Gold was little changed on Thursday ahead of a spate of important U.S. data that would be watched carefully by investors as they aim to test the strength of recovery. Eyes remain on U.S. economic data after the Fed’s statement last week, which hinted to a possible rise in borrowing cost to at least 1 percent at the end of 2015. Fed Chairman Janet Yellen said interest rates may rise in six months after the end of the bond purchases withdrawal. Data released this week showed U.S. consumer confidence climbed to the highest in more than six years in March and durable goods rebounded in February after falling for two straight months. Later in the day, the U.S. will release fourth-quarter GDP (final reading), jobless claims and pending home sales. With more signs improvement in the world’s biggest economy, gold is likely to face downside pressure, as expectations mount the fed would scale back stimulus at the same pace of $10 billion a month. Meanwhile, gold is trading around $1302.85 an ounce after hitting a high of $1306.66 and a low of $1301.95. The shiny metal found support near $1300 level, above SMA 200, where a fall below this level may pave the way for further losses. The U.S. dollar rose against a basket of major currencies, where it is currently hovering around 80.21 after opening at 80.15, according to the dollar index. Crude oil for May’s delivery was little changed trading near the session’s opening at $100.23 a barrel.

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