Gold prices in India edged lower today for the second day after hitting a record high in the previous session. On MCX, gold futures were were down 0.16 per cent to Rs 48,188 per 10 gram after sliding Rs 500 in the previous session. Gold had hit a record high of Rs 48,982 in the previous session but could not sustain gains and settled lower. Silver futures on MCX were down 0.25 per cent to Rs 49,300 per kg after slumping Rs 900 in the previous session.
In global markets, gold prices came off recent highs after positive coronavirus vaccine developments and US data slightly improved risk sentiment. Focus now shifts to the monthly US jobs report due later today and it will be closely monitored by gold traders today.
Spot gold fell 0.2 per cent to $1,767.11 per ounce, after touching $1,788.96 on Wednesday — its highest since October 2012. US gold futures today fell 0.2 per cent to $1,777.30.
Manufacturing activity in the US rebounded in June while similar surveys from China, Germany and France all pointed to a recovery in factory activity. An early trial of an experimental vaccine from Pfizer Inc. and BioNtech SE showed promise and was found to be well tolerated in early-stage human trials.
On the other hand, gold was supported on the downside by US-China tensions and hopes of more stimulus from central banks. Traders also monitored minutes of the Federal Reserve’s June meeting, which revealed that various participants viewed the economy needing support “for some time.”
