Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange closed lower on Friday over stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs data and expanded manufacturing activities.

The most active gold contract for April delivery was down 3.10 U.S. dollars, or 0.23 percent, to settle at 1,322.10 dollars per ounce.

The U.S. economy added higher-than-expected 304,000 jobs in January, according to the newly released official statistics.

Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal and the Dow Jones both had expected an increase of about 170,000.

Meanwhile, U.S economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in January, and the overall economy grew for the 117th consecutive month, said the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

A firm U.S. dollar index also curbed the upturn of gold, which had posted significant gains in the past six sessions, especially after the Federal Reserve announced a more dovish stance on its monetary policy.

As for other precious metals, silver for March delivery went down 14.1 cents, or 0.88 percent, to close at 15.931 dollars per ounce. Platinum for April delivery was up 2.00 dollars, or 0.24 percent, to settle at 826.70 dollars per ounce.