Gold rate today, Dec. 22 -- Gold saw renewed buying interest in Monday's session, December 22, with both domestic and global prices scaling fresh record highs as the latest batch of US economic data reinforced expectations of US Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026, boosting the appeal of the non-yielding metal.

The February futures contract on MCX opened the session higher at Rs.1,34,899 per 10 grams, compared to the previous close of Rs.1,34,196, and maintained momentum to touch a fresh record high of Rs.1,36,458 (up Rs.2,262 per 10 grams), bringing the year-to-date rally to 77.5%, putting it on track for the best annual gain since the inflationary shock of 1979.

By 8:00 PM IST, MCX gold was trading Rs.2,219, or 1.65%, higher at Rs.1,36,...