February 17, 2026. The thing is, the “safe haven” trade is losing its steam today. We’re seeing a massive ₹1,200+ crash on the MCX as the Dollar Index flexes its muscles at 97.15. It’s a double whammy for gold: a stronger greenback makes it expensive, and optimism over the US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva is removing the “fear factor” that usually props up prices. Let’s be real—after that crazy bull run in January where gold hit all-time highs, some profit-booking was always on the cards.
Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1
Field Notes: The Bullion Retreat
-
The Dollar Spike: The greenback is up over 2% today. When the dollar goes up, gold almost always gets punched down. It’s a classic inverse relationship.
-
The “Geneva Effect”: Indirect talks between the US and Iran are happening today. Trump hinted he’s “indirectly involved,” and the mere mention of a deal is easing geopolitical tension.
-
MCX Massacre: Gold April futures are trading near ₹1,53,532. Silver is faring even worse, crashing by over ₹4,700 to trade near the ₹2.35 lakh mark.
-
China’s Absence: It’s the Lunar New Year. Chinese markets are closed, which means lower trading volumes and less physical demand from the world’s biggest gold buyer.
-
Speculative Pressure: Higher margins on the MCX and CME are forcing leveraged traders to liquidate. It’s a “forced exit” scenario for many
Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1
City-Wise Gold Rates (24K – Per 10 Grams)
| City | Today (Feb 17, 2026) | Yesterday (Feb 16) | Change |
| Chennai | ₹1,57,520 | ₹1,58,830 | – ₹1,310 |
| Delhi | ₹1,56,580 | ₹1,57,890 | – ₹1,310 |
| Mumbai | ₹1,56,430 | ₹1,57,740 | – ₹1,310 |
| Kolkata | ₹1,56,430 | ₹1,57,740 | – ₹1,310 |
| Ahmedabad | ₹1,56,480 | ₹1,57,790 | – ₹1,310 |
And Here’s the Kicker…
The technical levels are screaming “caution.” The thing is, gold has now breached the ₹1,55,000 support. If the US-Iran talks yield even a “framework” agreement today, experts like Manoj Kumar Jain suggest we could see a slide toward ₹1,51,800. And here’s the kicker: with the US Fed minutes and GDP data coming later this week, any “hawkish” signals will only add more fuel to the dollar’s fire. For retail buyers, this correction is a gift, but for short-term traders, it’s a “falling knife.” Or nothing, if you’re holding for the long haul.
Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1
End…
We have taken all measures to ensure that the information provided in this article and on our social media platform is credible, verified and sourced from other Big media Houses. For any feedback or complaint, reach out to us at businessleaguein@gmail.com





