)
Taking positive cues from global markets, gold prices rose sharply by Rs 233 to Rs 26,370 per 10 grams in futures trade today as participants created speculative positions.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold for delivery in April shot up by Rs 233, or 0.89%, to Rs 26,370 per 10 grams in a business turnover of 717 lots.
In a similar fashion, the metal for delivery in June gained Rs 226, or 0.86%, to Rs 26,527 per 10 grams in 15 lots.
Analysts said the rise in gold prices at futures trade was mostly due to a firming trend overseas after minutes from the Federal Reserve's January meeting signalled many officials were inclined to keep interest rates near record lows for longer.
Meanwhile, gold added as much as 0.4% to $1,217.78 an ounce in Singapore.
