Gold is higher in Asia-Pac trade, the yellow...>

GOLD: Gold is higher in Asia-Pac trade, the yellow metal last trades up $1.36 at

$1,295.34. Gold was in a narrow range in the early part of trade, largely

ignoring the latest missile launch by North Korea. Gold rose after North Korea

made an announcement about the launch, saying they fired a new type of ICBM that

was capable of reaching most of the US and that had completed state nuclear

force.

- Upside is limited in gold as the Senate panel advances the Republican tax plan

to the full Senate on a party line vote.

- Markets look ahead to Fed speakers during the session including Fed Chair

Yellen, Fed's Dudley and Fed'd Williams while secondary reading of US GDP will

also be in focus.

- MNI technical analysis sees support at $1285.8 - Low Nov 24, 55-DMA,

resistance is seen at $1299.1 - High Nov 27. With key DMAs clustered

$1282.7-1285.8 bulls remain focused on the $1306.0-1320.0 region while they

continue to support.