Kathmandu, April 19:

Gold, this week, again jumped to Rs 19,900 per 10 gram on Friday — Rs 23,211 per tola (11.664 gram) — in the domestic market, a rise by Rs 440 per 10 gram from Sunday’s opening of Rs 19,460.

“The price of the precious yellow metal started picking up as the crude price hit $115 per barrel and economic slowdown in the US continue despite its assurance in the meeting of the G7 that trade deficit with G7 would be lowered apart from the weak dollar,” states Nepal Gold and silver Association (NEGOSIDA).

The price saw steady rise each day. On Monday, it was Rs 19,460 and on Tuesday it rose to Rs 19,590 per 10 gram. However, the price rolled back on Wednesday, the third day of the

trading at the domestic market this week, to Rs 19,550 per 10 gram. But surged again to Rs 19,900 on Thursday and closed at the same rate on Friday, the last day of the trading at the domestic market.

Silver price also this week started picking up as it closed at Rs 396 per 10 gram on Friday, Rs 14.50 rise — probably the highest rise in a week’s trading — from the opening of Rs 381.50 on Monday.