Precious metal prices ended mixed on Monday, 31 August, 2009. Gold prices fell but silver rose. Prices ended mixed despite the somber dollar.
Generally, a stronger dollar pressures demand for dollar-denominated commodities, such as crude oil and gold, which become more expensive for holders of other currencies and also vice versa.
On Monday, gold for December delivery ended at $953.5, lower by $5.3 (0.6%) an ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Last week, gold ended higher by almost 0.4%. Year to date, gold prices are higher by 8.8%.
Gold ended August, 2009 higher by 0.2%. Before this, for the second quarter, gold ended higher by 0.5%. The metal had gained 4.3% in the first quarter of this year.
On 17 March, 2008 prices had skyrocketed to a high of $1,034/ounce. But prices have dropped somewhat (7.1%) since then.
On Monday, Comex silver futures for September delivery rose by 12.3 cents (0.8%) to $14.907 an ounce. Last week, silver ended higher by 4.3%.
Silver ended 7.1% higher for August, 2009. For second quarter, silver rose 4.5%. Year to date, silver has climbed 32.6% this year. For 2008, silver had lost 24%.
In the currency market on Monday, the dollar index, which weighs the strength of dollar, against a basket of six other currencies ended lower by 0.2%.
Among economic reports expected on Monday, manufacturing activity improved for the third straight month in the Chicago region in August. The Chicago purchasing managers index rose to 50% in August from 43.4% in July, 2009.
In 2008, gold prices ended higher by 5.5%. The dollar index had gained 12% that year.
At the MCX, gold prices for October delivery closed higher by Rs 4 (0.02%) at Rs 15,125 per 10 grams. Prices rose to a high of Rs 15,156 per 10 grams and fell to a low of Rs 15,037 per 10 grams during the day's trading.
At the MCX, silver prices for December delivery closed Rs 200 (0.83%) higher at Rs 24,245/Kg. Prices opened at Rs 23,996/kg and rose to a high of Rs 24,725/Kg during the day's trading.