Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 20: Rates of precious metals in futures declined on Monday, April 20, amid profit booking as the US dollar strengthened and oil prices surged over 5 per cent due to tensions between the US and Iran affecting tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

Gold futures for June 5 on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) opened lower by Rs 1,451 at Rs 1,53,158 per 10 grams, compared to the previous close of Rs 1,54,609. The contract slipped further to an intraday low of Rs 1,52,799, marking a decline of Rs 1,810 or 1.17 per cent. It was last seen trading at Rs 1,53,251, down by Rs 1,358 or 0.88 per cent.

Gold futures for August 2026 also witnessed a decline, falling by Rs 1,249 or 0.79 per cent to trade at Rs 1,55,930 per 10 grams, with a business turnover of 6,850 lots on the MCX.

Silver futures, maturing on May 5, 2026, also opened lower. The contract began trading at Rs 2,53,453 against the previous close of Rs 2,57,142, registering a fall of Rs 3,689 or 1.43 per cent. It later touched a low of Rs 2,51,071, down by Rs 6,071 or 2.36 per cent.

In the international market, gold prices on COMEX dropped by 1.48 per cent to around USD 4,807.2 per troy ounce. Meanwhile, spot gold at 11.55 am stood at USD 4,784.77 per ounce, up by USD 13.59 or 0.28 per cent.

Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, said that MCX gold opened with a mild gap down but continues to hold above the Rs 1,52,000 level, supported by buying interest at lower levels. He added that a sustained move above Rs 1,55,000 could push prices towards Rs 1,57,000–1,58,000, while a drop below Rs 1,52,500 may trigger further correction towards Rs 1,50,000 and even Rs 1,48,000.

In the retail market, gold prices varied across major cities. In New Delhi, 24-carat gold was priced at Rs 1,55,440 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold stood at Rs 1,42,500. In Mumbai, 24-carat gold was available at Rs 1,55,290 per 10 grams and 22-carat gold at Rs 1,42,350.

Similar rates were observed in Kolkata, where 24-carat gold was priced at Rs 1,55,290 and 22-carat at Rs 1,42,350 per 10 grams. In Chennai, 24-carat gold was quoted at Rs 1,56,600, while 22-carat gold stood at Rs 1,43,000 per 10 grams.

Silver prices remained steady across most cities. In New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, silver was priced at Rs 2,75,000 per kg, while in Chennai, the metal was slightly higher at Rs 2,80,000 per kg.