Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange ended higher on Friday even as the U.S. dollar firmed after U.S. jobs data was weaker than expected.

The most active gold contract for June delivery added 2 U.S. dollars, or 0.15 percent, to close at 1,314.7 dollars per ounce.

The U.S. employment data showed U.S. job growth increased less than expected in April and the unemployment rate dropped to near a 17-1/2 year low of 3.9 percent.

However, the U.S. dollar index, which measures the buck against six rivals, went up 0.2 percent to 92.58 as of 1800 GMT.

Gold and the dollar typically move in opposite directions, which means if the dollar goes up, gold futures will fall.

As for other precious metals, silver for July delivery rose 7.2 cents, or 0.44 percent, to settle at 16.519 dollars per ounce. Platinum for July was up 6.3 dollars, or 0.70 percent, to close at 910.3 dollars per ounce.