Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange on Tuesday climbed to the highest level since May 14 over rising tension in Syria.

The most active gold contract for December delivery rose 27.1 dollars, or 1.95 percent, to settle at 1,420.2 dollars per ounce.

With the possibility of a U.S.-led military strike against the Syrian regime ahead, investors fled from stocks and flooded to safe-haven gold. U.S. stocks slumped Tuesday, following the heels of most Asian stock markets and the stock market in Europe.

The pending debt ceiling and the debate that will ensue at the U.S. Congress is another factor boosting gold.

Economic data released Tuesday were mixed. The Conference Board reported the U.S. consumer confidence index at 81.5 in August, slightly higher than the figure recorded for July; U.S. home prices increased 2.2 percent in June, another strong growth but slower than May, according to the S&P Case-Shiller gauge.

Technically, gold has broken a bottleneck. To be in a bull market, however, gold prices would have to stand above 1,430.4 dollars per ounce, market analysts say.

Silver for September delivery gained 64.1 cents, or 2.67 percent, to close at 24.651 dollars per ounce. Platinum for October delivery dropped 12.4 dollar, or 0.8 percent, to close at 1,532.1 dollars per ounce.