CHICAGO, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose on Monday as the U.S. Treasury's bond yields fell.

       The most active gold contract for April delivery rose 8.50 U.S. dollars, or 0.42 percent, to close at 2,044.60 dollars per ounce.

       Escalating tensions in the Middle East further boosted gold's safe-haven appeal.

       Investors are waiting for cues on interest rate trajectory as the Federal Reserve's monetary meeting will convene this week, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell will deliver a speech as the meeting closes on Wednesday.

       U.S. monthly job report is due out on Friday.

       Silver for March delivery rose 37.90 cents, or 1.66 percent, to close at 23.251 dollars per ounce. Platinum for April delivery rose 17.00 dollars, or 1.85 percent, to close at 938.30 dollars per ounce.