Gold sticks to modest intraday gains, above the $5,000 psychological mark, through the first half of the European session, though it lacks bullish conviction amid mixed cues. The third round of US-mediated negotiations between Ukraine and Russia concluded in Geneva on Wednesday without any major breakthrough.

Geopolitical tensions remained a key pillar of bullion demand. Investors monitored heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and stalled nuclear diplomacy.