Gold extends gains above $1,800 barrier

Gold prices rose on Wednesday, extending gains above the $1,800 barrier, as the US dollar fell despite the release of positive economic data.

ADB data showed today that the US private sector has added 807K new jobs in December, beating forecasts of 375K. 

The US jobs report will be released on Friday, which shows the state of the labor market and unemployment.

This came amid growing concerns about the coronavirus crisis and the recent surge in infections in the US, Europe and Asia.

The minutes of the Federal Reserve's last meeting will be revealed later today, after the Fed decided last month to accelerate the pace of reducing its $30 billion/month asset purchase program.

The dollar index fell against a basket of major currencies by 0.4% to 95.9 points as of 18:42 GMT, after hitting a high of 96.3 points and a low of 95.9 points.

Nickel spot prices rose 0.6% to $1,824.9 a ton as of 18:42 GMT.