Gold higher

London

Gold prices touched their highest in four weeks on Monday, supported by political uncertainty in the United States that pushed the dollar to its lowest in over a year.

The dollar struggled near a 13-month low against a basket of major currencies as U.S. political woes dampened hopes for quick passage of Trump´s stimulus and tax reform agendas. A weaker greenback makes dollar-denominated gold less expensive for holders of other currencies, while the metal is also used as an alternative investment during times of political and financial uncertainty.

"I think people are getting more nervous and careful about what is going to happen (in terms of the controversies surrounding the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump)," said Yuichi Ikemizu, Tokyo branch manager at ICBC Standard Bank.

"The market is expected to be quiet heading into the summer holidays in Asia, but if it moves at all, it´ll move to the upside rather than the downside."