Gold, Silver Slip Nearly 2 pc as Global Rate Concerns Weigh on Demand

June 24: Gold and silver prices declined nearly 2 per cent in global markets as investors turned cautious amid uncertainty over the global interest rate outlook.

The weakness in bullion was driven by expectations that interest rates may remain elevated for longer than previously anticipated, reducing the appeal of non-yielding assets such as precious metals. A stronger US dollar also added pressure, making gold more expensive for buyers holding other currencies.

Market sentiment remained subdued as central banks continued to signal a data-dependent approach to monetary policy, limiting hopes of near-term rate cuts. This has led to reduced safe-haven demand in the precious metals segment.

Silver prices mirrored the decline in gold, tracking both macroeconomic sentiment and concerns over industrial demand in key global markets.

Analysts said short-term volatility in bullion is likely to persist as investors respond to evolving interest rate expectations and currency movements. However, long-term demand for gold and silver remains supported by inflation-hedging needs and ongoing global economic uncertainties.

Market participants are now awaiting fresh economic data and central bank signals for clearer direction on interest rate trends and their impact on commodity prices.

Account Aggregator Adoption Accelerates Financial Inclusion

June 24: India’s Account Aggregator (AA) ecosystem facilitated nearly 3.8 crore financial services in FY26, reflecting growing adoption of digital consent-based data sharing across the financial sector.

The framework enables secure exchange of financial information between institutions, helping banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and fintech firms streamline lending, improve credit assessment and simplify customer onboarding.

Industry experts say the rising usage of the AA system highlights India’s shift toward a more integrated and digital financial infrastructure, where data access is faster, safer and driven by user consent.

The ecosystem is also playing an important role in expanding financial inclusion by improving credit availability for individuals and small businesses, especially those with limited or informal credit histories.

With increasing participation from financial institutions and technology platforms, the Account Aggregator network is expected to scale further, supporting more efficient and transparent financial services in the coming years.

Experts believe the continued expansion of digital public infrastructure such as the AA framework will strengthen India’s financial ecosystem and enhance access to credit across the economy.

Allcargo Logistics Appoints Bipin Reghunathan as Chief Business Officer to Drive Consultative Logistics Growth

Mumbai, June 24: Allcargo Logistics, an integrated logistics provider operating Domestic Supply Chain business, through its Express Distribution and Consultative Logistics services, has further strengthened its leadership team and announced the appointment of Bipin Reghunathan as Chief Business Officer – Consultative Logistics.

In his new role, Bipin will lead the strategic growth and profitability of Allcargo’s Consultative Logistics business. He will drive customer-centric innovation, technology-led decision-making, and organizational capability building to support the company’s long-term growth ambitions.

Bipin brings over three decades of leadership experience across supply chain management, warehousing, logistics operations, business transformation, and network optimization. Throughout his career, he has successfully driven business growth, operational excellence, and customer value creation while leading large-scale supply chain and warehousing businesses.

Commenting on the appointment, Ketan Kulkarni, Managing Director & CEO, Allcargo Logistics Limited, said,

 “Bipin’s appointment marks an important addition to our leadership team as we continue to strengthen and expand our consultative business. He brings extensive industry experience and a deep understanding of customer requirements across sectors. At Allcargo Logistics, we are committed to building leadership depth across our businesses, and Bipin’s addition will help us further enhance our capabilities, deliver greater value to customers and accelerate growth in this segment. We are delighted to welcome him to the Group and look forward to the contributions he will make in the years ahead.”

Speaking on his appointment, Bipin Reghunathan, Chief Business Officer – Consultative Logistics, Allcargo Logistics Limited, said.

“I am delighted to be part of Allcargo Logistics, which has built a strong foundation in integrated logistics, backed by four decades of experience in the industry. This is an exciting time for the business as customers increasingly seek trusted partners who can support their growth ambitions and evolving supply chain requirements. I look forward to be part of the Allcargo Group and strengthen our Consultative Logistics capabilities and contribute to the continued growth of the business.”

Prior to joining Allcargo Logistics, Bipin held a leadership position at Rhenus Contract Logistics. He has also held senior leadership roles at DHL Supply Chain, Mahindra Logistics, Radhakrishna Foodland, and Aditya Birla Retail, where he played a pivotal role in scaling operations, strengthening customer partnerships, optimizing supply chain networks, and delivering sustainable business performance. Bipin holds a Master of Data Science from Deakin University, Australia, PG Program on Leadership and General Management from INSEAD, France, PG Program in General Management from Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai.

Allcargo’s Consultative Logistics business delivers integrated warehousing and supply chain solutions that help customers optimize inventory, improve operational efficiency, enhance supply chain visibility, and build agile distribution networks. The business serves customers across a diverse range of Chemical, Pharmaceuticals, Auto & Engineering, Retail industries and more, leveraging technology, process excellence, and deep domain expertise to deliver customized and scalable logistics solutions.