Recording its second biggest single—day fall this year, gold on Friday tumbled by Rs 700 to Rs Rs 29,500 per 10 grams in the national capital due to heavy sell—off by stockists triggered by a meltdown in global markets.

Earlier this year, the precious metal had lost Rs 920 on March 1.

In line with the general weakening trend, silver also dropped by Rs 1,745 to Rs 53,755 a kg on poor offtake by industrial units.

Traders said selling pressure gathered momentum after gold declined and headed for its worst week in global markets as Federal Reserve Chairman, Mr Ben S Bernanke dampened expectations for monetary stimulus.

In London, gold fell by 1.3 per cent to $1,569.52 an ounce and silver by 1.9 per cent to $28.05 an ounce.

At the domestic front, sluggish demand among retailers and investors at prevailing higher levels further dampened the trading sentiment here, they added.

Gold of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity tumbled by Rs 700 each to Rs 29,500 and Rs 29,300 per 10 grams respectively.

The metal had lost Rs 200 yesterday.

Sovereigns followed suit and lost Rs 300 to Rs 23,900 per piece of eight grams.

Similarly, silver ready plunged by Rs 1,745 to Rs 53,755 and weekly—based delivery by Rs 790 to Rs 54,550 per kg.

Silver coins followed suit and dropped by Rs 3,000 to Rs 60,000 for buying and Rs 61,000 for selling of 100 pieces.

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