New Delhi: Taking positive cues from global markets, gold rose up 0.22 per cent to Rs 27,014 per ten gram in futures trade on December 18 as speculators enlarged positions. At the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold for delivery in February was up by Rs 69, or 0.22 per cent, to Rs 27,014 per 10 grams in a business turnover of 1,756 lots.

The metal for delivery in far-month April next year contracts moved up by Rs 41, or 0.15 per cent, to Rs 27,225 per ten grams in 15 lots. Analysts said fresh positions created by participants following a better trend in global market aided the precious metal.

Gold prices in future trade here were also influenced by prices falling to a two-week low, spurring buying as investors assessed a decision by US policy makers to drop a pledge to keep borrowing costs low for a considerable time. Meanwhile, gold rose by 0.4 per cent to USD 1,194.48 an ounce in Singapore.