Gold futures were rising as investors awaited crucial U.S. economic data.
Futures were up 0.2% at $3,354.90 a troy ounce. The precious metal has ticked higher ahead of U.S. nonfarm payroll data due later Thursday. The data will be closely analyzed for fresh signals on the economic outlook and the size and scope of potential interest-rate cuts from the Fed.
Lower interest rates typically benefit non-interest bearing bullion. Gold has steadily recouped much of the losses incurred toward the end of June on persistent market uncertainty, as concerns are raised that President Donald Trump's tax-and-spending megabill will add $3.3 trillion to the fiscal deficit.
