Gold firms on softer dollar, US government shutdown

Gold inched higher on Thursday as the dollar slipped from a four-month high and investors remained uncertain regarding the US economic outlook amid a government shutdown. Spot gold was up 0.1% at $3,986.23 per ounce by 0427 GMT. Bullion has fallen about 9% since hitting a record high of $4,381.21 on October 20. US gold futures for December delivery added 0.1% at $3,994.60 per ounce. “The dollar has nudged a bit lower…which has made the task easier for gold in terms of gaining traction to the upside,” KCM Trade Chief Market Analyst Tim Waterer said. The dollar fell 0.2% after hitting a four-month high in the previous session, making gold less expensive for other currency holders. US private employers added 42,000 jobs in October, exceeding Reuters’ forecast of a 28,000 gain, the ADP report showed on Wednesday.