LONDON: Gold prices rose on Friday, supported by a dip in the dollar and rising geopolitical tensions, but remained set for their biggest monthly decline in more than a year following Donald Trump's U.S. election victory.
Spot gold was up 0.8 per cent at US$2,661.14 per ounce, as of 0742 GMT, while U.S. gold futures also gained 0.8 per cent to US$2,660.80.
The Israeli military said its air force struck a facility used by Hezbollah to store mid-range rockets in southern Lebanon on Thursday amid mutual ceasefire breach accusations.
Additionally, Russia unleashed its second big attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this month on Thursday, triggering deep power cuts across the country.
The rising geopolitical tensions are making investors flock to gold in the hopes of capitalising on the potential price hike, said Brian Lan, managing director at Singapore-based dealer GoldSilver Central.
Bullion is traditionally seen as a safe investment during economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
"The slight weakening of the dollar has helped gold prices to gain," Lan said.
The dollar index eased 0.4 per cent, boosting gold's appeal for holders of other currencies.
Despite the gain on the day, gold is set for a weekly fall after a sharp sell-off earlier in the week.
Prices have slid about 3 per cent this month, including hitting a 2-month low on Nov. 14, as the dollar rallied after Donald Trump was elected to be the next U.S. president.
Economists believe his tariff plans would stoke inflation, potentially slowing the Federal Reserve's interest rate-easing cycle.
"We note strong downside risks and anticipate significant volatility (in 2025) as we will likely see the U.S. Fed take a more cautious approach to interest rate cuts, to the detriment of gold," BMI said in a note.
Major U.S. data releases next week - including job openings, the ADP employment report and the employment report - will likely offer cues about the Fed's policy outlook.
Spot silver added 1.3 per cent to US$30.66 per ounce, platinum gained 1 per cent to US$940.34 and palladium advanced 1.5 per cent to US$990.25.
All three metals are set for monthly declines.