Gold Holds Near $4,122/oz After U.S. Jobless Claims Fall to 197,000

Gold prices stayed near the middle of their daily range on Thursday morning after stronger-than-expected U.S. labor data. Initial unemployment claims reached 197,000 for the week ending October 3, below forecasts of 200,000, with the prior week revised to 199,000. The four-week moving average held at 198,000, matching expectations. Continuing claims rose to 1.716 million, above the projected 1.710 million. Spot gold last traded at $4,122.37 per ounce, gaining 0.27% on the day.