Gold dropped 2.5 percent to a two-week low on Friday, on track for its biggest one-day drop since mid-April, as a breach of key chart levels prompted heavy selling of U.S. futures, already pressured by a stronger dollar. Traders said sell stops – automatic sale orders placed by traders at pre-set levels to limit losses – were triggered as the metal broke support at $1,445 and $1,440 an ounce, prompting a sharp move down to session lows at $1,428.40 an ounce.

Crude oil futures prices rose by 0.40 per cent to Rs 5,229 per barrel today as speculators created fresh positions amid a firm trend in Asia. At the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil for delivery in May gained Rs 21, or 0.40 per cent, to Rs 5,229 per barrel, with a business turnover of 12,394 lots.