Gold dips to Rs 54,000

KATHMANDU, NOV 22 - 2013

Local bullion prices cooled down in a reflection of international trends with gold dropping Rs 1,600 per tola. The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association (Fenegosida) on Thursday set the price of the yellow metal at Rs 54,000 per tola (11.664 gm). On Wednesday, gold traded at Rs 55,600 per tola.

Similarly, silver became cheaper by Rs 40 per tola. Silver traded at Rs 865 per tola on Thursday, down from Rs 905 on Wednesday.

Meanwhile in the international market, gold traded at US$ 1,283.17 per ounce on Thursday. World prices stood at US$ 1,247.53 per ounce on Sunday. Fenegosida maintained Sunday’s prices till Wednesday since the Nepali market was greatly affected by the Constituent Assembly (CA) polls.

“As we fix the rates based on international trends, prices have dropped in the market here,” said Mani Ratna Shakya, president of Fenegosida. “As prices in the international market remain volatile, we cannot predict local prices until tomorrow morning.”

Meanwhile, the sharp fall in gold prices is expected to bring smiles to wedding shoppers. Gold sales jump during the marriage season which lasts from mid-November to mid-December due to large purchases to make bridal jewelry.

Traders say that the market witnesses a growth of over 100 percent during the month compared to normal times. Demand remains on the high side until mid-February.

“Due to the CA election, people were too preoccupied to visit the bullion market to buy gold . We are expecting a huge rise in sales from now onward,” said Shakya. Demand for the precious yellow metal is certain to remain high throughout the country, he added.

However, political stability will play a crucial role in the performance of the bullion market, he said. “Demand will definitely be higher. However, if there is political stability, it will be much greater than expected,” said Shakya.

While the usual daily requirement of gold in the local market is estimated to be 15-20 kg, it jumps to more than 40 kg during the period mid-November to mid-December.

Considering the surge in demand during this time of the year, Nepal Rastra Bank has permitted banks to import 20 kg of gold daily until mid-December.

The central bank allows banks to import only 15 kg of gold daily during other times.

Source: The Kathmandu Post