CHICAGO, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell on Thursday as the U.S. dollar strengthened.

       The most active gold contract for February delivery fell 9.60 U.S. dollars, or 0.46 percent, to close at 2,083.50 dollars per ounce.

       Rising U.S. Treasury yields further dampened gold.

       Nevertheless, the long-term appeal for gold price is still upbeat as investors see the Federal Reserve reducing interest rates from March and underlying inflation clearly in a downward trajectory.

       The U.S. Labor Department reported Thursday that U.S. initial applications for unemployment benefits rose by 12,000 to 218,000 for the week ending Dec. 23.

       The National Association of Realtors reported Thursday that contract signings for U.S. existing homes remained unchanged in November from the previous month even as mortgage rates scaled back from 23-year highs.

       Silver for March delivery fell 26.90 cents, or 1.09 percent, to close at 24.372 dollars per ounce. Platinum for April delivery rose 8.60 dollars, or 0.85 percent, to close at 1,023.20 dollars per ounce.

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