Gold, silver rally on strong global market sentiment
New Delhi (PTI): Gold prices climbed Rs 700 to Rs 1,30,160 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday tracking firm trends in the global markets and strong investor appetite, according to marketmen.
The precious metal of 99.5 per cent purity jumped by Rs 700 to Rs 1,29,560 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes).
"Gold edged higher...supported by increasing expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in December," Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said.
He further stated that gold prices, during the week, have remained well-supported by renewed optimism over a potential Fed cut and a steady US dollar.
Silver prices also continued their upward march for the fourth straight session soaring by Rs 3,000 to Rs 1,71,200 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes).
In the past four sessions, the white metal skyrocketed by Rs 16,200 from Rs 1,55,000 per kg on Monday.
In the international markets, spot gold went up by USD 12.44 , or 0.30 per cent, to USD 4,169.88 per ounce.
"Spot gold continues to remain well bid on rate cut expectations after recent dovish comments by the Federal Reserve officials," Praveen Singh, Head of Commodities, Mirae Asset ShareKhan, said.
The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.16 per cent higher at 99.75, capping gains for the yellow metal.
Sandip Raichura - CEO, Retail Broking and Distribution, PL Capital, said that gold will soon test the USD 4,400 level, which marks its all-time high. Continuing purchases by central banks, as well as dollar weakness, are leading to a strong support for gold at the USD 4,000 level.
Spot silver was trading 0.77 per cent higher at USD 53.81 per ounce, marking gains for the fifth straight day. In the session, the white metal rose to hit an intra-day high of USD 54.31 an ounce in the overseas market.
"Silver approaches towards its all-time high (USD 54.49 per ounce), with increased predictions that the US Federal Reserve would further lower interest rates," Renisha Chainani, Head - Research at Augmont said.
She noted that Chinese inventories have fallen to decade lows, which has led to large exports to London to alleviate supply constraints. The reduction follows a spike in Chinese silver exports in October, which reached a record high of over 660 tonnes.
Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities, said, "With US economic data yet to flow in after the government reopening, upcoming releases will be crucial for the Fed as it prepares for the final policy meeting of 2025 on December 10, where a rate cut is widely anticipated."
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
