Gold risks slipping below Rs 1.5 lakh as Fed rate-hike fears offset oil-led inflation relief

Gold and silver came under pressure as a slide in oil prices eased inflation worries, but the prospect of further US rate hikes lifted the dollar and capped gains in precious metals. Spot gold briefly touched $4,330 per ounce before easing back toward $4,270, while MCX gold futures hovered near the key Rs 1.5 lakh support level and spot silver also softened. Headwinds include ETF outflows, fading investor participation and dollar strength, while China’s physical demand and central-bank buying are seen providing support.