Gold, silver price crash in March: If you have Rs 1 lakh to invest, should you invest now or wait for further rate correction?

Many investors rush to buy precious metals when the share market turns red, thinking these investments will work as hedge against inflation. However, looking at the current trends, it seems things are not quite as they expected. Even though the share market seems to be bouncing back, especially with the US proposing a 15-point peace plan to Iran to resolve the conflict with Iran, and precious metals also showing some recovery on Wednesday (March 25, 2026), the gold price is still down by 16.02% on the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) as on March 24, 2026, compared to the price on March 2.

Silver has fared even worse, with its price dropping by 22.54% since the start of the month. Such a drastic fall is making existing investors worried and new investors cautious. so, for those invested in gold and silver, what’s best move now? Should buy more, sell off or hold onto their investments?

Gold rate since March 1, 2026 (MCX spot price)

Date	Rate	Change vs 02-Mar (₹)	Change vs 02-Mar (%)
24-Mar-26	140309	-26781	-16.02%
23-Mar-26	135846	-31244	-18.70%
20-Mar-26	146640	-20450	-12.24%
19-Mar-26	147418	-19672	-11.78%
18-Mar-26	154597	-12493	-7.48%
17-Mar-26	155297	-11793	-7.06%
16-Mar-26	154395	-12695	-7.60%
13-Mar-26	158013	-9077	-5.43%
12-Mar-26	159809	-7281	-4.36%
11-Mar-26	160150	-6940	-4.15%
10-Mar-26	159691	-7399	-4.43%
09-Mar-26	159038	-8052	-4.82%
06-Mar-26	157967	-9123	-5.46%
05-Mar-26	159878	-7212	-4.31%
04-Mar-26	162029	-5061	-3.03%
03-Mar-26	162029	-5061	-3.03%
02-Mar-26	167090	0	0.00%

Silver rate since March 1, 2026 (MCX spot price)

Date	Rate	Change vs 02-Mar (₹)	Change vs 02-Mar (%)
24-Mar-26	224457	-65303	-22.54%
23-Mar-26	209713	-80047	-27.62%
20-Mar-26	230503	-59257	-20.45%
19-Mar-26	230054	-59706	-20.60%
18-Mar-26	249093	-40667	-14.04%
17-Mar-26	252296	-37464	-12.93%
16-Mar-26	244741	-45019	-15.54%
13-Mar-26	260297	-29463	-10.17%
12-Mar-26	268601	-21159	-7.30%
11-Mar-26	266054	-23706	-8.18%
10-Mar-26	270069	-19691	-6.80%
09-Mar-26	261169	-28591	-9.87%
06-Mar-26	260856	-28904	-9.98%
05-Mar-26	262595	-27165	-9.38%
04-Mar-26	260906	-28854	-9.96%
03-Mar-26	260906	-28854	-9.96%
02-Mar-26	289760	0	0.00%

Reasons why gold and silver prices fell this month

Manav Modi, commodities analyst, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, told ET Wealth Online that gold and silver prices are falling mainly due to a shift in macroeconomic expectations rather than a lack of demand.

“Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, inflation fears and monetary policy expectations are currently dominating price movements,” says Modi.

Maneesh Sharma, AVP - Commodities & Currencies, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers, says some of the reasons why gold and silver prices have been falling are-

• Higher oil prices led to inflationary fears leading to expectations of rate hikes by central banks.
• US Treasury yields remain elevated
• A steady US Dollar (USD) is trading above Rs 99
• Iran denying that it had held talks with the US to end its conflict with Israel

Prithviraj Kothari, managing director at RiddiSiddhi Bullions Ltd., President of India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd. (IBJA) says investors are booking profits and raising cash amid market stress, leading to liquidation of highly liquid assets like gold.

Can gold and silver rates decline further?

Sharma says near-term gold and silver prices can remain volatile as spikes could be seen from current levels.

Modi, however, feels while prices have corrected, the broader macro environment remains uncertain, with inflation risks and central bank policies still evolving.

“This means volatility could persist, and there may be opportunities to buy at lower levels,” says Modi.

What should new and existing gold and silver investors do?

Kothari feels existing investors should hold their positions and avoid panic selling.

Kothari says the current correction is driven by short-term liquidity and macro factors, not a breakdown in long-term fundamentals.

Modi too suggests existing investors should primarily adopt a hold strategy. To fresh investors, Modi’s advice is to follow a staggered buying approach, investing at dips.

SIP vs lump sum- how should investors invest in gold and silver now?

Kothari’s advice for long-term investors is to focus on systematic allocation and diversification.

Kothari feels gold and silver investments should be phased over time (SIP approach) rather than based on short-term price movements, ensuring better cost averaging and risk management.

Modi is of the view that at current levels, a staggered buying approach is more prudent rather than aggressive lump sum investing.

Investors with a long-term perspective can start accumulating in small quantities during dips, advises Modi.

Best form to invest in gold and silver

According to Kothari, for gold investments, gold ETFs and digital gold provide convenience, while investors can invest in physical gold for jewellery and long-term holding.

For investments in silver, Kothari suggests investing in silver ETFs, bars/coins for investment and avoid heavy jewellery due to making charges.

Sharma suggests high-risk investors can also invest in gold and silver futures, but these high-risk, high-return options are for traders with short-term perspective and requires large capital as margin.