US gold futures ended up on Thursday but off earlier-session peaks, as successful European bond sales and a more positive economic outlook by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke lessened safe-haven buying. COMEX February gold futures settles up $1.2 at $1,387 an ounce on the COMEX division of the NYMEX. Ranged from $1,369.10 to $1,392.90 an ounce.
COMEX gold futures volume was more than one-third above its 30-day average, according to preliminary Reuters data. Spot gold fell 1.1 percent to $1,372.60 an ounce at 3:45 p.m. EST (2045 GMT).
COMEX March silver ended down 28.2 cents at $29.263 an ounce on weaker gold. COMEX estimated silver futures volume was about 10 percent higher than its 30-day average, according to preliminary Reuters data. Spot silver fell 3.1 percent to $28.74 an ounce, tracking gold's decline. NYMEX April platinum finished up $20.1 or 1.1 percent at $1,821.20 an ounce on improving demand expectations after encouraging US auto sales data last week. Spot platinum rose 0.5 percent to $1,807.24, having earlier reached its highest since July 2008 at $1,826.74. NYMEX March palladium closed up $6.70 at $813.45 an ounce as signs of strong market fundamentals. Spot palladium eased 0.1 percent to $807.47 an ounce, having hit a 10-year high of $821.47 earlier in the day.