Gold prices rose in Asian trade on Thursday, extending recent gains as markets held out for a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran.
A tempering in the recent bond market rout also aided bullion prices, as did bargain buying after deep losses over the past week.
Spot gold rose 0.4% to $4,560.92 an ounce by 21:56 ET (01:56 GMT), while gold futures rose 0.3% to $4,562.50/oz.
According to Bond.az, gold was aided chiefly by a drop in yields this week, as positive comments on U.S.-Iran peace negotiations spurred bets that an end to the war was close.
President Donald Trump said the Iran war was in its "final stages," having earlier this week said talks were going well. But Trump also warned that the inability to reach a deal will invite more U.S. military action against Iran, keeping broader market optimism in check.
The Strait of Hormuz remained largely closed, keeping oil prices relatively upbeat despite a sharp drop earlier this week.
Other precious metals also advanced on Thursday, benefiting from bargain buying after logging deep losses over the past week. Spot platinum rose 0.1% to $1,954.61/oz, while spot silver rose 0.6% to $76.2820/oz.
