Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose on Thursday as COVID-19 cases surged in the United States and Europe.
The most active gold contract for December delivery rose 1.6 U.S. dollars, or 0.08 percent, to close at 1,908.9 dollars per ounce.
Rising COVID-19 cases are triggering more lockdowns in the United States and Europe, driving investors to gold.
There is significant uncertainty over the approaching U.S. election, leading investors to the precious metal, driving up the price.
A report released by the U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday put the initial jobless claims at 898,000 in the week ending Oct. 10, an increase of 53,000 and the highest level in seven weeks, also supporting gold.
Gold's growth was capped somewhat as U.S. Dollar Index went stronger on Thursday, and a report of the Philadelphia Federal Reserve put its manufacturing index reading at 32.3 in October, better than expected.
Silver for December delivery fell 17.1 cents, or 0.7 percent, to close at 24.224 dollars per ounce. Platinum for January delivery fell 2.1 dollars, or 0.24 percent, to close at 861.3 dollars per ounce.
