Gold prices on Thursday surpassed the $1900 mark - in the evening they gold prices were up 1.53% to $1902.00 a troy ounce. ounce. The U.S. economic data released that day fell short of analysts' expectations. analysts' expectations. In particular, the number of initial claims for unemployment benefits rose the previous week, though experts predicted its decline. forecasted its decrease. The indicator totaled 248,000, adding 23,000 to the previous week's figure. 23 thousand. The number of new buildings in January fell by 4.1% month-on-month, Analysts had expected it to rise, and totaled 1.638 bln. expected 1,702 million. The prospects of an imminent rate hike by the Fed are also continuing to act as a stimulus for gold. The prospect of an imminent Fed rate hike and geopolitical tension. The report released the day before made its contribution to the general pessimism and risk aversion. Thursday's regulatory meeting minutes that were published the day before contributed to everyone's pessimism and risk aversion. American and European stock indices continued negative dynamics and finished the trading with a fall. Oil fell in price by the evening by more than 2% against the background of the talks between the U.S. and Iran on the nuclear deal.