Gold prices were fairly flat on Friday as investors remained cautious ahead of key events next week such as a U.S. Federal Reserve policy meeting and a summit between the United States and North Korea.
Spot gold was steady at $1,296.60 U.S. per ounce early Friday morning, having risen about 0.3% so far this week.
U.S. gold futures for August delivery fell 0.2% to $1,301.10 U.S. per ounce.
Experts say the U.S. dollar's dominance is forecast to fade soon, with any sudden change in expectations for the policies of other central banks posing the biggest risk.
Leaders of the Group of Seven nations headed for a summit in Quebec on Thursday more divided than at any time in the group's 42-year history, as U.S. President Donald Trump's "America-First" policies risk causing a global trade war and deep diplomatic schisms.
Trump on Thursday held out the prospect of inviting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to the White House if he deemed next week's summit a success while also signaling he was willing to walk away if he thought talks did not go well.
The U.S. Fed will likely raise its target interest rate to above the rate of inflation for the first time in a decade next week, igniting a new debate: when to stop.
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, pointing to a further tightening in labor market conditions.
Analysts said Thursday that spot silver prices are poised to reach $20 U.S. per ounce by the end of the year, boosted by global growth, increased industrial demand and safe-haven bids amid geopolitical worries.
