Gold futures extended gains Friday, setting the stage for a third-consecutive daily rise as tensions between Ukraine and Russia escalated.
Gold for June delivery advanced $9.60, or 0.7%, to $1,300.20 U.S. an ounce, while May silver remained off less than a penny at $19.68 U.S. an ounce.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk accused Russia of wanting to start a third world war by occupying Ukraine, news reports said.
U.S. President Barack Obama said he would consult Friday with European leaders about the crisis in Ukraine and continued to warn he was prepared to move ahead with more sanctions against Russia.
A day earlier, gold managed to push to its highest level in a week, even as a strong report from Apple helped lure investors back into stocks. Gold ended with strong gains after erasing an earlier slump, rebounding on concerns over Ukraine, analysts said.
Elsewhere in metals trading, July platinum rose $11, or 0.8%, to $1,420.60 U.S. an ounce, while June palladium rose $2.60, or 0.3%, to $804.90 U.S. an ounce.
High-grade copper for May delivery was little changed at $3.12 U.S. a pound.
