Gold Steady Ahead of U.S. Data; Silver Near Record High

The price of gold remained steady on Thursday, supported by signs that the U.S. Federal Reserve is leaning towards monetary easing. Meanwhile, silver hovered near a record high level.

In spot transactions, gold decreased by 0.2 percent, reaching $4332.29 per ounce by 0256 GMT, after rising by more than one percent late on Wednesday. U.S. gold futures also fell 0.2 percent to $4364.70.

The dollar index maintained its early gains after touching its highest level in almost a week on Wednesday, limiting the rise of the precious metal priced in the U.S. currency.

Silver increased by 0.2 percent in spot transactions to $66.44 per ounce. It had achieved a record high of $66.88 in the previous session, and has surged 129 percent since the start of the year, surpassing gold's 65 percent gains. This is driven by strong industrial demand, investor interest, and shrinking stockpiles.