KARACHI:
Gold price inflation in Pakistan slowed on Tuesday and recorded a marginal increase, mirroring global market trends where the precious metal retreated after reaching a near four-week high as investors turned cautious ahead of a possible phone call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
In the domestic market, the price of gold rose by Rs1,000 per tola, settling at Rs354,100, while the 10-gram rate climbed by Rs857 to Rs303,583, according to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). This followed a sharp increase of Rs5,900 per tola on Monday when prices had touched Rs353,100.
Internationally, gold fell over 1% on Tuesday after hitting a near four-week high, pressured by a firmer dollar as investors grew cautious ahead of a potential call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, according to Reuters.
Spot gold fell 1.1% to $3,340.79 an ounce as of 1421 GMT, after hitting its highest since May 8 earlier in the session. US gold futures eased 0.9% to $3,365.90.
“We are moving into this period that is well known to be the summer doldrums, so there’s an expectation that the gold market could fall into a bit of a lull or a sideways consolidation,” said David Meger, director of metals trading at High Ridge Futures.
Markets are on edge ahead of a likely Trump-Xi call this week, after Trump accused China of violating an agreement to roll back tariffs. The talks come as trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies continue to simmer.
Adnan Agar, Director at Interactive Commodities, noted that gold touched an intraday high of $3,387 and a low of $3,333 before stabilising around $3,350. “After yesterday’s strong $90 move, some profit-taking emerged today. The price reversed near $3,400, failing to break that level, and fell to $3,333,” Agar said.
He added that if the market closes below the $3,340-$3,345 range, it could test the $3,300 level again. Conversely, a break above $3,400 could push prices toward $3,420 or even $3,440 in the near term.
Meanwhile, the range-bound Pakistani rupee registered a slight decline against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Tuesday, slipping by 0.05%.
The local currency closed at 282.11, down by 14 paisas from Monday’s closing rate of 281.97, according to the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP).
Globally, the US dollar fell to a six-week low on Tuesday amid growing concerns over the US economy, as the ongoing trade war under President Donald Trump’s administration continues to take a toll on economic sentiment. The dollar rose 0.5% from an over-a-month low hit earlier in the session, making gold costlier for foreign buyers.