CHICAGO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell on Tuesday as the U.S. dollar strengthened.

The most active gold contract for February delivery fell 4.1 U.S. dollars, or 0.23 percent, to close at 1,812.4 dollars per ounce.

Downbeat economic data released on Tuesday gave gold certain support, preventing it from falling further. New York Fed Empire state manufacturing index fell to negative 0.7 in January from 31.9 in the prior month. It was the first decline in the index since June 2020.

The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index decreased one point to 83 in January.

Silver for March delivery rose 57.4 cents, or 2.5 percent, to close at 23.492 dollars per ounce. Platinum for April delivery rose 14.9 dollars, or 1.54 percent, to close at 979.5 dollars per ounce.