CHICAGO, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange closed lower on Tuesday, as U.S. stock markets stabilized, easing fears of a deeper selloff, and the dollar strengthened.

The most active gold contract for June delivery fell 9.6 U.S. dollars, or 0.71 percent, to settle at 1,337.3 dollars per ounce.

Although European stocks ended lower, U.S. shares traded higher as stocks attempted to recover at least part of Monday's technology-driven loss.

The U.S. dollar index, which measures the buck against six rivals, went up 0.18 percent to 90.21 as of 2000 GMT.

Gold usually moves in opposite directions with the dollar and equities, which means if the dollar and stocks go up, gold futures will fall as gold, priced in U.S. dollar, becomes more expensive for investors using other currencies and stock markets will lure inflow of investments.

As for other precious metals, silver for May delivery dropped 28 cents, or 1.68 percent, to settle at 16.392 dollars per ounce. Platinum for July went down 5.2 dollars, or 0.56 percent, to close at 931.3 dollars per ounce.