In the international market, Gold prices eased on Friday as a firmer dollar weighed on the metal. However, prices remained on track for their strongest monthly gain since 1980 as investors continued to seek safety amid lingering geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Spot gold fell 0.9% to $5,346.42 per ounce as of 0124 GMT, after touching a record high of $5,594.82 in the previous session. Despite the pullback, gold has surged more than 24% so far in January, marking a sixth consecutive month of gains and its biggest monthly rise since January 1980.
Silver also edged lower, with spot prices slipping 0.2% to $115.83 per ounce after scaling a record $121.64 on Thursday. The metal has rallied 62% this month, putting it on course for its best-ever monthly performance.