Gold set for weekly gain

Gold prices rose on Friday and were on track for a weekly gain, as investors weighed weaker-than-expected US payrolls data along with broader policy and geopolitical uncertainty.

Spot gold was up 0.5 percent at $4,496.09 per ounce as of 01:31 p.m. ET (1618 GMT), and was set for about 3.9 percent weekly gain. Bullion hit a record high of $4,549.71 on December 26.

US gold futures for February delivery settled 0.9 percent higher at $4,500.90.

US nonfarm payrolls in December rose by 50,000, missing expectations of a 60,000 gain, while the unemployment rate eased to 4.4 percent, below forecasts of 4.5 percent.

“Payrolls are showing us a poor job creation environment. Potentially more (geopolitical tension), somewhat higher oil prices, which are inflationary, uncertainty and an easing Fed — all a combination for precious metals,” said Bart Melek, global head of commodity strategy at TD Securities.

Market participants continued to factor in at least two Federal Reserve rate cuts this year, a backdrop historically favorable for gold.

Geopolitical tensions remained elevated amid intensifying unrest in Iran, continued fighting in Russia’s war in Ukraine, the US capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, and Washington’s renewed signals over taking control of Greenland.

Metals Focus projected gold prices could hit fresh record highs above $5,000 in 2026, citing de-dollarization trends and geopolitical risks.

Retail demand for gold in India remained subdued due to elevated prices, while gold premiums in China widened.

Meanwhile, uncertainty over tariffs persisted, as the US Supreme Court is not expected to issue a ruling on Friday in a major case testing the legality of President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, with decisions now expected on January 14.