PRECIOUS – Gold rises on China PMI data; flirts with $1,600

Gold market update for April 1st: On this first day of the 2nd quarter, gold is up slightly and flirting with the $1600 mark. Optimistic news from China that a recovery is in progress, and therefore more demand for commodities, is boosting gold. Geopolitical troubles on the Korean peninsula have not prompted a rush of investors in Asia, but any “hot” conflict between the North and South (Korea) could spark safe-haven buying. Dollar-priced gold being weighed by weakness in the Euro following the crisis in Cyprus. Many investors flocking to the dollar, which puts pressure on gold priced in dollars. Read more…