National News
Gold price surges past Rs 1 Lakh/ 10 gm
In a landmark moment for the Indian bullion market, gold prices have surged past the Rs 1 lakh mark per 10 grams, reinforcing the precious metal’s status as a safe-haven investment during times of economic uncertainty. On Friday, Mumbai’s renowned Zaveri Bazaar witnessed an unprecedented rise in the price of 24-carat gold, which now stands at Rs 1,01,000 per 10 grams—marking the highest ever recorded in India’s history.
This significant increase is largely attributed to a confluence of international and domestic factors. Market experts suggest that rising global gold prices, coupled with expectations of potential interest rate cuts in the United States and Europe, have played a pivotal role in boosting demand. Additionally, a weakening US dollar and ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, have further cemented gold’s appeal among investors seeking stability in volatile times.
While this surge may be welcomed by investors, it poses a financial challenge for everyday consumers, especially during the current wedding season. As gold becomes increasingly expensive, middle-class buyers may find it harder to afford new jewellery. In fact, several gold traders have reported a noticeable dip in demand for newly crafted ornaments, with many customers choosing instead to liquidate existing gold assets to take advantage of the high prices.
Looking ahead, the trajectory of gold prices remains uncertain. If global instability continues and investor demand holds strong, experts believe that prices could climb even higher. On the other hand, some analysts foresee a potential cooling-off period, citing the likelihood of profit booking by investors who may now choose to capitalize on the recent surge.
In conclusion, the current rally in gold prices underscores the metal’s enduring significance in global and domestic markets. Whether this trend will persist or see a temporary pullback remains to be seen, but for now, gold continues to shine brightly as both an investment and a symbol of security.
India’s appetite for borrowing against gold is reshaping the country’s credit landscape. Outstanding gold-backed loans have surged 128% from a year earlier, crossing Rs.4 lakh crore ($48 billion) for the first time, according to data from the Reserve Bank of India. As of Jan. 31, loans secured by gold jewellery stood at Rs.4,00,517 crore, marking one of the fastest expansions in retail credit in recent years.
The boom in gold loans has helped propel overall non-food bank credit growth to 14.4% year-on-year. Personal loans now account for 34.5% of total bank lending, outpacing other segments and underscoring a broader shift toward consumer-driven credit expansion
Gold loans alone contributed roughly 9% of incremental bank credit during the period. Between January 2024 and January 2026, outstanding gold-backed credit rose by nearly Rs.3.1 lakh crore—an increase of about 338% over two years—more than quadrupling the size of the portfolio.
Two factors are driving the surge. First, gold prices have climbed roughly 152% over the past two years, increasing the collateral value of household holdings. Second, regulatory guidance requiring banks to classify loans secured by gold explicitly as gold loans has sharpened reporting and accelerated balance-sheet growth in the segment.
The trend highlights a distinctive feature of India’s financial system: households’ vast stock of physical gold, long viewed primarily as a store of wealth, is increasingly being mobilized as collateral for formal credit.
While personal lending and credit to nonbank financial companies within the services sector continue to expand rapidly, industrial credit remains uneven. Loans to micro, small and medium enterprises are growing steadily, but borrowing by large corporations has stayed relatively muted.
Since March 21, 2025, banks have added Rs.21.8 lakh crore to their non-food loan books, translating into 12% growth for the financial year to date. Yet it is gold—rather than factories or infrastructure—that is emerging as one of the most dynamic engines of India’s current credit cycle.
-
National News4 days agoIIBS-11: Navigating the ‘New Gold Rush’ in a fragmenting global economy
-
International News4 days agoOroarezzo 2026, with Italian Exhibition Group, Manufacturing Explores New Markets
-
ShowBuzz34 minutes agoIndia International Bullion Summit 2026
-
GlamBuzz6 hours ago#ViRosh Ki Shaadi: Rashmika Mandanna & Vijay Deverakonda Celebrate Love with Temple Gold & Timeless Tradition
JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.