New Delhi, Feb. 2 -- Equity benchmark Sensex jumped over 600 points in intraday trade on Monday, February 2, while gold and silver prices plunged sharply, leaving investors unsure about their next move. Should they increase exposure to equities or protect their wealth by staying on the sidelines?

MCX Gold February futures have crashed by over Rs.47,000, or 26%, per 10 grams from their peak, while MCX silver March futures have plunged by Rs.1.94 lakh, or over 46% per kg, from their peak.

On the other hand, the Sensex jumped over 600 points, or nearly 1%, while the Nifty 50 reclaimed levels over 24,800. However, the rally was not broad-based as the mid and small-cap indices faltered.

One major factor behind the rally in the domestic mark...