Gold holds steady while silver eases as traders book profits on MCX

Precious metals showed mixed moves on the MCX in early trade on December 12 amid profit booking at record levels. Gold February futures edged up 0.10% to Rs 1,32,599 per 10 grams, supported by a weaker dollar and a softer rupee. In contrast, silver March contracts slipped 0.50% to Rs 1,97,951 per kg after hitting a record high in the previous session. Prices had rallied sharply after the US Federal Reserve cut rates by 25 basis points, with investors now awaiting key US inflation and payroll data.