US gold futures ended slightly higher on Wednesday, snapping a four-day losing streak, then posted more gains in post-settlement trade after the Federal Reserve's lukewarm economic assessment sparked safe-haven buying. COMEX February gold futures settled up 70 cents at $1,333 an ounce on the COMEX division of the NYMEX. Ranged from $1,324.30 to $1,342.80 an ounce.
Bargain hunting and technical support cited for gold's higher settlement prior to Fed's policy statement. US COMEX gold futures volume totalled about 250,000 lots, about 15 above its 30-day average and in line with recent higher volume this week, preliminary Reuters data showed. Spot gold rose 0.5 percent to $1,339.92 an ounce by 3:00 pm EST (2000 GMT).
COMEX March silver ended up 32.3 cents, or 1.2 percent, at $27.128 an ounce, tracking gold. Ranged from $26.655 to $27.475. COMEX estimated silver futures volume totalled 50,000 lots, 15 percent lower than its 30-day average - preliminary Reuters data. Spot silver gained 2.1 percent at $27.40 an ounce.
NYMEX April platinum finished up $9.6 at $1,796.9 an ounce as better economic sentiment boosts industrial metals. Spot platinum rose 0.9 percent to $1,799.74 an ounce. NYMEX March palladium closed up $19.85, or 2.5 percent, at $804.60 an ounce, tracking platinum. Spot palladium rallied 4 percent to $809.50.
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