US gold futures ended higher on Monday as weaker equity markets on economic worries boosted the metal's appeal as an alternative investment, ahead of a closely watched nonfarm payrolls report this week. COMEX December gold futures settled up $1.30 at $1,239.20 an ounce on the COMEX division of the NYMEX. Ranged from $1,235 to $1,240.40 an ounce.
Trade was fairly muted, with UK markets closed for a public holiday. COMEX estimated final volume at a quiet 36,333 lots with the London market shut. Spot gold at $1,236.95 at 2:52 pm EDT (1852 GMT), versus the previous session's late quote at $1,235.70 an ounce. COMEX September silver ends down 0.10 cent at $19.038 an ounce, as the market took a breather. Ranged $18.985 to $19.240 an ounce. COMEX estimated final volume at 22,620 lots. Spot silver at $19.02 an ounce, versus $19.03 from the previous session. NYMEX October platinum finishes down $3.90 at $1,533.10 an ounce as stock market's decline hurt industrial metals. Spot platinum at $1,528 an ounce. NYMEX September palladium closes down $5.15, or 1 percent, at $497.90 an ounce. Spot palladium at $494.78 an ounce.