According to the Korea Gold Exchange's gold prices on September 19, the purchase price of pure gold (Gold24k-3.75g) stood at 860,000 won, down 2,000 won from the previous day, recording a change rate of -0.23%. The selling price was 718,000 won, up 1,000 won from the previous day, a 0.14% increase.

■ 18K and 14K Gold Prices The 18K gold price (Gold18k-3.75g) for selling rose 800 won from the previous day to 527,800 won, showing a change rate of 0.15%. The 14K gold price (Gold14k-3.75g) also rose 600 won to 409,300 won for selling, recording a change rate of 0.15%.

■ Platinum and Silver Prices The platinum price (Platinum-3.75g) for purchase fell 2,000 won from the previous day to 350,000 won, showing a change rate of -0.57%. The selling price also dropped 2,000 won to 284,000 won, recording a change rate of -0.7%. The silver price (Silver-3.75g) for purchase fell 120 won from the previous day to 12,410 won, showing a change rate of -0.97%. The selling price also declined 100 won to 10,320 won, with the change rate tallied at -0.97%.

■ Bank of Japan Raises Key Rate... Attention on Gold Price Direction With Japan following the United States in raising its key interest rate, attention is focused on how changes in global monetary policy will affect gold prices. The Bank of Japan, Japan's central bank, held a monetary policy meeting on the 18th and decided to raise its short-term policy rate by 0.25 percentage points from the existing 1.0% level to 1.25%. This is the Bank of Japan's first rate hike in three months, bringing Japan's key rate to its highest level in 31 years since 1995. Earlier, the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) had also raised its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points. Typically, monetary tightening moves can increase volatility in gold prices, so attention is also focused on the future direction of gold prices.

[This article is for informational purposes only to assist investment decisions and does not recommend the purchase or sale of any specific asset or guarantee investment returns. The final judgment and responsibility for investments rest with the investor.]