CHICAGO, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell on Friday as U.S. treasury yields rise.

       The most active gold contract for June delivery fell 16.4 U.S. dollars, or 0.9 percent, to close at 1,808.20 dollars per ounce.

       Gold, finishing at a 14-week low Friday, dropped 3.9 percent for the week, marking its worst weekly fall since June 18 last year.

       High costs of living have driven up demand for the U.S. dollar, which hit highs last seen in past 20 years.

       Gold plunged under the 200-day smooth moving average on Thursday. Market analysts hold that a consolidation in the next week under 1,830 dollars would reinforce the bearish signal, which would open the way for a drop of another 25 percent toward the 1,350-dollar area.

       Nevertheless, there is scope to avoid the bearish scenario, market analysts hold.

       Silver for July delivery rose 22.8 cents, or 1.1 percent, to close at 21.001 dollars per ounce. Platinum for July delivery fell 0.7 dollar, or 0.08 percent, to close at 930.7 dollars per ounce.