Gold prices ended the U.S. day session modestly higher and closed at an 11-week high close Wednesday. A downbeat U.S. economic report and a stock market sell-off prompted safe-haven buying interest in gold. A weaker U.S. dollar index on this day was also friendly for the precious metals bulls. February Comex gold was last up $2.40 at $1,236.80 an ounce. Spot gold was last up $5.70 at $1,237.00. March Comex silver last traded down $0.151 at $17.005 an ounce.
