Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell slightly on Monday but a weakening U.S. dollar drove the precious metal higher in July.

The most active gold contract for December delivery went down 1.90 U.S. dollars, or 0.15 percent, to settle at 1,273.40 dollars per ounce.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 91.59 points, or 0.42 percent, to 21,921.90 as of 1737 GMT. When equities post gains, the gold futures usually fall.

But for the past whole month, the U.S. dollar Index saw a continuous downturn, from 96.20 on the first gold futures trading day of July to 93.01 as of 1727 GMT during the last session.

A weakening dollar has led to significant rise of gold futures this month, with the December delivery gold gaining nearly 50 U.S. dollars, or 3.8 percent.

The U.S. dollar index is a measure of the dollar against a basket of other major currencies. Gold and the dollar typically move in opposite directions, which means if the dollar goes down, gold futures will rise.

The U.S. dollar has been weakened by poor economic data and the turmoil in the White House, as President Donald Trump's inter-circle officials resigned one by one.

The failure to repeal and replace Obamacare, the investigation into ties between the Trump campaign and Russia, also pushed investors to seek safe haven, said analysts.

As for other precious metals on Monday, silver for September delivery rose 9.1 cents, or 0.55 percent, to close at 16.786 dollars per ounce. Platinum for October increased 4.1 dollars, or 0.44 percent, to settle at 940.70 dollars per ounce.