Investment News · 18 October 2026 · 3 min read
In short: Gold has pulled back sharply from its 2026 record. On 12 October, gold futures in India were around ₹1,50,000 per 10 grams, about 16% below their high of ₹1,77,590. International spot gold was about 23% below its peak. Dhanteras falls on 6 November 2026.
Why gold fell
- Higher bond yields: the US 10-year Treasury yield rose above 5% in September. Gold pays no interest, so bonds became more attractive to big investors.
- Rate expectations: markets expect the US Federal Reserve to keep rates high, which has strengthened the dollar.
- Profit-taking after a multi-year rally.
Ways to buy, and what they cost
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Jewellery | Wearing and gifting | Making charges (often 8% to 25%) and 3% GST, which you do not get back when you sell |
| Coins and bars | Festive buying with lower costs | 3% GST; buy hallmarked coins from a bank or trusted jeweller |
| Gold ETFs and gold mutual funds | Investing small amounts, including by SIP | Expense ratio; ETFs need a demat account |
| Digital gold | Very small amounts in an app | Not regulated by SEBI or RBI; check storage and selling fees |
A sensible approach
A fall from the peak does not mean prices cannot fall further. Many financial planners suggest keeping gold to around 5% to 10% of your investments, and spreading purchases over time rather than buying a large amount in one go.
Planning a goal? Try our Savings Calculator.
Sources
- Outlook Money: How to read gold’s 23% correction ahead of Dhanteras (12 October 2026)
- Khaleej Times: Record gold prices shift Dhanteras demand toward coins
This is a news summary for education, not financial advice. Rates and terms change; confirm the latest details with your bank or the official source.
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