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Gold prices slipped back below the key Rs 28,000 per 10/grams mark in the bullion market here today due to fresh bouts of selling from stockists and investors, combined with overall sluggish demand.
Silver also dropped sharply owing to frantic speculative unwinding.
Standard gold (99.5 purity) slumped by Rs 225 to finish at Rs 27,960 per 10 grams from Monday's closing level of Rs 28,185.
Pure gold (99.9 purity) also tumbled by a similar margin to end at Rs 28,110 per 10 grams from Rs 28,335.
Silver (.999 fineness) dipped by Rs 335 to conclude at Rs 45,535 per kg as compared to Rs 45,870 yesterday.
On the global front, the shiny metal edged lower due to investors' caution ahead of key US economic data later in the day and rallying equities, but manged to hold the $1,300 an ounce support level, aided by anticipation of increased geopolitical risks.
Spot gold was lower at $1,307 an ounce in early European trade.
