Gold and silver markets witnessed another volatile yet resilient trading week between May 4 and May 9 as global investors continued to navigate geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns, currency fluctuations and evolving expectations surrounding interest rates in major economies. Precious metals retained their appeal as safe-haven assets throughout the week, helping both gold and silver stay near historically elevated levels in international and Indian markets despite intermittent bouts of profit-booking.
In India, gold prices began the week on a relatively stable footing after the sharp rallies witnessed through April. Domestic bullion traders observed cautious buying at the start of the week as investors assessed global cues, movements in the US dollar and the trajectory of crude oil prices. The market also remained sensitive to developments in West Asia and signals from the US Federal Reserve regarding future monetary policy. These factors collectively kept investor sentiment tilted in favour of precious metals.
Retail prices of 24-carat gold in major Indian cities hovered close to the Rs 1.5 lakh mark per 10 grams during the early part of the week. MCX gold futures also traded within a broad but firm range as traders balanced safe-haven demand against periodic corrections triggered by profit-taking. As the week progressed, domestic gold prices witnessed renewed upward momentum, supported by strong international cues and sustained investment demand. By the latter half of the week, gold prices had climbed further, with several city markets recording rates above Rs 1.57 lakh per 10 grams.
The rise in domestic gold prices was amplified by currency movements, particularly fluctuations in the rupee against the US dollar. Since India imports a substantial portion of its bullion requirements, any weakness in the rupee tends to increase local gold prices even when international rates remain relatively stable. Jewellers and bullion dealers also reported that physical demand remained selective because elevated prices discouraged large-scale retail purchases, although investment-oriented buying continued to support the market.
"Precious metals are witnessing mixed price action, with Gold and Silver attempting to stabilise after recent corrective pressure," says R Ponmudi, a bullion and equity market expert, and Chief Executive Officer at equity research and wealth tech firm Enrich Money.
He added that COMEX Gold is trading near the $4,720–$4,740 zone, witnessing a strong recovery from the recent lows near $4,530–$4,500 and forming a gradual higher-low structure on the daily chart, indicating renewed buying interest at lower levels and improving near-term momentum.
"MCX Gold futures are also trading near the Rs 1,52,000–Rs 1,53,000 zone, showing signs of stabilization after recovering from the recent lower levels near Rs 1,49,000–Rs1,48,000, indicating selective buying interest emerging at lower support zones. A sustained breakout above these levels could strengthen bullish momentum further and open the path toward the psychological $5,000 mark in the medium term. On the downside, immediate support is seen near $4,680–$4,650, while stronger support remains positioned around $4,560–$4,520," he said.
Meanwhile, silver prices displayed even sharper volatility through the week and significantly outperformed gold in percentage terms. The metal started the week on a comparatively weaker note amid concerns over industrial demand and broader commodity-market fluctuations. However, sentiment improved rapidly as global investors returned to precious metals and industrial commodities. Domestic silver prices rebounded strongly in the second half of the week, with MCX silver futures witnessing sharp intraday swings before closing substantially higher compared to the previous week.
According to various weekend commodity market reports, COMEX Silver was traded near the $80–81 zone, consolidating after a strong rally witnessed earlier in the week. Prices remain stable above key support levels, although upside momentum has moderated with some profit booking emerging near higher levels. While, MCX Silver futures continue to trade with a firm undertone, currently hovering near the Rs 2,62,000 zone after witnessing a strong rally from lower levels earlier in the week.
The movement in silver reflected the complex nature of the metal’s demand profile. Apart from being considered a store of value during uncertain periods, silver also enjoys strong industrial demand from sectors such as electronics, solar energy, electric vehicles and manufacturing. Expectations of stronger industrial activity in key economies, combined with ongoing supply concerns, continued to support silver prices globally.
Traders noted that speculative activity in futures markets also contributed to heightened price swings during the week.
In international markets, gold prices remained firmly supported as investors continued to seek protection against geopolitical uncertainty and inflationary pressures. The market closely monitored developments related to global conflicts, energy prices and economic indicators from the US and Europe. Expectations that central banks may adopt a more measured approach toward future rate hikes provided additional support to bullion prices, as lower interest-rate expectations generally improve the attractiveness of non-yielding assets such as gold.
Global gold prices strengthened steadily toward the close of the week, registering one of their strongest weekly performances in recent weeks. Analysts attributed the resilience in bullion largely to sustained central-bank purchases, continued ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) inflows and safe-haven demand from institutional investors. China’s ongoing accumulation of gold reserves remained an important factor underpinning long-term market sentiment.
Silver recorded an even stronger rally in international trade, driven by a combination of investment demand and optimism surrounding industrial consumption. Market participants observed in their reports that silver’s relatively smaller market size compared to gold made it more susceptible to sharp price swings when investor sentiment shifted. Despite periods of correction earlier in the year, the metal continued attracting strong interest from traders looking for higher upside potential within the precious metals segment.
The week also reflected a broader trend that has defined commodity markets in 2026 — persistent uncertainty across global economic and geopolitical conditions. Investors increasingly turned to precious metals as a hedge against inflation risks, currency volatility and concerns about slowing economic growth in several major economies. Even though elevated prices reduced jewellery demand in some markets, investment demand remained sufficiently strong to keep bullion prices near record highs.
By the end of the week, both gold and silver had managed to retain a firm undertone in domestic and international markets. Gold remained comfortably above psychologically significant levels in India, while silver emerged as the stronger performer due to its sharper rebound and higher volatility.
"The broader commodities complex heads into the new week against a backdrop of persistent geopolitical uncertainty and cautious global risk sentiment. So the near-term outlook for precious metals would continue to depend on global geopolitical developments, movements in the US dollar, inflation data and the policy stance of major central banks," says Ponmudi.