GOLD SURGES AS USD FALTERS FROM 18-MONTH HIGHS

Gold regained ground toward $4,200 per ounce on Thursday, bolstered by a decline in the US dollar and Treasury yields, with diminishing crude oil prices providing supplementary support. Advances, however, remain susceptible to anticipations of restrictive US monetary policy following a hotter-than-expected September inflation report. Headline inflation on an annualized basis accelerated to 3.7%, while core inflation increased to 2.6%, amplifying apprehensions that the Federal Reserve may adopt a firm policy stance. The dollar index dipped below 102 after reaching an 18-month peak, as investors await additional commentary from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh prior to the central bank’s media blackout commencing on Saturday. On MCX, December gold futures advanced from Rs.1,47,109 to approximately Rs.1,47,848 per 10 grams, registering a gain of over 1%.