Stock markets and commodities gained after a turbulent session on Wednesday when the United States ratcheted up trade war threats on China, while the greenback held at lofty levels but was little changed on the day. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of six currencies, was flat in the North American session near its highest since July 3.
Some market watchers said the dollar may have peaked for now, especially if the US economy shows signs of weakness and the Federal Reserve slows the pace of interest-rate hikes. If the dollar weakens, dollar-priced gold would be cheaper for non-US investors. "The (gold) market is lacking direction and very technical in its characteristics," said Alasdair Macleod, head of research at Goldmoney.com.
Spot gold gained 0.4 percent, trading at $1,247.07 per ounce by 1:35 p.m. EDT (1735 GMT). On Wednesday, gold slipped 1 percent to hit its lowest in over a week at $1,240.89. US gold futures for August delivery settled up $2.20, or 0.2 percent, at $1,246.60 per ounce.
Investors remained focused on the US-China trade conflict. They often turn to bullion as a safe haven in times of political uncertainty, but have not done so this time around. Silver declined 1.4 percent at $15.97 an ounce. Earlier in the session it fell to its lowest since mid-December at $15.72 an ounce. Platinum increased 1.5 percent at $837.25 an ounce, after falling to a more than one week low at $821.25 earlier. Palladium gained 1.2 percent at $949.10 per ounce.