Gold prices are holding moderate gains and trading near their daily highs in late-morning dealings Friday. Short covering and bargain hunting are featured on the day. The U.S. dollar index has backed down from its session high, which is also prompting some fresh buying interest in gold and silver markets. If gold prices can hold their present gains they would salvage a rough week and finish with modest gains for the week. June Comex gold was last up $13.60 at $1,207.20.
