Gold prices hit fresh record highs on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on Tuesday. Investors flocked to the precious metal amid growing global uncertainties and expectations of further US Federal Reserve rate cuts.
MCX Gold December futures touched an all-time high of Rs 1,20,769 per 10 grams.
Around 9:15 am, gold was trading 0.43% higher at Rs 1,20,769 per 10 grams, while MCX Silver December futures rose 0.12% to Rs 1,47,701 per kg. Global gold prices mirrored this surge as investors sought safe-haven assets amid rising economic and political tensions in the United States.
Expectations that the US Fed may cut interest rates further have added to the positive sentiment around the yellow metal.
The ongoing US government shutdown, now in its seventh day, has frozen approximately $1.7 trillion in federal funds—roughly a quarter of the total annual budget—and raised concerns about potential job losses.
Banking and market expert Ajay Bagga said Indian markets were moving in line with global trends, with PSU bank indices reaching record levels. “Earnings starting October 9 will set the tone for the markets. Indian markets have underperformed the MSCI Emerging Markets index substantially. A catch-up will come eventually, but for now, foreign portfolio investors remain cautious, and the surge in primary market issuances is creating a liquidity drag for secondary markets,” he said.
Bagga added, “Markets abhor uncertainty, but they’ve mastered Washington theatre.” Despite the US shutdown, American stock markets continued to hit lifetime highs.
Precious metals continued their upward trajectory, with gold crossing USD 4,000 and silver reaching USD 48 per ounce. Cryptocurrencies also showed strong gains, with Bitcoin doubling over the past year to USD 125,000.
Manav Modi, Analyst at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, said, “Gold prices extended gains to a third session amid US economic and political uncertainties and expectations of further Fed rate cuts.”
Global developments have also shaped investor sentiment. Modi noted that while the White House eased earlier claims about layoffs due to the shutdown, prolonged gridlock could still lead to job losses. In currency markets, the Japanese yen fell sharply against the US dollar after fiscal dove Sanae Takaichi was elected to lead Japan’s ruling party, signaling policy continuity.
“Kansas City Fed Bank President Jeff Schmid indicated he is disinclined to cut interest rates further, emphasizing the Fed’s focus on avoiding excessively high inflation,” Modi added. However, markets continue to price in potential rate cuts in October and December, keeping investors focused on upcoming FOMC meeting minutes and remarks from the Federal Reserve Chair.
(ANI/IANS)