RESEARCH VIA COMMODITY UPDATES

Precious Metals

GOLD

Gold futures rose in the domestic and overseas market on Wednesday as the US dollar weakened following comments from Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen. While Ms. Yellen indicated that its benchmark Federal Funds Rate could be increased later this year, she emphasized that it will not occur until after the Federal Open Market Committee’s next meeting in April, at the earliest. Yellen added that the timing of the decision will be “data dependent,” and that a rate hike will not necessarily be made in June. A weaker dollar boosted the demand for gold as an alternative asset, trimming losses in the bullion. Weaker greenback makes gold cheaper for those holding other currencies, thus boosting demand. Gold may trade on a higher note today after the US Fed policy meet. At the MCX Gold futures for April 2015 contract closed at Rs 25,637 per 10 gram, up by 0.08 per cent after opening at Rs 25,631, against the previous closing price of Rs 25,617. It touched the intra-day high of Rs 25,697 till the closing.

Base Metals & Energy

COPPER

Copper prices rose by 2.40 per cent on Thursday at the domestic markets after the Federal Reserve projected a slower pace of rate hikes. The Fed downgraded its forecasts for growth and inflation and lowered its interest rate projections. The Fed dropped a reference to being "patient" on the timing of rate hikes, but added that the change in its forward guidance did not mean it has decided on the timing for an initial rate increase. At the MCX copper futures for April 2015 contract were trading at Rs. 366.90 per 1 kg, up by 2.40 per cent, after opening at Rs. 360.20 against the previous closing price of Rs. 358.30. It touched the intra-day high of Rs. 367.70 till the trading.

CRUDE OIL

Crude oil prices rose by 2.18 per cent on Thursday at the domestic markets after the Federal Reserve said it will likely raise interest rates at some point this year by removing a reference of staying patient from its minutes. However, gains were limited after US crude oil inventories rose more-than-expected last month, official data showed on Wednesday signaling weak demand in US which reduced the demand prospects for the fuel. In a report, Energy Information Administration said that US Crude Oil Inventories rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 9.622M, from 4.512M in the preceding month. At the MCX, crude oil futures for February 2015 contract were trading at Rs. 2,724 per barrel, up by 2.18 per cent, after opening at Rs. 2,673 against the previous closing price of Rs. 2,666. It touched the intra-day high of Rs. 2,743 till the trading. 

Agro Outlook

CASTOR SEED

Castorseed prices rose by 0.39 per cent on Thursday at the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX) as a result of the rise in demand from consuming industries against restricted arrivals in domestic markets which in turn encouraged the investors to enlarge their holdings. At the NCDEX, castor seed futures for March 2015 contract were trading at Rs. 3,625 per quintal tonnes, up by 0.39 per cent, after opening at Rs. 3,659 against the previous closing price of Rs. 3,611. It touched the intra-day high of Rs. 3,660 till the trading.

CORIANDER

Coriander prices rose by 0.78 per cent on Thursday at the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX) as a result of the limited stocks on account of restricted arrivals from the major growing belts. At the NCDEX, coriander futures for April 2015 contract was trading at Rs. 7,270 per quintal, up by 0.78 per cent after opening at Rs. 7,285 against the previous closing price of Rs. 7,214. It touched the intra-day high of Rs. 7,320 till the trading. 

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