Gold futures extended their rally for a second consecutive session on Thursday, climbing back above the psychological $4,000 per ounce mark to a two-week high, as Democratic victories in the US midterm elections strengthened hopes of a potential resolution to the US-Iran conflict. The resulting plunge in crude oil prices, coupled with a weaker US dollar and declining Treasury yields, further boosted bullion's appeal. The US dollar index slipped to around 101.3, extending the previous session's losses. On the domestic front, MCX December gold futures rose 1.3% to Rs 1,45,100 per 10 grams. The recent correction in domestic gold prices has also helped revive festive buying interest, with consumers showing greater preference for lightweight jewellery and smaller-ticket purchases ahead of Dhanteras on November 6. Meanwhile, investors are turning their attention to Friday's US employment report for fresh clues on the Federal Reserve's policy outlook.