Gold advanced, holding near a three-month high before the release of U.S. economic data. Platinum also gained, extending a rally sparked by fresh money going into investment funds.

Gold prices have rallied recently because of weakness in the dollar, aided also by concerns over tensions in the Middle East and North Korea. Platinum is also benefiting from renewed enthusiasm. Hedge funds and other large speculators have boosted their bullish bets on the metal to the highest in more than three years.

Spot gold advanced 0.4% to $1,523.52/oz by 8:08am in New York. Spot platinum gained 1.5% at $981.51/oz, near a four-month high. Spot silver was up 0.5%, while palladium was little changed.

Source : Bloomberg