Gold Prices Lower on Stronger Dollar, Weaker Crude Oil The Dollar Index, which measures the greenback against a basket of major rivals, rose 0.19 percent to 80.56. The euro declined, and all major European stock indexes were down. The euro has risen more than two percent this week on successful bond auctions by Spain and Italy, as well as signs Greece may be near a deal with holders of its debt. Traders said Friday's early session decline in the euro stemmed from short-covering. Crude oil prices slipped below $100 per barrel, which also weighed on gold prices. So far this year gold prices are up more than seven percent. "Gold has had a fairly good run so far this year, maybe this is time to consolidate a little. A pause here would probably be a healthy sign. After that, I think the next move is likely to be up towards $1,680," Nick Trevethan, a senior commodity strategist at ANZ bank in Singapore, told Reuters.

Source