Gold futures for June delivery soared $44, or 1.8%, to $2,417 an ounce, just off intraday highs. Thursday marked the 16th record close of 2024, with the precious metal gaining $24.30, or 1%, to settle at $2,372.70 an ounce on Comex.

"With only second-tier U.S. data due next week, the precious metal is unlikely to come under any major pressure for the time being," said Thu Lan Nguyen, head of commodity research at Commerzbank, in a note to clients.