Gold prices have risen markedly today , approaching to four-month high , which was due to the increasing concern among investors about the pace of the U.S. economic recovery and growth in China .

Weak U.S. data on industrial production and employment, and the slowdown in residential property prices in China last month that recorded for the first time in 14 months , increased concerns about the growth in the major economies of the world , which is reflected in the price of gold, which is often seen as insurance in difficult times .

Recall that the price of the precious metal rose more than 9 percent this year , after a 28 percent drop in 2013 , thus ending the 12-year growth.

"Short-term sentiment for gold is quite positive, but to provide additional momentum to overcome worth $ 1,340 per ounce ," said the head of Sharps Pixley Ross Norman.

Hedge funds and money managers increased their net long positions in gold futures and options in the week that ended on February 18 , after prices broke important resistance level at $ 1,300 per ounce.

Margins on gold bars in Hong Kong remained at last week's $ 1.30-1.70 per ounce to the spot price in London.

Political tensions in Thailand has not yet led to the growth of purchases. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra left Bangkok and is located 150 kilometers from the capital , reported in its administration , without specifying its location . Margins in Singapore , gold trading center in Southeast Asia, also remained at the level of last week, $ 1.20-1.50 per ounce to the price in London.

Stocks of the world's largest exchange-traded fund backed by gold ETF SPDR Gold Trust rose on Friday by 0.34 percent .

The cost of the April gold futures on the COMEX today rose to $ 1336.70 per ounce.