Gold Rate Today

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Today's Gold Price in Mumbai	Today's Gold Price in Chennai	Today's Gold Price in Bangalore
Gold Price in India in April 2018	Gold price in India in March 2018	Gold Price in India in February 2018

Gold Rate in India

India is the largest consumer of gold in the world, accounting for almost a quarter of the world’s total consumption. It has, since long, maintained this position and, unlike countries like China, India uses gold primarily in the form of jewelry and investments. It is viewed as a solid instrument for investments and even traders who are into commodities trading, invest in gold bullion. These investments are usually dictated by the gold rates prevailing in the economy at that time.

Even the global view of gold is that of a safe haven where you can invest even when investments in the economy of a country are not a good idea. This is because it is believed that this commodity always appreciates.

Trend of Gold Rate in India for May 2018 (rates per gram for 24 karat gold)

May 2018 - Week 1 (1st - 6th)

• Trading began for the month in India with the yellow metal priced relatively lower at Rs.3,114 per gram on the 1st of May with the US dollar closing on its near three-and-half-month peak.
• The next couple of days witnessed gold rates plunging to its near four-month low as the dollar strengthened ahead of US Federal Reserve monetary policy meeting.
• On the 3rd, the precious metal was recorded trading as low as Rs.3,103 per gram amid weak global cues compounded with reduced domestic demand for the metal.
• However, dovish remarks by the US Federal Reserve after leaving the interest rates untouched led to dollar losing significantly in the international market. This led to bullion prices recovering towards the end of the week.
• The week came to an end with gold rate in India holding at Rs.3,136 per gram on the 6th with steady demand coupled with firm overseas trends.

May 2018 - Week 2 (7th - 13th)

• When trading for the second week of May, gold was priced at Rs.3,136 per gram.
• Although, gold rates rose in the global market, a Rs.3 decline was recorded on the 8th - the second day of this week.
• After trading at Rs.3,134 per gram, the yellow metal’s prices went up to Rs.3,034 per gram on the 9th there was a marginal change in local sales. The US dollar, meanwhile, seemed to improve against other currencies, signalling a possible decline over the coming days.
• On the 10th, gold rates went up to Rs.3,142 per gram as a weaker US inflation data, pushed the US dollar and the treasury yields down.
• The yellow metal’s prices went further up to Rs.3,145 per gram on the 11th of this week.
• The 12th saw gold rates rise to Rs.3,166 per gram as retail inflation helped the metal gain against the US dollar.
• Gold traded at Rs.3,166 per gram on the final day of the as demand held steady while little changes were recorded in the market.

May 2018 - Week 3 (14th - 20th)

• When trading commenced in India, the precious metal was recorded trading at Rs.3,147 per gram on the 14th with market participants anticipating fewer US interest rate hikes in the US.
• The next day saw gold prices surging to Rs.3,213 per gram with the bullion capitalising on the weakened US dollar and equity markets.
• However, with the US dollar recovering from near one-week lows, prices dropped to Rs.3,120 per gram on the 16th.
• Gold rates in India dropped further to Rs.3,105 per gram on the 17th as the dollar hovered close to its highest level in the year.
• Steady domestic demand from local jewellers and retailers despite the poor trend overseas led to gold prices remaining untouched at Rs.3,105 per gram on the 18th.
• The week concluded with gold prices in India rebounding to Rs.3,124 per gram on the 20th with the US-Italian political tensions pushing demand higher for safe haven assets such as the bullion.

Trend of Gold Rate in India for April 2018 (rates per gram for 24 karat gold)

Parameters	Gold price (24 karat)
April 1 Rate	Rs.3,072 per gram
April 30 Rate	Rs.3,123 per gram
Highest Rate in April	Rs.3,153 per gram on 19 April
Lowest Rate in April	Rs.3,064 per gram on 6 April
Overall Monthly Performance	Incline
Percentage Change	1.66%

April 2018- Week 1 (1st-7th)

• Gold was on the rise in the first week of April, as turbulent markets and fluctuating demand led to sharp rises in the price.
• The precious metal opened the month at Rs.3,072 per gram on consistent demand from both local as well as international industrial units.
• Gold price in India rose sharply to trade at Rs.3,091 per gram on 3 April as fears of a trade war with China led to an equity sell-off and higher investment in bullion.
• As U.S. markets stabilised, demand for gold began to decline, with the metal trading at Rs.3,077 per gram on 4 April.
• Local demand followed international trends, with a drop in demand as the week progressed, leading to gold rate in India falling to Rs.3,066 per gram on 5 April.
• A late rally by the metal led to gold trading at Rs.3,075 per gram as the week ended on 7 April, as the dollar dipped on low investor confidence.

April 2018- Week 2 ( 8th -15th)

• When the second week of April opened for trading, gold was priced at Rs.3,075 per gram. Rates remained the same on the 9th as well as gold remained steady in Asia but signalled possible changes as US-China trade spat loomed large.
• The US dollar improved on the 10th despite concerns over a trade war between the world’s top 2 economies looking tense. The metal traded at Rs.3,073 per gram as investors remained cautious while anticipating the next course of action by China.
• On the 11th, gold price in India rose to Rs.3,099 per gram as domestic demand shot up amid improved interest from jewellers and other investors.
• With demand continuing amid global tensions and market volatility, gold rates in India surged further to Rs.3,129 per gram on the 12th of April.
• The 13th saw gold rates drop to Rs.3,106 per gram as the Federal Reserve was expected to introduce interest rate hikes.
• Local demand continued to rise after the previous day’s fall and gold was seen selling at Rs.3,119 per gram on the 14th of the month.
• This then surged further to Rs.3,142 per gram on the 15th of April as a joint US-EU air strikes on Syria pushed markets into a meltdown.

April 2018 - Week 3 (16th - 22nd)

• The week opened in India with the bullion priced at Rs.3,124 per gram on the 16th as gold held its ground against the dollar with equity markets recovering after missile strikes on Syria by the US, Britain and France during the weekend.
• Gold rate in India rose to Rs.3,129 per gram on the 17th before surging further to Rs.3,142 per gram on the 18th as the bullion advanced on technical buying amid firm safe-haven demand.
• The 19th saw gold prices in India rising to Rs.3,153 per gram after the rallying base metals led to renewed inflation concerns in the United States and fears over the US-China trade war fuelling the yellow metal.
• However, with global tensions on the Korean Peninsula and Syria wearing off and markets expecting further US interest rate hikes, the US dollar surged. This led to gold rates dropping to Rs.3,146 per gram on the 20th.
• Prices remained unaltered at Rs.3,146 per gram the next day which rose to Rs.3,151 per gram on the 22nd due to increased buying by local jewellers and retailers to meet the domestic wedding season demand.

April 2018 - Week 4 (23rd - 30th):

• Gold was priced at Rs.3,140 per gram when the final week of April opened for trading.
• Local demand was rather weak despite gold rates witnessing a rise in the global market after a three day fall.
• The yellow metal continued to trade at Rs.3,140 per gram on the 24th as well as demand was steady.
• On the 25th, gold prices surged to Rs.3,146 per gram as domestic demand rose to bring rates up.
• Rates in India dipped to Rs.3,144 per gram on the 26th and then to Rs.3,129 per gram on the 27th as demand took a hit in the Asian circles.
• The 28th saw gold rates rise to Rs.3,140 per gram before dropping to Rs.3,123 per gram the next day.
• On the final day of the month, gold rates had dropped to Rs.3,114 per gram as local demand was on the low, despite a rise being recorded in the global market.

Trend of Gold Rate in India for March 2018 (rates per gram for 24 karat gold)

Parameters	Gold price (24 karat)
Gold Rate on 1st March 2018	Rs.3,043 per gram
Gold Rate on 31st March 2018	Rs.3,072 per gram
Highest Rate in March	Rs.3,105 per gram on 24 and 25 March
Lowest Rate in March	Rs.3,030 per gram on 19 March
Overall Monthly Performance	Incline
Percentage Change	0.95%

March 2018 - Week 1 (1 - 5):

• Gold opened the month trading at Rs.3,043 per gram on 1 March, 2018 as demand was unchanged from the previous month.
• Gold price in India rose marginally to trade at Rs.3,049 per gram on 3 March following a slight dip in equity markets.
• Gold rate in India rose sharply to trade at Rs.3,068 per gram on 4 March after the U.S. announcement of the implementation of import tariffs on steel and aluminium sent markets plunging.
• Local demand was steady but international prices kept gold trading at Rs.3,068 per gram as the week ended on 5 March.

March 2018 - Week 2 (5-11):

• Gold opened at Rs.3,064 per gram when trading opened for the week on 5th March as the possibility of a trade war between the US and other major countries loomed large.
• However, a stronger dollar outweighed the uncertainties brought about by the Italian election and the prospect of a trade war. Gold traded at Rs.3,054 per gram on the 6th of March as a result of this.
• As the trade war scenario seemed to intensify, the US dollar lost its edge while stock markets also tumbled. This led to gold trading at Rs.3,074 per gram on the 7th.
• While gold remained stable globally, a weak trend in India pushed gold prices down to Rs.3,061 per gram the next day.
• With investor appetite remaining low, gold rates further down to Rs.3,047 per gram when markets opened for business on 9th March.
• Gold bounced back from the previous day’s lows the US dollar slipped amid poor wage gains. On the 10th, the yellow metal traded at Rs.3,067 per gram.
• The final day of this week saw gold trading at Rs.3,067 per gram as concerns eased and demand remained steady.

March 2018 - Week 3 (12 - 18):

• When trading commenced for the third week, gold rates in India were recorded holding at Rs.3,057 per gram on the 12th as the US dollar remained steady after the US jobs report showed a larger number of jobs added to the US economy in February.
• Gold price in India dropped to Rs.3,047 per gram on the 13th after the US dollar strengthened as investors and traders awaited the US consumer price data for clues on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes and inflation concerns.
• The 14th, however, saw rates rebounding to Rs.3,062 per gram as the dollar weakened after the sudden dismissal of the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
• Despite tensions rising between Russia and the United Kingdom, gold prices dipped to Rs.3,056 per gram on the 15th after the US dollar gained against a basket of other apex currencies as investors remained cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting next week.
• The 16th saw further to Rs.3,037 per gram after the US dollar strengthened amid a possible interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve next week.
• Prices rose marginally to Rs.3,040 per gram the following day after the bullion market tracked a firm trend overseas.
• The week concluded with the yellow metal prices holding steady at Rs.3,040 per gram on 18th. Reports stated, ‘today, the gold rate in India continued unabate

March 2018 - Week 4 (19 - 25):

• Gold opened the week on a strong note and carried this momentum for the rest of the week in spite of some minor fluctuations in demand.
• The metal was priced at Rs.3,030 per gram on 19 March after a minor dip from the closing rate the previous week.
• A resurgent dollar ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting on the timbre of monetary policy for the year led to gold prices dipping slightly internationally.
• A steady demand from local jewellers led to gold price in India rising to Rs.3,046 per gram on 20 March.
• International demand for gold rose as industrial offtake was high, which led to gold trading at Rs.3,067 per gram on 22 March.
• The surprise announcement of fewer than expected rate hikes led to gold prices rising across the board, with the local price rising to Rs.3,081 per gram on 23 March.
• The week ended with gold rate in India continuing to rise, trading at Rs.3,105 per gram on 25 March on strong global cues.

March 2018 - Week 5 (26 - 31):

• When trading commenced for the final week in India, the precious metal prices were recorded holding at Rs.3,095 per gram on the 26th as fears of a possible trade war between the US and China eased down after negotiations between the two nations.
• The 27th, however, saw gold rate in Inida rising to Rs.3,098 per gram with investors banking on safe-haven assets amid rising tensions between the US and Russia.
• With the trade war concerns put aside, the US dollar index rose against a basket of other emerging currencies. This led to gold prices in India dropping to Rs.3,084 per gram on the 28th which plummeted further to Rs.3,067 per gram on the 29th amid the poor overseas trends.
• Gold was priced at Rs.3,066 per gram the next day with the dollar holding its position from the previous session.
• The month concluded with gold rates in India closing slightly higher at Rs.3,072 per gram on the 31st amid firm overseas trends.
• India recorded an incline of 0.95% in bullion trade owing to positive global cues that pushed demand higher during the course of the month.

Trend of Gold Rate in India for February 2018 (rates per gram for 24 karat gold)

Parameters	Gold price (24 karat)
Gold rate on 1st February 2018	Rs.3,040 per gram
Gold rate on 28th February 2018	Rs.3,046 per gram
Highest Rate in February	Rs.3,103 per gram on 14 February
Lowest Rate in February	Rs.3,003 per gram on 8 February
Overall Monthly Performance	Incline
Percentage Change	0.19%

February 2018 - Week 1 (1st - 4th)

• When trading commenced in India, the bullion was priced at Rs.3,040 per gram on the 1st after the US Federal Reserve decided to leave its interest rates unaltered in the two-day monetary policy meeting.
• Gold rate in India surged to Rs.3,071 per gram on the 2nd as the US dollar remained flat ahead of the release of the US jobs data. This also led to an incline in buying by local jewellers, retailers and industries.
• The 3rd saw gold price in India plunging to Rs.3,050 per gram after the US dollar rose against other apex currencies following the release of the highly anticipated US jobs and payrolls data.
• The US jobs data, however, proved to be stronger than expected with the data implying a rise in employment and salaries. This led to gold rates in India remaining untouched at Rs.3,050 per gram on the 4th.

February 2018 - Week 2 (5th -11th)

• The second week of February began with gold opening at Rs.3,035 per gram.
• Gold price in India rose by a huge margin on the 6th as a massive equity sell off from around the world gave rise to safe-haven demand. As a result of this, gold traded at Rs.3,071 per gram on this day and closed at Rs.3,057 per gram.
• Even though, gold demand internationally was on the rise, prices seemed to fall in the Indian shores. The 7th saw gold trade at Rs.3,033 per gram at the time of opening.
• With the expectations of a possible Fed rate hike hung around and with the US dollar firming up against other currencies, gold rates in India dropped quite a lot to trade at Rs.3,003 per gram on the 8th of February.
• Gold rate in India dipped on the 9th as concerns over liquidity rose and the US dollar strengthened further. In the domestic market, however, gold prices inclined to Rs.3,018 per gram.
• Thanks to sustained demand from jewellers, gold rates went up on the 10th of February for the metal to trade at Rs.3,023 per gram.
• The final day of the week saw gold rates in India remain at Rs.3,023 per gram as demand continued to hold steady.

February 2018 - Week 3 (12th - 18th)

• When trading commenced for the week, gold was priced relatively higher at Rs.3,025 per gram on the 12th with the US dollar weakening and investors cautious ahead of the US inflation data release later during the week.
• The 13th saw gold rate in India rising slightly to Rs.3,030 per gram with markets expecting to obtain clues on the US interest rate hikes from the inflation data.
• With the US dollar losing ground ahead of the US inflation data, gold prices rose for the third straight session hitting a one-week high of Rs.3,103 per gram on the 14th.
• However, with the dollar registering considerable gains on par with the equities, gold price in India plunged to Rs.3,071 per gram on the 15th.
• The bullion trade in India witnessed rates surging to Rs.3,074 per gram on the 16th before rising further to Rs.3,096 per gram on the 17th with the US dollar index hitting three-year lows after the inflation data resulted in higher demand for the metal to hedge against inflation concerns.
• The week concluded with the precious metal holding steady at Rs.3,096 per gram on the 18th amid the positive trends overseas.

February 2018 - Week 4 (19th - 25th)

• Gold opened at a relatively strong Rs.3,083 per gram price on the 19th, while the US dollar tried to claw back and regain some of its lost footing.
• The dollar succeeded in its attempt to improve, which pushed gold rate in India down to Rs.3,068 per gram on the 20th of February and steadied as the day progressed.
• Gold price in India fell on the 21st again - to Rs.3,057 per gram - as the USD improved while the market awaited the release of the Fed minutes.
• Due to the dollar showing consistent surges - pushing above the December 2014 low figures - gold prices declined. Gold ended the day at Rs.3,054 per gram on the 22nd as a result of this, dropping Rs.4 from the day’s starting price.
• A surge in local demand pushed gold rates up to Rs.3,060 per gram on the 23rd of February. This happened despite the bleak trend seen overseas.
• Gold rates went up to Rs.3,067 per gram on the 24th and continued at the same rate on the final day of the week as domestic demand helped gold remain strong.

February 2018 - Week 5 (26th - 28th)

• The final week commenced in India with the bullion priced at Rs.3,069 per gram on the 26th with gold rebounding from its worst week in two and half months.
• Gold rate in India remained unchanged at Rs.3,069 per gram the next day with investors awaiting the US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s testimony for the face of future interest rate hikes.
• Fold price in India declined to Rs.3,046 per gram on the 28th with the US dollar gaining after the Federal Reserve Chairman promised to save the country from any further economic crisis while continuing to increase the Fed rates as planned.
• Gold rates in India registered an incline of 0.19% in prices owing to firm overseas trends during the month.

Trend of Gold Rate in India for January 2018 (rates per gram for 24 karat gold)

Parameters	Gold price (24 karat)
Gold Rate on 1st January 2018	Rs.3,002 per gram
Gold Rate on 31st January 2018	Rs.3,045 per gram
Highest Rate in January	Rs.3,084 per gram on 20 and 21 January
Lowest Rate in January	Rs.3,001 per gram on 4 January
Overall Monthly Performance	Incline
Percentage Change	1.43%

January 2018 - Week 1 (1st - 7th)

• When trading began for 2018, gold was priced at Rs.3,002 per gram.
• On the 2nd of January, gold rate in India went up to Rs.3,011 per gram - while in the international market, prices hit the highest figures since the September of 2017.
• Due to a fall in the dollar rates, gold price in India went up to Rs.3,014 per gram on the 3rd of the month.
• But, as some positive US jobs data changes were anticipated, the greenback bounced back. This led to gold prices falling to Rs.3,001 per gram on the 4th of January.
• Although, prices in the global market declined, a steady demand pushed gold rates up to Rs.3,013 per gram on the 5th day of the new year.
• With demand continuing to remain high amid increased demand, gold rates surged again to Rs.3,021 per gram on the 6th of the month.
• When the week came to an end, the yellow metal’s rates was still holding at Rs.3,021 per gram.

January 2018 - Week 2 (8th - 14th)

• When trading commenced for the second week, the precious metal was priced relatively lower at Rs.3,009 per gram on the 8th as demand for gold declined with more possible US interest rate hikes during the year.
• Strong local demand despite the weak trend overseas led to gold rate in India rising to Rs.3,017 per gram on the 9th before surging further to Rs.3,022 per gram on the 10th.
• The bullion trade inched higher on the 11th after the dollar lost against other major emerging currencies amid declining purchases of US Treasuries. Gold was recorded trading at Rs.3,030 per gram.
• On the 12th, gold price in India surged further to Rs.3,048 per gram after demand for the yellow metal inclined after the dollar weakened amid poor equity performances.
• Strong global trends coupled with improved demand led to gold price in India surging to Rs.3,068 per gram - a seven-week high - on the 13th.
• When the week concluded the yellow metal was holding still at Rs.3,068 per gram on the 14th, thanks to steady global demand amid the positive trends overseas.

January 2018 - Week 3 (15th - 21st)

• Gold trading in India began with the metal priced at Rs.3,073 per gram, a marginal decline from the four-month high prices hit internationally.
• Gold rate in India increased on the 16th again to Rs.3,082 per gram as a weak dollar spurred sales locally.
• On the 17th, gold price in india dropped to Rs.3,079 per gram as the US dollar seemed to bounce back. Prices fell again on the 18th to Rs.3,060 per gram as the greenback continued on its march back to recovery.
• However, news about a possible US government shutdown pushed gold rates up to Rs.3,076 per gram on the 19th of December.
• The shut US government led to a falling US dollar, which in turn caused gold rates to go up. The metal traded at Rs.3,084 per gram on the 20th of the month.
• When the week drew to a close, gold was priced at Rs.3,084 per gram.

January 2018 - Week 4 (22nd - 28th)

• Gold rate in India were on the incline for most of the week as demand for the metal remained high in the overseas market.
• Gold opened at Rs.3,022 per gram when the fourth week of January began. As demand remained flat through the day’s trading session, gold ended at Rs.3,022 per gram at the time of closing.
• On the 23rd, gold started off on a strong note, trading at Rs.3,030 per gram, as demand from jewellers increased but gold price in India fell to Rs.3,026 per gram as the day progressed.
• Trading started on a high on the 24th as well as the US dollar remained weak and local investors rushed to take advantage of this. Gold price opened at Rs.3,031 per gram when the day started and closed at Rs.3,040 per gram.
• The metal was seen trading at Rs.3,072 per gram when exchanges commenced business on the 25th. A major reason for this significant rise was the weakening of the US dollar, which was further helped by a poor equity market.
• Prices of gold saw little changes on the 26th as demand slowed down. In the global market, however, rates hit the highest levels since August 2016.
• There was a brief rise in prices on the 27th when the metal traded at Rs.3,073 per gram, but a saturated market gave little impetus for growth.
• When the week ended, the yellow metal was priced at Rs.3,068 per gram.

January 2018 - Week 5 (29th - 31st)

• When trading commenced for the last week, the yellow metal was priced relatively lower at Rs.3,043 per gram on the 29th with the US dollar gaining against a basket of other emerging currencies amid strong equity gains.
• The 30th saw gold rate in India plunging further to Rs.3,030 per gram due to the strengthening US dollar and rising US bond yields which pushed demand lower for the metal.
• The bullion trade concluded for the month with the precious metal rebounding to Rs.3,045 per gram on the 31st with investors and traders refraining themselves from making purchases ahead of the two-day US Federal Reserve monetary policy meeting.
• Gold price in India inclined by 1.43% owing to strong global trends that pushed demand higher for the metal during the course of the month.

Gold Weight Conversion Table

FAQs

Gold is one precious metal which has managed to retain its shine over the years, creating a niche space for itself in the investment world. Being a natural resource, there is a constant mismatch between the demand and supply, making gold an extremely precious commodity, with people viewing it as a safe and reliable investment option. India is one of the largest consumers of gold in the world, with estimates indicating that the residents own over 20,000 tonnes of this precious metal. While our love for gold is witnessed across the length and breadth of India, there is more to gold than just its utility, aspects which most of us are unaware about.

Gold as a commodity isn’t the easiest one to comprehend, with certain nuances having a great impact on it. Taking time to learn about them can help you get the best out of your investment, making it truly shine.

What is the current gold price in India ?

Gold rates change on a daily basis, with a number of factors impacting their price in a particular place on a given day. Demand and supply, global market conditions and currency fluctuations are some of the most critical factors which go into determining the rate of gold in a country, with prices changing every day. Gold rates in India have been following international trends, with a rise of close to 16% witnessed in the last four months. Purity also plays a key role in determining gold rates, with 24 karat gold costing more than 22 or 18 karat gold. Individuals who want to invest in gold would need to pay around Rs 2,962 per gram for 24 karat gold and Rs 2,766 for a gram of 22 karat gold (as of 25/04/2016).

What are the different avenues to invest in gold ?

Gone are the days when the only mode to invest in gold was to purchase it physically. Today, there are multiple avenues through which one can buy gold, with the popular ones mentioned below.

Gold mutual funds – Gold mutual funds are offered by a number of organisations, offering ease of investment through SIPs.

Gold ETFs – Gold Exchange Traded Funds permit trading of gold in units (by weight), with the investment viewed as debt mutual funds by tax authorities.

Gold futures – Gold futures are popular among certain investors, with the MCX and NCDEX offering avenues to invest in gold through derivatives.

E-gold – E-gold is a new option to invest in gold, offering ease and flexibility to investors.

Physical gold - Physical purchase of gold in the form of coins, jewellery, bars, etc. continues to account for a major portion of investment, with the new modes expected to gain more acceptance with time.

How many grams of gold in one tola?

Gold is purchased by weight, with every gram costing a decent amount of money. India is home to over 1.2 billion people, each one unique and having different modes of communication, including units of weight. While there are internationally accepted conventions when it comes to weight, certain regions have their own traditional units, with the Tola being one such popular unit.

1 Tola roughly translates to around 11.6 grams, with 1 kg of gold corresponding to 85.7 Tolas (approximately). This unit is still used in a number of towns and cities, with 1 Tola gold costing Rs 30,887 (as of April 25, 2016).

How to buy gold?

Buying gold isn’t very hard, given the multiple avenues available, but there are a few key points one should keep in mind before spending that hard earned money.

• Research – Gold rates change on a daily basis and it is imperative that one does research before buying gold. Observing trends and staying abreast of changes can ensure that you get a good deal on the investment, reducing the chances of being cheated.

• Gold selection – Gold can be purchased in different forms, with each one offering unique advantages. Choose an investment avenue which matches your needs.

• Certification – There are numerous occasions wherein people have been duped into buying gold of inferior purity, purely on account of blind faith. Ensure that the jeweller or source you intend to buy from has a good record, and insist on purity certification.

• Online purchase – Individuals who wish to buy gold online need to ensure that the source they choose is trusted, for a number of sellers on the internet can be fake.

How to sell gold ?

Gold is one investment which is always in demand, making it a liquid asset. Selling gold isn’t hard, with most jewellers and pawn shops willing to buy gold at market rates. Individuals who wish to sell gold need to ensure that they know current gold rates, for buyers may choose to haggle or negotiate, and failing to know present prices could result in selling gold at lower rates.

Also, gold coins and bars attract better rates than jewellery and are easier to sell. Individuals who do not wish to sell gold can choose to avail gold loans against it, with a number of banks and private lenders offering loans keeping gold as collateral.

What are the different purity levels in gold?

Gold is often purchased by weight and purity, with the purity measured in a unit called Karat. Gold is available in different purities, with the popular ones being 24 karat, 22 karat and 18 karat. While 24 karat gold is used extensively as an investment, 22 and 18 karat gold can be used to make jewellery and ornaments.

22 karat gold is a mixture of gold and alloys, in the ratio 11:1. This essentially means that 1 gram of 22 karat gold has around 91.5% pure gold, with other metals making up the remaining portion. These impurities are added to pure gold to make it more malleable and ductile, thereby making it perfect for jewellery.

Similarly, 18 karat gold is a mixture of gold and metals in the ratio 3:1, i.e. 75% pure gold and 25% metals. This is typically cheaper than 22 and 24 karat gold on account of impurities. 18 karat gold typically has a dull colour, making it easily recognisable.

Other gold options include 14 karat gold (which has 58% gold), 10 karat gold (with 42% gold) and 6 karat gold (with 25% gold).

What is 24 karat gold?

24 karat gold is the purest form of gold which can be purchased, having no impurities. This purity makes it ideal for investments, with most investors choosing to purchase 24 karat gold. The only drawback of this purity is that 24 karat gold cannot be used to make jewellery or ornaments, limiting their use to gold coins or bars.

How to buy gold coins in India?

Gold coins are extremely popular in the country and are available in different weights, ensuring that investors can buy gold which suits their budget. Gold coins can be purchased from banks, jewellers, post offices or online stores, with the popular ones being in the 1g to 10g weight bracket. A number of jewellers and online stores sell coins with the imprint of Gods or Goddesses, charging higher for such coins.

One can walk into any bank or jewellery store and choose to buy a coin, albeit a PAN might be required if the cost exceeds Rs 50,000. Most jewellers and banks offer a purity certificate with the coin, which could hike the cost of a coin. Gold coins can be purchased by purity as well, with the popular options being 22 and 24 karat.

One should remember to keep certain basic points like market rate, dealer reputation, certification, etc. before buying gold coins.

How to buy gold bars?

Gold bars are typically reserved for serious investors, people who have sufficient funds to invest in them. These bars can be purchased in different weights, typically ranging between 500g and 1kg. Banks and big jewellers sell gold bars, although one can also purchase them online. One must remember to check the purity and prevailing market rates before investing in gold bars. A Pan is required if one is purchasing gold bars worth over Rs 50,000.

Why gold price is increasing in India?

Gold rates in the country change on a regular basis, with a number of factors impacting rates. A close look at recent trends could highlight the reason for such changes. Some of the most common factors impacting gold rates in India are mentioned below.

• Demand and supply – Gold rates increase when the demand exceeds supply. Gold, being a natural resource is available in limited quantities, and each time the supply reduces there is a spurt in gold rates.

• International relations – International trends have a deep impact on gold rates in India, primarily due to the fact that India depends on imports to meet local demand. Any changes in international relations could translate into a change in local gold rates.

• US dollar – The US dollar plays a key role in determining international gold rates. A strong dollar results in poor gold performance and vice versa, resulting in costlier gold each time the dollar underperforms.

• Market conditions – Gold is inversely proportional to market performance, with prices going up each time there is pressure on markets.

• Government taxes and duties – The government imposes taxes and duties on a number of commodities, including gold. Any increase in these taxes automatically pushes gold rates, pinching the pocket of buyers.

There has been a recent increase in gold rates due to improved performance on the international front. The US Federal Policy rate change had a huge impact on prices, helping them pick up after a poor performance last year. One could see a further hike in rates in the coming weeks, as the US Central Bank is set to change its rates, which are likely to have a direct impact on gold.