As U.S. bond rates and the dollar retreated from highs ahead of this week's eagerly anticipated non-farm payrolls report, gold prices moved higher on Thursday, enjoying a reprieve after falling in the previous eight straight sessions.

Spot gold edged up by 0.2% to $1,823.79 meanwhile U.S. gold futures advanced by 0.2% to $1,838.20 per ounce.

The yield on 10-year US government bonds decreased from 16-year highs, and the US currency was down 0.1%.

Despite being repeatedly proven wrong in their predictions of a decline in the value of the dollar, foreign exchange strategists are continuing to call for a weaker currency, according to the most recent Reuters poll.

Despite a nine-month low in new orders in September, the rate of expansion in the U.S. services sector was still consistent with forecasts for strong third-quarter economic growth.

Private payroll growth in the US was far slower than anticipated in September. Markets are now anticipating Friday's release of the Labor Department's more detailed and closely regarded employment report for September.