Manisha Gupta

Gold prices could stay on an upward path as hopes of US interest rate cuts support demand, while crude oil may become cheaper if global supply continues to outpace demand, according to commodity market expert Ajay Kedia.

The investment bank says improving geopolitical conditions and higher oil production could push crude prices lower, while gold and silver may remain under pressure in the near term.

Derek MacPherson, CEO of West Point Gold says the recent pullback is only a pause in the bull market, expects gold miners to benefit from higher valuations and rising M&A activity.

Arnaud Petit, ED of International Grain Council explains why India's rice crop remains resilient, how El Nino could affect global grain production, the outlook for corn and soybeans, and why global grain trade is expected to keep growing over the long term.

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) will launch a new one-ounce gold futures contract that trades 24 hours a day, seven days a week from July 24. The move reflects growing competition from crypto and digital trading platforms that never close and could change how investors trade gold worldwide.

Saul Kavonic, Head of Energy Research at MST Marquee, said the near-term direction of oil prices depends on how the conflict evolves. A de-escalation could reverse the recent 10% rise in crude prices, but any prolonged conflict or attacks on energy infrastructure could push prices significantly higher.

Delayed rains have raised concerns over soybean, pulses and other kharif crops, but industry leaders say India has enough stocks and import options to avoid any major supply crunch for now.

Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) believes the agreement will strengthen India's position in both traditional and modern jewellery segments. The UK has a large South Asian consumer base, creating strong demand for handcrafted, ethnic and lightweight jewellery made in India.

Brodie Sutherland, CEO of Patriot Critical Minerals Corp, expects new mining projects to take two to three years to reach production and said the company aims to bring its Nevada tungsten project online within three years to strengthen US supply while supporting long-term demand from defence, semiconductor and industrial sectors.

Rahul Bajoria, Head-India & ASEAN Economic Research at Bofa Global Research expects the RBI to consider rate hikes later if inflation stays high, remains positive on gold and industrial metals, and says corporate earnings could improve in the second half if energy prices ease.