Gold futures climbed Friday to finish the week - with a gain of more than $12 an ounce as sluggish U.S. - employment data helped drive down the dollar and boost - demand for gold. Gold has been 'stirred, but not shaken' over the turmoil in the world financial markets and investors are waking up once again to its safe haven status. With just a few more weeks before we enter a seasonally strong period for gold, the surprise could be how fast we rally to last year's highs around $730. Gold for December delivery closed at $684.40, up $7.80 on the New York Mercantile Exchange. That was its strongest closing level since July 26. The contract ended the week with a 1.8%, or $12.10-an-ounce, gain after closing last Friday at $672.30. The gold is benefiting from a weaker-than-expected payrolls number," said Burton Schlichter, director of trading at New World Trading. Weaker economic data, the dollar is experiencing weakness against the major currencies, which is contributing to the rally in gold. Also December gold managed to break the $680 "barrier" which "inspired technical buying," etc. -