Gold and silver prices rallied on Friday to hit fresh lifetime highs in the futures trade, tracking record gains in international markets amid a weakening US dollar and rising expectations of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), the March contract of silver soared by Rs 12,638, or nearly 4 per cent, to scale a new peak of Rs 3,39,927 per kg. Silver futures in the previous session on Wednesday had touched a record high of Rs 3,35,521 per kg.
Gold also scaled a fresh lifetime high, advancing for the fifth straight day. The yellow metal for February delivery jumped by Rs 2,885, or 1.84 per cent, to Rs 1,59,226 per 10 grams on the MCX. It had settled at Rs 1,56,341 per 10 grams on Thursday.
Gold's surge to record highs on the MCX reflects a powerful convergence of global risk factors and macroeconomic tailwinds. The rally is being attributed to heightened geopolitical tensions and persistent geo-economic uncertainty, which have reignited safe-haven demand. The weakening US dollar has further improved bullion's sentiment among global investors.
Market participants are increasingly pricing in the likelihood of rate cuts by the US Fed, which has further reduced the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets such as gold. The dollar index, which measures the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.05 per cent lower at 98.31.
In the international markets, both gold and silver futures scaled historic levels, with the white metal crossing the USD 99 per-ounce-mark for the first time on the Comex. Silver futures for March delivery gained USD 3.02, or 3.14 per cent, to hit a new peak of USD 99.39 per ounce in the overseas trade on Friday.
Market sentiment was further influenced by President Donald Trump's statement that he had secured permanent US access to Greenland through a NATO deal, though details remain unclear and Denmark has reiterated its sovereignty. Expectations of monetary easing have also grown as Trump is expected to appoint the next Federal Reserve Chair, with markets pricing in a more dovish candidate.
Silver's sharp rally has been amplified by a historic short squeeze, strong retail participation and China's tightening export controls, adding to supply concerns.
Also read: Gold, silver peak to new highs on global buying rush
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