Gold prices in Pakistan fell on Tuesday, mirroring a downturn in the international market as investors reacted cautiously to fresh US inflation data and awaited clarity on potential trade tariffs.
According to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association, the price of gold declined by Rs700 per tola, settling at Rs359,000. Similarly, the rate for 10 grams dropped by Rs600 to Rs307,784.
The price per tola experienced a dip after an increase the previous day, when it surged by Rs1,600 to reach Rs359,700.
Internationally, gold inched lower as the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data showed a 0.1% uptick in inflation for June, in line with expectations but still keeping interest rate cut hopes subdued. Investors also remained wary of potential tariff announcements amid renewed trade rhetoric from US President Donald Trump.
Spot gold fell 0.2% to $3,336.99 per ounce by 0940 am EDT (1340 GMT). US gold futures were down 0.4% to $3,345. The US dollar ticked up 0.2%, making gold more expensive for holders of other currencies.
"I think the market continues to be focused on tariffs, keeping gold underpinned. I remain bullish on gold, even though we're well within the range that has been in place since the middle of May," said Peter Grant, Vice President and Senior Metals Strategist at Zaner Metals.
"The market isn't slow – it's just moderate," Adnan Agar, Director at Interactive Commodities, told The Express Tribune. "Activity has been consistent over the past three to four days," he noted. "Today's (Tuesday's) high was $3,366 and we're trading near the day's low at $3,334." Agar attributed the dip to inflation data, which reduced the likelihood of an early interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve. "With inflation edging up, the probability of a rate cut has now shifted further out – possibly to September 2025," he said.
He added that the ongoing uncertainty around US tariff policy could continue to influence the market over the coming months. "If gold dips further, possibly to the $2,800-3,000 range, it will present a buying opportunity. In the long term, gold remains on an upward trajectory – perhaps by the end of this year or into next."
Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee recorded a marginal appreciation against the US dollar on Tuesday, appreciating by 0.02% in the inter-bank market. By the end of the trading session, the rupee closed at 284.67, up by five paisa from the previous day's close at 284.72.
The US dollar remained near a three-week high against major global currencies as investors looked ahead to key US inflation data expected later in the day, which could offer insights into the future course of monetary policy.
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