Gold retreats, dollar down for ninth straight session

Gold futures tilted lower in Asian trade while the dollar index declined on track for the longest losing streak since April 11, ahead of US data while markets price in US protests and steps to reopen global economies.

As of 04:19 GMT, gold futures due in August shed 0.27% to $1,716 an ounce, while the dollar index barely declined to 96.74. 

From the US, payrolls are expected down 7.75 million in May, compared to a 20.53 million drop in April, while average earnings are expected up 1%, and the unemployment rate is expected up to 19.4%. 

US President Donald Trump said he doesn't expect he'll need to deploy the army to suppress riots across cities for the killing on an unarmed black man by police in Minnesota. 

The protests raised concerns of faster spread for coronavirus, while US President Donald Trump criticized mayors for "weakness" in responding to the riots and protests, calling for a heavier approach. 

Yesterday, the European Central Bank increased bonds purchases by 600 billion euros to 1.350 trillion, beating estimates as the euro zone economy battles an 8% contraction. 

The World Health Organization warned of clear risks for a second wave that might be destructive, especially as shutdowns are lifted gradually. 

The WHO warned there's no evidence of an effective cure to lower the death rate by Covid 19, with total infections passing 6.42 million worldwide and the death toll standing at 382,000.