US gold futures ended slightly lower early on Monday as a stronger dollar against the euro made the greenback-denominated metal more expensive for holders of other currencies. COMEX December gold futures settle down 30 cents a $1,228.50 an ounce on the COMEX division of the NYMEX.
Ranged in a narrow $11 range from $1,223.50 to $1,234 an ounce. The metal weakened on a lower euro, which slipped as new eurozone data added to concerns over the economy, said traders. Gold rose more than 1 percent last week, its first three-week rally since June. COMEX estimated final volume at a quiet 55,671 lots. Spot gold at $1,226.35 an ounce at 2:31 pm EDT (1831 GMT), versus the previous session's late quote at $1,226.95 an ounce.
COMEX September silver ended up 0.1 cent at $17.992 an ounce, as steady financial markets fail to give a clear direction to the industrial metal. Ranged $17.890 to $18.070 an ounce. COMEX estimated final volume at 38,640 lots. Spot silver at $18.01 an ounce, compared with $17.98 late in the previous session.
NYMEX October platinum finishes down $5.30 at $1,508.60 an ounce on light profit taking. Spot platinum at $1,506.50 an ounce. NYMEX September palladium closes up $7.50, or 1.6 percent, at $483.70 an ounce on bargain hunting after recent losses. Spot palladium at $473 an ounce.