The metal started the day on a firmer tone, supported by some physical buying in Asia, but a stronger dollar and continued redemptions in gold-backed exchange-traded funds kept prices in check.



(Read More: CNBC Explains Exchange-Traded Funds)

Spot gold rose more than a percent to $1,596 an ounce on Tuesday morning, breaking above the $1,560 and $1,585 range in which had been confined since the start of March.



U.S. gold for April delivery were up one percent at $1,596.

(Read More: Gold Jumps, Fueled by ECB Bond Buying Hopes)