CHICAGO, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell on Tuesday as the U.S. dollar strengthened.

The most active gold contract for December delivery fell 14.50 U.S. dollars, or 0.74 percent, to close at 1,952.60 dollars per ounce.

Rising U.S. Treasury yields further dampened gold.

The U.S. Commerce Department reported Tuesday that orders for U.S. manufactured goods fell a sharp 2.1 percent in July, the first decline after four straight monthly gains. Economists were expecting a 2.3-percent fall in July.

Gold is searching for a fresh fundamental catalyst to trigger its next significant move, market analysts hold.

Silver for December delivery fell 68.90 cents, or 2.81 percent, to close at 23.873 dollars per ounce. Platinum for October delivery fell 35.20 dollars, or 3.63 percent, to close at 933.50 dollars per ounce.