Spot gold shoots above $4,060/oz after New York manufacturing index surprises with rise to 15.6

Spot gold surged to session highs above $4,060/oz after the New York Fed’s Empire State manufacturing survey unexpectedly rose to 15.6 in July, well above the 6.2 forecast and up from 5.7 in June. The stronger-than-expected data signaled improving manufacturing conditions in the New York region, with sharp gains in new orders and shipments, solid employment growth, and continued though slightly slower price increases. Gold last traded at $4,063.13, up 0.25% on the session. The move reflects how macro data can quickly shift precious metals pricing, especially when inflation and growth signals are mixed.