Gold slightly up in dull trade; silver eases

Standard gold (99.5 purity) gained by a mere Rs 5 per 10 gm to close at Rs 30,440 from Thursday's closing level of Rs 30,435.

Pure gold (99.9 purity) also rose by a similar margin to conclude at Rs 30,570 from Rs 30,565 yesterday.

However, silver ready (.999 fineness) moved down by Rs 60 per kg to end at Rs 57,780 as against Rs 57,840 previously.

"Prevailing anxiety in overseas markets as well as year- end holiday mood are affecting the movement in the yellow metal," dealers said.

In Europe, gold went down further on investor profit- taking over continued uncertainty ahead of the so called US 'fiscal-cliff' talks.

Spot gold bid down at USD 1,658.91 an ounce in early trade and silver was bid lower at USD 30.05 an ounce.