The Dollar Index (DXY00) surged to its highest level in 4-1/2 months, ending with a gain of 0.48%. This uptick was initially fueled by last Friday's robust US February personal spending report, which boosted confidence in the dollar. Furthermore, Federal Reserve Chair Powell's remarks on Friday, indicating no rush to lower interest rates, provided additional support to the dollar. On Monday, the dollar continued its upward trajectory following the release of the stronger-than-expected March ISM manufacturing index, signaling a hawkish stance on Fed policy. In contrast, the Reserve Bank of India introduced regulations stating that exchange-traded rupee derivative transactions should solely serve hedging purposes. The Reserve Bank of India had previously announced in January that, effective April 5, exchanges would be allowed to offer forex derivative contracts involving the rupee for hedging contracted exposure. Watch this edition of Commodities Corner with Manisha Gupta and Amit Pabari, Founder & Managing Director, CR Forex.
Gold prices are at an all time high above $2,250/oz after gaining 10% in Q1 of 2024. Strong gold retail buying in China & Turkey is one of the prominent reasons behind the price surge. Catch Manisha Gupta with more details
According to Geojit, The area under rabi crops in Telangana was at 6.7 mln acres (1 acre = 0.40 ha) as of Wednesday, 8% lower than 7.3 mln acres a year ago, according to data from the state government.
Spot gold was up 1.2% at $2,258.71 per ounce, as of 0328 GMT, after hitting an all-time high of $2,259.49 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures gained 1.8% to $2,279.10.
Brent crude fell 17 cents, or 0.2%, to $86.83 a barrel by 0017 GMT after rising 2.4% last week. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $83.06 a barrel, down 11 cents, or 0.1%, following a 3.2% gain last week.
A strong labour market could diminish the likelihood of a June rate cut further, while any signs of cooling may prompt the Fed to act sooner to prevent an economic downturn.
According to Geojit, Farmers in Gujarat have sown crops across 868,132 ha as of today for the 2023-24 summer season, down 3.5% from 900,034 ha in the corresponding period a year ago, according to data from the state agriculture department.
Brent crude futures for May were up 29 cents, or 0.34%, at $86.38 a barrel while the more actively traded June contract rose 28 cents, or 0.33%, to $85.69 at 0041 GMT. The May contract expires on Thursday.
According to Geojit, Farmers in Gujarat have sown crops across 868,132 ha as of today for the 2023-24 summer season, down 3.5% from 900,034 ha in the corresponding period a year ago, according to data from the state agriculture department.
Spot gold was down 0.1% at $2,176.29 per ounce, as of 0310 GMT. U.S. gold futures also edged 0.1% lower to $2,175.20.
Brent crude futures for May dropped 69 cents, or 0.8%, to $85.56 a barrel at 0150 GMT. The May contract is set to to expire on Thursday and the more actively traded June contract declined 60 cents, or 0.7%, at $85.03.
Live: MCX Hits Record Volumes on Gold F&O | Gold Prices Up By 7.5%. Watch Commodities Corner with Manisha Gupta and Rishi Nathani, Chief Business Officer, MCX for more details.
According to Geojit, The Solvent Extractors' Association of India has urged the government to direct agencies to set up procurement centres at major mandis to procure mustard seed at the minimum support price.
Spot gold was flat at $2,170.59 per ounce, as of 0310 GMT. U.S. gold futures edged 0.2% lower to $2,171.20 per ounce.
Brent crude rose 23 cents to $86.98 a barrel by 0118 GMT. U.S. crude futures climbed 28 cents to $82.23.
The potential for liquidity boosts in China, with room for lowering the reserve requirement ratio for banks, may provide some cushion for metals markets.
The avocado market in India is gaining traction thanks to the foodservice industry. The avocado has turned into a mainstream food in India. Global consumption has skyrocketed in the past decade. Asia pacific to lead global demand growth. India imports avocados from Tanzania, Peru, US. Mexico accounts for 30% global avocado output. Watch Commodities Corner with Manisha Gupta for more details
According to Geojit, The National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange of India has decided to advance the expiry date of some farm futures contracts as voting for the general election is scheduled at the basis centres of the contracts on the earlier expiry date, it said in a release.
Spot gold was up 0.1% at $2,183.93 per ounce, as of 0117 GMT, after hitting an all-time high on Thursday. Bullion has risen 1.3% so far this week.
Brent crude futures fell 18 cents to $85.60 a barrel by 0011 GMT. U.S. crude futures shed 19 cents to $80.88 per barrel.
The rally in gold continues with prices hitting an all-time high. Strong physical demand for gold is also fueled by its appeal as a safe-haven asset and investors looking to diversify amid lackluster performances in other asset classes. Catch Manisha Gupta with more details
According to Geojit, The Cotton Association of India has estimated the country's cotton output in 2023-24 (Oct-Sep) at 30.9 mln bales (1 bale = 170 kg), down 5.2% from last year's output, according to a press release.
Brent crude oil futures contract for May settlement rose 0.6%, or 52 cents, at $86.47 a barrel at 0155 GMT, after falling 1.6% on Wednesday.
Bullion advanced to a record in early trading, before paring gains. It’s surged since mid-February, underpinned by long-standing supports including heightened geopolitical risks and buying by central banks, led by China.
According to Geojit, The area under summer crops in Maharashtra rose 10% on year to 278,687 ha as of Monday, according to data published by the state agriculture department.