The People's Bank of China on Saturday called for the strengthening of real estate policy in light of sluggish economic growth over the past several years.

"With inflation close to being in line with expectations, gold prices were higher on fresh speculative buying ahead of the new year on bets that the bigger funds might move to the long side of gold."

Grant part of the Battery Materials and Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Funding Opportunity program of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Commodity research firm says production growth, weaker demand and negative sentiment in the industry will see iron ore, copper and industrial metals sink next year.

Gold prices are on track for a second consecutive yearly decline, with prices down more than $250 since March highs.

The bank this year ranks as the sixth-largest arranger of loans and bond sales for oil, gas and coal companies.

The United States' top environmental non-profit and a regional land trust have raised $20 million to permanently protect 44,000 acres of land.