Khaberni - Gold and silver recorded a slight increase on Wednesday, with the decline in US Treasury yields after data indicated a slowdown in retail sales growth in December, signaling a weakening economy ahead of key employment data releases.
Gold increased by 0.3% in spot transactions to $5038.73 per ounce. US futures for gold in April climbed by 0.6% to $5060.60.
Silver gained 1% in spot transactions to register $81.49, after falling by more than 3% in the previous session.
US bond yields fell on Tuesday after a series of data indicated that the economy might be slowing down, which gives the Federal Reserve (the US central bank) more flexibility to cut interest rates.
Retail sales in the United States unexpectedly remained unchanged in December, as households cut spending on cars and other expensive goods, which might set consumer spending and the economy on a slower growth trajectory as the new year begins.
Investors are awaiting the non-farm payrolls report for January, scheduled to be released later today on Wednesday, and inflation data on Friday.
For other precious metals, platinum increased by 0.6% in spot transactions to $2098.78, and palladium rose by 0.2% to $1712.25.
```
