Gold prices extended their fall at the bullion market here on Friday on hectic selling from stockists and investors amid subdued demand as well as lower global cues. Silver also encountered heavy speculative selling pressure and dropped below the Rs 55,000 per kg-level on the back of poor industrial buying.
Standard gold of 99.5 per cent purity dropped Rs 110 to close at Rs 29,410 per 10 gm from Thursday's closing level of Rs 29,520. Pure gold of 99.9 per cent purity also dipped by a similar margin to end at Rs 29,545 per 10 gm from Rs 29,655. Silver ready (.999 fineness) slumped Rs 925 to conclude at Rs 54,610 per kg from Rs 55,535 previously.
Nickel prices rose by Rs 1.50 to Rs 909 per kg in futures trading today as speculators enlarged their positions, tracking a firm trend at spot market on pick up in demand from alloy-maker. Besides, a firm trend in base metals at the London Metal Exchange also influenced prices.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, Nickel for delivery in March rose by Rs 1.50, or 0.17 per cent, to Rs 909 per kg in business turnover of 1,442 lots. Similarly, the metal prices for delivery in April contracts traded higher by Rs 1.30, or 0.14 per cent, to Rs 916.40 per kg in 117 lots.
Zinc futures prices today edged up by 0.23 percent to Rs 108.90 per kg amid a firm global trend and better domestic demand, as speculators enlarged positions. At the Multi Commodity Exchange, zinc for delivery in April up by 25 paise, or 0.23 per cent, to Rs 108.90 per kg, with a business turnover of 86 lots. The metal for delivery in March also rose marginally by 20 paise, or 0.19 per cent, to Rs 108 per kg in a business volume of 1,406 lots.