Precious metal prices turned extremely dull on
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 Wednesday, gold for February delivery ended at $1,112.6 an ounce, lower by $27.4 (2.4%) an ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It was the biggest drop for the yellow metal in more than a month. Last week, it ended higher by 0.4%. Year to date in FY 2010, gold has risen by almost 1.7%.
Last year, after hitting a low at $807.30 per ounce on
On Wednesday, March Comex silver futures ended lower by 92 cents (4.9%) at $17.88 an ounce. Last week, silver ended higher by 0.5%. Year to date in FY 2010, silver has risen by almost 7.2%.
Silver futures had hit a low at $10.42 on
In the currency market on Wednesday, the dollar index, which weighs the strength of dollar against the basket of six other currencies rose by almost 1.1%. The dollar strengthened on fears that
Gold had ended FY 2009 higher by 24%. Silver futures had ended 2009 up 50%. The dollar index had lost 4.2% against its counterparts last year.
At the MCX, gold prices for February delivery closed lower by Rs 253 (1.5%) at Rs 16,680 per ten grams. Prices rose to a high of Rs 16,925 per 10 grams and fell to a low of Rs 16,642 per 10 grams during the day's trading.
At the MCX, silver prices for March delivery closed Rs 896 (3.1%) lower at Rs 27,769/Kg. Prices opened at Rs 28,636/kg and fell to a low of Rs 27,683/Kg during the day'strading.