Precious metals at two month lows

Prices drop in synchronization with slipping crude

Precious metal prices dropped substantially lower on Wednesday, 08 July, 2009. Slipping crude prices coupled with the dollar which remained strong erased more shine from precious metals by decreasing their appeal as a hedge against inflation.

Generally, a stronger dollar pressures demand for dollar-denominated commodities, such as crude oil and gold, which become more expensive for holders of other currencies and also vice versa.

On Wednesday, gold for August delivery ended at $909.3, lower by $19.8 (2.1%) an ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Last week, gold ended lower by 1.1%. Year to date, gold prices are higher by 3%.

For the month of June, 2009, gold ended down by 5.4%. Gold had ended the month of May higher by 9.8%. It was the highest monthly gain registered by gold in six months. For the second quarter, gold ended higher by 0.5%. The metal had gained 4.3% in the first quarter of this year.

On 17 March, 2008 prices had skyrocketed to a high of $1,034/ounce. But prices have dropped somewhat (13%) since then.

On Wednesday, Comex silver futures for September delivery lost 36.8 cents (2.8%) at $12.852 an ounce.

Silver ended 13% down for the month of June, 2009. For the month of May, silver gained 26.6%. It was the biggest monthly gain for silver in more than two decades. For second quarter, silver rose 4.5%. Year to date, silver has climbed 14.4% this year. For 2008, silver had lost 24%.

In the currency market on Wednesday, the dollar index, a six-currency measure of the greenback's value rose. Dollar rose against the euro. The index rose as leaders from the Group of Eight nations kicked off their meeting today.

Crude prices traded lower once again today due to the strong dollar and economic worries. Crude oil prices settled around $60 today. With today's drop crude has given up almost $13 in the past six sessions.

In 2008, gold prices ended higher by 5.5%. The dollar index had gained 12% that year.

At the MCX, gold prices for August delivery closed lower by Rs 108 (0.73%) at Rs 14,496 per 10 grams. Prices rose to a high of Rs 14,624 per 10 grams and fell to a low of Rs 14,457 per 10 grams during the day's trading.

At the MCX, silver prices for September delivery closed Rs 244 (1.11%) lower at Rs 21,573/Kg. Prices opened at Rs 21,761/kg and fell to a low of Rs 21,460/Kg during the day's trading.