Gold climbed 0.8 per cent before paring gains. West Texas Intermediate rose 2.5 per cent. The US dollar appreciated while US equity futures declined.

The reaction in Middle East stock markets suggested investors were assuming a benign scenario, even as Iran intensified its missile attacks on Israel.

Based on the closing price of Brent crude on Friday, a 10% jump would send the global oil benchmark to nearly $85 per barrel.