Gold slips as investors book profit, holds on to near 9-year high

U.S. gold futures rose 0.1% to $1,867. "With tension between the United States and China rising, U.S. bond yields continuing to edge lower, and a weaker dollar very much in evidence, the case for higher gold prices remains strong," said Jeffrey Halley, a senior market analyst at OANDA. In a marked escalation between the world's two biggest economies, the United States gave China until Friday to close its consulate in Houston amid accusations of spying, which also hit risk sentiment.