U.S. gold futures advanced Tuesday for a fifth straight day, but the 0.1 percent gain was the weakest in the string of increases. Silver marked its third consecutive day of gains, rising 0.7 percent. Other precious metals declined slightly.
April gold prices ended up $1.20 to $1,427.60 an ounce on the Comex in New York. Gold prices ranged between $1,419.50 and $1,432.30.
"Gold is taking a time out, and that’s partly due to the anxiety of some financial players regarding higher interest rates in Europe, tightening in China, Asia and other parts of the world," James Dailey, portfolio manager of the TEAM Asset Strategy Fund, was quoted on Reuters.
Silver prices for May delivery added 26.8 cents to $36.269 an ounce. Silver hit an intraday low of $35.760 and a high of $36.475.
Platinum prices for April delivery declined $5.50, or 0.3 percent, to close at $1,739.40 an ounce. Prices traded between $1,733.00 and $1,752.80.
Palladium prices for June delivery fell $4.45, or 0.6 percent, to $737.85 an ounce. It ranged from $732.00 to $750.95.
London fix precious metals declined across the board when comparing their latest to previous PM fixings.
The London gold fix lost $6.00 to $1,426.00 an ounce. Silver retreated 21 cents to $35.950 an ounce. The platinum fixing declined $5.00 to $1,736.00 an ounce. Palladium fell $4.00 to $739.00 an ounce.
United States Mint bullion sales figures remained unchanged on Tuesday. The following tables show March and 2010 year-to-date totals for the Mint’s bullion product line of coins.
| U.S. Mint 2011 Bullion Coin Sales | ||
|---|---|---|
| March | 2011 Totals | |
| American Eagle Gold Coin (1 oz) | 44,500 | 247,500 |
| American Eagle Gold Coin (1/2 oz) | 4,000 | 17,000 |
| American Eagle Gold Coin (1/4 oz) | 20,000 | 38,000 |
| American Eagle Gold Coin (1/10 oz) | 30,000 | 150,000 |
| American Gold Buffalo Coin (1 oz) | 31,000 | 31,000 |
| American Eagle Silver (1 oz) | 2,069,500 | 11,731,500 |
