CHICAGO, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell on Wednesday as the U.S. dollar index and Treasury yields rose.

       The most active gold contract for February delivery fell 23.70 U.S. dollars, or 1.17 percent, to close at 2,006.50 dollars per ounce.

       Gold was put under additional pressure as the U.S. Commerce Department reported Wednesday that U.S. retail sales rose 0.6 percent in December compared with November's 0.3 percent increase.

       The Federal Reserve reported Wednesday that U.S. industrial production rose 0.1 percent in December and declined 3.1 percent at an annual rate in the fourth quarter, better than expected.

       The National Association of Home Builders reported Wednesday that the U.S. home builder confidence index inched up 8 points to 44 in January.

       Silver for March delivery fell 42.40 cents, or 1.84 percent, to close at 22.669 dollars per ounce. Platinum for April delivery fell 14.80 dollars, or 1.64 percent, to close at 889.60 dollars per ounce.