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  Business   In Other News  01 Jul 2020  Gold prices hit all-time high of Rs 48,871 as virus spike lifts demand

Gold prices hit all-time high of Rs 48,871 as virus spike lifts demand

REUTERS
Published : Jul 1, 2020, 3:17 pm IST
Updated : Jul 1, 2020, 3:17 pm IST

The country’s gold imports in May plunged 99% from a year earlier as international air travel was banned and jewellery shops were closed

 Gold prices in India hit an all-time high on Wednesday. (AFP Photo)
  Gold prices in India hit an all-time high on Wednesday. (AFP Photo)

MUMBAI: Gold prices in India hit an all-time high on Wednesday, tracking a global rally, as surging coronavirus cases in many countries raised the metal’s safe-haven appeal.

Local gold futures hit an all-time high of 48,871 rupees ($646.66) per 10 grams in early trade, taking their gains to 25% in 2020 so far. The contract had gained nearly 25% in 2019.

However, this dampened the retail demand for gold in India, the world’s second largest consumer of the precious metal.

“Retail demand is negligible. Buyers are postponing purchases anticipating a correction in prices,” said a Mumbai-based bank dealer with a bullion importing bank.

In thin trade, dealers were offering a discount of up to $22 an ounce over official domestic prices on Wednesday afternoon, up from the last week’s $18. The domestic price includes a 12.5% import tax and 3% sales tax.

The country’s gold imports in May plunged 99% from a year earlier as international air travel was banned and jewellery shops were closed amid a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Tags: gold prices, india, coronavirus cases
Location: India, Maharashtra, Mumbai (Bombay)