PRECIOUS-Gold prices inch higher on U.S. dollar weakness

 (Updates costs, provides remark)
    * Section 1 commerce deal will likely be signed on Jan. 15 - Trump
    * Gold costs might check $1,540/oznext - analyst

    By Sumita Layek
    Jan 2 (Reuters) - Gold costs edged greater on Thursday as
the greenback hovered close to a six-month low hit on New 12 months's Eve
amid bets that U.S. financial outperformance may very well be coming to
an finish.
    Spot gold        rose 0.2% to $1,520.38 per ounce by 0713
GMT, after having touched their highest since Sept. 25 at
$1,525.20 on Tuesday. Bullion ended 2019 with its largest annual
acquire since 2010.             
    U.S. gold futures        have been unchanged at $1,523.20.
    "Greenback weak spot is the primary cause, additionally the volumes are on
the decrease aspect so gold costs are supported," stated Hareesh V,
head of commodity analysis at Geojit Monetary Companies.
    The greenback began the New 12 months underneath strain as traders
wagered U.S. financial outperformance may very well be coming to an finish
as optimism on commerce brightens the outlook for development globally.
      
    The greenback index        in opposition to a basket of currencies fell
1.9% final month, having hit its lowest stage since July.
    A weaker greenback makes gold cheaper for holders of different
currencies.
    U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday the Section 1
commerce cope with China could be signed on Jan. 15 on the White
Home, though traders nonetheless awaited particulars of the
settlement.             
    Limiting bullion's advance, Asian shares rose on China's
coverage easing and information that the world's two prime economies would
signal a commerce pact quickly.            
    "A key factor to lookout for is inventory markets, which have
been setting new highs and in case there may be some correction, we
can see some capital flows into gold," stated Brian Lan, managing
director at vendor GoldSilver Central in Singapore.
    Brexit, U.S. elections, Hong Kong protests and North Korea
tensions would be the different key elements for the market this yr,
he stated.
    Buyers additionally took inventory of a non-public survey that confirmed
China's manufacturing unit exercise expanded at a slower clip final month,
however manufacturing continued to develop at a strong tempo and enterprise
confidence shot up.             
    "(Gold) has continued to display bullish inclinations as
costs breached $1,500 final week regardless of new highs within the U.S.
inventory market. Bullish technical posturing will probably help
costs as buying and selling actions stay delicate for the close to time period,"
Benjamin Lu, analyst at Phillip Futures, stated in a word.
    "A continuation of the constructive development situation will see gold
costs check the subsequent primary station of $1,540."
    Amongst different treasured metals, silver        rose 0.2%
to$17.86 per ounce, whereas platinum        gained 0.4% to $966.37
and palladium        edged up 0.4% to $1,946.74 per ounce.

 (Reporting by Sumita Layek in Bengaluru; Enhancing by Subhranshu
Sahu and Rashmi Aich)