In commodities, spot gold was closing near.....>

GOLD: In commodities, spot gold was closing near $1,282.25 per ounce, after

trading in a $1,278.69 to $1,290.44 range.

- The precious metal topped out near $1,292.10 Friday, nearly revisiting 2017

highs.

- On June 6, gold posted a high of $1,296.15, but then stalled, creating a

double-top with the $1,295.56 high seen April 17. Subsequently, gold moved lower

as U.S. Treasury yields and the dollar recovered, bottoming July 10 near

$1,204.90.

- If the psychological $1,300 mark gives way, the next topside target will be

$1,337.38, the high seen Nov. 9, in the wake of the U.S. election.

- OUTLOOK: Support emerging ahead of the 21-DMA Tuesday provided the base for a

move that has taken out $1280.8 with immediate focus now on 2017 highs. Layers

of support remain with bears needing a close below $1270.0 to confirm an easing

of bullish pressure and to shift focus back to $1253.9-1261.3 where key DMAs and

the daily bull channel base are situated. The Bollinger top currently limits

follow through.