Gold ends steady in listless trade, silver falls

In a listless activity, gold prices ended steady at the domestic bullion market today in the absence of worthwhile demand from stockists as well as local buying interest.
Meanwhile, silver dropped further on consistent speculative selling following weak industrial demand.
"Business is dull in yellow metal due to Easter holidays and expected to pick up soon as marriage season are due from next month," a dealer said.
Standard gold of 99.5 per cent purity ended stable at its overnight close of Rs 29,605 per 10 gm.
While pure gold of 99.9 per cent purity finished almost flat by losing a marginal Rs 5 to Rs 29,735 per 10 gm from Thursday's level of Rs 29,740.

Silver ready (.999 fineness) dipped by Rs 205 to conclude at Rs 54,360 per kg from Rs 54,565 previously.

On the global front, gold slipped on investor selling amid positive US fourth quarter growth data and organised opening of banks in Cyprus after its long two weeks closure.
In New York, gold for June delivery fell USD 11.50 to USD 1,595.70 an ounce on the Comex division of the NYMEX late yesterday.
Silver for May contract declined 29 cents to USD 28.32 an ounce.