Rupee extends rally with gains of 20 paisa
It was the rupee's fifth consecutive day of appreciation, driven by improved market sentiment amid an ongoing crackdown on illegal currency dealers and smugglers. Last week, a court handed five-year prison terms to three illegal currency traders and fined Rs1 million each for engaging in unlawful foreign exchange operations.
In global trade, the US dollar slipped after soft US inflation data reinforced expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut next month. Political developments in Washington, including President Donald Trump's moves to tighten control over US institutions, also weighed on the greenback.
The dollar index hit a more than two-week low, making bullion cheaper for overseas buyers, while the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note edged lower, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, gold prices in Pakistan inched lower, diverging from the international trend, where the metal gained on a weaker US dollar and falling Treasury yields. Mild US inflation data reinforced expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in September, with markets also factoring in the possibility of further easing later this year.
In the local market, the price of gold per tola fell Rs200 to Rs358,100, according to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association. The rate for 10 grams declined Rs171 to Rs307,013. On Tuesday, gold had dropped by Rs500 to Rs358,300 per tola.
Interactive Commodities Director Adnan Agar said global gold prices were moving within a narrow range, with Wednesday's high at $3,370 per ounce and low at $3,342. 'The market was trading at $3,355 and waiting for fresh triggers,' he noted.
Agar pointed to the upcoming geopolitical events, including a Russia-US-Ukraine summit this weekend, as potential drivers. 'If the summit fails, gold prices are likely to rise. A breakthrough could push prices lower,' he said.
Agar added that markets were also looking ahead to the US Federal Reserve's policy decision next month, where there was a strong likelihood of an interest rate cut, a move that could further influence gold's direction.
Spot gold gained 0.4% to $3,357.59 per ounce by 12:10 pm ET (1610 GMT). US gold futures for December delivery rose 0.3% to $3,408.50.
'Gold is buoyant on heightened expectations of a September Fed rate cut, following benign inflation data and July's weak non-farm payrolls,' said Nikos Tzabouras, senior market analyst at Tradu.com.
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