Gold Prices Slip on MCX Amid Middle East Tensions and Inflation Concerns; Brent Crude Also Declines

Gold futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) traded lower on July 16, declining 0.45% to Rs. 1,41,205 per 10 grams, as escalating tensions between the US and Iran fueled inflation worries and reinforced expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike later this year.

September silver futures also fell, dropping 0.67% to Rs. 2,19,150. In the energy market, Brent crude futures slipped 0.21% to $84.77 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) eased 0.09% to $79.53 per barrel.

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders now see a 73% probability of a rate hike by the Fed in December, as the latest geopolitical unrest threatens to keep inflation elevated.

Domestic Gold Prices

In the domestic physical market, 24K gold fell by Rs. 28 to Rs. 1,43,290 per 10 grams, while 22K gold declined by Rs. 25 to Rs. 1,31,350. City-wise, Mumbai and Kolkata quoted gold at Rs. 1,43,290, Delhi at Rs. 1,43,400, and Chennai at Rs. 1,43,460.

US Gold Prices

Internationally, spot gold dropped 0.6% to $4,034.42 per ounce, and US gold futures for August delivery lost 0.3% to $4,039.90. Spot silver fell 1.1% to $57.14 per ounce. Platinum eased 0.6% to $1,664, while palladium edged 0.3% lower to $1,309.86.

Key Levels to Watch

“Gold is declining as the escalating attacks in the Middle East continue to push oil prices sharply higher this week, keeping concerns about inflation alive,” said Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at IndusInd Securities. “June’s inflation figures did not reflect the impact of the latest escalation in the US-Iran conflict, as the interim peace union reached last month has effectively unravelled,” Trivedi added.

Internationally, gold has support at $4,022 and $3,989, while resistance is at $4,084 and $4,110 per troy ounce. Silver has support at $56 and $54.40, with resistance at $58.80 and $60 per ounce. On MCX, gold support is at Rs. 1,41,000 and Rs. 1,40,250, and resistance at Rs. 1,42,650 and Rs. 1,43,300. Silver support is at Rs. 2,17,700 and Rs. 2,14,000, with resistance at Rs. 2,24,000 and Rs. 2,26,600.