Gold futures slip, but hold above $1,260

Gold futures settled lower on Thursday, but held ground above $1,260 an ounce as traders await key U.S. employment data due this week for hints on demand for metals.

Gold for April delivery GCJ5, +0.29%  shed $1.80, or 0.1%, to settle at $1,262.70 an ounce after gaining $4.20 on Wednesday. March silver SIH5, +0.46% lost 20 cents, or 1.1%, to $17.196 an ounce.