MCX Gold Drops 1% to Rs 1,42,050 as Middle East Tensions Boost Brent Crude 4%

Gold prices on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) fell 1% on July 13, with August futures settling at Rs 1,42,050 per 10 grams. The decline came as escalating tensions between the US and Iran drove crude oil prices higher and strengthened the US dollar, creating headwinds for the precious metal.

September silver futures also declined, dropping 1.9% to Rs 2,18,439. Meanwhile, Brent crude futures surged 4.05% to $79.09 per barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) advanced 4.13% to $74.36 per barrel.

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders now price in a 72% chance of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September, up from 63% last week.

Domestic Gold Prices

In the Indian bullion market, 24K gold fell by Rs 142 to Rs 1,42,910 per 10 grams, while 22K gold declined by Rs 130 to Rs 1,31,000. City-wise, Mumbai and Kolkata quoted gold at Rs 1,42,910, Delhi at Rs 1,43,050, and Chennai at Rs 1,44,000.

US Gold Prices

US gold prices also declined over 1% on Monday amid concerns over the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which pushed oil prices higher and revived expectations of elevated interest rates. Spot gold dropped 1.5% to $4,059.11 per ounce, and US gold futures for August delivery were down 1.1% at $4,067.10.

Spot silver declined 2.9% to $58.14 per ounce, platinum shed 1.8% to $1,598.48, and palladium fell 2.3% to $1,247.27.

Key Levels to Watch

“Any breakout of violence in the Gulf is accompanied by pressure on gold,” said Nicholas Frappell, global head of institutional markets at ABC Refinery. “The question is, if the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively or partially closed, does that lead to a deflationary effect, further down the road, that might actually be supportive for gold if you have demand destruction leading to lower economic activity,” Frappell added.

Internationally, gold has support at $4,074 and $4,040, while resistance is at $4,144 and $4,180 per troy ounce. Silver has support at $59.10 and $57.70, with resistance at $61.20 and $62.40 per troy ounce.

On MCX, gold has support at Rs 1,42,400 and Rs 1,41,100, and resistance at Rs 1,44,400 and Rs 1,45,550. Silver has support at Rs 2,20,000 and Rs 2,16,600, and resistance at Rs 2,26,000 and Rs 2,28,800.