Asian markets saw gold prices inch up slightly in early trading as signs of weakness in the US economy become apparent.

Gold in Asia's early trading session rose slightly, as signs of weakness in the US economy typically enhance the safe-haven appeal of the precious metal. Spot gold rose by 0.2% to $4,006.76 per ounce. According to preliminary results from a survey in November, the University of Michigan's overall index of consumer sentiment fell from 53.6 the previous month to 50.3. Analysts surveyed by the media had previously expected the index to decline moderately to 53. Commodity analysts at Deutsche Bank Research Department stated in a recent research report that demand for gold as a safe-haven asset may continue to hold steady at current levels.