09:06 AM EDT, 04/19/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Gold prices edged down early on Friday, but stayed near the US$2,400 mark, as treasury yields ease and the dollar weakened, while Israel's retaliatory attack on Iran caused little damage, limiting risk buying.

Gold for June delivery was last seen down US$0.20 to US$2,397.80 per ounce.

The metal has stayed near its record Tuesday close of US$2,407.80 but has not managed a sustained push above the US$2,400 mark. It briefly rose back above that level after reports of limited Israeli drone attacks on Iran, but damage was minor and Iran downplayed any need for retaliation.

"Gold briefly broke $2400 on the Israel attack reports before pairing back gains. Still on track for a fifth weekly gain despite strong US data, hawkish comments from Fed members and a stronger dollar," Saxo Bank noted.

The dollar weakened early, making gold more affordable for international buyers. The ICE dollar index was last seen down 0.22 points to 105.92.

Treasury yields also moved lower, bullish for gold since it offers not interest. The US two-year note was last seen paying 4.988%, down 1.1 basis points, while the yield on the 10-year note was down 1.6 basis points to 4.616%.