CHICAGO, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose on Friday on higher U.S. inflation data in May.

       The most active gold contract for August delivery rose 22.7 U.S. dollars, or 1.23 percent, to close at 1,875.5 dollars per ounce.

       U.S. Labor Department reported Friday that U.S. consumer price index rose 8.6 percent in May from a year ago, the highest increase since December 1981. Core inflation excluding food and energy rose 6 percent. Both were higher than expected.

       Higher U.S. inflation data in May triggered big sell-off in U.S. stock market, driving safe-haven demand for gold.

       Gold found additional support as June preliminary reading of the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index came in at 50.2 on Friday, down 14 percent from the May final, and well below market forecasts of 58.

       Silver for July delivery rose 11.4 cents, or 0.52 percent, to close at 21.931 dollars per ounce. Platinum for July delivery fell 4.9 dollars, or 0.5 percent, to close at 971 dollars per ounce.