Gold prices extended their gains in early trading as investors turned their attention to a series of key U.S. economic data releases this week in search of further clues on the outlook for monetary policy. On the previous trading day, gold prices had risen as the U.S. military’s capture of Venezuelan President Maduro sparked safe-haven demand. Soojin Kim of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group noted, “Gold has just posted its strongest annual performance since 1979. However, in the short term, gold prices may face pressure from commodity index rebalancing, which could prompt passive funds to reduce their positions following last year’s record rally.”