(Yicai Global) Nov. 29 -- North Korea launched a long-range ballistic missile into waters east of the Korean peninsula from Pyongsong in South Pyongan province at about 3:17 am today, People's Daily Online cited Yonhap News Agency as saying this morning.

The missile flew at an altitude of 4500km, with a range of about 960km.

The US monitored the launch and tracked the missile, initially identifying it as an intercontinental ballistic missile, a US Defense Ministry spokesperson said. It did not pose any threats to North America, its territory or allies.

The statement also says that the missile crashed into the Sea of Japan after having flown about 1000km in the air.

Gold prices were steady this morning following the test, with spot gold little changed at USD1,294.12 per ounce at 1:13 am GMT.