US gold futures ended slightly higher on Monday as a warning from the European Central Bank on the region's finances and a notice that Moody's may cut debt ratings for some Spanish banks boosted safe-haven flows. COMEX February gold futures up $6.90, or 0.50 percent, to finish at $1,386.10 an ounce on the COMEX division of the NYMEX.
Gold hit session lows as the euro extended losses after ratings agency Moody's said it may cut some Spanish banks' ratings, but quickly rebounded on demand for the metal as a haven from risk. Tensions on the Korean peninsula added to the safety bid for gold after an artillery firing drill by the South Korean military on a disputed island.
COMEX gold volume remained very thin at 873058 lots. Spot gold was bid at $1,383.79 an ounce by 1605 EST (2105 GMT) against $1,373.0 late in New York on Friday. COMEX March silver increased 0.76 percent, or 22.2 cents, to end at $29.3550 an ounce. Range extended from $28.81 to $29.56 an ounce.
COMEX silver futures volume was light at 44,696 lots. Spot silver rose to $29.33 an ounce in late trade, against $29.10 on Friday. NYMEX January platinum closed $12.20 higher at $1,710.70 an ounce. Spot platinum was higher at $1,708.50 an ounce versus $1,696.50. NYMEX March palladium added $6.15, or 0.83 percent, to end at $744.75 an ounce. Spot palladium pushed up to $739.72 an ounce from $737.0 on Friday.