Gold closes higher as dollar and stocks slide

Gold prices rose on Tuesday, as the US dollar fell against most of its peers and amid pressure on stock markets.

The US House of Representatives passed earlier this week President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion stimulus plan, but the Senate has to vote on the bill in order to implement it.

The US health authorities (FDA) approved the emergency use of the Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine, which is taken in only a single dose.

The dollar index fell against a basket of currencies by 0.3% to 90.7 points as of 19:37 GMT, after it hit a high of 91.3 points and a low of 90.7 points.

Gold April futures rose 0.6% or $10.6, and closed at $1,733.6 an ounce, after hitting a high of $1,737.2 and a low of $1,704.6.