* Investors favour risk assets such as equities
* Rising yields make U.S. Treasuries more attractive (Updates prices)
By Pratima Desai and Apeksha Nair
Nov 29 (Reuters) - Gold prices fell on Tuesday due to expectations of rising U.S. interest rates, a stronger dollar and improving sentiment for global economic growth, which mean investors are likely to favour risk assets such as equities.
Spot gold XAU= was down 0.6 percent at $1,186.33 an ounce at 1434 GMT from an earlier session low at $1,180.85. U.S. gold futures GCcv1 dipped 0.6 percent to $1,183.1.
The U.S. Federal Reserve is seen raising rates in December and boosting the U.S. currency, which when it rises makes commodities more expensive for non-U.S. buyers. FRX/
The dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six major rivals, hit an almost 14-year peak of 102.050 .DXY last week.
"Gold is struggling here with the higher dollar and better sentiment for growth," said Danske Bank analyst Jens Pederson.
"Rising bond yields means it's cheaper to buy U.S. Treasuries, which, like gold, are viewed as a risk-free asset."
However, government bonds, unlike gold, earn interest.
Expectations of stronger growth after U.S President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January have also helped equity markets since the election earlier this month.
"After the election people are thinking we're going to get a few more years of growth and stronger equities," said Andrew Cole, a fund manager at Pictet Asset Management. "Gold's losses are not surprising given the dollar."
Analysts said doubts about whether Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi will win a referendum on Sunday on constitutional reform have not, as some had expected, countered negative sentiment towards gold.
But the Italian vote and Austria's presidential election also on Sunday cannot be ignored.
On the technical front, traders say a break of a Fibonacci support level at $1,171.76 last week means gold could see lower levels over coming weeks.
"The trigger could be higher U.S. rates," one trader said. "What the Fed says about the timing of further rises will also be important for gold."
Silver XAG= fell 0.8 percent to $16.49 an ounce, while platinum XPT= lost 0.3 percent to $919.70.
Palladium XPD= gained 0.3 percent to $758.10 after rising to $760.30 on Monday, its highest since June 4, 2015.