Gold prices were steady on Friday as investors remained cautious after U.S. Treasury yields hit multi-year peaks and on expectations that stronger monthly employment data could boost the Federal Reserve's case for tighter monetary policy.
Investors are expected to pore over the U.S. government's September payroll report scheduled for release on Friday and look closely for signs of wage growth.
A survey showed economists on average expect a rise of 185,000 in September after a jump of 201,000 in August.
Spot gold inched down 0.1% at $1,198.41 U.S. an ounce early Friday, having gained 0.6% for the week, and was on track to mark its biggest weekly gain in six.
U.S. gold futures were up 0.1% at $1,202.30 U.S. an ounce.
Spot gold may test a support at $1,193 per ounce, a break below which could cause a loss to the next support at $1,188, while experts say a break above $1,207 could lead to a gain into $1,214-$1,222 range.
Among other precious metals, spot silver was up 0.2% to $14.58 U.S. Palladium was 0.1% lower at $1,056.60 U.S., while platinum was down 0.1% at $821.24 U.S.
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