Gold widens gains to three-week high

Gold prices rose in European trade for the third straight session, marking three-week highs and nearing 2019 highs as the dollar declined. 

As of 10:50 GMT, gold rose 0.2% to $1,324.35 an ounce, with the highest since January 31 at $1,325.29, and a session-low at $1,320.65. 

Gold rose 0.7% on Friday, the second profit in a row, while marking a 0.5% profit last week, the third weekly profit in a month on haven demand. 

Gold continues to benefit from dollar's drop following a spate of weak US data and on weak prospects for US rate hikes in 2019. 

Optimism is rising for US-China trade talks, with both Chinese and US Presidents praising progress in negotiations. 

President Trump said he'd be happy to cancel tariffs if a deal is reached with China, adding his administration is nearer that goal than ever. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping also said the talks will carry on in Washington this week, hoping for an agreement soon before the truce deadline in early March.