Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose to their highest point in nearly six months Thursday, buoyed by the European Central Bank's plan to buy bonds from ailing eurozone countries.

The most active gold contract for December delivery gained $11.6, or 0.68 percent, to settle at $1,705.6 per ounce, the highest point since March.

Gold was very strong earlier Thursday after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi detailed a plan to buy bonds from struggling eurozone countries. However, positive macroeconomic reports on the U.S. jobs market effectively cut gains in half, according to market analysts.

Also on Thursday, the U.S. Labor Department said the number of U.S. workers filing for unemployment benefits fell 12,000, the biggest drop since mid July.

Silver for December delivery gained 34.5 cents, or 1.07 percent, to close at 32.674 dollars per ounce.

(Xinhua News Agency September 7, 2012)