Gold futures settled slightly lower in Wednesday trading, shedding $7.50 or 0.17% to close at $4,364.50 per ounce, after establishing a fresh intraday record high of $4,409.50 earlier in the session.

The precious metals complex continues its remarkable ascent, with gold closing in on its record high less than $30 away and silver establishing new all-time highs amid a confluence of supportive factors including cooling labor markets, persistent geopolitic

The U.S. economy delivered a mixed picture this week, with employment data exceeding forecasts even as broader indicators pointed to a decelerating growth trajectory.