Gold stays lower after drop in US jobless claims

Gold futures stayed lower early on Thursday after the government reported a drop in U.S. jobless claims in the latest week. Gold for June delivery was recently down $5.40, or 0.4%, to $1,166.40 an ounce.The precious metal came under pressure as the euro single currency stabilized versus a broadly lower U.S. dollar on hopes a rescue agreement for debt-strapped Greece will soon be reached.