US Federal Reserve

March 19, 2026 12:15 PM

Gold, silver prices slide up to 2 pc as US Fed keeps rates unchanged

Gold and silver prices witnessed a sharp fall on Thursday following the US Federal Reserve’s latest policy decision announced overnight, even as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East kept bullion in focus. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures (April 2) were trading around 1 per cent, or Rs 1,313, lower at Rs 1,51,712, hitting an intraday low at around 10:22 am. Similarly, silver futures (May 5) declined to Rs 2,43,083, down 2 per cent or Rs 5,111. As widely expec...

March 19, 2026 10:49 AM

US Fed keeps benchmark rate unchanged at 3.5%-3.75%

The US Federal Reserve has decided to keept its benchmark federal funds rate unchanged at 3.5%-3.75%. According to an official press release on Wednesday, the Fed said, "Available indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have remained low, and the unemployment rate has been little changed in recent months. Inflation remains somewhat elevated." The central bank reiterated its dual mandate to achieve maximum employment and inflation at 2% over the l...

February 19, 2026 3:32 PM

Gold and silver surge on safe haven demand, margin cut

Gold and silver prices continued to rise for a second consecutive session on Thursday amid rise in geopolitical tensions, cautiousness of the US Federal Reserve stand and withdrawal of additional margins on gold and silver futures in domestic market. The US Defence Department has sent additional weaponry to the Middle East such as warships, air defences and submarines, in preparation for a possible military strike on Iran if negotiations fail, according to multiple reports. MCX gold April futu...

January 2, 2026 4:04 PM

Gold likely to hit new highs in 2026 on central bank buying, fed rate cuts: ING

Gold prices are expected to scale fresh highs in 2026, supported by sustained central bank buying, anticipated interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve, a weaker dollar, geopolitical risks and rising investment through exchange-traded funds (ETFs), according to the Commodities Outlook 2026 released by ING. The report noted that central banks remain active buyers of gold, while market expectations of further rate cuts by the Federal Reserve are strengthening the outlook for the precious meta...

December 22, 2025 12:27 PM

Gold hits record high on strong safe-haven demand amid expectations of US rate cuts

Driven by expectations of US Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026 and strong safe-haven demand among investors, spot gold rose to a record high of $4,383.73 per ounce on Monday. In 2025, gold has surged around 67 per cent, supported by geopolitical uncertainties and tariffs. Analysts noted that both gold and silver prices advanced last week and started the new week by touching fresh lifetime highs in domestic and international markets. The rally followed the US Federal Reserve’s third interest ...

December 11, 2025 11:48 AM

US Fed cuts rates by 25 bps as unemployment edges up and outlook remains uncertain

The US Federal Reserve reduced the federal funds rate by 25 basis points (0.25 percentage point), citing rising downside risks to employment and a moderate pace of economic expansion. The decision was announced after the Jerome Powell-led Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) concluded its meeting on Wednesday. The new target range now stands between 3.5 per cent and 3.75 per cent, down from 3.75 per cent to 4 per cent. In an official statement, the Fed said that available indicators suggest e...

September 18, 2025 8:52 AM

US Federal Reserve lowers interest rates, signals more cuts ahead

The Federal Reserve, goaded by the risk of rising unemployment, reduced interest rates on Wednesday for the first time since December and indicated more cuts would follow to halt any slide in a labor market already experiencing higher joblessness among Blacks, a declining workweek, and other signs of weakness. The decision moves in a direction called for by President Donald Trump, but falls far short of the steep cuts in borrowing costs that he has demanded - and which were apparently penciled ...

September 16, 2025 12:35 PM

Gold prices hit record high amid safe-haven demand, US Fed rate cut expectations

Gold prices surged to a fresh record high on Tuesday, crossing the ₹1,10,000 mark, as heightened safe-haven demand and anticipation of a US Federal Reserve rate cut boosted the yellow metal. According to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), the price of 24-carat gold stood at ₹10,951 per gram as of 10:17 am. Earlier in the day, gold touched ₹1,10,650 per 10 grams, up from ₹1,09,820 on Monday. In global markets, spot gold was priced at $3,679 per ounce, just shy of Monday...

September 10, 2025 1:08 PM

US judge temporarily blocks Trump from removing Fed Governor Lisa Cook

A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked President Donald Trump from removing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, an early setback for the White House in an unprecedented legal battle that could upend the central bank's long-held independence. The preliminary ruling by U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb in Washington, D.C. found that the Trump administration's claims that Cook committed mortgage fraud prior to taking office were likely not sufficient grounds for her removal. Cook denies any wr...

August 14, 2025 9:52 AM

Bitcoin hits fresh record as Fed easing bets add to tailwinds

Bitcoin hit a record high on Thursday as increasing expectations for easier monetary policy from the Federal Reserve added to tailwinds from recently announced financial reforms. The world's largest crypto-asset by market capitalisation climbed as much as 0.9% to $124,002.49 in early Asia trading, surpassing its previous peak hit in July. On the day, the second largest crypto-token ether hit $4,780.04, the highest level since late 2021. Bitcoin's rally is being powered by increasing certainty ...