bullion

Gold prices are expected to remain steady this week, influenced by US-Iran talks and upcoming US economic data. Silver, however, may continue to outperform due to geopolitical tensions and high crude oil prices. Investors await signals on the Federal Reserve's next policy move amidst shifting statements from Washington and Tehran.

Gold prices surged on Monday, buoyed by global market optimism stemming from potential US-Iran peace talks. Retail rates in major Indian cities also climbed, with 22K, 24K, and 18K gold seeing gains. Analysts attribute this rise to a weaker US dollar and easing crude oil prices, signaling reduced inflationary fears and supporting precious metal markets.

Gold price prediction today: Despite some correction, gold prices are broadly seeing a bullish rise in prices, says Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.

Rising silver prices are fueling a surge of impure silver bars and coins in India, prompting calls for mandatory BIS hallmarking and licensing for refiners. Industry experts report widespread use of scrap silver containing prohibited elements, with limited quality testing infrastructure exacerbating concerns. Commodity exchanges are preparing to introduce quality-certified silver bars to standardize supply and enhance market trust.

Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) are now trading on the NSE, revolutionizing India's gold market. This digital format, backed by physical gold in SEBI-regulated vaults, offers investors a secure and transparent way to hold the precious metal. EGRs aim to overcome traditional concerns like purity and storage, integrating gold more closely with the capital markets.

Facing a widening trade deficit, India's Prime Minister urges reduced gold purchases. Industry bodies propose tapping into the nation's vast household gold reserves. Their plan involves using refined household gold for domestic demand and channeling imported gold into jewellery exports via gold metal loans, aiming to boost working capital and cut imports.

Gold prices dropped to over a month's low as rising oil prices and Middle East tensions fueled investor anxiety, pushing them away from the safe-haven asset. Higher energy costs are also raising inflation concerns, increasing the likelihood of prolonged elevated interest rates from the US Federal Reserve.

India has significantly increased import tariffs on gold and silver to 15% from 6% to curb imports and protect foreign exchange reserves. This move follows Prime Minister Modi's appeal for citizens to avoid gold purchases for a year, aiming to narrow the trade deficit and support the rupee amid global economic pressures.

India's jewellery industry urges against curbing gold purchases, emphasizing its cultural significance as savings and tradition. Instead, they propose enhanced gold recycling and domestic mobilization to ease foreign exchange pressure. This approach aims to protect millions of livelihoods tied to the sector, from artisans to small businesses, by circulating existing gold rather than stifling demand.

India has moved silver imports to a "restricted" category, requiring government approval, to prevent traders from exploiting a duty gap created by a recent 15% import tax hike. This move aims to curb arbitrage opportunities through the India-UAE free trade agreement, protect foreign exchange reserves, and control precious metal inflows, while exempting export-oriented industries.

India holds one of the world’s largest privately owned stocks of gold. bullion exchanges can be a strong pillar to invite that gold sitting idle in cupboards.

Gold and silver prices are expected to trade within a narrow band this week, with investors closely watching US-Iran peace talks and key global economic data. Analysts noted that while gold's momentum appears steady, silver shows positive movement. Geopolitical tensions and central bank buying are also influencing precious metal markets.