Gold Price in India

Gold Rate in India – An Overview

Gold, the highly appreciated metal in India, touches the blue sky daily. The fascination with glittering gold dates back thousands of years ago. The tastes have evolved since then, but the charm of gold remains the same if not increased. This yellow metal promises a healthy portfolio by being a potent investment choice. India is the world’s biggest importer of gold.

Let us take a closer look at the glittering gold of India and understand the gold price in India.

Factors Influencing Gold Price in India

Factors influencing the gold price in India are:

• The cost of imports impacts the price of gold in India because imports are the primary supply source. Gold prices increase as costs rise.
• Interest rates on fixed deposits in banks: For Indians, bank fixed deposits are their preferred form of investment. Only gold investments can compete with it. Investors prefer to move their money into gold when FD rates decline. Consequently, prices and demand for gold both increase.
• Given that imports are the primary source of supply, the cost of imports affects India’s gold price. As costs rise, gold prices climb as well.
• Because gold is viewed as a safer asset than others, and people tend to migrate their money out of risky assets towards gold during economic turmoil, gold prices rise. While gold, which has high liquidity, is less likely to experience a significant decline in value than other assets.
• There is a high demand for gold in India during festivals, weddings, and other significant occasions. These times typically see greater prices.
• Gold is typically more expensive when inflation rises since it is purchased as a hedge against inflation.
• The prices set twice a day, at 10:30 am and 3 pm, on the London Gold Market significantly impact the price of gold internationally. Prices are often quoted in USD, though they can also be specified in pounds sterling and euros.
• Gold prices in India often increase when global gold rates are trending upward. Huge gold reserves are held by several central banks, especially in the US and Europe.
• Due to rising production costs, mining corporations occasionally raise their prices. The cost of gold brought into India reflects this.
• India has a limited supply and output domestically. Prices may rise as a result of supply restrictions. Similarly, decreased global gold supplies may increase the Gold price in India.

How is the Hallmarked Gold Rate Determined in India?

Hallmark is a stamp that indicates the purity of the gold. A hallmarked gold has the same rate as one without a stamp. The price of gold is determined by using the following formula:

Final price of the jewellery = Price of karat of gold X [(weight in grams) + Making charges + GST at 3% on (the price of jewellery + making charges)]

Difference Between 22 Karat and 24 Karat Gold

The fineness or purity of gold is measured in karats. Gold is a relatively malleable metal, so it is too soft to take on shape. It is typically alloyed with another copper metal to achieve the shape. The amount of gold present out of 24 is then used to measure the purity of the gold in karats.

• While 22-karat gold is only 91.67% pure, 24-karat gold is 99.99% pure. By definition, 22-karat gold is an alloy of 22 parts of gold and two parts of another metal.
• Although 22k gold is more durable, 24k gold costs more since it is purer. Import taxes are generally greater for 22k gold and lower for 24k gold.

How is the Per-Gram Gold Price in India Determined? 

Per-Gram gold price in India is determined through the following factors:

Currency

The gold price in India increases when the Rupee declines against the Dollar.

International Reasons 

These factors include a slowdown in the growth of the world economy, unstable policies, the dollar’s strengthening relative to other currencies, etc.

Global Gold Demand,

The price of gold in India is significantly influenced by global gold demand. Prices would increase if demand is high, and vice versa.

Interest Rates 

Gold price in India is significantly influenced by the interest rate. The present gold rate in India decreases as the interest rate in nations like America rises, and the gold rates increase when the interest rate increases.

Government Policies

On occasion, the Government forbids citizens from buying gold. For instance, the government discourages gold investments when gold prices are high. This step is undertaken to ensure there isn’t a deficit issue. 

Prices

The high cost of gold deters usage in our nation. India’s cost of gold has just gone up.

How is the 22-Karat Gold Price in India Determined?

The formula used to determine the gold price in India is:

Final price of the jewellery = Price of 22 KT gold X (weight in grams) + Making charges + GST at 3% on (the price of jewellery + making charges)

Impacts of Quantitative Easing on Gold Prices Today in India

QE, or Quantitative Easing, is a commonly used term. It is an additional factor that affects gold price in India. Money is added to the economy as part of quantitative easing to increase consumption. Global central banks acquire securities, increasing the amount of money in circulation. Global gold investments are made with this additional money supply, which raises the metal’s price.

The current gold rate in India, which impacts all forms of gold, including the well-known 916 gold rates in India, is impacted by an increase in QE. There hasn’t been any quantitative easing lately. The US has completed its QE phase, and through the various central banks, some easing has occurred in Europe and other nations like Japan.

It is unlikely that QE will occur in India. Gold prices may decrease if the global economy experiences liquidity problems. Other factors also contribute to the increase in gold prices and QE. The price of gold will decline as QE is stopped. There is a risk that the US’s QE programme, which is currently ending, would affect gold prices in India.

Is Gold a Good Option to Invest in India?

Gold, in addition to economic desirability, holds sentimental value in India. Following are the reasons why gold is an excellent option to invest in India:

• It secures the financial future of the people.
• Gold helps in creating wealth as it is majorly passed on from one generation to the next.
• One of the main reasons individuals invest in gold is that it provides liquidity during a financial emergency. This tangible metal can be comfortably converted to gold in an hour of need. However, given the constant fluctuation in the price of gold, you might only sometimes be able to earn the same returns.
• Gold can assist you in overcoming the financial crisis and acts as a hedge against inflation in times of rising prices. It is so because gold prices are unaffected by inflation.
• The method of investing in gold is simple, unlike other investments like real estate, mutual funds, and shares, so those just starting with investing may feel at ease.

Investing in Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme

To prevent theft or fraud, you can buy Sovereign Gold Bonds from a commercial bank that has been listed in India. By doing this, you can prevent such illegal activities from happening. If you buy a bond, you will receive an interest rate of up to 2.50% p.a. The Reserve Bank of India will set the cost of the Sovereign Gold Bond.

Both the Stock Holding Corporation and a post office sell sovereign gold bonds. The Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’s interest earnings, however, are taxed.

Is It Safe to Buy Gold Through Online Portals?

It is safe to buy gold through reputed online portals. The gold prices may vary depending on the type of gold purchased and whether any manufacturing charges are included. 

What Are Some of the Do’s and Don’ts to Remember while Buying Gold? 

Certain things must be kept in mind when purchasing gold. The dos and don t’s while buying gold are: 

The Do’s

• Whenever you buy gold jewellery, you should always check the purity of the gold. The BIS trademark is the simplest way to verify the purity. The official proportion of the metal is disclosed by a piece of jewellery hallmarked.
• Before going to the store to buy gold jewellery, cross-check the prices. Based on market rates, the price of gold fluctuates day by day. The daily bullion rates are shown in all jewellery stores so that customers can compute the gold price. To learn the current gold prices in India, search “Gold rates today.”

The Don’ts 

• You are paying more for jewellery with precious or semi-precious stones than it is worth. Try to avoid buying such jewellery whenever possible. Before purchasing the stone-studded jewellery, always verify the precise net gold weight.
• Always refrain from selling your jewellery to jewellers you haven’t bought because they might defraud you by not disclosing the exact resale worth of your items. Therefore, visiting the same store is always preferable to ascertain the precise resale value.

Where to Store your Gold Safely in India?

May it be a philosopher’s stone or gold, the safest storage place is a bank. A bank locker keeps your gold hidden like a vault in Gringotts. However, there is a chance of theft or fire that may destroy the gold. Apart from this, securing gold in a bank locker becomes inconvenient if an emergency arises in the off-hours of the bank or on the day of a gazetted holiday.

Gold, when purchased electronically, does not require a physical storage place, making it safe in case of fire or theft. The platform through which the ETF gold has been purchased ensures its safety. Gold is a precious metal that Indians store for long-term investment purposes. Therefore, it is advised to store gold in a shorter quantity.

Physical Gold vs Gold ETFs vs Sovereign Gold Bonds

If you want to invest in gold, you have various choices. Along with sovereign gold bonds and gold exchange-traded funds, you can invest in actual gold. Both of these provide challenges. When purchasing gold ETFs, for instance, you don’t have to worry about storage difficulties like when buying genuine gold.

Government of India programmes known as sovereign gold bonds were introduced as a substitute for purchasing gold bars. The Reserve Bank of India often releases these programmes. Many schemes are available for purchase in paper form or as part of your portfolio. As many investors refer to actual gold as non-yielding bullion, you won’t receive any interest on these bonds.

However, if you choose a gold bond, you will receive fixed interest on the gold you purchased. The Reserve Bank of India will set this interest. Keeping physical gold is also necessary. The sovereign gold bonds each have their unique benefits. For instance, you can earn interest without having to worry about theft. Another significant advantage is that each instrument tracks changes in gold prices.

A few differences between physical gold, gold ETFs and sovereign gold bonds are:

Storage

• Problems arise in terms of storage when stocking physical gold
• Gold ETFs and Sovereign Gold Bonds eliminate the requirement for a tangible storage space 

Interest

• Physical gold and Gold ETFs do not offer any interest.
• Gold ETFs allow returns according to the financial firm offering it
• The Reserve Bank of India sets the interest rate in the case of sovereign gold bonds

Safety

• Tangible gold requires a secured storage space
• The security of the Gold ETFs is ensured by the firm selling it
• The risk of theft or destruction gets eliminated when you buy sovereign gold bonds

Why does the Gold Rate Vary Across Different Cities in India?

The gold rate varies across different cities in India. The reasons are:

Cost of Transportation

Gold is imported to India from different countries and distributed to other cities. This import and distribution require transportation costs to be paid. The prices covered are fuel, personal expenses, vehicle expenses, tolls etc. The further the city from the import hub, the high the cost of gold will be.  

Quantity

One of the factors that result in different prices in different cities is the number of gold consumers in the particular city. Regions with higher consumption of gold will have a higher price rate than cities with lower consumption. South India consumes a total of 40% of the imported gold. Therefore, gold prices are higher in these states.

Purchase Price

The price at which the seller acquires gold influences the gold rate. In India, the import of gold attracts an import duty of 10% and a tax of 3%. However, if the gold is acquired illegally, it eliminates the need to pay taxes and duties. These sellers will offer a lower gold rate.

Local Jewellery Association,

The Local Jewellery Association sets the price of gold within a city. For instance, the Jewellers and Diamonds Traders’ Association sets the gold price in Tamil Nadu.

Macroeconomic Influence

Various macroeconomic factors influence the gold price like demand and supply, inflation, monsoon etc. If inflation rises, the value of money depreciation, making gold a more attractive option. 

How do Gold Prices Move in India and Globally?

Various factors force gold prices to move in India and globally. These factors are as follows:

Demand and Supply

The only factor influencing the rate of gold is demand, which alters it daily. When there is a stable supply of gold but a rise in demand during the holiday or wedding season, the price of gold rises.

Global Production

Compared to the approximately 165,000 metric tonnes of gold circulating worldwide, the average annual global gold production is about 2,500. The cost of producing the extra gold impacts the current gold price.

Uses

Gold is the ideal material for a variety of industrial applications due to the combination of its numerous characteristics. The demand for gold rises together with the use of these industrial goods. In India, the jewellery industry accounts for 50% of the demand for gold. The demand for gold rises throughout the holiday season, increasing prices.

Central Bank

The central bank’s gold holdings make sure that the currency doesn’t lose value as a result of the deficit financing, preventing hyperinflation.

Economic Stability

No economy in the world today is self-sufficient, and every nation depends on other countries for various goods and services. In these circumstances, the US Federal Reserve is the dominant force in the global economy, and each country has its central bank. Many investors choose safer options like gold instead of paper currency when these central banks implement any actions that are thought to be erratic so that they have some sort of palpable protection. The price of gold rises as a result of this.

What are the Various Gold Options Available to Buyers?

Various gold options available to buyers are listed below: 

Physical Gold

Most Indian households buy and store gold primarily in authentic gold jewellery, bars, and coins. After implementing additional gold investment options, gold investment has come under scrutiny. There is no guarantee that the price of gold will be the same tomorrow. Therefore if you invest in gold jewellery, there is a potential you will receive less money when you sell it.

Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

An electronic trading fund (ETF) for gold tracks the domestic physical gold price. They serve as a dematerialised representation of actual gold. One gramme of actual, ultra-high purity gold is the backing for each unit of the gold ETF. They are traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd. and the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) (BSE). When you redeem a gold ETF, you receive the cash equivalent rather than actual gold. A dematerialised account (Demat) and a broker are used for trading gold ETFs, making it an efficient way to invest in gold electronically.

Gold Mutual Funds

Open-ended funds are similar to gold mutual funds. Any amount of money may be invested at any moment by investors. Due to needing a Demat account, investing in gold mutual funds is more straightforward than in gold ETFs. In contrast to gold ETFs, investors can purchase gold funds using a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan).

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)

Government security gold bonds, or SGBs, are valued in kilos of gold. They are used in place of holding actual gold. The issuance price of the bonds must be paid in cash by investors, and they will also be repaid in cash when they reach maturity. Typically, the Reserve Bank issues these bonds on behalf of the Indian government.

Gold Futures Contracts on MCX

Gold futures are traded on MCX India together with a variety of other commodities. Currently, MCX provides clients wanting to invest with various gold future contracts as alternatives:

• The largest order size for gold is 10 kilogrammes, with 1 kilogramme as the trade unit. The maximum open position that any person may have is the greater of 5 metric tonnes for all the gold contracts combined, or 5% of the total open position on the market.
• The maximum order size for gold micro is 10 kilogrammes, with a trading unit of 100 grammes. The maximum open position that a person or member may have while transacting with all of their clients is equivalent to that for gold futures contracts.

How to Sell Gold in India?

In India, there are numerous locations where you can sell gold. Several specialised businesses will buy your gold. However, you must ensure that you have your PAN card or other identification. If you want to sell your jewellery, you can also be required to present the receipt from the store where you bought it. Before selling your gold, verifying the current line gold rates in India is a good idea. Businesses that purchase precious metals have the equipment to test the metal’s purity using a karat metre. This is crucial since it would stop you from being tricked. Additionally, it makes establishing the prices of precious metals more transparent.

How to Check the Purity of Gold

The purity of gold can be checked with a hallmark stamp. However, the following methods can be used to get the purity of the gold:

Look For Hallmark

A Hallmark stamp is the mark of certification made on the gold product. This means that gold conforms to the Bureau of Indian Standards set. This stamp could be found in reputable stores on jewellery and the purity scale. Put your gold ornament under a magnifying glass and check out the hallmark stamp to understand its purity. Every gold transacted on a legal basis will contain the hallmark stamp.

Discolouration

Another thing to look for when testifying to the purity of gold is observing its colour. Once the colour starts to wash off, the metal underneath the gold layer will be visible. If it is pure gold, then the discolouration won’t affect it.

Magnet

We are aware of the non-magnetic nature of gold. Therefore, if it pulls in that direction, it is not genuine. However, since pure gold is occasionally combined with non-magnetic metals, it never yields a perfect result. You will need a powerful magnet for this test, which you can obtain in a hardware shop or everyday items like handbag locks, unused hard drives, or children’s toys.

Scratch Test

Scratch the gold against the ceramic plate. The gold is not pure if the result is black or grey. The real gold will leave a golden-coloured scratch. 

Gold Prices and U.S Dollar Correlation

Dollar exchange rates have an inverse association with gold exchange rates. India’s gold prices often decrease as the US currency strengthens and increase when the US dollar declines. The reason for this is that a declining dollar raises the value of other currencies, which in turn, raises the demand for gold. Changes in the rupee-dollar exchange rate also impact the price of gold in India. The demand for gold increases in Indian currency when the rupee depreciates against the US dollar and vice versa. Thus the dollar-rupee equation affects the gold price in India.

Latest News About Gold

[25 April 2023] – Continuing the Upward Trend, Gold Prices Soared to INR 60,368

Gold prices in the bullion market experienced a surge on Tuesday, April 25th. The India Bullion and Jewelers Association (IBJA) reported that the price of 24-carat gold rose by INR 287 to reach INR 60,368 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold spiked to INR 55,297. According to Ajay Kedia, Director of Kedia Advisory, the upward trend in gold and silver prices is expected to continue in the coming days. The super cycle that began in 2020 for gold is still ongoing, and experts predict that gold could reach INR 64,000 this year instead of the previously estimated INR 62,000. Anuj Gupta, Vice President of IIFL Securities, believes that the ongoing fluctuations in the stock market are providing support for gold prices, and it could reach INR 65,000 per 10 grams by the end of this year.

[30 March 2023] – Tax-free Gold Swaps: Physical Gold to e-Gold Conversions Now Exempt from Capital Gains Tax

Starting from April, there will be no capital gains tax applicable when converting physical gold into e-gold or vice versa, as announced during the budget speech. However, if the e-gold is sold for physical gold, any resulting gains will be subject to long-term capital gains tax rules. In essence, this means that individuals can freely convert their physical gold holdings into e-gold without incurring any tax implications, but will need to pay tax if they later decide to sell the e-gold for physical gold.

[21 March 2023] – April 1 onwards, only 6-digit hallmark gold to be sold: A new era in gold standards!

Starting from April 1st, a new rule will be implemented in India regarding the sale of gold. Under this rule, it will be mandatory for all gold to have a six-digit alphanumeric hallmarking before it can be sold. This hallmarking code, known as the Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID), will be used to determine the purity of the gold. This code can be alphanumeric, such as AZ4524.

To ensure compliance with this new rule, 940 centers have been set up across India to provide hallmarking on gold. The previous practice of using a four-digit hallmarking will be completely discontinued. This new rule aims to provide better quality assurance for consumers and prevent fraud in the gold market.

[20 March 2023] – Breaking Records: Ten Grams of Gold Soars to Nearly 60 Thousand

On March 20, 2023, gold prices reached an all-time high, with ten grams of gold costing close to Rs 59,671, up by Rs 1,451 from the previous day. The rise in prices has been attributed to the US banking crisis and slow economic growth, prompting central banks worldwide to increase their gold reserves. Experts predict that gold prices will continue to rise and may reach new highs, with estimates ranging from Rs 61,000 to Rs 62,000 per 10 grams.