Gold prices rose sharply against the backdrop of a weakening dollar after the data on unemployment in the United States.

The number of Americans who first filled the form to receive unemployment benefitsrose last week, becoming a witness a slowdown in the employment market recovery.The primary application for unemployment benefits last week of April 7, increased by 13 thousand to 380 thousand, reaching maximum values ​​from 28 January, as reported today, the Ministry of Labor in Washington. Economists had expected the figure will be355 thousand

In addition, experts in the near future, expect growth in demand for physical metal,including after the jewelers in India completed the strike, which lasted three weeks.

At the same time, investments in gold-backed ETF-funds reached a record high of almost 70.3 million ounces.

May futures on the COMEX for gold today rose to $ 1675.0 an ounce.

Oil climbed for a second day as U.S. stocks increased and the dollar weakened on speculation that central banks will stimulate economic growth with supportive monetary policies.

Futures gained as much as 1.3 percent after Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Janet Yellen endorsed the view that borrowing costs are likely to stay low through 2014 in remarks after U.S. markets closed yesterday.

Today came the weak data on the number of requests for unemployment, which last week rose to the level of 3-month high (380K). Together with the data on applications for unemployment benefits out statistics on the trade balance, which recorded an unexpected reduction in the deficit by more than 12% by the end of February.

Crude for May delivery rose to $104.24 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Prices are up 5.1 percent this year.

Brent oil for May settlement gained 34 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $120.52 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange.

Change % Change Last

Oil $102.58 -0.12 -0.12%

Gold $1,659.00 -1.30 -0.08%