CHICAGO, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell on Tuesday as the U.S. dollar strengthened.

       The most active gold contract for June delivery fell 27.4 U.S. dollars, or 1.38 percent, to close at 1,959 dollars per ounce.

       Gold posted gains in six out of the previous seven sessions on heightened geopolitical risks and global growth concerns.

       Gold was under additional pressure as the U.S. Department of Commerce reported Tuesday that U.S. housing starts increased 0.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.793 million units in March, and building permits rose slightly to an annual rate of 1.87 million.

       Silver for May delivery fell 75.9 cents, or 2.9 percent, to close at 25.391 dollars per ounce. Platinum for July delivery fell 31.8 dollars, or 3.12 percent, to close at 988.7 dollars per ounce.