Gold prices ended the U.S. day session down slightly Thursday. Gold buyers were scarce as more risk appetite returned to the market place late this week. The competing asset class, equities, posted solid rebounds from strong selling pressure seen earlier this week. A sharply higher U.S. dollar index was also a negative outside market force working against the precious metals again Thursday. February Comex gold was last down $1.70 at $1,209.00 an ounce. Spot gold was last down $2.60 at $1,209.00. March Comex silver last traded down $0.154 at $16.39 an ounce.
Gold prices did push to moderately higher levels in late-morning trading Thursday on
