IBTimes

Indian equity markets ended deep in red on Friday, with Sensex falling 1,048 points (1.25%) to 82,626 and Nifty declining 336 points (1.30%) to 25,471, marking the second consecutive session of losses.

COMEX gold traded in the $4,850$5,100 range after falling from recent highs, while silver hovered near $73$84 levels. Market experts cited central bank buying, safe-haven demand, structural supply deficits in silver, and upcoming US inflation data as key drivers influencing prices.

Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran highlighted that the revised CPI captures a shift from food to services like health, education, mobility, and connectivity, reflecting income growth and productivity gains.

The Sensex closed at 83,674.92, slipping 558.72 points, or 0.66 per cent. Meanwhile, the Nifty settled at 25,807.2, down 146.65 points, or 0.57 per cent, from the previous close.

Banks must not bundle third-party products with their own, must refund mis-sold products, and compensate customers for losses. Customers can lodge complaints within 30 days, and banks must seek feedback within 30 days of any sale and report half-yearly.

Gold and silver prices dipped on Thursday as the US dollar strengthened following strong US jobs data. MCX gold April futures fell 0.24% to Rs 1,58,371 per 10 grams, and MCX silver March futures declined 0.72% to Rs 2,61,124 per kg.

Markets are now pricing in at least three rate cuts this year, boosting bullion sentiment. Analysts noted that COMEX gold remains in a broader uptrend despite recent corrections, while silver continues to find long-term support from industrial demand and supply constraints.

As of 9.23 am, Sensex added 122 points, or 0.14 per cent, to reach 84,396, and Nifty gained 50 points, or 0.19 per cent, to settle at 25,985.

Gold and silver prices slipped on Tuesday amid profit booking and a firmer US dollar, though geopolitical tensions and expectations of US rate cuts continue to support the medium- to long-term outlook for precious metals.

Analysts noted that despite equity market volatility, investor participation remained resilient, with gold ETFs emerging as a preferred asset due to growing financialisation of gold and portfolio diversification trends.

Earnings announcements, movements in the rupee and foreign portfolio investor flows will also influence market direction. Globally, US economic data, Nasdaq performance and geopolitical developmentsespecially US-Iran talkswill remain key triggers.

Before the final notification of the Income Tax Rules and Forms, to encourage wider stakeholder participation, the proposed Income Tax Rules and Forms have been uploaded on the official website, according to Finance Ministry on Sunday.