US palladium and platinum futures rose to their highest since 2008 on Monday on strong demand based on an improved auto-sector outlook, and gold contracts hit a 2-1/2 week high in thin post-holiday trade. COMEX June settled up $7.70 at $1,133.80 an ounce. Range $1,120.80 to $1,134.30 - loftiest since March 17.
GOLD: COMEX gold final volume at a quiet 68,970 lots. Spot gold was at $1,130.90 at 3:18 pm EDT (1918 GMT), compared with $1,124.50 late in New York's previous session. No London precious metals fixes available due to holiday.
SILVER: COMEX May silver finished up 22.8 cents, or 1.3 percent, at $18.118 an ounce, as less-liquid silver outperforms gold. Range $17.81 to $18.145 - highest since January 20. COMEX gold final volume 24,237 lots. Spot silver at $18.07, versus $17.86 late in the prior session.
PLATINUM: July ended up $34.20, or 2 percent, at $1,709.80 an ounce on better investment demand amid economic optimism.
PALLADIUM: June closed up $16.65, or 3.4 percent, at $508 an ounce on better outlook for global auto demand. June contracts rises above $500 for first time since March 2008. Volume was thin as metal markets in London and Europe are shut on Monday for the Easter holiday break Spot palladium at $500 an ounce.