Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose Friday for the fourth straight day as investors sought refuge amid escalating tensions between the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The most active gold contract for December delivery rose 3.9 U.S. dollars, or 0.3 percent, to settle at 1,294 dollars per ounce.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a new threat to DPRK on Friday, saying the U.S. military was "locked and loaded" as Pyongyang accused him of driving the Korean Peninsula to the brink of nuclear war.

Geopolitical risks can boost demand for assets considered safe-haven investments, such as gold.

Data on Friday showed U.S. consumer prices rose less than expected in July, which was also supportive to gold.

As for other precious metals, silver for September delivery added 0.5 cent, or 0.03 percent, to close at 17.07 dollars per ounce. Platinum for October went up 3.8 dollars, or 0.39 percent, to settle at 989.7 dollars per ounce.