commodity exchange

Falling exchange rate can curb imports more effectively than austerity measures. Don't intervene in forex market

Gold and silver prices are expected to trade within a narrow band this week, with investors closely watching US-Iran peace talks and key global economic data. Analysts noted that while gold's momentum appears steady, silver shows positive movement. Geopolitical tensions and central bank buying are also influencing precious metal markets.

In a bold move, the RJD has launched a scathing attack on the NDA administrations in Bihar and at the national level, decrying the recent spike in petrol and diesel prices. Party officials argue that the increase was deliberately delayed until after the assembly elections, unfairly placing the burden of inflation on everyday citizens.

In an effort to curb demand, India's finance ministry has doubled the customs duty on gold and silver to 15%, significantly increasing domestic prices. This move follows Prime Minister Modi's appeal to reduce gold purchases, as India is the world's second-largest buyer of the precious metal.

The Indian rupee hit a record low of 96.70 against the US dollar on Tuesday, extending its losing streak to eight sessions. Rising crude oil prices, foreign fund outflows, and a strong dollar due to global risk aversion are key factors. Forex traders also cited supply-chain disruptions. The Reserve Bank of India's intervention and import restrictions might offer some support.

The Indian rupee continued its decline against the US dollar, falling 18 paise to 96.38 amid rising crude oil prices and Middle East tensions. The currency has lost over 5% since late February, with concerns over geopolitical instability and foreign portfolio investor outflows pressuring its value.

India has significantly increased import duties on gold and silver to 15% from 6%, aiming to curb rising imports and conserve foreign exchange amid the West Asia crisis. This move follows Prime Minister Modi's appeal for austerity and aims to ease pressure on the rupee and the country's balance of payments.

India faces a significant "live balance of payments stress test" due to the West Asian crisis, impacting inflation and currency, Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran stated. He emphasized that managing the current account and preventing currency depreciation are key macroeconomic goals for FY27.

Rupee depreciation is not new, what is new however is the rapid pace at which it is falling. It’s the biggest risk for India’s external sector resilience at the moment. In just over a year, the rupee has depreciated over 14%.

The move to up the gold import duty comes days after PM Narendra Modi appeals to citizens to avoid unnecessary gold purchases for a year. But is a hike in duties an effective way to curb consumption? We take a look:

No rationing; steps taken to avert shortage

The CEA’s words could not be more direct and the situation the world’s sixth largest economy faces is by no means small. Several macroeconomic indicators are in focus; inflation, health of the current account, and the exchange rate.

Rupee hit a fresh record low of 96.07 against the US dollar on Friday, extending its losing streak over three straight sessions amid soaring crude oil prices and escalating tensions in West Asia. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 95.86 against the US dollar and slipped further to 95.94, down 30 paise from its previous close.

India’s gold imports hit a record $71.98 billion in 2025-26, rising over 24% from $58 billion a year earlier. This was largely due to skyrocketing global gold prices, which have bumped up the value of imported gold.

Massive oil market bets, totaling up to $7 billion, were placed just before significant US President Trump announcements concerning Iran. Traders executed large sell orders minutes before key political developments, leading to substantial price drops. This unusual timing and scale have triggered regulatory scrutiny, with investigators examining potential insider trading concerns.

Sixty years of leftism & quasi-leftism killed the city & state’s economic vitality. But a revival isn’t hard. Policy needs to build on moribund industrial bases & stock exchange. Plus, prioritise learning English

Defence minister Rajnath Singh assured citizens that India is prepared for global supply chain disruptions, with ample petroleum products and robust foreign exchange reserves. He urged fuel conservation to ease the nation's financial burden amid high international crude prices. The government is implementing measures for fuel efficiency and responsible consumption.

India's enduring love for gold spans centuries, evolving from tradition to modern investment. Women hold vast reserves, and the market is set for significant growth. Digital gold and ETFs are gaining traction alongside traditional jewellery. Gold remains a symbol of prosperity, security, and auspiciousness for Indians across generations.

The Indian rupee plunged to a record low of 95.40 against the US dollar on Tuesday, extending its decline amid escalating Middle East tensions and elevated crude oil prices. This global uncertainty is impacting financial markets, with Indian benchmark indices also trading lower. Analysts anticipate continued pressure on the rupee due to persistent dollar demand and foreign fund outflows.

Oil prices surged Friday as US-Iran tensions flared, reversing earlier declines. US strikes on Iranian targets prompted accusations of ceasefire violations, escalating fears over the vital Strait of Hormuz. This geopolitical volatility overshadows concerns about suspicious trading activity linked to policy announcements, impacting global energy supplies and inflation.