AlHijjah 7, 1432, Nov 3, 2011, SPA -- Precious metal prices are rising on continued uncertainty about the European debt crisis, AP reported. Gold for December delivery gained $35.50 Thursday, or 2 percent, to settle at $1,765.10 per ounce. December silver rose 55.5 cents, or 1.6 percent, to close at $34.498 an ounce. Precious metals often gain value in times of turmoil. Investors buy hard assets as a way to protect their money. On Thursday, traders were looking for safety as they tried to determine how the European financial crisis would unfold. Uncertainty was stoked when Greece's prime minister said he would abandon his plan to put a European bailout plan to a popular vote. A "no" vote would have endangered Europe's plan to shore up its financial system and protect European banks from a default by Greece. -- SPA
