Gold prices ended the U.S. day session solidly lower Tuesday and gave back about half of Monday’s strong gains. Lower crude oil prices and a sharply higher U.S. dollar index were bearish “outside market” forces working against the precious metals markets on this day. February Comex gold was last down $20.00 at $1,198.10 an ounce. Spot gold was last down $13.70 at $1,199.50. March Comex silver last traded down $0.257 at $16.43 an ounce.
