US gold futures rise above $970 an ounce early on Monday, trading at their highest in nearly four months as funds pour into the market amid financial market jitters and a record high in gold-backed exchange-traded funds.
August futures up $11.30 or 1.2 percent at $971.90 an ounce on the COMEX division of New York Mercantile Exchange. August gold's ranged from $954.20 to $972.30 which was the highest level since March 19. Gold extends gains with a rise of crude oil, which soared to a record high $147.27 a barrel on Friday.
COMEX estimated 9:00 am gold volume at 65,320 lots. Spot gold at $968.60/969.60 compared with $963.0/965.00 late Friday. September silver up 24.5 cents or 1.3 percent at $19.065 an ounce, tracking gold's rally. September silver ranged from $18.585 to $19.140, which was the loftiest level since March 19. COMEX estimated 9:00 volume at 9,430 lots. Spot silver at $18.97/19.03 compared with $18.76/18.84 late Friday.
October platinum down $17.20 at $2,030.00 an ounce, hit by profit-taking after Friday's gains. Spot platinum at $2,011.00/2,031.0. September palladium down $4.30 at $453.50 an ounce. Spot palladium at $446.50/454.50.