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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Smriti Mandhana named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Star batter Smriti Mandhana, who played a pivotal role in India's historic 2025 Women's World Cup triumph, was named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025 at a glittering function here on Monday.
Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh won the Emerging Player of the Year award, for her historic FIDE Women's World Cup triumph at just 20.
Preethi Pal was named the Para-Sportswoman of the Year, for winning two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in track and field, while Anjali Bhagwat was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her pioneering career as India's first woman shooter to reach an Olympic final and her trailblazing success on the world stage.
Mandhana, who is currently touring Australia with the Indian team for multi-format bilateral assignments, said in a video message: "Thank you BBC for giving me the awardfor Best Sportswoman of the Year. 2025 was a special year for women's cricket, especiallytowards the end we had a World Cup and I'm happy I could contribute and help India win matches.".
At 29, the left-handed batter is already among the game's greats, with the second-highest number of centuries in women's One Day Internationals and ranking third in total runsscored among current players worldwide.
Hailing from Sangli city in Maharashtra, the affable Mandhana was inspired by her father and brother, both of whom played cricket at the district level.
In September last year, she made a 50-ball hundred against Australia – the fastest 50 over international ton (men and women) by an Indian in the format, breaking Virat Kohli's record.
The award winners were decided by a distinguished grand jury comprising Leander Paes, Deepa Malik, and Anju Bobby George.
Praising the athletes' achievements CEO of BBC News, Jonathan Munro said: "Congratulations to this year's winners who showcase the very best in sporting excellence. The BBC World Service is committed to bringing such stories of human endeavour and outstanding success to audiences across India and around the world.".
Additionally, the ceremony also celebrated a wide spectrum of talent and impact, recognizing star performers and changemakers for redefining the landscape of Indian sport.
BBC Star Performers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team: for their historic World Cup victory.
• Ekta Bhyan, Deepthi Jeevanji and Preethi Pal: for their trailblazing performances at the World Para Athletics Championship.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team for the Blind: for their inspiring World Cup victory.
• Indian Women's Kabaddi Team: for their smashing victory in World Cup.
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BBC Changemakers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Ice Hockey Team: for breaking barriers in a non-traditional sport.
• Rajbir Kaur: Indian field hockey player and former captain of the women’s national team.
• Savita Punia: Indian field hockey player and current member of the national team.
• Paani Devi: recognised for her impactful contribution to grassroots sport.
