CHICAGO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell on Monday on stronger-than-expected job data.

       The most active gold contract for February delivery fell 16.30 U.S. dollars, or 0.80 percent, to close at 2,033.50 dollars per ounce.

       Market expectations for rate cuts as early as in March by the Federal Reserve have abated somewhat as a result of stronger-than-expected U.S. non-farm payrolls data released on Friday, dampening gold.

       U.S. consumer price index will be released on Thursday and U.S. producer price index on Friday.

       Silver for March delivery fell 0.50 cents, or 0.02 percent, to close at 23.31 dollars per ounce. Platinum for April delivery fell 12.40 dollars, or 1.28 percent, to close at 959.40 dollars per ounce.