CHICAGO, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose on Tuesday ahead of economic data.
The most active gold contract for February delivery rose 3.60 U.S. dollars, or 0.18 percent, to close at 2,025.80 dollars per ounce.
Gold is trading sideways around the key technical level of 2,025 dollars ahead of a slew of economic data.
The Bank of Japan kept ultra-low interest rates intact as expected. The European Central Bank (ECB) will meet on Thursday.
Market expectations for rate cut by the Federal Reserve have been delayed from March, market analysts hold. Gold will keep sideways trading until it gets the next clues as to when the Fed may start raising rates.
Investors are also waiting for interest rate decisions from a number of central banks and a slew of economic data this week.
U.S. manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) reports will be out on Wednesday; U.S. fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) is due out on Thursday; and the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation indicator, U.S. personal consumption expenditures data will come on Friday.
Silver for March delivery rose 16.60 cents, or 0.74 percent, to close at 22.462 dollars per ounce. Platinum for April delivery rose 2.50 dollars, or 0.28 percent, to close at 905.50 dollars per ounce.
