KARACHI:
Gold prices in Pakistan remained unchanged at Rs388,100 per tola on Wednesday, a day after hitting an all-time high, according to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA). The price of 10-gram gold also held steady at Rs332,733.
In the international market too, gold remained steady at $3,654 per ounce, hovering close to its all-time high, supported by expectations that the US Federal Reserve may resume rate cuts at its upcoming policy meeting after softer-than-expected inflation data. Silver prices also stayed unchanged, with one tola selling for Rs4,358.
Commenting on the global outlook, Interactive Commodities Director Adnan Agar said gold was “near the low of its all-time high” but its next course would depend on the US inflation data. “If inflation eases, it will fuel hopes of a Fed rate cut and work in gold’s favour,” he noted.
However, Agar cautioned that gold was overbought, making the market prone to a correction of $80 to $100 before moving towards $3,700. “If prices continue to rise without a correction, the eventual pullback could be much sharper – possibly in the range of $200 to $250,” he warned.
Spot gold was up 0.5% at $3,644.49 per ounce, as of 11:06 am EDT (1506 GMT), after hitting a record high of $3,673.95 on Tuesday, according to Reuters. US gold futures for December delivery were up 0.1% at $3,684.10.
US producer prices unexpectedly fell in August, pulled down by a decline in the cost of services, the Labour Department data showed.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee extended its upward streak against the US dollar, posting a slight gain in the inter-bank market. The local currency closed at 281.60 per dollar, up by a nominal one paisa from the previous day’s close at 281.61. This marked the rupee’s 24th consecutive session of appreciation against the greenback.
In global markets, the US dollar held steady as investors awaited key US inflation data in the current week, which is expected to shape the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decision. Following a weak jobs report last week that reinforced expectations of a rate cut at the Fed’s September 16-17 meeting, the debate now centres on whether the reduction will be 25 or 50 basis points. The outcome will hinge on inflation trajectory, particularly the impact of tariffs on US prices. Producer price inflation figures were due on Wednesday, followed by the consumer price index on Thursday.
