Gold futures rise nearly one percent after mixed U.S. data

Gold futures rose nearly one percent in American trade even as the dollar index gained ground, following earlier data from the world's largest economy, and as the Group of 7 convenes in Italy. 

As of 02:54 GMT, gold futures due on June 16 rose 0.76% to $1,269.40 an ounce from the opening of $1,259.80, while the dollar index rose 0.21% to 97.45 from the opening of 97.25. 

Earlier U.S. data showed the GDP growing 1.2% in the first quarter according to the second reading, up from 0.7% in the first reading, and past expectations of 0.9%, while GDP prices rose 2.2%, down from 2.3% in the previous reading. 

Durable goods orders fell 0.7% in April, compared to a 0.9% rise in March, and besting forecasts of a 1.4% drop. 

Core orders fell 0.4%, compared to no-change in March, while analysts expected a 0.4% rise, reflecting the possibility of continued slowdown in US growth in the second quarter, which could weigh on the Federal Reserve's policy decisions in June.