CHICAGO, May 20 -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose on Friday as U.S. stock market indexes weakened.

The most active gold contract for June delivery rose 0.9 U.S. dollars, or 0.05 percent, to close at 1,842.1 dollars per ounce.

Gold finished the week 1.8 percent higher, putting an end to a four-week skid that was the longest stretch of weekly losses since Aug. 17, 2018.

The stock market's plummet is mostly seen as a result of the U.S. Federal Reserve's aggressive moves to control inflation. Increasing interest rates make it more costly for businesses to borrow money and expand.

Gold is testing resistance at the 200-day moving average near 1,837 dollars an ounce. If gold moves convincingly above the 200-day moving average, its rally may persist toward the 1880- to 1900-dollar range.

Silver for July delivery fell 23.4 cents, or 1.07 percent, to close at 21.674 dollars per ounce. Platinum for July delivery fell 12.6 dollars, or 1.32 percent, to close at 941.1 dollars per ounce.

  - Xinhua