UK manufacturing PMI contracts for second month

Gold prices declined in European trade for another session, almost hitting 29-month lows and on track for the second weekly loss in a row as global central banks continue to tighten their monetary policies and hike interest rates, hurting demand on non-yielding assets such as gold.

Euro fell in European trade to 20-year lows against dollar for the fourth straight session, heading for the second weekly loss in a row ahead of major European data.

Gold prices rose on Thursday even as the dollar gained ground against major rivals, with haven demand boosting gold amid uncertainty and concerns about global monetary policies.