Still, the market also got a weaker-than-forecast economic report from Germany, as the ZEW sentiment index fell to minus 25.5 in August from minus 19.6 in July.

FORBES: Comex Gold Steady To Slightly Higher Ahead Of U.S. Retail Sales, PPI

The index initially traded higher following well-received German ZEW economic-sentiment data.

WSJ: European Stocks Edge Lower

The ZEW economic-sentiment indicator dropped more than expected in April, helping send Germany's DAX index down 0.4%.

WSJ: Dow Rebounds With 158-Point Gain

The European Commission's index of economic sentiment increased to 110.3 in October, a five-year high.

ECONOMIST: Overview