Gold futures on the COMEX Division of the New York Mercantile Exchange regained some momentum on Thursday, in response to the weaker U.S. dollar as well as rising inflationary expectations. Silver and platinum both rallied.

The most active gold contract for June delivery jumped 16.8 dollars, or 1.2 percent, to 1,472.4 dollars per ounce, which is only 1.7 dollars away from its April 11 record high settlement of 1,474.1 dollars per ounce.

U.S. dollar fell further on Thursday, pushing an index measuring the greenback against a basket of six currencies to its lowest level since December 2009. The weaker dollar usually makes the precious metal cheaper for investors holding other currencies, increasing gold's appeal as an alternative asset.

U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday morning that the number of Americans filing first-time claims for unemployment benefits surged to 412,000 last week, a sign that the job market's road to recovery remains bumpy.

Some trader mentioned that gold gained some support as the bearish job data rekindled investors'concerns over the real strength of U.S. economic recovery.

U.S. wholesale costs gained 0.7 percent in March, spurred once again by higher gasoline cost, which climbed 5.7 percent from a year ago, increasing gold's appeal as a hedge against inflation.

May silver surged 1.427 dollars, or 3.5 percent, to 41.664 dollars. July platinum jumped 18.4 dollars, or 1 percent, to 1,795. 6 dollars per ounce.

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