Gold prices ended the U.S. day session sharply higher Wednesday, boosted on heavy short covering in the futures market and bargain hunting on the spot (cash) market. Some downbeat U.S. economic data also propelled gold and silver prices to the upside. Bullish “outside market” forces further worked in favor of the precious metals bulls on this day, as the U.S. dollar index was lower and crude oil prices were sharply higher. June Comex gold was last up $21.70 at $1,204.90 an ounce. May Comex silver was last up $0.357 at $16.955 an ounce.
