By Nick Godt, MarketWatch
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Gold futures fell early Tuesday, as continued uncertainty about aid to Greece pressured the euro and lifted the dollar, while traders waited for fresh U.S. data that might provide clues on housing.
Gold for April delivery was down $1.90, or 0.2%, at $1,097.70 an ounce in electronic trade.
Gold for May delivery, which trades more thinly, lost 40 cents to $1,099.70 an ounce.
The dollar index (DXY 80.84, +0.19, +0.23%) , which measures the U.S. unit against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, rose to 80.84, up 0.3%.
Concerns about Greece amplified Monday after German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the European Union should consider letting Greece turn to the International Monetary Fund for assistance.
A stronger dollar generally pulls down commodities as it makes them more expensive for holders of other currencies. It also reduces gold's appeal as a hedge against weaker currencies.
Still ahead will be data on U.S. existing-home sales and a speech by San Francisco Federal Reserve President Janet Yellen.
Speaking in Shanghai, Chicago Federal Reserve President Charles Evans said he believes the U.S. will maintain its current accommodative monetary policy for "an extended period" of around six months, according to Dow Jones Newswires. Unemployment remains "unacceptably high" while inflation pressure remains "extremely well contained." he said.
