1st LD Writethru: Gold up on weaker U.S. dollar

Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose Wednesday on a weaker U.S. dollar.

The most active gold contract for December delivery rose 15.9 U. S. dollars, or 1.44 percent, to settle at 1,123.60 dollars per ounce.

The U.S. Dollar Index fell by 0.96 percent to 96.27 as of 18:07 GMT. The index is a measure of the dollar against a basket of major currencies. Gold and the dollar typically move in opposite directions, which means if the dollar goes up, gold futures will fall as gold, measured by the dollar, becomes more expensive for investors.

Gold was given additional support as a report from the U.S. Labor Department showed job openings and labor turnover survey index falling to 5.249 million from 5.357 million.

This report may also influence plans for the expected increase in the U.S. central bank's interest rate. A rise in the Fed's interest rate drives investors away from gold and towards assets with a return, as the precious metal bears no interest. There has not been an increase in the Fed's interest rate since June 2006, before the beginning of the American financial crisis.

Silver for September delivery added 19.2 cents, or 1.26 percent, to close at 15.476 dollars per ounce. Platinum for October delivery added 7.6 dollars, or 0.77 percent, to close at 999.90 dollars per ounce. Endite