Gold futures traded higher in early deals on Monday, in midst of risk aversion with the high volatility in stock markets tracking Wall Street retail-trading frenzy. Moreover, the news that Johnson & Johnson's one-dose coronavirus vaccine appeared to be less potent against newer COVID variants, also boosted safe-haven appeal of the bullion.
Gold futures for February delivery rose by $13.30 or 0.7% at $1860.60 an ounce on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile. Spot gold rose 0.78% to $1,862.03 per ounce.