Gold futures on the MCX opened lower at Rs 30,962 per 10 grams on Wednesday against the previous close of Rs 30,977. However, the December contract gained strength and was traded at Rs 31,040 at 12:40 pm. A further gain in prices looks bleak as the rupee appreciated against the dollar.

In Comex, gold futures were traded higher by $7 at $1,754 a troy ounce at 12:40 pm. Gold futures in the international markets gained on renewed hopes of a formal bailout package for Spain.