MUMBAI: Gold traders in the country, refrained from striking fresh deals on Monday as prices rose to their highest in more than a month. Gold imports into the country fell about 81 per cent in June from the previous month after the government raised import duty and stopped consignment imports. "Demand has slowed down," said Suresh Jain, director of Bombay Bullion Association, adding that if prices fell sharply, traders would stock up for upcoming festivals and weddings, which start in mid-August and peak with Dhanteras in November. At 0843 GMT, the actively traded gold for August delivery on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) was 1.54 per cent higher at Rs 27,115 ($450) per 10 grams, after having hit a high of Rs 27,180, a level last seen on June 20, in tandem with overseas markets. Global gold rose 1.7 per cent to a one-month high on technical buying after the US dollar slipped, but the precious metal is still down more than a fifth this year. Traders and investors also eyed the movement in the rupee, which plays an important role in determining the landed cost of the dollar-quoted yellow metal. Silver for September delivery on the MCX was 1.87 per cent higher at Rs 41,108 per kg.

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