News: More Indian women now buying gold

(RTR 26/09/2006) Mumbai - More women are buying gold in India due to greater independence, a shift in attitudes and increased personal wealth, a World Gold Council report said on Tuesday.

"The number of women falling into gold's core target group in India has increased to 32 million in 2005 from 25 million in 2002, contributing to the rise in gold purchases," the report, based on a recent study, said.

Between 2002-2005, Indian demand rose to 750 tonnes from 571 tonnes despite higher gold prices as many people became richer, it said.

"Indians are enjoying a rapid acceleration in income growth, which is supporting discretionary spending on consumer goods, including gold," it said.