Demand for safe-haven rises as gold touched a nine-month high amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
Spot gold was up 0.2% at $1,909.54 per ounce, the highest level since May 2021.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent and ordered the Russian army to launch a 'peacekeeping operation' into the area, accelerating a crisis the West fears could unleash a major war.
Also read/watch: Russia claims attack on its border post, Ukraine rubbishes it as fake news
Crude oil jumped as the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures were up more than 3% at $93.
Also read/watch | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Financial markets fear aftershock