Gold futures on the COMEX Division of the New York Mercantile Exchange extended the winning streak into a third session on Thursday, as its safe-haven appeal and rising seasonal demand in China buoyed up prices. And a sell-off in U.S. dollar also added to the appeal of gold as an alternative asset.

The most active gold contract for February delivery jumped 8.1 dollars, or 0.5 percent, to 1,647.7 dollars per ounce.