Gold futures prices ended the U.S. day session modestly higher, while the spot gold market was modestly lower Monday. Tepid short covering by the futures traders and some light bargain hunting were featured, following recent solid selling pressure that drove prices to a nine-month low last week. The sell-off in the U.S. stock market Monday also aided the gold market bulls. However, the powerful rally in the U.S. dollar index remains a major bearish underlying factor for the precious metals markets. December Comex gold was last up $2.20 at $1,217.60 an ounce. Spot gold was last quoted down $2.40 at $1,217.50. December Comex silver last traded up $0.008 at $17.545 an ounce.
