Gold prices rose on Friday to fresh record highs with the precious metal surpassing $3000 for the first time ever.
It comes amid growing geopolitical tensions and high demand from central banks, with China increasing its gold reserves for the fourth straight month in February.
Earlier data from the Michigan University showed the US consumer confidence index fell 10.5% in March to 57.9, down from 64.7 in February.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said on Thursday he’ll vote in favor of a temporary finance bill, with the Democratic Party providing the necessary votes to avoid a government shutdown.
Sentiment was boosted after US President Donald Trump’s assertions about a strong chance for a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire following “constructive discussions” with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Otherwise, the dollar index fell 0.1% as of 19:54 GMT to 103.7, with a session-high at 104.09, and a low at 103.5.
On trading, gold April futures rose 0.4%, or $9.8 to $3001 an ounce, a record high, with a weekly profit of 3%.
