Gold rose for a fifth straight session on Thursday to hit its highest in more than three weeks, buoyed by expectations that the US government reopening will restart the flow of economic data and boost bets for further interest rate cuts.
Spot gold was up 0.2% at $4,207.24 per ounce, as of 0637 GMT, its highest since October 21. US gold futures for December delivery were steady at $4,211 per ounce.
"Gold is extending its winning streak driven by a weaker dollar, expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, and persistent central bank accumulation," said Jigar Trivedi, senior research analyst at Reliance Securities.
"While near-term consolidation is possible after rapid gains, the broader outlook remains constructive. There is a scope for highs above $4,300/oz by the year-end, provided real yields stay subdued and monetary policy remains accommodative."
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed legislation ending the longest government shutdown in US history. The shutdown, which began on October 1, had halted the release of critical economic data, including payroll and inflation reports.
Economists said the US Labor Department's statistical agency should prioritize the production of November employment and inflation reports to ensure Federal Reserve officials have up-to-date information at their December policy meeting.
The Fed will again lower its key interest rate by 25 basis points next month to underpin a weakening labor market, according to 80% of economists polled by Reuters, up slightly from a poll taken last month.
Non-yielding gold tends to do well in a low-interest-rate environment and during economic uncertainties.
Gold prices have surged 60% year-to-date, hitting an all-time high of $4,381.21 on October 20, buoyed by geopolitical and trade tensions and Fed rate-cut hopes.
Meanwhile, the yen dipped to a record low versus the euro and wallowed near a nine-month trough against the dollar after Japan's new prime minister said she wanted the central bank to go slow on interest rate hikes.
Elsewhere, spot silver climbed 1.1% to $54.02 per ounce, moving towards a record high touched on October 17.
Platinum was down 0.1% at $1,612.80 and palladium rose 0.5% to $1,480.59.
