Gold prices rose 0.42 per cent to Rs 26,593 per 10 grams at the futures trade today as participants engaged in enlarging positions due to a firm trend overseas.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange, the metal for delivery in April gained Rs 110 or 0.42 per cent to trade at Rs 26,593 per 10 grams in a turnover of 171 lots.

Similarly, the metal for delivery in June moved up by Rs 94 or 0.35 per cent to Rs 26,800 per 10 grams, clocking a business volume of 33 lots.

Analysts said a firm trend in global markets, where gold climbed above $1,200 an ounce as Saudi Arabia and its allies started bombing targets in Yemen, boosting safe-haven demand, supported the rise in precious metal at the futures trade here.

Globally, gold climbed 0.4 per cent to $1,200.46 an ounce in Singapore today, the highest level since March 6.