Gold prices rise in retreat from equities

The dollar index rose 1.28 percent from 78.64 to 79.69.

In late afternoon trading, gold prices on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange added $18.70 to $1,376.50. Crude oil prices for January delivery lost 76 cents to $80.98 per barrel.

The sell-off in equities was sparked by jitters over the escalating hostilities in North and South Korea, which exchanged artillery fire over disputed territory in the western maritime border.

While the index rose, the dollar was mixed across a wide array of currencies. The U.S. standard rose against the Australian dollar and the dropped against the South Korean won. It made headway in trades with the British pound and the Russian ruble.

The euro fell to $1.3363 from Monday's $1.3624. Against the yen, the dollar fell to 83.14 yen from Monday's 83.28 yen.

The Australia dollar fell to $0.9718 from $0.9724. Against the Hong Kong dollar, the U.S. standard fell to 7.7581 HKD from 7.7585 HKD.

The dollar fell to 1,162 South Korean won from Monday's 1,164.55 won.

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