Gold Price Today, July 18: Yellow Metal Falls, Check Bullion Rates In Your City | Savings and Investments News

International Gold Prices

US spot gold was unchanged at $3,337.59 per ounce, as of 0156 GMT. US gold futures eased 0.1% to $3,343.20. Bullion has declined 0.5% so far this week.

The dollar edged 0.1% lower against its rivals on Friday, but was headed for a second straight weekly gain. A stronger dollar makes greenback-priced bullion more expensive for other currency holders.

Data showed on Thursday that US retail sales rose more than expected in June, advancing 0.6% last month after an unrevised 0.9% drop in May.

US initial jobless claims were better than expected, dropping 7,000 to a seasonally adjusted 221,000 for the week ended July 12. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 235,000 claims for the week.

The strong data showed the world’s largest economy remained on a stable footing, supporting the Federal Reserve’s hesitance to resume monetary policy easing.

India’s gold imports in June fell 40% from a year ago to their lowest level in more than two years, as a price rally to a record high sapped demand, according to a Reuters report citing a government and two industry officials.

Imports to India, the world’s second-largest gold consumer, fell to 21 tons, the lowest since April 2023, said a government official, who declined to be named as he was not authorised to talk to the media.

In value terms, gold imports fell to $1.84 billion in June from $2.48 billion a year ago, the official said. In the past decade, on average, India imported 52.4 tons of gold in June.

In the first half of 2025, India’s gold imports fell 30% from a year ago to 204.1 tons, the lowest since the first half of 2020, when the COVID-19 outbreak led to lockdown, the trade ministry data showed.

What Factors Affect Gold Prices In India?

International market rates, import duties, taxes, and fluctuations in exchange rates primarily influence gold prices in India. Together, these factors determine the daily gold rates across the country.

In India, gold is deeply cultural and financial. It is a preferred investment option and is key to celebrations, particularly weddings and festivals.

With constantly changing market conditions, investors and traders monitor fluctuations closely. Staying updated is crucial for effectively navigating dynamic trends.