MCX Gold Climbs 1.47% to Rs 1,47,900 as US Jobs Data Eases Rate Hike Fears; Silver and Brent Also Gain

Gold prices rallied on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on July 3, buoyed by softer-than-expected US jobs data that lowered expectations for further Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. August gold futures surged 1.47% to Rs 1,47,900 per 10 grams, while September silver futures advanced 1.85% to Rs 2,37,630. In the energy market, Brent crude futures rose 0.61% to $72.34 a barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 0.47% to $69.01.

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders now see a 54% probability of a rate hike in September, down from 66% previously. The shift in sentiment followed a lackluster US labor market report, which dampened hawkish Fed expectations and boosted demand for safe-haven assets like gold.

Domestic Gold Prices

In the Indian market, 24K gold increased by Rs 322 to Rs 1,47,000 per 10 grams, while 22K gold rose by Rs 295 to Rs 1,34,750. Regional variations were minimal: Mumbai and Kolkata quoted Rs 1,47,000, Delhi Rs 1,47,150, and Chennai Rs 1,49,500.

US Gold Prices

Internationally, spot gold climbed 1.4% to $4,179.94 per ounce, and US gold futures for August delivery gained 1.6% to $4,193.20. Spot silver rose 2.3% to $62.43 per ounce, platinum added 2.7% to $1,660.05, and palladium increased 1.3% to $1,284.40.

Key Levels to Watch

Kelvin Wong, senior market analyst at OANDA, noted that the market is pricing in fewer Fed rate hikes for the remainder of this year and early next year, driven by the weak US jobs data. However, he cautioned that rate hike expectations have not been completely erased, and gold could still face downside pressure, potentially testing the $3,500/oz level.

On the international front, gold has support at $4,084 and $4,040 per troy ounce, with resistance at $4,180 and $4,240. Silver support stands at $59.40 and $58, while resistance is at $63 and $64.40. On MCX, gold support is at Rs 1,44,400 and Rs 1,43,350, with resistance at Rs 1,47,100 and Rs 1,48,800. Silver support on MCX is at Rs 2,33,000 and Rs 2,26,600, with resistance at Rs 2,37,700 and Rs 2,41,000.