Gold rose in Friday trading after the Chinese government posted strong data on factory output during July. The metal has increased for three consecutive sessions and finished the week with a small gain.

China said that last month’s industrial production jumped 9.7% compared to the same time last year. Friday’s news built on data released yesterday that showed rising Chinese imports and exports, increasing investor confidence that China — which has a considerable appetite for gold — is seeing more robust economic growth.

Gold futures for December delivery moved up 0.2% to $1,312.20 per ounce on Friday, according to CME Group. Gold traded as high as $1,313.80 and as low as $1,282. Gold bullion closed in London at $1,314, according to BullionVault.

Silver futures for December delivery climbed 1.1% to $20.46 per ounce. Friday’s high for silver was $20.58, while the low was $20.11.

Gold and silver funds moved up slightly in Friday trading.

• The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) was flat.
• The iShares Gold Trust (IAU) also ended unchanged.
• The iShares Silver Trust (SLV) gained 0.8%.

Gold and silver mining ETFs advanced during the day.

• The Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX) rose 1.8%.
• The Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) climbed 2%.
• The Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) surged 4.5%.

Gold mining shares gained on Friday.

• Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM) increased 0.5%.
• Barrick Gold (ABX) rose 1.9%.
• Eldorado Gold (EGO) added 1%.
• Goldcorp (GG) moved up 0.7%.
• Kinross Gold (KGC) inched up 0.2%.
• Newmont Mining (NEM) grew 2.5%.
• NovaGold Resources (NG) climbed 1.9%.
• Yamana Gold (AUY) improved 0.7%.

Silver mining shares climbed during the day.

• Coeur d’Alene Mines (CDE) surged 3.8%.
• Hecla Mining (HL) rose 0.9%.
• Pan American Silver (PAAS) gained 2.3%.
• Silver Wheaton (SLW) added 2.5%.
• Silver Standard Resources (SSRI) jumped 4.3%.

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.