Gold prices were poised for a second monthly gain on Friday as lingering economic concerns and an overall weakness in the dollar drove investors to the safe-haven asset, with markets now focused on the U.S. Federal Reserve's meeting due next month.
China's factory activity likely expanded at a slower pace in April, a Reuters poll showed on Friday, pointing to the strains on the manufacturing sector from weak global demand and a slow recovery in the long-depressed domestic property industry.
Irish consumer sentiment increased sharply to a 13-month high in April on falling energy costs and a less threatening outlook for European Central Bank interest rates, a survey showed on Thursday.
Gold prices rose on Thursday on a softer dollar, while investors braced for a host of U.S. economic data ahead of a crucial Federal Reserve's policy meeting next week.