WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Gold prices declined on Monday, as the U.S. dollar strengthened against major currencies amid lingering worries about global economic slowdown.
Weak GDP data from the U.K. sent the Pound Sterling tumbling against the greenback.
The dollar and the yellow metal, both considered safe haven options by investors, have been attracting traders, taking turns now and then, as equities keep losing ground due to growth concerns, Brexit uncertainty and the ongoing U.S.-China trade war.
Today, despite stocks heading higher amid mild optimism about upcoming U.S.-China trade negotiations, the dollar has gained in strength.
The Dollar Index rose to 96.91 today, gaining about 0.5%, on safe haven appeal. With today's rise, the greenback is extending its winning run to a seventh successive session.
The dollar gained about 0.6% against British Pound after U.K.'s Gross Domestic Product fell to 1.3% in the final quarter, falling well short of expectations. Quarter-on-quarter, GDP growth slowed to 0.2%.
Gold futures for April ended down $6.60, or 0.5%, at $1,311.90 an ounce.
On Friday, gold futures settled at $1,318.50 an ounce, gaining $4.30, or 0.3%.
Silver futures for March ended down $0.119, at $15.690 an ounce, while Copper futures for March settled at $2.7900, down $0.0205 for the session.
Preliminary lower level talks between China and the U.S. official began in Beijing today. Later in the week, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer are scheduled to visit Beijing to continue trade negotiations.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX