CHICAGO, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose on Friday on lower than expected inflation data.

       The most active gold contract for February delivery rose 32.40 U.S. dollars, or 1.60 percent, to close at 2,051.60 dollars per ounce.

       The U.S. Labor Department reported Friday that the U.S. producer price index, which tracks inflation before it reaches consumers, declined 0.1 percent from November to December after falling 0.1 percent in November and 0.4 percent in October. The producer prices rose by a mild 1 percent in December year on year.

       The wholesale figures were all lower than economists had expected, reinforcing the view that U.S. inflation pressures are slowing, supporting gold.

       U.S. and UK military forces hit 16 sites in Houthi-controlled Yemen, killing five fighters. Crude oil jumped as a result of the bombing, further supporting gold.

       Gold floor trading will be closed Monday to mark the U.S. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

       Silver for March delivery rose 62.40 cents, or 2.75 percent, to close at 23.329 dollars per ounce. Platinum for April delivery rose 1.50 dollars, or 0.16 percent, to close at 921.10 dollars per ounce.

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