Wary investors are buying gold and silver despite signs of improving home sales and consumer confidence in the U.S.

Gold for December delivery rose $11.10 to settle at $1,250.30 an ounce Tuesday, its highest level in about two months. Silver also settled higher.

A new report shows consumer confidence is improving but concerns about unemployment linger. Another report says home sales are better, but much of the improvement was traced to government tax credits.

The economic worries also are causing energy prices to retreat, while grains are mixed.