Mumbai: Gold prices climbed, fell short within striking distance of touching another record highs at the domestic bullion market on 23 August hectic investors’ and stockists’ off-take, triggered by a surge in the international prices.

Silver also tracked the yellow metal and jumped on heavy speculative demand as well as industrial buying. Standard gold (99.5 purity) strengthened by 190 to end at 30,280 per 10 grams from 21 August closing level of 30,090.

Pure gold (99.9 purity) also hardened by 180 to finish at 30,420 per 10 grams from 30,240.  Silver ready (.999 fineness) surged by 740 per kg to conclude at 56,440 as compared to 55,700 previously. 

In New York, gold rose to highest since last three months on weak dollar following Chinese indication of fresh stimulus and speculation that ECB will take steps against the spread of debt crisis by capping Spanish and Italian borrowing costs.

Gold for December delivery zoomed by USD 19.90 to USD 1,642.90 an ounce on the Comex division of the NYMEX late 22 August.

Silver for September contract gained 84 cents to USD 29.43 an ounce.