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 Thursday, gold for February delivery ended at $1,103.2 an ounce, lower by $9.4 (0.8%) an ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Earlier during the day, it fell to a low of $1,088. Last week, it ended higher by 0.4%. Year to date in FY 2010, gold has risen by almost 0.9%.
Last year, after hitting a low at $807.30 per ounce on
On Thursday, March Comex silver futures ended lower by 37 cents (2.1%) at $17.51 an ounce. Last week, silver ended higher by 0.5%. Year to date in FY 2010, silver has risen by almost 5.1%.
Silver futures had hit a low at $10.42 on
In the currency market on Thursday, the dollar index, which weighs the strength of dollar against the basket of six other currencies rose on concerns that
Among economic reports expected for the day, the Conference Board in US reported on
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 151 (0.9%) at Rs 16,529 per ten grams. Prices rose to a high of Rs 16,690 per 10 grams and fell to a low of Rs 16,365 per 10 grams during the day's trading.
At the MCX, silver prices for March delivery closed Rs 522 (1.9%) lower at Rs 27,247/Kg. Prices opened at Rs 27,853/kg and fell to a low of Rs 27,055/Kg during the day's trading.