Gold prices were nearly steady on Thursday as traders refrained from making any big bets in the absence of fresh developments on the Sino-U.S. trade war front and Brexit negotiations, while weak U.S. retail sales data provided support.

Spot gold rose 0.1% to $1,490.81 per ounce as of 0630 GMT. U.S. gold futures inched 0.1% higher to $1,494.90.

Market participants look for updates on the U.S.-China trade talks. Trade negotiators were working on nailing down a Phase 1 trade deal text for their presidents to sign next month, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday, but offered little details.

Source : Reuters