Gold prices settled Thursday at their highest level in four weeks, defying their usual inverse relationship with strength in the U.S. dollar and gains in Treasury yields, as fiscal worries prompt investors seek out safe-haven assets.

U.S. corporate debt markets continued to be peppered by new bond offerings on Wednesday as rising Treasury yields increased demand for debt and pushed companies to get their funding done now before any further increase in borrowing costs.

Ten-year Treasury Yield -3 bps to 4.67%. Wall Street Breakfast, Seeking Alpha's flagship daily business news summary, is a one-page summary that gives you a rapid overview of the day's key financial news.