Gold Crashes on Dhanteras Despite Record Buying, Silver Also Sees Unexpected Market Correction

 Business News:  On Dhanteras, gold prices unexpectedly slipped even as shops saw a flood of buyers. In Delhi, gold dropped ₹2,400 from its peak, closing at ₹1,32,400 per 10 grams. Shops remained packed with customers who considered the festival an auspicious time to purchase jewellery. Despite the fall, traders said cultural sentiment drove strong buying, as families prioritized tradition over market trends.

Friday Witnessed All-Time Record

Just a day earlier, gold had touched historic levels. According to the All India Sarafa Association, 99.9% pure gold surged to ₹1,34,800 per 10 grams, the highest ever recorded. However, by Saturday, 99.5% purity gold slipped to ₹1,31,800. Compared to last year’s ₹81,400 on Dhanteras, today’s prices reflect a 62% jump, highlighting the relentless upward trend of the past year.

Silver Suffers A Steep Fall

Silver too mirrored gold’s volatility. Prices fell ₹7,000 in a single day, settling at ₹1,70,000 per kilogram, down from Friday’s ₹1,77,000. Despite this fall, silver remains 70% costlier than last year’s ₹99,700 per kilogram. Experts noted the correction came as investors booked profits after silver touched a series of highs. For buyers, the festival still marked a chance to secure long-term investments.

Record-Breaking Festive Purchases

Trade bodies estimated that Indians spent nearly ₹1 lakh crore this Dhanteras. Out of this, gold and silver accounted for ₹60,000 crore. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) reported that this marked a 25% rise over last year. Despite price hikes, demand surged. Markets witnessed heavy crowds, proving that festive emotions outweigh fluctuations in precious metal prices during Dhanteras.

Global Factors Drive Price Volatility

International trends also shaped Indian markets. On Friday, gold touched USD 4,379.44 per ounce globally before sliding to USD 4,249.98, marking the sharpest weekly move in 20 years. Silver followed, dropping 4.36% to USD 51.90 after hitting USD 54.49 intraday. Analysts pointed to profit booking and global uncertainty as key reasons behind the price correction, spilling over into Indian markets.

Comparing Yearly Price Movements

The contrast with last year’s prices is striking. Gold jumped from ₹81,400 to ₹1,32,400 per 10 grams, while silver soared from ₹99,700 to ₹1,70,000 per kilogram. Both metals outperformed inflation, stocks, and other investment assets. This steep rise, experts say, was driven by global currency swings and safe-haven buying, making gold and silver reliable yet expensive investment options for Indian households.

Outlook For Precious Metals Ahead

Experts now debate whether the fall signals a correction or a pause before the next surge. Traders argue that global instability will keep demand high. For Indian families, the festival season ensures gold and silver retain cultural and financial importance. With Diwali still ahead, jewellers expect heavy sales to continue, keeping bullion markets vibrant despite the current dip.