CHICAGO, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose on Monday as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues.

       The most active gold contract for June delivery rose 11.5 U.S. dollars, or 0.58 percent, to close at 1,986.4 dollars per ounce.

       An end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict appears to be more distant, after the sinking of the flagship of Russia's Black Sea Fleet last week, spurring investors to safe haven demand.

       The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported Monday that the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index fell to 77 in April from 79 in March, with the decrease matching economist estimates.

       Silver for May delivery rose 45 cents, or 1.75 percent, to close at 26.15 dollars per ounce. Platinum for July delivery rose 26.3 dollars, or 2.65 percent, to close at 1,020.5 dollars per ounce.