Tracking a firming global trend, gold prices surged by Rs 208 to Rs 26,815 per 10 grams at the futures trade today on brisk buying by speculators.

At the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold for delivery in February surged by Rs 208 or 0.78 per cent to Rs 26,815 per 10 grams with a business turnover of 18 lots.

Similarly, the metal for delivery in October rose Rs 106 or 0.4 per cent to Rs 26,331 per 10 grams with a business turnover of 6,282 lots.

Market analysts attributed the rise in gold futures prices to enlarging of positions by speculators on expectations of pick-up in demand during festive season amid a firming global trend.

Meanwhile, gold climbed 0.3 per cent to $1,790.60 an ounce in the Asian region.