Gold price rises more than 2%

Gold price increased on the mixed U.S. economic data. The U.S. Commerce Department released durable goods orders data on Thursday. The U.S. durable goods orders decreased 2.0% in August, in line with expectations, after a 1.9% gain in July. July's figure was revised down from a 2.2% rise.

The decline was partly driven by a weak demand for aircraft.

The U.S. durable goods orders excluding transportation was flat in August, missing expectations for a 0.1% gain, after a 0.6% increase in July.

The U.S. Labor Department released its jobless claims figures on Thursday. The number of initial jobless claims in the week ending September 19 in the U.S. rose by 3,000 to 267,000 from 264,000 in the previous week. Analysts had expected the initial jobless claims to increase to 271,000.

The U.S. Commerce Department released new home sales data on Thursday. New home sales increased 5.7% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 552,000 units in August from 522,000 units in July. July's figure was revised up from 507,000 units. It was the highest figure since February 2008.

Concerns over the slowdown in the global economy also supported gold price.

Market participants are awaiting a speech by the Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen today at 21:00 GMT. They hope to get an explanation on the Fed's decision on last Thursday.

October futures for gold on the COMEX today rose to 1154.30 dollars per ounce.