CHICAGO, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell on Wednesday as traders awaited the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes.

The most active gold contract for April delivery fell one U.S. dollar, or 0.05 percent, to close at 1,841.50 dollars per ounce.

Shortly after the floor trading of gold closed, the FOMC meeting minutes on Feb. 1 were released. The minutes showed that though a few wanted to raise rates by 50 basis points, most participants agreed a 25-basis-point rate hike is necessary, and more rate hikes are needed to achieve the Federal Reserve's goal of 2 percent inflation.

Almost all participants observed that slowing the pace of rate hikes would allow for appropriate risk management. The Federal Reserve sees peak in interest rates this year, the minutes showed.

Gold extended its losses after the Fed minutes release.

Silver for March delivery fell 21.30 cents, or 0.97 percent, to close at 21.677 dollars per ounce. Platinum for April delivery rose 4.70 dollars, or 0.50 percent, to close at 953.30 dollars per ounce.