Finance1 min read

Gold hits one-year low, silver slips below $50 as inflation fears bite

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Precious metals are sliding as elevated oil prices drive inflation warnings from both the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank. The prospect of extended tight monetary policy has dampened the appeal of non-yielding bullion among global investors. Adding to the downward pressure, weak physical buying across key Asian hubs, particularly China, has failed to establish a price floor. Furthermore, Commerzbank analysts noted that forced selling sparked by a steep drop in tech stocks may be driving margin calls.

Key points

  • Accelerating consumer prices in the United States have increased market expectations of a…: Accelerating consumer prices in the United States have increased market expectations of an additional interest rate hike in December.
  • Subdued physical purchasing from top Asian consumer markets, including China, has failed…: Subdued physical purchasing from top Asian consumer markets, including China, has failed to cushion the broader sell-off.
  • Analysts at Commerzbank suggest that an equity decline in technology shares may be prompt…: Analysts at Commerzbank suggest that an equity decline in technology shares may be prompting margin calls and forced market liquidations.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

NEW DELHI: Precious metals are having a rough run, with the latest sell-off taking gold to a one-year low and pushing silver below the $50-an-ounce mark for the first time since almost a year.

Rising energy prices and stubborn inflation concerns are weighing on investor sentiment, with expectations growing that US interest rates could stay higher for longer. Both metals extended their monthly losses on Friday, with silver taking a sharper hit.

Gold continued its downward journey on Friday, with spot prices falling 2.7% to $3,910.53 per ounce. This was the metal's lowest level since October 2025. US gold futures for December delivery also slipped 2.8% to $3,919.60 per ounce.

Bullion prices have declined 5.9% so far this month and are on track to record their second consecutive monthly fall.

Silver fared worse, with spot prices dropping 5.8% to $49.34 per ounce. The decline took the metal below the $50 mark for the first time since November 2025, bringing it to its lowest level since that month.

Why are precious metal prices falling?

The prospect of interest rates staying elevated…

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