Mumbai, November 13: On the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras today, gold price inched higher. On MCX, gold futures edged 0.07 percent higher to Rs 50,635 per 10 gram while silver rates dropped 0.2 percent to Rs 62,615 per kg on Friday.

Gold rates on Friday increased amid fears over the economic fallout from mounting cases of Covid-19 as they overshadowed hopes of a vaccine. Analysts had predicted that due to Dhanteras and Diwali, there might be a rise in sales. Dhanteras is considered as an auspicious occasion to buy gold. Jewellers offer incentives to lure customers to buy gold, silver coins and other ornaments on this day.

Spot gold rose 0.1 percent to $1,877.14 per ounce by 0325 GMT. For the week so far, it is down 3.8 percent. US gold futures gained 0.2 percent to $1,876.

The price of a 10-gram 24-carat gold in Mumbai is Rs 50,770. On the other hand, people in Kolkata will have to spend Rs 53,540 to buy a 10-gram 24-carat gold.