Gold consolidated on a background of U.S. data on the number of applications for unemployment benefits, which remain in the 4-year low. Thus, the number of initial applications for unemployment benefits for the past week amounted to 351 thousand, 354 thousand expected to support the positive sentiment in the market and news from Europe,where data is recorded growth in the business climate index in Germany, the highest level in seven months. As a result of February IFO business climate index in Germany rose to the level of 109.6 vs. 108.6 points and the values ​​for January at 108.3 points. Positive effect on mood in the business environment in Europe's largest economy was reflected progress in resolving the debt crisis. At the same time, constrain the growth of gold fears about the complexity of the Greek government agreements, which allowed the country to receive the next tranche of financial assistance.

The cost of the February gold futures on the COMEX today kept in the range of 1773.0 -1782.8 per ounce.