Gold Premiums in India Fall Sharply as Covid Hits Retail Demand

Premiums on gold over official domestic prices in India dipped this week amid faltering demand. Rising prices and strict restrictions to contain the spread of Covid infections have hurt gold demand. Premiums this week eased to about $2 an ounce over official domestic gold prices as compared to last week’s $4, the report said.

Gold prices in India include 10.75% import duty and 3% GST.

Gold Premiums in India Slip Sharply

Jewellers have been reducing purchases because of weak retail demand and demand could remain soft over next few weeks amid rising covid cases, a Mumbai-based dealer told Reuters.

On Friday, gold futures on MCX settled at ₹47,560 per 10 gram. Though prices are off sharply from ₹48,400 hit earlier this week, the precious metal is up ₹3,600 so far this month.

“A softer US dollar, falling Treasury yields and a correction in equities attracted investor interest in bullion. Concerns over the fiscal impact of the second wave of corona pandemic also helped to gain momentum. Meanwhile, signs of economic recovery in key economies are likely to dent major gains in the commodity“.

In international markets, spot gold fell to $1,770.04 an ounce on Friday.

  • Rising prices have also hit gold demand in India, say reports
  • Gold rates are up ₹3,500 so far this month

“As long as gold rates stay above $1765, the buying momentum is likely to continue towards the next upside obstacles of $1820 or more. A close below $1720 is a sign of immediate trend reversal,”.

Many analysts remain positive on gold, saying that safe-haven inflows due to the pandemic, the likelihood of rising inflation and lower interest rates for longer could support the precious metal on lower levels. 

(With Agency Inputs)

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Neal Bhai has been involved in the Bullion and Metals markets since 1998 – he has experience in many areas of the market from researching to trading and has worked in Delhi, India. Mobile No. - 9899900589 and 9582247600

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