Gold prices are trading slightly lower in early-afternoon U.S. action Thursday, and did hit another four-month low today. A strong U.S. dollar that saw the dollar index hit new high for the year today is working against the precious metals market bulls. June gold futures were last down $1.60 an ounce at $1,275.20. May Comex silver was last up $0.006 at $14.945 an ounce. U.S. economic data out today was a mixed bag but mostly upbeat, including jobless claims falling by 5,000 in the latest reporting week. March U.S. retail sales beat expectations and came in at up 1.6%. Gold and silver prices initially down-ticked a ... (full story)