bigP, gold is predictably holding onto the lower section of the trend line as illustrated in the chart below and also appears to be completing a reverse H&S formation with current resistance around $935. I highly doubt gold will revisit sub $850 levels as these long term resistance levels become major support once breached. We could possibly see a move higher on Friday if the US employment numbers are poor as expected (or unexpected if you are the FED).

As for ECU, well it is simply anemic buying as you suggested that has afflicted the entire PM junior sector. When that buying returns is anyone's guess at this point.