Gold prices rise on Friday after weak statistical data from the U.S. increased the demand for the metal as a safe asset and increased the likelihood of new measures to support the economy by the Fed.

A day earlier, it was reported that the number of initial claims for unemployment benefits for the past week has increased by 6000 and reached 386,000, while the number of initial claims for the previous week was revised upward - up to 380,000 from 377,000. Analysts had expected a reduction in the number of applications during the period of two thousand unrevised from the previous rate - up to 375,000.

U.S. Trade Ministry said that annual inflation in the country in May slowed to 1.7% from 2.3% in April, and in monthly terms, consumer prices last month fell by 0.3%, which is the first in two years and the largest decline over the past 3.5 years. Analysts had expected a reduction in inflation in monthly terms by 0.2% and slowing its rate to 1.8% - in year.

Investor sentiment also affected by pessimistic developments in Europe, and pushes to the thoughts of the possibility of coordinated action by global central banks to support the economy. On the eve of the Spanish ten-year government bond yield exceeded the record high of 7%.

In addition, in advance of weekend investors are waiting for the parliamentary elections in Greece, which will be held on Sunday. Pending the outcome of this event, investment in gold looks more secure.

The June gold futures on the COMEX today rose to 1630.0 dollars per ounce.