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Current Rates at a Glance
On 18 October 2025, domestic bullion markets in India continued to show strong activity. Some key rate benchmarks:
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The 24‑carat gold price in major cities was quoted around ₹ 76,890 per 10 grams in Delhi.
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In Mumbai, 24K gold was around ₹ 77,110 per 10 grams.
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Silver was trading at about ₹ 91,620 to ₹ 91,890 per kg in Delhi/Mumbai on that day.
It’s important to note that these are indicative rates in the public domain; actual retail jewellery/coin rates may include local premiums, making charges and vary by city.
What’s Driving The Prices?
The rise (and in some cases, modest correction) in gold and silver prices around this date can be attributed to several interacting factors:
1. Global safe‑haven demand
Global geopolitical tensions and expectations around central‑bank policy (especially the Federal Reserve in the U.S.) have boosted gold’s appeal as a safe asset. For example, international spot gold passed USD 4,300 per ounce amid such concerns.
A weaker dollar, or the expectation of rate cuts, tends to push bullion prices higher.
2. Domestic festival and jewellery demand
In India, this period precedes major festivals such as Dhanteras and Diwali, when consumer buying of gold & silver traditionally rises. Many households see precious metals as auspicious purchases, increasing demand ahead of time.
3. Currency and import mechanics
Since India imports a large portion of precious metals, the rupee’s strength/weakness plays a role. A weaker Indian rupee makes imported bullion costlier, feeding into local prices. Also, supply‑side constraints can add premium to physical metal. In silver’s case, there were reports of supply shortages earlier which inflated premiums.
4. Correction/plateau in silver
While gold has largely been on an upward trend, silver has shown more volatility. There are recent signs of the premium on physical silver easing as supply improves. For example, one report states silver’s premium over exchange rate shrank to just over ₹1,000/kg as fresh imports arrived.
What Do These Rates Mean for Different Stakeholders?
For jewellery buyers
If you’re planning to buy gold or silver jewellery in this time frame, here are some pointers:
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With gold at ~₹ 77,000 per 10g (24K) in major cities, one has to factor in making charges, design premium, and local tax. That means the actual cost of a piece will be notably higher.
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Silver, though seemingly cheaper per unit than gold, the sheer volume (silver jewellery or utensils) and making charges mean the total cost may be significant. Also, silver’s rate per kg (~₹ 92,000) means small changes in premium matter.
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With festivals near, demand goes up and so do premiums—so lock‑in your purchase after checking city‑wise rates and verifying charges.
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If you are buying as an investment rather than adornment, prefer simpler forms (coins/bars) with minimal making charges.
For investors
Precious metals often act as hedge assets. Here’s how to interpret this environment:
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Gold hanging near record highs suggests that many investors are viewing bullion as safe‑haven rather than purely jewellery.
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Silver’s strong run (and earlier premium expansion) indicates both investment and industrial demand drivers (silver has large industrial uses). However, silver may also correct quickly as supply changes.
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For portfolio diversification, both metals can make sense, but be aware of their different risk‑reward profiles: gold has generally been the more stable bet; silver can have bigger swings.
Key Things to Watch Going Forward
Here are some metrics and catalysts to keep an eye on:
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Global interest‑rate policy: Any indication from the Fed or other major central banks about rate cuts or hikes will influence bullion prices.
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Exchange rate / rupee movement: A weaker rupee = higher domestic bullion cost; a strengthening rupee could moderate prices.
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Physical supply & premiums: Especially for silver, how much underneath‑the‑surface premium there is in physical metal (coins, bars), import flows etc.
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Domestic festival demand: As Dhanteras/Diwali approach, we may see demand spike (or be anticipated), which can feed into price momentum or premium.
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Industrial demand (for silver): Silver’s role in electronics, solar, etc., means its fundamentals partly differ from gold.
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Taxation, duties, local making charges: These affect what you actually pay as a consumer and should not be overlooked.
A Closer Look: Gold vs Silver
| Metric | Gold | Silver |
|---|---|---|
| Current Rate | ~₹ 76,890‑77,110 per 10 g (24K) | ~₹ 91,620‑91,890 per kg |
| Demand Drivers | Safe‑haven investment + festive jewellery | Jewellery + investment + industrial demand |
| Volatility | Moderate | Higher (both upside and downside swings) |
| Premiums/Supply | Relatively steady | Premiums have been high but may ease |
| Suitability | Good for long‑term holding or hedge | Potential for higher gains, but also riskier |
Tips for Buyers & Investors
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Buy when rates dip or after checking city‑wise rates: Just because the headline is X, your local rate may differ substantially due to local taxes, making charges, etc.
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Consider the form you buy: For investment, prefer coins/bars with low making charges. Jewellery adds aesthetic and adornment value but may reduce ‘pure metal’ value.
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Don’t chase top prices: If metals are at record levels, buying with the assumption they must go higher all the time is risky. Set targets and stop‑losses if investing.
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Balance your portfolio: Precious metals are not the entire portfolio—they’re part of diversification. Evaluate how much exposure you already have.
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Keep liquidity/trading costs in mind: For silver especially, large volumes may mean higher absolute cost and higher making/premium difference.
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Check authenticity and source: Especially with bars/coins, ensure proper hallmarking, certification and transparency in pricing.
Final Thoughts
On 18 October 2025, gold continued its strong run in India, hovering around ~₹ 77,000 per 10 g for 24 carat in major cities. Silver, at about ~₹ 91,600–91,900 per kg, reflected a complex mix of investment demand, industrial pull and supply dynamics. The combination of global uncertainty, domestic festival buying season and currency/import mechanics has created a supportive backdrop for precious metals.
For consumers wanting to buy jewellery, this remains a high‑rate environment—so price discipline, checking local deviations, and timing can matter. For investors, gold appears to behave as a traditional safe‑haven while silver offers a more dynamic (and volatile) alternative.
Going forward, keep a close watch on the global macro backdrop, currency movements, supply/premium dynamics, and domestic demand patterns. Whether you’re buying for adornment or investment, make sure you understand both the “metal” side and the “local cost/premium” side of the equation.
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