CHICAGO, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose slightly on Monday.

       The most active gold contract for April delivery rose 3.10 U.S. dollars, or 0.14 percent, to close at 2,188.60 dollars per ounce.

       Absence of traditional tailwinds makes gold's current rally difficult to explain. Market analysts hold that clearly gold has been able to find willing buyers.

       U.S. February consumer price index will be released on Tuesday.

       Silver for May delivery rose 16.60 cents, or 0.68 percent, to close at 24.715 dollars per ounce. Platinum for April delivery rose 25.70 dollars, or 2.81 percent, to close at 940.50 dollars per ounce.