Gold prices reached a record high of $3397 (~Rs 96747) on exchanges and nearly Rs 1 lakh in the spot market after adding 3% GST. Concerns over global economic growth as a result of the escalating Sino-U.S. trade war are driving the rise, with a weaker dollar adding to the momentum. 

Fundamentally, markets are pricing in increased geopolitical risks, fueled by U.S. trade tensions and stagflation concerns, while persistent central bank demand adds to price pressures. On April 2, US President Donald Trump imposed “reciprocal tariffs” on dozens of countries, and while his administration has suspended duties for some, it has escalated its trade war with China.

China cautioned countries on Monday not to strike a bigger economic deal with the United States at its expense, a move Trump is allegedly looking for from countries seeking tariff reductions or exemptions. Meanwhile, Trump launched a slew of attacks on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Thursday, as his administration considers firing him.

On the geopolitical front, Russia and Ukraine accused one other of hundreds of strikes that breached President Vladimir Putin’s one-day Easter ceasefire, with the Kremlin claiming there was no instruction to extend the pause in frontline fighting.

The next potential milestone for gold could be around $3500 (~Rs 100,000) if this rally continues further, but positioning may appear crowded in the short run, and technical indications suggest near-term overbought circumstances. However, one must exercise extreme caution because prices have skyrocketed in a relatively short period. If prices fall below $3300 (~Rs 94300), profit-booking can lower prices to around $3100 (~Rs 90000). Silver prices have been trading in the range of $32 (~ Rs 94000) and $33 (~ Rs 97000) and to to continue same range in the coming week