Gold extends gains, awaits U.S. payroll data

SINGAPORE, Mar 9 (Reuters) Gold gained on Friday as sentiment in global equity markets improved, raising hopes the metal was on a recovery path after recent sell-off.

-- Spot gold rose to 3.00/654.00 an ounce from 0.90/651.90 late in New York on Thursday, when it shrugged off a stronger dollar and gained more than on renewed buying.

-- Benchmark gold futures for February delivery on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange rose 10 yen per gram to 2,490 yen, reflecting gains in New York's COMEX market.

-- U.S. stocks jumped on Thursday following a global rebound in equity markets, and generally strong monthly sales of U.S. retailers stemmed some concerns about the health of the U.S. economy.

-- Investors await U.S. jobs data due on Friday which could set short-term directions for both the dollar and gold.

-- The euro was firmer at .3135 .

- Silver edged up to .98/13.03 an ounce from .93/12.98 late in New York.

-- Platinum fell to ,198/1,203 an ounce from ,209/1,214 an ounce.

-- Palladium slipped to 8/353 an ounce from 0/355 late in New York.

REUTERS DKS PM0625