Silver futures remained under pressure for a fifth straight session on Thursday, falling Rs 1,705, or 0.72 per cent, to Rs 2,33,800 per kilogram on the Multi Commodity Exchange. Analysts said investors continued to favour the US dollar amid escalating tensions in West Asia and concerns over persistent inflation.
According to PTI, Motilal Oswal Financial Services analyst Manav Modi said stronger Treasury yields and a firmer dollar have reduced demand for precious metals. In international markets, Comex silver futures for July delivery declined 1.48 per cent to USD 63.78 per ounce. Investors are now awaiting the US Producer Price Index report and comments from Federal Reserve officials for clues on interest rates.
Gold prices held nearly steady on Thursday after touching their lowest level since November, as weaker-than-expected US labour market data countered pressure from rising inflation and expectations of higher interest rates. Spot gold was little changed at $4,076.88 an ounce, while US gold futures fell 0.9% to $4,097.10.
Reuters reported that USA's weekly jobless claims rose to 229,000, above forecasts of 219,000. However, stronger producer and consumer inflation data reinforced expectations of a tighter monetary policy. Traders are currently pricing a 69% chance of a US rate hike in December ahead of next week's Federal Reserve meeting.
Gold prices declined for the second consecutive session on Thursday, falling Rs 2,100 to Rs 1,53,900 per 10 grams in the national capital, according to marketmen. The 99.9 per cent purity metal had closed at Rs 1,56,000 per 10 grams on Wednesday. Analysts attributed the weakness to persistent inflation concerns, shifting expectations around interest rate cuts and the continued strength of the US dollar and Treasury yields.
According to PTI, HDFC Securities' Saumil Gandhi said sustained outflows from gold-backed ETFs have also weighed on investor sentiment. In international markets, spot gold traded flat at $ 4,072.21 an ounce, while investors assessed the outlook for further monetary policy tightening by major central banks.
Re-escalation of tensions between Iran and the US coupled with red hot US inflation data for May weighed heavily on the yellow metal sending it over 5% down yesterday as it fell through the cycle low of $4099 to close at $4047. Investors seeking liquidity for SpaceX IPO could also have been instrumental in the selloff.
US CPI inflation rose to 4.2% in May (forecast 4.2%, prior 3.5%), its third straight monthly acceleration and fastest in more than three years. President Trump threatened Iran with fresh strikes as the countries engaged in the worst skirmish since the ceasefire began in April.
Investors price in one full rate hike by the year-end, while another hike next year looks quite probable.
The European Central Bank is widely expected to hike the benchmark rate by a quarter percentage today as inflation risks outweigh the slow growth risk. Hawkish hike will be bearish for the metal.
Gold, currently trading with a gain of 0.50% at $4095, may test $4000 mark and fall to $3900 in the near future, though it may consolidate its losses in short run.
Resistance is at $4200/$4275, says Praveen Singh, Head of commodities at Mirae Asset ShareKhan.