For many years, India's culture and economy have placed a high value on the precious metals gold and silver. Silver is frequently utilised in the production of jewellery, utensils, and coins, in contrast to gold, which has traditionally been seen as a symbol of riches and an important component of Indian weddings and festivities.
India's markets for gold and silver have experienced swings recently. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic that is sweeping the globe has had a tremendous impact on the markets, causing prices to soar as investors rush to safe-haven assets. In this essay, we will look at recent changes in the price of gold and silver in India without considering the pandemic's effects.
Gold prices in India have been on a rollercoaster ride in recent years. In 2016, the prices hit an all-time high of Rs. 31,600 per 10 grams before dropping to a five-year low of Rs. 25,000 per 10 grams in 2018. However, since then, the prices have been on the rise, with the metal hitting an all-time high of Rs. 56,191 per 10 grams in August 2020.
The surge in gold prices can be attributed to various factors, including the weakening of the Indian rupee against the US dollar, a rise in global prices due to geopolitical tensions, and a decline in domestic economic growth. Additionally, the increase in gold prices has also been fueled by the Reserve Bank of India's decision to increase the country's gold reserves to diversify its assets and reduce the country's exposure to the US dollar.
However, gold prices have recently witnessed a decline, with prices dropping to Rs. 44,960 per 10 grams in the second week of March 2023. The decline in prices can be attributed to several reasons, including a stronger Indian rupee, a decline in global prices due to the recent rise in interest rates by the US Federal Reserve, and a decrease in demand for gold in India due to the onset of the wedding season.
Like gold, silver prices in India have been subject to fluctuations in recent years. In 2016, silver prices hit an all-time high of Rs. 47,400 per kg before declining to Rs. 33,500 per kg in 2018. However, the prices have been on the rise since then, with the metal hitting an all-time high of Rs. 77,840 per kg in August 2020.
The rise in silver prices can be attributed to various factors, including a rise in global demand due to increased industrial usage, a decline in the US dollar, and a rise in gold prices. Additionally, silver has also been viewed as a hedge against inflation and a safe-haven asset for investors.
However, silver prices have witnessed a decline recently, with prices dropping to Rs. 62,700 per kg in the second week of March 2023. The decline in prices can be attributed to several reasons, including a stronger Indian rupee, a decline in global prices due to the recent rise in interest rates by the US Federal Reserve, and a decrease in demand for silver in India due to the onset of the wedding season.
Factors Influencing the Gold and Silver Markets Several factors to influence the gold and silver markets in India, including:
●Global Demand:The global demand for gold and silver plays a significant role in determining their prices. As these metals are considered safe-haven assets, their prices tend to rise during times of economic uncertainty or geopolitical tensions. Conversely, prices may drop during times of economic stability and growth.
●Domestic Demand: Domestic demand for gold and silver also plays a significant role in determining their prices in India. Gold is viewed as an essential part of Indian culture, and demand tends to increase during festivals and wedding seasons. Silver, on the other hand, is widely used in the manufacturing of jewellery and utensils, and demand remains consistent throughout the year.
●Exchange Rates: The exchange rate of the Indian rupee against the US dollar also has a significant impact on gold and silver prices in India. A weaker rupee tends to increase the prices of these metals, as they are typically denominated in US dollars.
●Government Policies: The policies of the Indian government also influence the gold and silver markets. For instance, the Reserve Bank of India's decision to increase the country's gold reserves can lead to an increase in gold prices.
Here is a tabular representation of the factors influencing gold and silver prices in India:
Factors | Impact on Gold Prices | Impact on Silver Prices |
---|---|---|
Global Demand | Tends to increase during times of economic uncertainty or geopolitical tensions | Tends to increase during times of economic uncertainty or geopolitical tensions |
Domestic Demand | Increases during festivals and wedding seasons | Demand remains consistent throughout the year |
Exchange Rates | A weaker Indian rupee tends to increase prices | A weaker Indian rupee tends to increase prices. |
Government Policies | The Reserve Bank of India's decision to increase the country's gold reserves can lead to an increase in prices | N/A |
It's important to remember that the effects of each component might vary based on the present political and economic climate in India and throughout the world. To better comprehend the current scenario and its potential impact on gold and silver prices in India, it is crucial to do in-depth market research and analysis.
Finally, due to a variety of national and international reasons, the price of gold and silver has fluctuated in India during the past few years. While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on the markets, other elements at play affect prices as well. To make wise investing selections, analysts and investors must be on the alert and keep a close check on these elements.
A stronger Indian rupee, a drop in world prices as a result of the US Federal Reserve's recent increase in interest rates, and a decrease in demand for these metals in India owing to the start of the wedding season are all factors contributing to the recent decline in gold and silver prices in India. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that these variables can swiftly alter, and costs could accordingly increase or decrease.
To better understand the fundamental variables that affect gold and silver prices in India as the markets continue to change, extensive market research and analysis are essential. Investors can then take advantage of prospective market opportunities and make well-informed judgements.