Gold gained on Friday as an escalation in U.S.-China tensions underpinned bullion's safe-haven appeal, although positive economic indicators after some countries eased lockdowns set up the precious metal for a weekly drop.

After declining 1.4% on Thursday, spot gold rose 0.5% at $1,734.27 per ounce by 07:47 GMT. U.S. gold futures climbed 0.9% to $1,737.

Palladium  fell 0.2% to $2,008.93 per ounce, but was looking to post its best week since the end of March. Platinum slid 1.7% to $818.64 and silver eased 0.4% to $16.99.

Source : Reuters