Gold prices rise on softer dollar_

LONDON, Feb 09 (Reuters): Spot gold prices rose to hover around the $5,000-per-ounce mark on Monday, supported by a weaker dollar, as a slate of US economic reports scheduled for this week brought investors' focus back to the trajectory of interest rates.

Spot gold rose 1.0 per cent to $5,008.51 per ounce by 1141 GMT after a 4.0 per cent climb on Friday. US gold futures for April delivery also gained 1.0 per cent to $5,029.40 per ounce. "Gold reclaims its historical role as a neutral sovereign asset, which in my view explains the strong surge in demand for it, especially amid a clear decline in appetite for holding the US dollar as a safe haven."