A lot of short-term funds have been shifting heavily into gold and other commodities since the start of the new quarter.

The market is very volatile since gold climbed above $600 as speculators are keen to take profits on rallies, while there is plenty of bargain-hunting demand when it approaches $600.

Strong crude oil prices were generally lifting sentiment in the precious metals market.

Not a great way to start your Monday, no, not at all.

No, first time I noticed it. Not to happy with that -- $50 I could've saved for something else.

As to those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in God's path, give them, then, the tidings of a painful agony: on a day when these things shall be heated in hell-fire, and their foreheads, and their sides, and their backs shall be branded therewith.