The US stock gold and silver index closed up more than 1.6%, standing above 470 points for the first time in history, with a cumulative increase of 23% in February.

The NYSE ARCA Gold Miners Index, which trades around the clock in global markets, rose by 1.69% to 3299.41 points, continuing to set a new historical closing high. It gained 9.10% this week and 22.22% in February. The Materials Index, which trades during US stock market hours, closed up 0.33% at 268.80 points, with an 8.06% gain in February. The Metals & Mining Index, also trading during US stock market hours, closed down 0.49% at 266.05 points, but still posted an 8.42% gain in February.