Gold hovers near all-time high as market focus turns to US data

Gold prices rose today, April 9, hovering near their lifetime high, supported by firm central bank buying, while investors are watching out for the Federal Reserve's policy meeting minutes and US.

The gold spot prices edged up 0.3% to $2,345.09 per ounce at 0621 GMT.

Gold futures also rose 0.5% to $2,363.50 per ounce.

Silver spot prices gained 0.2% to $27.90 per ounce. Platinum spot prices also leapt 1.8% to $975.60.

In addition, palladium was up 1.3% to $1,055.14 per ounce.

"Gold has been the 'asset of choice' in financial markets, with an undercurrent of central bank buying and speculative flows sending the price to higher highs on a regular basis," said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.