Gold edged lower in holiday thinned trade after touching its highest level in 4 weeks yesterday, amid reports some investors and jewellers in Asia have cut purchases in anticipation of a correction. But analysts said Asia aside, sentiment towards precious metals has improved overall, with the yellow metals benefiting from speculation central banks are planning to increase their gold reserves. At 11.51 am, spot gold, which earlier touched a low of 617.20 usd an ounce, was quoted at 622.25 usd against 622.70 usd in late London trade yesterday. Other precious metals traded mixed. Spot silver was up at 11.27 usd against 11.21 usd, platinum was lower at 1,235.00 usd from 1,244.50 usd and palladium was down at 326.00 usd against 327.50 usd.