· Gold rose on Wednesday amid extensive stimulus measures and uncertainty over a possible coronavirus vaccine, but bullion's gains were limited as risk appetite improved on hopes of an economic recovery.
· Spot gold was up 0.3% at $1,749.29 per ounce by 2:05 p.m. EDT (1805 GMT). U.S. gold futures settled up 0.4% at $1,752.10.
· "In the midst of lesser need for safe-haven assets like gold, the fact that gold continued to slowly rise speaks volumes about its underlying strength based on the idea of liquidity injection across the board from central banks and economies," said David Meger, director of metals trading at High Ridge Futures.
"On a slightly offsetting note" was the gain in equities on optimism over the reopening of economies and pent-up consumer demand, while developments surrounding Moderna Inc's vaccine tests were a "wild card" for markets, Meger added.
· Stock markets climbed on hopes of an economic recovery and further stimulus.
· Massive global stimulus to limit the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic has supported gold, considered a hedge against inflation and currency debasement.
· Gold also found support from minutes of the latest Federal Reserve meeting, with members acknowledging the possibility of further support measures if the economic downturn persists.
· Fed Chair Jerome Powell told lawmakers on Tuesday the U.S. central bank was looking at extending access to credit facilities to additional borrowers, including states with smaller populations.
· Recent dismal U.S. data, including massive jobless claims, have underscored the economic blow from the pandemic, which has infected almost 4.91 million people globally.
· Among other precious metals, palladium gained 1.4% at $2,087.16 per ounce after touching a one-month peak. Silver rose 0.8% to $17.53 and platinum climbed 1.7% to $846.39, holding above a two-month high.
Reference: Reuters
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