Gold prices to ease to Rs 30,500 level: Analysts

"Due to rupee strengthening, there is some weakness in the gold prices in the domestic market. If the currency continues to gain, gold may soften to Rs 30,500 level in short term," Commtrendz Research Director Gnanasekar Thiagarajan

said.

Rupee started gaining mainly on account of several government measures like the hike in fuel prices and announcement of FDI in multi-brand retail and aviation, he

explained.

However, in the international markets, the sentiment for gold prices is bullish for short term and the precious metal may reach USD 1,900 an ounce level by December, he said.

"Rising inflationary scenario and many central banks, like in Turkey, South Korea and Russia, buying the yellow metal will further boost the demand and help in rising of the prices. Gold may reach USD 1,900 level by December," Thiagarajan said.

Currently, gold is at Rs 31,200 per 10 grams in the domestic market, while in the international market, it is at USD 1,770 an ounce (28.34 grams).

Echoing a similar view, Kotak Commodity Services analyst Madhavi Mehta said US federal bank announcing quantitative easing (QE3) that involves monthly purchases of an additional USD 40 billion worth of mortgage-backed securities with the aim of reducing unemployment will help gold.

This is an attempt to put more liquidity in the market, which will put pressure on the US green back and, hence, help gold in gaining

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