Gold rose nearly one per cent to a one-month high, breaking ranks with the euro and equities, as evidence of strong physical demand from China fuelled fund buying after bullion's recent sell-off.
Spot gold was up 0.7 per cent at $US1,644.36 an ounce. US February gold futures gained $US13.80 at $US1,645.30 an ounce.
Gold's gain brought current prices above their 200-day moving average around $US1,635 an ounce. The metal had held the 200 DMA for around three years until late December.
Bullion has gained more than five per cent in 2012.
