Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose Tuesday on weak dollar.

The most active gold contract for February delivery rose 6.2 dollars, or 0.37 percent, to settle at 1,693.2 dollars per ounce, reaching its highest point since December 17.

Gold showed its safe-haven appeal on a weaker dollar against Japanese yen and euro.

U.S. dollar fell one percent against Japanese yen Tuesday after the Japanese central bank announced it would continue asset purchases on an "open-ended" basis to further expand its monetary stimulus.

Dollar also weakened against euro following a better-than- expected sentiment survey in Germany.

Gold in the meantime found support from disappointing U.S. economic data: Richmond Fed's index of manufacturing activity fell to negative 12 in January from 5 in December; and sales of existing homes in the U.S. dropped one percent in December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.94 million.

Indian government's raising of duty on gold imports from four percent to six percent Monday has exerted certain, though limited, effect on gold market.

Silver for March delivery gained 24.5 cents, or 0.77 percent, to close at 32.177 dollars per ounce. Platinum for April delivery soared by 24.5 dollars, or 1.46 percent, to close at 1,698.5 dollars per ounce.