CHICAGO, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell slightly on Tuesday, as stocks climbed on the back of upbeat corporate earnings and the U.S. dollar drifted a bit higher.

The most active gold contract for June delivery went down 1.2 dollars, or 0.09 percent, to close at 1,349.5 dollars per ounce.

U.S. stocks closed higher Tuesday on a relief rally pinned on hopes that the United States may not be dragged into a deeper conflict with Syria. Investors also focused on some upbeat earnings reports.

The Dow was up 0.87 percent to 24,786.63, and the S&P 500 rose 1.07 percent to 2,706.39, while the Nasdaq hiked 1.74 percent to 7,281.10.

The U.S. dollar index, which measures the buck against six rivals, went up 0.11 percent to 89.526 as of 2000 GMT.

Gold and the dollar typically move in opposite directions, which means if the dollar goes up, gold futures will fall.

As for other precious metals, silver for May delivery rose 11 cents, or 0.66 percent, to settle at 16.787 dollars per ounce. Platinum for July was up 8.2 dollars, or 0.88 percent, to close at 940 dollars per ounce. Enditem