AFP: Gold soft but inflation, economic worries support
Gold was softer on Monday but holding within reach of a seven-week high as inflation and economic fears boosted its appeal as a hedge against uncertainty. Spot gold was bid at $928.50 an ounce at 1236 GMT, compared with $930.70 late in New York on Friday, when it touched $933.65, its highest level in seven weeks, after data showed US core inflation in April rose more than expected. Platinum slipped briefly after refiner Johnson Matthey gave a very wide range in the price forecast published in its influential annual report, saying prices could move between $950 and $1,350 over the next 6 months. Platinum was later steady at $1,105 an ounce, compared with $1,100.50 an ounce late in New York on Friday. Palladium was bid at $225 from Friday’s $222.50, while silver was at $13.82 an ounce from $13.93. reuters