Gold inched up and moved in a narrow range on Wednesday, as investors weighed the prospects of a Covid-19 vaccine against concerns over rising cases and the possibility of further economic support from the US Federal Reserve.
Spot gold rose 0.1 per cent to $1,880.81 per ounce by 0707 GMT, while US gold futures were down 0.4 per cent at $1,878.30.
Gold shed as much as 1.3 per cent on Monday after Moderna said its vaccine was 94.5 per cent effective in a late-stage trial.
"There's a lack of catalyst for gold to rally... Weighing on prices is a slight depression in inflation expectations because it's quite clear now that the US fiscal stimulus will probably not be as sizeable as previously imagined," said IG Markets analyst Kyle Rodda.
The emphasis is now on the Fed to support the US economy through the surge in coronavirus cases, he added. Fed chair Jerome Powell said on Tuesday there's "a long way to go" for the economy to recover and that the central bank is committed to using all its tools to support the recovery.
Meanwhile, data showed US retail sales rose less than expected in October. "Gold has clearly run out of upward momentum, with the short-term market clearly long," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA, adding, a daily close below key support around the $1,867 level could signal a deeper correction.
"I expect monetary policy globally, and especially from the Fed to be ultra-easy right through 2021."
Gold, considered a hedge against inflation and currency debasement, has gained over 24 per cent this year, mainly benefiting from massive global stimulus.
Silver rose 0.1 per cent to $24.48 per ounce and palladium was up 0.3 per cent to $2,323.74. Platinum gained 0.6 per cent to $930.40.
The World Platinum Investment Council projected a market deficit of 1.2 million ounces and 224,000 ounces in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks