Gold prices firmed on Monday as expectations that the Federal Reserve will start cutting interest rates later in the year and tensions in the Middle East boosted the allure of the non-yielding bullion.
Amid easing Middle East tensions, safe haven buying in bullion seems to be diminishing as gold prices on MCX for June futures contracts fell by Rs 102 or 0.14% on Friday to trade at Rs 70,634 per 10 grams while MCX July silver contracts were down by Rs 44 or 0.05% to Rs 81,319 per kg.
Gold prices increased as the Federal Reserve indicated a less aggressive stance on interest rate hikes, leading to lower U.S. treasury yields and a weaker dollar. The softening dollar, coupled with market speculation about Japan intervening to support the yen, further helped boost gold prices.
Gold June futures contracts on Thursday fell Rs 352 or 0.05% to open at Rs 70,700, while Silver May contracts opened at Rs 80,046, 0.56% or Rs 451 lower.