Gold Heads for Best Week in Six; Jobs Data on Tap

Gold prices climbed Friday and were headed for their best week in six, buoyed by trade war concerns and a weaker dollar, while the market's focus shifted to the U.S. non-farm payrolls report due later in the day.

Spot gold added 0.3% to $2,918.65 an ounce as of 1031 GMT. Safe-haven bullion has gained over 2% so far this week, its best since the week of January 20, as U.S. President Donald Trump's ever-shifting tariff policies fanned uncertainty.

U.S. gold futures steadied at $2,926.10.

The U.S. dollar index is on course for its worst weekly performance since November 4, making greenback-priced bullion less expensive for foreign buyers.

Weakening in the dollar index, tariff concern, and poor numbers from the U.S. economy, all these three factors have supported gold this week, said Ajay Kedia, director at Mumbai-based Kedia Commodities.

"I'm expecting some kind of consolidation or weakness in gold prices to the tune of around $2,872, acting as a near-term support unless we don't have any strong news," Kedia said.

Data earlier this week showed a slowdown in U.S. private payrolls growth in February, while U.S. jobless claims fell more than expected last week.

The U.S. non-farm payrolls report is due at 1330 GMT for clues on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy. This will be followed with Fed Chair Jerome Powell's speech on the economic outlook.

The Fed has held interest rates steady so far this year after executing three rate cuts last year, but market predictions indicate easing will resume in June.

The Fed's Christopher Waller said he leans strongly against a rate cut at the central bank's upcoming policy meeting this month.

Despite being an inflation hedge, higher interest rates may dampen the non-yielding asset's appeal.

Spot silver fell 0.3% to $32.54 an ounce and platinum shed 0.2% to $964.30, while palladium edged 0.3% up to $945.11.