Gold futures traded to within striking distance of the key and significant psychological level of $4,000 per troy ounce today. Gold reached another record high of $3,997.

Gold prices climbed on Friday, maintaining momentum near record levels as the precious metal approached its seventh consecutive weekly gain. The rally has been driven by growing concerns over the economic impact of a prolonged U.S.

Gold prices advanced modestly during today's session as market participants weighed competing forces: disappointing private-sector employment data against intensifying safe-haven demand triggered by an impending government shutdown.