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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nGold prices declined more than 1 per cent in the futures trade on Tuesday amid easing safe-haven demand, improving geopolitical sentiment and a firm US dollar.On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold for April delivery fell by Rs 2,228, or 1.44 per cent, to Rs 1,52,532 per 10 grams in a business turnover of 7,553 lots.\u201cGold traded on a softer note on Tuesday, consolidating after recent volatility as investors booked profits and reacted to a firmer US dollar and shifting interest-rate expectations from the Federal Reserve,\u201d Gaurav Garg, research analyst at Lemonn Markets Desk, said, as quoted by news agency PTI.He added that safe-haven demand due to weakness in global equities and continued central bank buying helped limit the downside.Garg noted that in 2026, precious metals are witnessing a volatile corrective phase following last year\u2019s strong rally, although the broader multi-year bullish trend remains intact. MCX gold is currently consolidating in the Rs 1.55\u20131.58 lakh per 10 grams range, below earlier peaks.\u201cThe current weakness is largely seen as consolidation rather than a trend reversal. Investors may consider holding and rebalancing on dips, while fresh allocations should be staggered amid choppy market conditions,\u201d he said.In the global markets, Comex gold futures for April delivery dropped $119.6, or 2.37 per cent, to $4,926.7 per ounce.\u201cGold slipped below $4,970 per ounce amid thin trading volumes as several Asian markets, including China, remained closed for the Lunar New Year following a US market holiday,\u201d Jigar Trivedi, senior research analyst at IndusInd Securities, said.Renisha Chainani, head \u2013 research at Augmont, said safe-haven demand eased as geopolitical tensions moderated and the US dollar strengthened.She noted that comments from President Donald Trump indicating indirect US involvement in upcoming nuclear discussions with Iran raised hopes of diplomatic progress. Fresh Ukraine-Russia talks also reduced immediate geopolitical tensions, improving overall risk appetite.\u201cAs risk sentiment improved, some investors reduced defensive positions in precious metals,\u201d Chainani said, adding that market focus has now shifted to the Federal Reserve\u2019s January meeting minutes for guidance on the interest-rate outlook.<\/p>\nCity-wise gold rates today<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n