On Friday, the gold sector rose against the market trend. As of press time, SPDR Gold Trust ETF (GLD.US) gained 0.5%, Barrick Gold Corporation (GOLD.US) rose over 1.4%, Gold Fields Limited (GFI.US) climbed over 2.4%, and Harmony Gold Mining (HMY.US) surged over 5%. On the news front, spot gold broke above $3,440 per ounce, reaching its highest level since June 16, with an intraday gain of 0.68%.