New Delhi, Dec. 19 -- Gold prices remained lower for the second straight day on Friday, December 19, pressured by the rising US dollar, making dollar-priced gold more expensive for other currency holders. However, the bullion is on track to close the week higher, as the latest US economic data boosted bets on US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

After closing 0.30% lower, the February futures contract on MCX opened further lower at Rs.1,34,031 per 10 grams, compared to the previous close of Rs.1,34,521, and further slipped to reach the day's low of Rs.1,33,555, a drop of Rs.966 from Thursday's close.

For the week, the yellow metal is up by 0.13%, and if it closes higher, it will mark its sixth straight week of gains.

Meanwhile, spot ...