Gold prices edged higher as the metal found support around $1,500 U.S. a troy ounce.
The metal, widely perceived as a financial safe haven, has been weighed in recent sessions by easing risk aversion, after the Greek parliament passed a package of austerity measures and the latest U.S. economic data were better than expected.
Ahead of the New York day, spot gold was up $6.30, or 0.4%, at $1,502.60 U.S. an ounce.
Gold's safe-haven appeal may be rekindled should market sentiment take a hit from any further developments out of Greece, or other debt-laden euro-zone nations, traders said. Any disappointments in the monthly nonfarm payrolls report out of the U.S. Friday also could draw investors back toward gold.
Analysts at ANZ said gold has enjoyed the return of some physical interest, "especially in the major Asian markets, after its dip below $1,500 an ounce."
Among other metals, spot silver was up 40 cents, or 1.2%, at $34.55 U.S. an ounce, spot platinum was up $3, or 0.2%, at $1,723 U.S. an ounce and spot palladium was up $5, or 0.7%, at $703 U.S. an ounce.
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