Gold and silver prices on India’s MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange) are trading cautiously
They are following the ups and downs in global prices.This is because the latest FOMC minutes (from the US Federal Reserve’s January meeting) showed a more cautious (“hawkish”) view on future interest rate policies. Some officials want to pause rate cuts or even raise rates if inflation stays high. This reduced expectations for big rate cuts soon.

In early trading today, MCX gold went back above Rs 1.56 lakh per 10 grams. MCX silver is trading between Rs 2.44 lakh and Rs 2.46 lakh per 1 kg. Both metals are a little higher overall.

On the global side, spot gold dropped and is struggling around $4,960 per ounce.The FOMC notes showed Fed officials were divided. Some want to hold off on more rate cuts for now, but they might restart easing later if inflation gets better. Others even talked about possible rate hikes. They wanted the post-meeting statement to show both possibilities for future rates. Because of this, traders now expect fewer rate cuts.

Attention is now on important US data coming this week, like GDP and PCE (inflation measures).Short-term demand for gold and silver has also slowed because of China’s Lunar New Year holiday. Trading activity is low, and many investors are away. At the same time, geopolitical risks with Iran have come up again, with reports saying any US military action could last weeks after talks did not fully succeed.