
An undated image of gold jewellery displayed at a store. — Pixabay
Gold prices in Pakistan registered second consecutive increment on Wednesday, driven by an uptick noted in yellow metal's cost in the international market.
With the increment coming into effect, per tola gold rate in Pakistan (24 carats) increased by Rs500 to settle at Rs227,800; while the 10 grams gold price in Pakistan increased by Rs429 to settle at Rs195,302, according to the data released by the All-Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA).
Similarly, the international market saw an increase in gold prices by $5 per ounce to settle at $2,178, prompted by reduced extent of the interest rates cuts expected in the US in the near future by Federal Reserve.
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Data shared by the association showed the price of silver per tola staying flat at Rs2,580 and per 10 grams settled at Rs2,211.
It should be noted that gold price in Pakistan is announced by the association, which determines gold prices in Pakistan for local markets six days a week from Monday to Saturday.
Pakistan is a small market for gold at the global level. It meets the commodity’s demand through imports as it does not produce the precious metal locally.
Accordingly, the gold rate in Pakistan is determined by keeping in view its prices in world markets, rupee-dollar exchange rate, and demand and supply in domestic markets. The latest price for local markets was determined to keep in view the prices at which trade took place among buyers and sellers.
Gold price in Pakistan has been volatile in Pakistan recently amid continued political and economic uncertainty and high inflation. People prefer to buy this precious commodity in such times as a safe investment and a hedge.
Local dealers believe that the return of inflationary days in Pakistan and worldwide has once again invited investors’ attention towards the yellow metal as safer commodities become attractive at such a time.
On the physical side, demand for gold in Pakistan recently picked up pace as some consumers bought into a retreat in domestic prices as the wedding season will kick off immediately after Ramadan.