Zinc futures soften by 0.19% on profit-booking

Zinc prices slipped by 0.19 per cent to Rs 179.50 per kg in futures market today as speculators booked profits amid easing demand at the spot market.

At the Multi Commodity Exchange, zinc for delivery in August shed 35 paise, or 0.19 per cent, to Rs 179.50 per kg in business turnover of 4,973 lots.

The metal for delivery in September contracts was trading lower by 30 paise, or 0.17 per cent, to Rs 179.65 per kg in 32 lots.

Analysts said besides profit-booking by participants, fall in demand from consuming industries in the physical market weighed on zinc prices in futures trade.