[BRIEFING.COM] With about two hours to go on the session the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (+1.66%) clings to its narrow lead.
Gold futures settled $21.10 higher (+0.6%) at $3,243.30/oz, ultimately down -1.7% on the week; despite the Friday uptick, the yellow metal notched its steepest weekly losses since late February. The midweek downturn was driven by easing U.S.-China trade tensions and a stronger dollar, which dulled gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset. However, persistent uncertainties and anticipation of the U.S. non-farm payrolls report spurred renewed investor interest. Analysts suggest that while trade concerns have momentarily subsided, the market remains sensitive to economic indicators and Federal Reserve policy cues.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar Index is down -0.2% to $99.96.