Gold edges higher as Middle East tensions lift safe-haven appetite
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Gold prices ticked up on Tuesday, hovering near record-high levels, as fears of escalating tensions in the Middle East drove investors towards the safe-haven metal. Spot gold edged up 0.1% at $2,383.37 per ounce, as of 0103 GMT. Bullion hit an all-time high of 2,431.29 on Friday. Gold futures rose 0.7% to $2,400.00 per ounce. Israelis awaited word on how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would respond to Iran's first-ever direct attack on their country, as international pressure for restraint grew amid fears of an escalation of conflict in the Middle East. U.S. retail sales increased more than expected in March amid a surge in receipts at online retailers, further evidence that the economy ended the first quarter on solid ground. San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank President Mary Daly said there's no urgency to cut interest rates, with the economy and labor market strong, and inflation still above the Fed's 2% target. State Bank of Vietnam will restart gold bar auctions after an 11-year suspension, amid efforts to increase supply of the precious metal to market. Spot silver fell 0.1% to $28.86 per ounce, platinum rose 0.8% to $969.70 and palladium lost 0.8% at $1,027.06.

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https://m.economictimes.com/markets/commodities/news/gold-edges-higher-as-middle-east-tensions-lift-safe-haven-appetite/articleshow/109329922.cms