Gold futures rose in New York after the Bank of Japan announced stimulus measures, increasing demand for the precious metal as a store of value.

The central bank said today it will buy about 13 trillion yen ($146 billion) in assets per month from January 2014 and set a 2 percent inflation target. Bullion gained 7 percent last year as stimulus programs in the U.S., Europe and Japan enhanced the appeal of the precious metal as an alternative to currencies.

India, the biggest bullion consumer in 2011, raised import duties on gold and platinum to 6 percent immediately from 4 percent. Physical gold purchases will probably slow significantly after being very strong early this year, said Nick Trevethan, senior commodities strategist at Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

Gold futures for February delivery rose to $1,695.60 an ounce on the Comex in New York. Last week, prices jumped 1.6 percent and climbed to $1,697.80, the highest price for a most-active contract since Dec. 18. The exchange was closed yesterday for a public holiday.