New York gold futures fell to a three-week low Tuesday, ending lower for a second straight session, as a resurgent dollar amid disappointing consumer confidence data weakened bullion's status as a hedge against a depreciating US currency. December settled down $7.40 at $1,035.40 an ounce on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange.
GOLD: Range from $1,044.30 to $1,032.90 - the weakest price since October 6. December scaled a record high $1,072 on October 14. COMEX estimated 1 pm volume at 138,132 lots. Spot gold at $1,038.70 an ounce at 2:55 pm EDT (1855 GMT), against $1,037.10 late in New York in the previous session.
SILVER: December finishes down 55.5 cents, or 3.3 percent, at 16.540 an ounce, down with gold. Ranged $17.250 to $16.500. COMEX estimated 1 pm volume at 49,554 lots. Spot silver was at $16.61 versus its previous finish of $17.05 an ounce.
PLATINUM: January platinum ends down $26.80, or 2 percent, at $1,319 an ounce, tracking weak industrial metals. Spot platinum was at $1,316.50, compared with its previous finish of $1,330.50.
PALLADIUM: December palladium closes down $2.70 at $330.55 an ounce in sympathy with platinum. Spot palladium was at $325.50 compared with its previous session close at $329.50.