CHICAGO, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell on Friday as the U.S. dollar strengthened.

       The most active gold contract for February delivery fell 9.20 U.S. dollars, or 0.45 percent, to close at 2,035.70 dollars per ounce.

       New York Federal Reserve President John Williams said in an interview with CNBC on Friday that interest rates are "at or near the right place" to get inflation under control and keep the economy growing. But he further said that it is "premature" to discuss whether it is time to cut interest rates.

       Economic data released on Friday are mixed. The S&P flash U.S. services purchasing managers index (PMI) rose to 51.3 in December from 50.8 in November, beating expectations of 50.8.

       The S&P flash U.S. manufacturing PMI fell to 48.2 in December, the lowest in four months, compared to 49.4 in November and forecasts of 49.3.

       New York Fed's Empire State manufacturing index retreated 24 points from 9.1 in November to -14.5 in December and hit a four-month low, reflecting the ongoing weakness in the manufacturing side of the U.S. economy.

       U.S. Federal Reserve said in a statement that U.S. industrial production rose by 0.2 percent in November, up sharply from a revised decline of 0.9 percent in October. This was in line with the market consensus.

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       Silver for March delivery fell 23.20 cents, or 0.95 percent, to close at 24.154 dollars per ounce. Platinum for January delivery fell 15.30 dollars, or 1.58 percent, to close at 952.60 dollars per ounce.