Gold prices rose Friday as frightened traders looked for a safe haven amid stunning losses on Wall Street.

Plunging oil prices and Chinese economic fears dragged US stocks to their worst start to a year in history.

Although gold prices have risen, gains have not been particularly pronounced due to strength in the US dollar.

February gold gained $17.10, or 1.6%, to settle at $1,090.70 an ounce, its highest close since Monday.

Retail sales in the US slipped 0.1 percent in December, according to a report released by the Commerce Department this morning.

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