"I think the common ground clearly exists from a policy standpoint when talking about background checks, " said Dan Gross, president of the Brady Campaign to End Gun Violence.

CNN: Gun debate: Where is the middle ground?

An estimated 40% of all gun sales are private and therefore exempt from any background check, offering prohibited buyers a ready avenue to obtain guns, said Dan Gross, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

WSJ: Systemic Gaps Hinder Background Checks for Gun Purchases

Some of the weakness was tied to several analysts downgrading expectations of forthcoming U.S. fourth-quarter gross domestic product after the release of monthly trade data, said Dan Pavilonis, senior commodities broker with RJO Futures.

FORBES: METALS OUTLOOK: Uncertainty Still A Hallmark For Gold; Market May Hold Range Bound