On the MCX, gold futures slid below the psychologically significant threshold of Rs. 1.52 lakh per 10 grams, erasing a portion of the gains made during a brief window of optimism. Silver, often more volatile than its yellow counterpart, saw a more pronounced retreat, with prices slipping 2 percent to trade near Rs. 2.40 lakh per kilogram. Gold prices in the international market fell to a near one-week low. Spot gold price declined 1.1% to $4,694.30 per ounce, its lowest level since April 7. US gold futures for June delivery fell 1.4% to $4,717.80 an ounce. Spot silver fell 1.9% to $74.45 per ounce.

The glimmer of a diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East faded on Monday, sending shockwaves through global commodity markets as gold and silver prices tumbled from recent highs. The reversal followed the collapse of weekend peace talks in Islamabad. Negotiators had hoped to formalize a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, a move that would have de-escalated a conflict that has defined the first quarter of 2026. Instead, the failure of the dialogue has re-ignited fears of a prolonged blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, sending crude oil prices higher and forcing investors to recalibrate their portfolios.

• MCX Price Drop: Gold futures fell below the critical Rs. 1.52 lakh per 10 grams mark, while Silver saw a sharper 2% decline, trading near Rs. 2.40 lakh per kg.
• International Benchmarks: Spot gold hit a one-week low of $4,694.30 per ounce, marking a 1.1% dip, while spot silver dropped 1.9% to $74.45.
• Diplomatic Deadlock: The failure of weekend negotiations in Islamabad has reignited fears of a prolonged conflict and a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
• The Dollar Factor: A surging U.S. dollar, bolstered by its “safe-haven” status, has made gold more expensive for international buyers, further dampening global demand.
• Inflationary Pressure: Rising energy costs and the prospect of sticky inflation are leading traders to believe the Federal Reserve will maintain higher interest rates for longer.