Gold ticks higher amid US holiday lull

Gold prices advanced today, July 4, in holiday-thinned trade due to the US markets holiday in observance of Independence Day.

Investors are awaiting the release of the Federal Reserve's June meeting minutes tomorrow, July 5, in the lookout for more clues about the US monetary policy path.

Gold prices for August delivery edged 0.30% higher, or about $5.80, to reach $1,935.30 an ounce at 11:13 am Makkah time, with spot prices also up 0.32% to $1,927.77 per ounce.

Silver futures, likewise, rose 0.16% to $23.15 an ounce, in tandem with a 1.12% hike in platinum spot prices to $924.28 per ounce.

Meanwhile, the US dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, held ground at 103.02 points.