Weak Dollar and Saudi Conflict Sent Gold Higher

A weaker U.S. dollar coupled with a foiled terrorism plot in Saudi Arabia lifted the price of crude and metals on Friday, analysts said.

June gold settled up $3.80 at $681.80 a troy ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange. July silver settled up 12 cents at $13.575 an ounce.

There was a report about a foiled terrorist plot against Saudi oil fields, with the country's Interior Ministry reporting that 172 militants have been arrested. Police said one terror cell had planned to carry out suicide attacks against public figures, oil facilities and the military.