Gold leads metals higher as dollar weakens; Strong manufacturing reading in GDP also helps

Gold, other metals rise on weaker dollar

DENVER — Gold has topped $1,100 an ounce as the dollar weakened against other currencies.

The dollar’s retreat on Friday came as the euro grew stronger after European leaders agreed on a program to help Greece with its debt problems.

Metals also benefited from a Commerce Department report that said the U.S. economy grew at a 5.6 percent pace in the October-to-December quarter.

Energy and grain prices were mixed.

Commodities often trade in the opposite direction of the dollar. A weaker dollar makes gold, silver and energy products more attractive to overseas buyers.