Gold steady as virus cases rise, stronger dollar limits upside

Gold was steady on Thursday as investors remained concerned about a possible slow down in global economic recovery due to a rise in new coronavirus cases in the United States and China, but a strengthening U.S. dollar limited the metal's appeal.

FUNDAMENTALS
Spot gold was flat at $1,726.69 per ounce, as of 0053 GMT.


U.S. gold futures were steady at $1,736 per ounce.

Beijing cancelled scores of flights, shut schools and blocked off some neighbourhoods as it ramped up efforts to contain a coronavirus outbreak. The city confirmed 21 new COVID-19 cases as of June 17.

Just days before U.S. President Donald Trump's campaign rally in Tulsa, new coronavirus cases are surging in Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona and elsewhere. [nL1N2DU1GV

Spiking coronavirus cases and prospects of new lockdowns erased dented investors sentiment towards riskier assets.

However, a rise in the U.S. dollar limited gold's advance as the dollar index held firm against its rivals.

Meanwhile, Bank of England is expected to announce an increase of at least 100 billion pounds ($125 billion) in its bond-buying programme at its meeting due 1100 GMT.

The U.S. economy is beginning to recover from the worst of the coronavirus crisis, but with some 25 million Americans displaced from work and the pandemic ongoing, it will need more help, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told lawmakers on Wednesday.

Gold tends to benefit from widespread stimulus measures from central banks because it is widely viewed as a hedge against inflation and currency debasement.

Palladium gained 1.3% to $1,946.73 per ounce, while silver dropped 0.8% to $17.45, and platinum lost 0.7% to $813.26.