Silver prices rise 1% at Rs 2.37 lakh on January 1, gold opens flat. What should investors do in 2026?

Gold and silver prices started 2026 on a mixed basis, with gold opening largely flat, while silver continued its notable rally from last year amid tight supply conditions, rising demand and a supportive interest rate environment.February gold futures opened at Rs 1,35,529 per 10 gram on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), rising over Rs 82, or 0.06%, from the previous close. However, the silver price strongly outperformed. The March futures contract rose by Rs 2,032, or 0.86%, to open at Rs 2,37,732 per kilogram on the MCX. The rally follows an exceptional performance from the previous year, with silver prices rising more than 150% by 2025.

Market participants are also considering the impact of China’s export restrictions that come into effect from today and are expected to impact silver prices throughout the year. According to Manoj Kumar Jain of Prithvifinmart Commodity Research, this development has “sparked a record rally in silver,” along with renewed geopolitical tensions between the United States and Venezuela.

Gold, meanwhile, continues to find support on expectations that real yields will remain subdued even as inflation declines. Inderbir Singh Jolly of PL Wealth said such an environment has historically been supportive for gold prices. He added that while some consolidation is natural after a sharp run-up, the medium-term outlook remains positive, with gold expected to continue to play a crucial stabilizing role in diversified portfolios until 2026.

International markets were closed on January 1 for New Year

Gold rates in physical markets

Gold Price Today in Delhi

The standard gold price (22 carat) in Delhi is Rs 99,032/8 gram, while the price of pure gold (24 carat) is Rs 1,08,024/8 gram.

Gold Price Today in Mumbai

The standard gold price (22 carat) in Mumbai is Rs 98,912/8 gram, while the price of pure gold (24 carat) is Rs 1,07,904/8 gram.

Gold Price Today in Chennai

The standard gold price (22 carat) in Chennai is Rs 99,832/8 gram, while the price of pure gold (24 carat) is Rs 1,08,912/8 gram.

Gold Price Today in Hyderabad

The standard gold price (22 carat) in Hyderabad is Rs 98912/8 gram while the pure gold price (24 carat) is Rs 1,07,904/8 gram.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions expressed by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)