Washington: Gold prices edged higher on Thursday as a weaker US dollar and growing concerns over the prolonged US government shutdown pushed investors toward the safe haven metal.

Spot gold rose about 0.1 percent to trade near 3,985 dollars an ounce in early trading, while US gold futures reached around 3,995 dollars. The decline of the US dollar by nearly 0.2 percent made gold cheaper for buyers using other currencies, supporting its value in global markets.

The continuing government shutdown in the United States, now one of the longest in the country’s history, has fueled uncertainty in financial markets. Many investors are turning to gold as a safer option while the political stalemate delays government operations and key economic reports.

However, stronger than expected US labo

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