gold increased by USD 54.3, or 1.22 per cent, to hit a record of USD 4,498 per ounce in the international markets.

"Gold has extended its sharp rally to almost USD 4,500 per ounce on geopolitical jitters and weaker dollar as markets expect the Federal Reserve to cut rates more than two times next year," Praveen Singh, Research Analyst, Mirae Asset ShareKhan, said.

During the calendar year, spot gold prices have surged by USD 1,892.23, or 72.62 per cent, from USD 2,605.77 per ounce, recorded on December 31, 2024.

Meanwhile, spot silver rose 1.4 per cent to breach the USD 70-per-ounce mark for the first time in the overseas trade. So far this year, silver prices have soared by USD 41.03, or 141.62 per cent, from USD 28.97 per ounce, recorded on December 31, 2024.

"Investors will now turn their attention towards the second estimate of third-quarter US GDP data, which is due later in the day and might provide clues into the health of the US economy and the future course of Federal Reserve's monetary policy outlook," Renisha Chainani, Head - Research at Augmont, said.

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New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone and discussed the "serious situation" in West Asia.

Modi expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the region and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.

The prime minister told the Iranian President that the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities.

“Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure,” Modi said in a post on X.

The prime minister also reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability and urged dialogue and diplomacy to end the crisis.

The prime minister had spoken to leaders of several West Asian countries in the last 10 days in the wake of the coordinated offensive launched against Iran by the United States and Israel, in which the Islamic country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed last month.

In retaliation, Iran has fired drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations around the Gulf region, including the global business and aviation hubs of Dubai and Doha.

Modi earlier spoke to the leaders of Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Israel and Qatar, and expressed concern over the attacks on their countries, and condemned the violation of some nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also discussed the welfare and security of the Indian community residing in those countries.

Around 1 crore Indians live in the Gulf and West Asia. While about 10,000 Indian citizens live, study and work in Iran, more than 40,000 live in Israel.