The precious metal has maintained its position above $4,200 since last week as mixed US economic data releases and strengthened market confidence for a rate cut at the Fed's FOMC meeting next week.
At 9 am, gold prices were at $4,210, up 0.17% since it opened in early trading Thursday in the Asian session.
The latest ADP data for November showed that private companies shed 32,000 jobs amid a continuing economic slowdown.
Business activity in the services sector remained stable according to the ISM report. The sector accounts for more than two-thirds of US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is largely supported by high-income household spending.
This development, along with rumors that White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett could be appointed as the next Fed Chairman to replace Jerome Powell, has pressured the US dollar to its lowest level since October.
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the currency's performance against a basket of six major currencies, fell 0.44% to 98.87.
In commodities, gold prices fell for a second straight day but were seen as potentially testing higher after the World Gold Council (WGC) reported that central banks bought a net 53 tonnes of gold in October, the strongest monthly record for 2025.
Next, market attention will be on the US economic data schedule, including Initial Jobless Claims for the week ending November 29, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, the Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, and the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment.
