Gold prices rose above $1,780 an ounce for the first time since late February on Friday as expectations that easier monetary policy would boost liquidity, keep long-term interest rates low and stoke inflation fuelled buying of the precious metal. Spot gold was up 0.7 per cent at $1,780.16 an ounce by mid-Friday, having earlier touched a high of $1,781.00 an ounce. U.S. gold futures for December delivery were up $12.20 an ounce at $1,782.40.