Bengaluru — Gold prices edged higher on Friday amid concerns that a prolonged US government shutdown could compound an already slowing global growth, while markets awaited US-China trade talks scheduled for next week. Spot gold rose 0.2% at $1,282.50/oz, as of 3.43am GMT, while US gold futures were steady at $1,281.40/oz. Investors are worried about the economic impact of the longest US government shutdown in history, now in its 34th day, with two bills to end the partial shutdown failing to win enough votes in the Senate. “There are some positive features supporting gold like the US government shutdown, ongoing trade war and potential for slower rate hikes,” said John Sharma, an economist with National Australia Bank. “At the moment, people are waiting for the US-China trade discussions,” Sharma said, adding that any development on that front could provide a direction for gold. The US and China are “miles and miles” from resolving trade issues, but there is a fair chance the two co...
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