• London (clearing house)
• New York (home of futures trading)
• Zurich (physical turntable)
• Istanbul, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong (doorways to important consuming regions)
  
• Tokyo
• Mumbai (India's liberalized gold regime)

• Global currency markets
• Interest rates
• Money supply
• Geopolitical factors
• Demand and supply
• The central bank's crude oil prices
• New investment products

Emergence of new investment vehicles such as ETF, structured notes suitably aided by renewed interest in commodities as an asset class by institutions and individuals alike.
Increasing confirmation of bearishness associated with US Dollar
Significant reduction in de-hedging by producers
Slow-down in sale of gold by the European Central Banks and renewed interest in building gold reserves by Russia, Mexico and other countries
Inflationary expectations
Geo-political tensions in the Middle East
Many of the factors mentioned above are expected to remain in force for some more years to come.  However, the intensity, magnitude and timing of these forces would vary.

Gold is a culture for Indians. Since the ancient times, gold is considered as the safest mode of savings.
Abolition of Gold Control Act, 1962 by the Government in the year 1992 has led to a surge in the demand for Gold in India.
Allowing export and import of Gold under the Open General License by approved agencies which include 20 banks.
Reduction of Customs duties from Rs.250/- per ten gms to Rs.100/- per ten gms in 2003 has further reduced the smuggling of gold.
Commencement of futures trading in gold has given a new dimension to the gold market in India. The options trading in gold is in the offing. The daily average volumes in the market are recording new highs.