GOLD prices rose by 0.27 percent on Wednesday at the domestic markets as investors focused on Chinese New Year demand and continued a buying trend seen overnight in the U.S.Further, traders looked ahead to the release of key U.S. data later in the week for further indications on the strength of the economy and the future path of monetary policy. However, a strong dollar reduced the appeal of the bullion as an alternative asset.Stronger dollar makes the precious metal expensive for those holding other currencies, thus reducing demand.