CHICAGO, Aug. 15 (Xinhua)-- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange continued its downturn on Tuesday in response to better-than-expected retail sales and manufacturing data.
The most active gold contract for December delivery went down 10.7 U.S. dollars, or 0.83 percent, to settle at 1,279.70 dollars per ounce.
U.S. nationwide retail sales in July increased by 0.6 percent, against a forecast of 0.4 percent jump. Analysts said the surge was the highest this year, probably boosted by strong demand for new vehicles and Amazon's Prime Day shopping specials.
According to another report released on Tuesday, the New York Fed's Empire State Manufacturing Index surged 15 points to 25.2, reaching the highest level in nearly three years.
The stronger economic data pressured the safe heaven gold, which suffered its steepest one-day drop in five weeks.
Gold came under additional pressure from further easing of geopolitical tensions between Washington and Pyongyang, as the U.S. dollar continued to rally.
The U.S. dollar index rose 0.35 percent to 93.79 as of 1810 GMT. The index is a measure of the dollar against a basket of other major currencies. When the dollar goes up, gold futures will fall.
As for other precious metals, silver for September delivery fell 40.8 cents, or 2.83 percent, to close at 16.714 dollars per ounce. Platinum for October fell 7.5 dollars, or 0.77 percent, to settle at 967.4 dollars per ounce.
