CHICAGO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell slightly Tuesday, as traders consolidated after gains in the previous two sessions.
The most active gold contract for December delivery edged down 3.4 U.S. dollars, or 0.21 percent, to settle at 1,612.8 dollars per ounce.
Gold traded at a narrow growth range of about 11 dollars this session on Tuesday, as the precious metal seemed to lack direction.
Although outside market conditions were largely positive, gold still ended the day in negative territory. Positive conditions in the U.S. stock market, gains in supportive commodity crude oil, and a lower dollar did little to lift gold during the session.
Gold rose at a range of more than 14 dollars in the previous two sessions after a strong U.S. jobs report Friday.
Despite the lack of momentum, however, gold still spent the entire day trading above 1,600 dollars an ounce, suggesting the precious metal still has solid underlying support.
Silver for September delivery rose 22.3 cents, or 0.8 percent, to close at 28.086 dollars per ounce.
