(MENAFN- ProactiveInvestors) Gold was under the cosh shortly after Wall Street opened as traders reflected on the huge increase in US jobs in November.
The non-farm payrolls data revealed 321000 jobs were added in the past month almost 100000 more than predicted and the largest monthly gain since the beginning of 2012.
Unemployment overall fell to 5.8% while average hourly earnings rose 0.4% percent the biggest rise for more than a year.
Spot gold fell US$10 to US$1194 as the dollar rose again on speculation that such a strong number might encourage the US Federal Reserve to raise interest rates quicker than expected.
Most economists expect rates to start to rise in the second half of 2015.
The US currency was also boosted by talk the ECB will consider widespread asset buying measures at its meeting in January to kick-start a flagging eurozone economy.
Gold and the dollar traditionally move in opposite directions with the metal is seen as a hedge against inflation and depreciation of the US currency.
Economists are already starting to look towards the next Fed meeting on 17 December and if the central bank takes a more hawkish stance.
Elsewhere reports from China suggested buying interest remains strong while Turkey also saw imports into the country more than double to almost 47 tonnes.
Silver edged down to US$16.29 while platinum shed US$13 at US$1221.
Major movers
down 145p at 4167p
down 12p at 718p
down 30p at 1253p
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