Gold Surges Back Above $4000 as US Jobless Claims Drop to 215000

Gold prices briefly climbed back above the $4000 per ounce threshold after fresh US labor market figures came in better than expected. Initial jobless claims totaled 215000 for the week, missing forecasts of 225000, while the four-week moving average reached 224250.

Spot gold last changed hands at $3996.11 an ounce, posting a modest 0.08% daily loss. Continuing claims rose to 1.821 million against projections of 1.8 million.

The numbers point to a slight softening in employment conditions without signaling major weakness.