Gold held above $4,300 an ounce for the first time since June on Monday as weak US employment data, stronger investor positioning and increased Chinese central bank purchases supported bullion. The country’s central bank increased its gold reserves in July by the most since October 2023, adding another source of demand for the precious metal. The combination of weaker US employment, greater speculative positioning and central bank purchases has strengthened bullion after its prolonged stretch near $4,000 an ounce. Gold has broken above $4,300 after weeks near $4,000, with weaker US employment, growing investor bets and Chinese central bank buying adding momentum. Gold spot continues to hold at $4,363 an ounce, and silver climbed to $65.15 as of 12:23 p.m. in New York.