Sadaf Sayeed On Gold, Silver Rally | What Microfinanciers Expect From Budget 2026

Gold continues to act as a natural hedge against global uncertainty, with sustained volatility driving investor demand and pushing prices higher, Sadaf Sayeed, CEO of Muthoot Microfin, said. Some global banks have projected gold prices could move towards $5,000 per ounce if uncertainty persists. Silver has already seen a strong run-up and could rise further, though future gains will largely depend on supply dynamics, especially amid export restrictions by some countries on precious metals. On the microfinance sector, Sayeed said loan disbursements are improving quarter-on-quarter, with Muthoot Microfin targeting around 15% growth this year and disbursements of nearly ₹10,000 crore in FY. She added that the sector is seeking a credit guarantee scheme and a refinancing window in the upcoming Budget to ease liquidity and support funding at the grassroots level.