Gold prices rise on continued tensions in Ukraine and the new EU and U.S. sanctions against Russia .

Support for precious metals also had a weaker dollar after a report on consumer confidence in the United States . Data published by the Conference Board, showed that the preliminary index of consumer confidence fell slightly in April to a level of 82.3 points from 83.9 points in March ( final value ) . Economists were expecting the index to be 82.9 points. I also add that the index , which assesses the current situation , fell to 78.3 from 82.5 , while the expectations index remained virtually unchanged - 84.9 points, compared with 84.8 in March.

Meanwhile, from India - the world's second gold consumer after China - received news that may have a positive impact on the dynamics of the price of gold . Expects the All India Federation of Trade gems and jewelery (All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation), gold demand in the country will increase in connection with the religious festival of Akshaya Tritiya (Akshaya Trithiya), during which traditionally bought large quantities of gold . The festival will be held on Friday , May 2. However , analysts at Commerzbank expect the market to continue the current week sluggish dynamics as important data that could push prices up, come out only in the second half of the week . The first of these will be the results of the next meeting of the FOMC, which will be released on Wednesday . These are followed by PMI and ISM report U.S. Department of Labor .

June futures on COMEX gold rose to $ 1302.00 .