Mumbai : Gold and silver prices declined again on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with both metals extending losses for a second consecutive session amid mixed global economic data and looming interest rate uncertainty. Spot gold prices eased below the $5,000 per ounce threshold, sliding about 0.43 % to $4,992, while spot silver dropped nearly 3 % to about $74.24 per ounce during Asian trade.
The pullback in precious metal prices comes as investors absorb a blend of U.S. economic indicators that offered a less clear outlook on future interest rate changes from the Federal Reserve. Consumer price increases in the U.S. for January were softer than forecast, yet employment figures showed stronger-than-expected job gains forcing markets to reassess the timing of potential rate cuts. Traders now largely expect the Fed to hold rates at its March 18 meeting, but many are pricing in a possible reduction later in the year, possibly as early as June or July.
Market commentary cited in the original article underscores that gold and silver are moving within defined trading ranges rather than signaling definitive trend changes. Anuj Badjate, Managing Director of Badjate Stock & Shares, described the current price action as consolidation. He noted that future directions for the metals could hinge on shifts in global liquidity, U.S. dollar movements, bond yields and geopolitical developments.
Similarly, Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, said the recent retracement reflects profit-taking and healthy price digestion after sharp rallies, but indicated the longer-term uptrend for gold remains intact if support levels hold.
With macroeconomic cues still evolving, investors and traders remain focused on upcoming data including the Fed’s policy minutes, U.S. GDP figures and core inflation readings for clearer insight into the trajectory of precious metal prices.
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