Singapore, January 08 (QNA) - Gold prices declined on Thursday as investors awaited the release of a key jobs report that could provide further signals on the direction of monetary policy in the United States.

Spot gold fell by 0.3 percent to USD 4,440.67 per ounce, retreating from its highest level in more than a week.

US gold futures for February delivery also declined by 0.3 percent to USD 4,449.60 per ounce.

Gold prices are currently around USD 110 below the record high of USD 4,549.71 per ounce reached on December 29, amid an improvement in the US dollar’s exchange rate and profit-taking activity.

As for other precious metals, spot silver slipped to USD 77.85 per ounce after having reached an all-time high of USD 83.62 per ounce on December 29.

Platinum fell by 0.8 percent to USD 2,288.23 per ounce after hitting a record peak of USD 2,478.50 on Monday, while palladium declined by 0.5 percent to USD 1,756.42 per ounce.