CHICAGO, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell on Friday as investors took profits.
The most active gold contract for February delivery fell 10.8 U.S. dollars, or 0.59 percent, to close at 1,831.8 dollars per ounce.
Market analysts noted institutional investors were doing wholesale profit taking across all asset classes.
Gold rose 0.8 percent for the week, rising for a second week in a row. Market analysts believe investors are still seeking protection from inflation and risky swings in the stock markets by investing in gold, which explains gold's rise for a second week in a row.
Silver for March delivery fell 39.6 cents, or 1.6 percent, to close at 24.32 dollars per ounce. Platinum for April delivery fell 15.7 dollars, or 1.49 percent, to close at 1,035.1 dollars per ounce. ■