Precious metals prices rise again

Precious metals prices were up again on Wednesday as the US dollar declined versus the euro after a business confidence index in Germany showed unexpected gains and the president of the European Central Bank predicted that high interest rates would hold inflation in check.

April gold added $13.60 to $948.60 per troy ounce in near the close of floor trade in New York, while May silver was up 58 cents to $18.38 and April platinum gained $26.70 to $2,012.60.

Meanwhile, May copper was up 4 cents to $3.72 per pound in New York.