PRECIOUS-Gold rises on softer dollar, on track for fourth weekly drop

By Noel John

March 27 (Reuters) - Gold rose over 1% on Friday, buoyed by a weaker dollar and bargain hunting, but was on track for a fourth straight weekly decline as surging energy prices fuelled inflation concerns and raised expectations of higher global interest rates.

Spot gold XAU= rose 1.3% to $4,433.69 per ounce as of 0427 GMT. The commodity has fallen about 1.2% so far this week.

U.S. gold futures GCcv1 for April delivery gained 1.2% to $4,428.40.

The dollar eased, making greenback-priced bullion cheaper for holders of other currencies. USD/

Gold prices are down about 16% since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28, pressured by a stronger U.S. dollar, which has gained more than 2% over the same period.

"For weeks, gold has been treated as a liquidity asset sold to cover volatility and margin calls elsewhere, but at current levels, it is now looking more like a value proposition for investors, which is why it's back in favour today," said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst, KCM Trade.

"However, hawkish central banks wary of persistent oil-driven inflation, continue to act as a heavy lid on gold's ambitions to the upside, keeping any rally firmly in check."

Brent crude held above $105 a barrel, stoking inflation fears, as the Middle East conflict has all but halted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a major conduit for roughly one-fifth of global crude and LNG flows. O/R

Higher oil prices threaten to push up transport and manufacturing costs, adding to inflationary pressures. While inflation typically boosts gold's appeal as a hedge, high interest rates weigh on demand for the non-yielding asset.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he would extend a pause on strikes against Iran's energy facilities into April and that talks with Iran were going "very well," but an Iranian official dismissed the U.S. proposal to end the war as "one-sided and unfair."

Spot silver XAG= rose 1.8% to $69.25 per ounce. Spot platinum XPT= gained 2.9% to $1,880.04, while palladium XPD= rose 3.5% to $1,400.74.