Gold prices are rising moderately on light volume , but they can finish the year the sharpest drop in more than 30 years because of the rise in stock markets and an optimistic forecast for the world economy .

Over the year, the price may be reduced by almost 30 percent, which would be the biggest drop since 1981 , including in connection with the reduction of Fed stimulus .

Analysts and traders expect further decline in the coming year , although more moderate . Several banks, including Goldman Sachs, BNP Paribas and Societe General, suggest that in 2014 the price will fall below $ 1,150 .

According to the data released today , the number of Americans filing initial claims for unemployment benefits fell for the first time in three weeks. This is a sign of force return to the labor market , which has recently showed signs of growth.

As reported by the U.S. Labor Department , the number of initial claims for unemployment benefits , which are an indicator of layoffs, in the week December 15-21 fell by 42,000 and adjusted for seasonal variation was 338,000 . Economists had expected a rise in the number of applications to 382,000 .

Cost February gold futures on the COMEX today rose to $ 1215.40 per ounce.