Gold firm but hemmed in tight range, shrugs off dollar

Gold prices rose on Monday despite a firmer dollar, but was trading in a tight range as the market sought more direction from key U.S. economic data expected later in the week. Spot gold was 0.23% higher at $1,245.71 per ounce at 1530 GMT, trading in the range between $1,253.52- $1,244.05.