Gold eased on Friday after rising above $950 an ounce the previous day, but holdings at the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund hit a record as investor buying gained further momentum on economic uncertainties. Spot gold was trading at $943.30, down $1.75 from New York's notional close on Thursday. Gold hit a peak of $953.30 on Wednesday, its highest since July 2008.
Gold futures climbed above $950 an ounce on Thursday to as high as $954, the highest since July 23, as strong investor appetite in the bullion overshadowed a stronger dollar and weaker oil prices.