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Gold flat ahead of US payrolls information, set for second weekly drop

Gold rates were set for a 2nd consecutive weekly fall, even as bullion traded almost flat on Friday as financiers refrained from taking big positions ahead of U.S. nonfarm payrolls data that might provide more hints on the Federal Reserve's policy path.

FUNDAMENTALS

* Area gold was nearly unchanged at $2,302.51 per ounce, as of 0046 GMT. Rates were down more than 1% today.

* U.S. gold futures were flat at $2,310.40 per ounce.

* The non-farm payrolls report is due at 1230 GMT.

* The U.S. central bank held interest rates stable on Wednesday and indicated it is still leaning towards eventual reductions in loaning expenses, however put a red flag on current frustrating inflation readings that might make those rate cuts a while in coming.

* Bullion is known as an inflation hedge, however raised rate of interest lower the appeal of holding the non-yielding possession.

* Data on Thursday revealed the number of Americans submitting brand-new claims for unemployment benefits held steady at a low level last week, indicating a still relatively tight labour market that ought to continue to underpin the economy in the second quarter.

* SPDR Gold Trust, the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, said its holdings fell 0.17% to 829.60 tonnes on Thursday from 831.04 tonnes on Wednesday.

* Area silver fell 0.2% to $26.65 per ounce and was down almost 2% for the week.

* Platinum acquired almost 0.8% to $957.15 and was on track for a weekly gain. Palladium edged up 0.2% to $937.57.

(source: Reuters)