Gold gained modestly in Wednesday trading as investors awaited the outcome of Thursday’s European Central Bank policy meeting.

Gold futures for March delivery rose about 0.3% to $1,678.10 on Wednesday, according to CME Group. Gold traded as high as $1,678.90 and as low as $1,668.30. Gold bullion closed in London at $1,680, according to BullionVault.

Silver futures for March delivery were flat at $31.88 per ounce. Wednesday’s high for silver was $31.90 an ounce, while the low was $31.60.

Gold and silver funds moved higher in Wednesday trading.

• The SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:GLD) edged up 0.3%.
• The iShares Gold Trust (NYSE:IAU) also gained 0.3%.
• The iShares Silver Trust (NYSE:SLV) increased 0.2%.

Gold and silver mining ETFs mostly advanced during the day.

• The Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (NYSE:GDX) climbed 0.7%.
• The Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (NYSE:GDXJ) fell 0.6%.
• The Global X Silver Miners ETF (NYSE:SIL) rose 0.5%.

Gold mining shares mostly rose on Wednesday.

• Agnico-Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM) dipped 0.5%.
• Barrick Gold (NYSE:ABX) climbed 0.7%.
• Eldorado Gold (NYSE:EGO) was flat.
• Goldcorp (NYSE:GG) gained 0.5%.
• Kinross Gold (NYSE:KGC) rose 0.2%.
• Newmont Mining (NYSE:NEM) increased 1.6%.
• NovaGold Resources (AMEX:NG) was flat.
• Yamana Gold (NYSE:AUY) advanced 0.3%.

Silver mining shares improved during the day.

• Coeur d’Alene Mines (NYSE:CDE) surged 2.1%.
• Hecla Mining (NYSE:HL) increased 1.5%.
• Pan American Silver (NASDAQ:PAAS) rose 0.4%.
• Silver Wheaton (NYSE:SLW) climbed 1.5%.
• Silver Standard Resources (NASDAQ:SSRI) fell 0.9%.

As of this writing, Christopher Freeburn did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. Adrian Ash of BullionVault contributed to this report.