US gold futures hit a record high for a third straight day Thursday on inflation worries and expectations the European Central Bank's first rate hike since the 2008 financial crisis would weaken the dollar. COMEX June gold futures settled up 80 cents at $1,459.30 an ounce. Ranged from $1,453.7 to $1,466.5 an ounce, a record high.
Bullion came off an all-time high of $1,464.80 an ounce after another strong earthquake hit Japan. The precious metal was up 0.1 percent in late trade after retreating from the session high along with global equities and agricultural commodities.
Spot gold gained 0.1 percent to $1,459 by 2:41 pm EDT (1841 GMT). COMEX May silver ended up 16.5 cents at $39.552 an ounce, tracking gold. Ranged from $39.200 to $39.720 an ounce. Silver gained 0.3 percent at $39.56 an ounce, just off the previous session's 31-year high at $39.75. NYMEX July platinum finished down $7.2 at $1,790.60 an ounce as investors took profits. Spot platinum was off 0.2 percent to $1,783.50 an ounce. NYMEX June palladium closed down $4.35 at $780.25 an ounce on platinum's coattails. Spot palladium shed 0.5 percent to $774.47.