Investing.com – Gold prices fell slightly in Asian trading on Monday in thin holiday season trade. On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold futures for February delivery traded at USD 1,203.20 a troy ounce, down 0.02%, after hitting an overnight session low of USD1,188.00 a troy ounce. Futures were likely to find support at USD1,180.35 a troy ounce, the low from June 28 and resistance at USD1,226.00, the high from Dec. 19. Last week, the Commerce Department said that the U.S. economy expanded by 4.1% in the third quarter, well above initial estimates for 3.6% growth, adding to signs that the economic recovery is deepening. Gold is down approximately 29% this year, on track for its largest annual loss in 32 years, as solid U.S. economic data underlined expectations the Fed will begin curbing stimulus. In the week ahead, the U.S. is to release key reports on durable goods orders, new home sales and jobless claims. Trading volumes are expected to remain light due to the Christmas holiday and as many traders already closed books before the end of the year, reducing liquidity in the market and increasing the volatility. Elsewhere on the Comex, silver for March delivery was down 0.26% at 19.403 a troy ounce. The precious metal is down approximately 36% this year. Copper for March delivery was down by 0.01% and trading at USD3.305 a pound.

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