market talk

Gold extends earlier gains as a firmer EUR helps
boost buying activity following the Greek parliament's vote in favor of fresh
austerity measures. Spot gold is at $1,730.77 a troy ounce, up $8.67 from its
previous settlement. The EUR/USD is at 1.3269 from 1.3201 late in New York
Friday; dollar-priced commodities become cheaper to investors holding other
currencies with the greenback softens. Barclays Capital recommends buying dips
in gold, tipping support at $1,700/oz and then at $1,670/oz. Traders tip
near-term resistance at $1,765/oz and then $1,800/oz. BarCap says the backdrop
remains "fertile" for gold, but cautions that the yellow metal could face
near-term hurdles from technical resistance, profit-taking and any renewed
strength in the USD