CHICAGO, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell on Wednesday as the U.S. dollar strengthened.

The most active gold contract for August delivery fell 1.60 U.S. dollars, or 0.08 percent, to close at 1,922.20 dollars per ounce.

Expectations for rate hikes by central banks worldwide also dampened gold. Gold settled at its lowest finish since March 14.

Speaking to a monetary policy session in Sintra, Portugal, on Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said he expects multiple rate hikes ahead and possibly at an aggressive pace.

Silver for September delivery fell 6.40 cents, or 0.28 percent, to close at 23.084 dollars per ounce. Platinum for October delivery fell 9.10 dollars, or 0.97 percent, to close at 924.90 dollars per ounce.