Gold Price Hits ₹1 Lakh in India – Should You Buy or Wait in 2025?

Gold Prices Hit ₹1 Lakh! Should You Buy or Wait? Here's What You Need to Know

Keywords: gold price in India, why is gold price rising, should I invest in gold now, gold investment 2025, gold price outlook

Gold Hits ₹1 Lakh: A Historic Milestone!

The price of gold in India has crossed the psychological barrier of ₹1 lakh per 10 grams, setting off waves of curiosity among investors, jewellers, and households. Whether you're planning to buy gold for investment, wedding season, or simply curious — it’s time to understand why gold prices are rising sharply in 2025 and what you should do next.

Why Is Gold Price Rising in 2025?

1. Global Uncertainty and Geopolitical Tensions

From ongoing Middle East instability to US-China trade tensions, investors are parking money in safe-haven assets like gold. The higher the fear in global markets, the more attractive gold becomes.

2.  Weak Indian Rupee

India imports most of its gold. As the rupee weakens against the dollar, the cost of imported gold shoots up, driving domestic prices even higher.

3.  Central Bank Gold Buying

Major countries including China, Russia, and Turkey have ramped up gold buying to hedge against the dollar, reducing their reliance on traditional reserves and pushing global demand.

4.  Low Interest Rates Outlook

With the US Fed and other central banks hinting at rate cuts to stimulate economies, gold becomes more attractive since it does not yield interest but preserves value during inflation.

5.  Retail & Digital Gold Demand

Platforms offering digital gold and ETFs have made investing easier for millennials. Combined with traditional buyers, this has spiked demand further.

Should You Buy Gold Now?

If you're a long-term investor, gold can help diversify your portfolio and hedge against inflation. But here are some quick tips:

• ✔ Buy in small quantities, especially during price dips.

• ✔ Prefer digital gold, gold ETFs, or sovereign gold bonds for safety and returns.

• ✔ Avoid panic buying at all-time highs. Wait for market corrections if investing in bulk.

Expert Outlook on Gold Prices

Market analysts suggest that if inflation and geopolitical tensions persist, gold may test even higher levels. However, profit-booking or global peace breakthroughs may lead to short-term corrections.

Major Impacts of Rising Gold Prices

1.  Jewellery Industry Faces Slowdown

• Higher costs mean fewer people can afford to buy gold jewellery, especially during wedding and festive seasons.

• Jewellers may see a drop in sales volume or switch to lighter, more affordable designs.

2.  Investment Behavior Shifts

• Investors may move more capital into gold as a safe-haven asset, especially during inflation or stock market volatility.

• However, retail investors might hesitate to enter at high prices, waiting for a correction.

3.  Pressure on Trade Deficit

• India imports most of its gold. Rising prices increase the import bill, worsening the current account deficit.

• This, in turn, may weaken the rupee further, creating a vicious cycle.

4.  Impact on Inflation

• Higher gold prices can indirectly contribute to inflation, especially in sectors like luxury goods, weddings, and traditional gifting.

• This reduces purchasing power, especially among middle-class consumers.

5.  Monetary Policy Challenges

• As gold becomes more attractive than bank savings or bonds, it may affect liquidity in the banking system.

• Central banks might struggle to balance inflation control and economic growth.

6.  Accessibility Issues

• For students or middle-income individuals looking to invest or gift gold, the rising prices may push them toward alternative assets like silver or digital gold.

Here is a comparison of gold prices in India from the year 2000 to 2025 (in INR per 10 grams). The chart above visually illustrates the consistent upward trend, especially after 2019.

Gold Price Table (2016–2025)

Impact of Rising Gold Prices on the Stock Market

1.  Investor Sentiment Shifts to Safe-Haven Assets

• When gold prices rise significantly, it often reflects uncertainty in the markets (inflation, war, recession fears).

• Investors pull money out of stocks (especially riskier ones) and park it in gold, considered a "safe-haven".

2.  Equity Market May See Outflows

• Institutional and retail investors might reduce their stock holdings and invest more in gold or gold ETFs.

• This can lead to corrections or slowdowns in certain market segments.

3.  Banking & NBFC Stocks Under Pressure

• As people invest more in gold, less capital flows into savings accounts, fixed deposits, or bonds.

• Banks and NBFCs may see reduced liquidity or higher competition for funds, affecting their stock performance.

4.  Jewellery and Retail Stocks May Decline

• Companies in the jewellery, wedding, or luxury goods sector may struggle as high gold prices reduce consumer demand.

• Stocks like Titan, Kalyan Jewellers, etc., can see temporary dips.

5.  Mining and Commodity Stocks May Benefit

• On the flip side, companies involved in gold mining or commodities trading might experience a surge in stock value due to higher margins and profitability.

Summary:

• Rising gold prices usually reflect a risk-off mood in global markets.

• They often negatively affect high-risk or consumer-facing stocks and positively impact commodity or defensive sectors.