June 4 (Reuters) - Gold prices gained from last session's
fall on lingering political tensions and a weaker dollar, but
were still near their lowest in over a week as equities were set
to extend their gains on economic optimism.
FUNDAMENTALS
* Spot gold XAU= rose 0.4% to $1,703.67 per ounce, as of
0212 GMT. On Wednesday, it fell 1.7% to reach its lowest since
May 27.
* U.S. gold futures GCv1 were flat at $1,704.90.
* The European Central Bank is certain to give more
stimulus, with the only question being timing- whether later on
Thursday or holding out until July. * More stimulus and lower interest rates tend to benefit
gold, which is often seen as a hedge against inflation and
currency debasement.
* The dollar index .DXY has fallen about 1% this week,
making gold cheaper for holders of other currencies. USD/
* The U.S. is expected to impose restrictions on at least
four additional state-run Chinese media outlets, sources said on
Wednesday. * U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday
barred Chinese passenger carriers from flying to the United
States starting on June 16.
* Asian stocks were poised to extend gains on stimulus
measures. MKTS/GLOB
* U.S. private payrolls fell less than expected in May,
suggesting layoffs were abating as businesses reopen, data
showed. * Indicating economic recovery in China too, the country's
services sector returned to growth last month for the first time
since January, although job losses continued, a survey showed on
Wednesday. * Banks should prepare for the possibility of a no-deal
Brexit, the Bank of England said on Wednesday. * SPDR Gold Trust GLD , the world's largest gold-backed
exchange-traded fund, said its holdings, rose 0.4% to 1,133.37
tonnes on Wednesday. GOL/ETF
* Palladium XPD= rose 0.6% to $1,961.17 per ounce and
platinum XPT= rose 0.7% to $831.58, while silver XAG= was
down 0.4% to $17.59.
DATA/EVENTS (GMT)
1145 EU ECB Refinancing Rate June
1145 EU ECB Deposit Rate June
1230 US International Trade April
1230 US Initial Jobless Claims Weekly