Gold prices are holding steady considering the dynamic upside swing witnessed today in U.S. equities. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is trading a full percentage point higher on the day. As of 2:55 Eastern Standard Time it is trading at 20,611, up 207 points on the day.

Gold is trading under pressure for the first time since April 10th, when prices moved above long-standing resistance at 1262. The rally that followed the price breakout only served to drive prices even higher. This resulted in prices moving within three dollars of $1300 per ounce on April 17^th, when gold prices traded to 1297.30 on an intraday basis.

Although certainly not equal players, a multitude of factors contributed to today’s price advance in gold. Continued uncertainty about North Korea’s nuclear proliferation, along with concern about the upcoming election in France, played a part in today’s action. However, it was U.S. dollar weakness that provided much of today’s upside move in gold.

Although tension with North Korea continues to fuel safe haven demand, gold prices sold off moderately in late afternoon trading. As of 2:30 Eastern Standard Time, gold futures are currently trading off $5.00 at 1283.40.

In pre-holiday trading, gold prices continue to hold steady while inching closer and closer to $1300 per ounce. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, statements made yesterday by President Trump put dramatic pressure on the U.S. dollar.

As market participants react to continued geopolitical concerns in both the Middle East and northern Asia, safe haven demand continues to bid up gold pricing. Trading to highs not seen since November of last year, gold futures are currently up approximately $10 on the day and are trading to an intraday high of 1285.

In response to geopolitical tension on two fronts, gold is trading dramatically higher today. As of 3 o’clock Eastern Standard Time, gold futures (June contract) are trading $22 higher at 1276. This comes in response to statements made by the North Korean media, which have contributed to raising US-North Korea tensions.

Given recent events in Syria, as well as genuine concern over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, gold is reacting in a rather subdued and lackluster manner. Although trading well off today’s lows as of 4 o’clock EST, gold futures are trading off by approximately one dollar at 1256.30. Even though the U.S.

“It's been a hard day's night, and I’ve been working like a dog. 

It's been a hard day's night, I should be sleeping like a log.” - The Beatles 

The leaders of the world’s two largest economies will meet, face-to-face, for the first time today. Traders, investors, and market participants will be listening intently as they look to get a sense of the overall tone of this historic meeting. Both Air Force One and the Chinese presidential aircraft have already landed at opposite ends of the airport in Florida.