Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose slightly Friday, as traders kept hopes of additional stimulus measures alive.

The most active gold contract for December delivery gained 2.6 U.S. dollars, or 0.16 percent, to settle at 1,622.8 dollars per ounce.

Gold extended its winning streak to three days. The metal gained 0.8 percent in the week. Gold trading was largely focused on Friday's report about China's negative July trade data showing signs of a slowing economy.

China's trade surplus unexpectedly narrowed in July as exports barely grew from the year-earlier month and imports increased at a smaller rate, according to data released Friday.

Exports rose 1 percent year on year to 176.9 billion U.S. dollars in July, plummeting from the 11.3-percent growth seen in June and well below market expectations, the General Administration of Customs said.

The data heightened worries about the nation's economic outlook and boosted trader speculation that China would move to combat the slowing economy through looser monetary policy. Loose monetary policy is positive for gold, as the precious metal typically gains on fears of inflation.

Silver for September delivery ended 3.5 cents lower, or 0.12 percent, to close at 28.062 dollars per ounce.

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