GOLD GLITTERS AS STOCKS FALTER

The Sensex touched 36,000 levels in January after rising 6.4 per cent during the month. But after the Union Budget was presented on February 1, it has been tumbling, losing over 1,800 points in February (till date). Due to market turmoil, the alternative asset, gold, is gaining significance. The yellow metal tends to perform well during market volatility and rising inflation. On the domestic front, gold prices rose 1.3 per cent in the first half of February to 30,693 per 10 gm. International gold prices are also inching towards their biggest weekly rise in almost two years due to rising inflation and weakening dollar.