Gold importers in India, the world's biggest buyer, refrained from booking new deals as a weaker rupee kept prices in the vicinity of their highest level in a month.
* At 02:08 p.m., the most-active gold for December on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) was 0.37 percent higher at Rs 31,323 per 10 grams, after hitting a high of Rs 31,348, a level last seen on October 11.
* "The (demand) scenario is dull ahead of festivals due to a sudden spike in gold prices," said a dealer with a private bullion importing bank in Mumbai, adding "seasonal demand will be met by old stocks."
* The festival season in India will peak with Dhanteras and Diwali next week, with weddings also slated to continue till December.
* The rupee, which weakened on Thursday, plays an important role in determining the landed cost of the dollar-quoted yellow metal.
* In the overseas markets, gold traded flat below the 2-1/2-week high hit in the previous session after US President Barack Obama was re-elected, as a strong dollar largely put off buyers.
* Silver also traded higher tracking the yellow metal.
* Silver for December delivery on the MCX was 0.48 percent higher at Rs 59,539 per kg.
