How are Gold Rates Determined?

Determining the value of gold is not as straightforward as pricing assets. Gold is dealt with by the four types of firms in the industry. They are exploration or development, mining, consumers and recyclers. The 3 categories of consumers are industrial, jewellery producers and investors. 

Many factors, such as supply and demand dynamics, global market trends, and economic conditions, affect gold prices. Pricing is also impacted by geopolitical events, central bank policy, and currency movements. The daily price of gold for Indian consumers, dealers, and investors is further influenced by taxes, import duties, and local demand. 

Updated On - 06 Sep 2025

Role of Gold Fixing 

Gold fixing is a pricing mechanism that operates all day long. It determines a value based on the volume of purchases and sales in the market on a given day. When it comes to gold prices, the London Bullion Market is the global center. 

Spot Price Vs Future Price 

Here is the difference between spot price and future price as follows: 

Spot Price 

Future Price 

The spot price applies to the underlying asset's immediate purchase and sale. 

Future pricing means that payment will be postponed and that the product will be delivered at the specified price later 

The spot prices of common commodities or securities in the global economy are more stable in relation to exchange rates. 

In the meantime, before delivery, the cost of carry and the current spot price are used to calculate the future price. 

The current price at which any particular asset, whether a currency or security commodity, can be bought or sold for immediate delivery is known as the spot price in the derivatives market. 

The cost of carrying or storage, including interest, insurance, and other incidental fees, must be added to the future price because a futures contract requires a physical delivery. 

What is the Closing Price? 

The closing price is the cash value or raw price of a security's most recent transaction before the market formally shuts down for regular trading. Investors regularly use closing prices as a benchmark for comparing a stock's performance from the day before, and line graphs showing historical price changes over time are commonly created using closing prices. 

Types of Gold Prices

Here are the types of gold prices as follows:

  1. Spot Price: This is the current market price at which gold was bought or sold for immediate payment and delivery. 
  1. Futures Price: This is the price at which the participants in a futures contract agree to transact on the date of settlement. 
  1. Retail Price: The total cost to customers, including taxes and manufacturing fees 
  1. MCX Price: The price of gold set by the Multi Commodity Exchange of India 
  1. International Price: The LBMA and COMEX set global benchmark prices that impact the daily shaping of domestic rates and the determination of the gold price in India. 
Gold price is determined

Factors Affecting Gold Prices 

Here are the some of the factors that affect gold prices as follows: 

  1. Global Market Trends: The base price is determined by international gold rates 
  1. Currency Exchange Rates: Gold prices rise when the rupee depreciates 
  1. Demand and Supply: Holidays increase demand, which brings up costs 
  1. Government Regulations: The price of gold is influenced by import taxes and duties 
  1. Interest Rates and Inflation: As inflation rises, gold becomes a more attractive investment. 

Primary Sources of Gold Pricing

The spot gold prices are sourced at:

  1. Global Cues: International spot and futures prices establish the starting point, and a weaker rupee relative to the dollar can make imported gold more expensive in India 
  1. MCX Gold Price: The Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) is a key player in setting domestic prices, which are influenced by local supply and demand 
  1. Government Regulations: Import duties and taxes such as GST have an impact on the final price, and changes in these can result in abrupt price swings 
  1. Local Supply and Demand: Festival seasons and wedding seasons frequently see a spike in demand for gold purchases, which drives up prices; on the other hand, a weak agricultural season may result in lower demand, which drives down prices 
  1. Jewellery Markup: Individual jewelers add their "making charges" for creating gold ornaments, which vary depending on the complexity of the design and can have a significant impact on the final price you pay. 

How Gold Prices Are Affected by Currency Exchange Rates 

The price of gold is affected by changes in currency values because it is mainly traded in US dollars. The price of imported gold in India rises for buyers when the rupee decreases. On the other hand, by lowering import expenses, a stronger rupee lowers the price of gold. In the same way, gold becomes more affordable for buyers from abroad when the US currency drops, increasing demand and driving prices. Currency exchange rates are a major contributor to the volatility of the gold price globally since they have a direct impact on how the price of gold is set by global economic conditions, central bank policies, and forex market movements. 

How Global Events Impact Gold Prices 

Here are some of the global events that impact on gold prices as follows: 

  1. Economic Activities: The price of gold increased globally because of poor job data in the US and worldwide markets, high inflation, high interest rates, and slow GDP growth 
  1. Currency Fluctuation: When the US dollar declines in value relative to the Indian rupee, investors are drawn in because gold imports become more affordable, which also affects the price on the domestic market 
  1. Demand and Supply: The price of gold for importing nations is also influenced by the international market's supply and demand. 75% of the world's gold supply comes from mining, with the remaining 25% based on recycled gold, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). 

Determination of Gold Rates for Making Charges, Hallmarking & GST 

Below you can find the GST, making charges, and hallmark of gold as follows: 

  1. The value of gold, gold jewellery, gold coins, and gold bars are all subject to the 3% GST rate in India 
  1. For gold jewellery, making charges are subject to a 5% GST 
  1. Clear measures of gold purity, typically expressed in carats or numerical standards, are included in jewellery that has been marked 
  1. For example, 22K gold jewellery bearing the stamp "916" has 91.6% pure gold, but 18K jewellery bearing the stamp "750" has 75% purity and every jewellery is given a unique mark by BIS. 

Read More on Gold

FAQs on How are Gold Rates Determined?

  • How is the price of gold determined in India?

    Global benchmarks such as LBMA rates are used to establish the price of gold in India, with local considerations like import taxes, GST, and exchange rates considered. To provide transparency in domestic pricing, the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) announces daily gold rates based on market trends. 

  • What effect does currency fluctuation have on gold prices?

    Changes in currency affect import costs, which in turn affect gold prices. A stronger rupee lowers expenses, whereas a weaker rupee raises the price of gold and domestic prices. Because gold is traded in US dollars worldwide, changes in exchange rates have a direct impact on how much gold costs in India and other markets. 

  • What impact do geopolitical developments have on the price of gold?

    Since geopolitical events increase uncertainty, investors turn to gold as a safe-haven asset, which affects gold prices. Political instability, economic sanctions, and conflicts frequently increase demand and raise costs. Trade restrictions and supply chain delays also have an impact on availability, which further affects how the price of gold is determined internationally. 

  • How does the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association influence India's gold prices?

    By analyzing local market conditions, rupee-dollar exchange rates, and international benchmarks, the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) plays a significant role in determining daily gold values. IBJA's pricing has an impact on how Indian jewelers decide the price of gold, guaranteeing consistency and transparency for buyers and sellers. 

  • Why is gold considered to be an inflation hedge?

    Due to its tendency to increase in value as currency purchasing power decreases, gold is considered a hedge against inflation. Investors buy gold to protect their wealth during inflationary times, which raises demand and prices. This relationship influences how the price of gold is determined globally and guarantees stability in its value. 

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