Gold prices firm as festive buying meets a cautious rupee

Gold quotes held firm this week as festive buying in southern cities met a rupee that traders described as cautiously offered.

What moves the quote

Imported bullion, the rupee and global futures still set the morning number. Local premia rise when physical tightness appears in the wholesale market.

Analysts warn households not to treat jewellery as a pure investment: making charges and wastage can erase a short-term price gain.