Gold prices firmed on Thursday after softer-than-expected U.S. producer prices data boosted hopes for U.S. rate cuts this year, while persistent geopolitical concerns added to the metal's shine. Spot gold rose 1.1% to $2,360.52 per ounce, as of 2:15 p.m. EDT (1815 GMT). Bullion prices hit an all-time high for an eighth straight session on Tuesday. U.S. gold futures settled 1% higher at $2,372.7. A Labor Department report showed the Producer Price Index (PPI) rose 0.2% month-on-month in March, compared with a 0.3% increase expected by economists polled by Reuters. "The PPI data came a bit cooler than expected and this keeps alive the hopes of possible rate cuts by year-end — as a result...

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