Gold hits 1-week high as dollar eases, pandemic worsens

GOLD - JAKARTA. Gold prices touched a one-week high on Monday as the dollar retreated, while mounting U.S. coronavirus cases fuelled concerns over the pandemic's impact on economic recovery, underpinning hopes of further monetary stimulus.

Spot gold rose 0.2% to $1,892.15 per ounce by 0540 GMT, after hitting its highest level since Nov. 9 at $1,898.81 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures were up 0.3% at $1,892.20.

The dollar index hit a one-week trough, making bullion cheaper for holders of other currencies. Coronavirus cases crossed the 11-million mark in the United States on Sunday, while President-elect Joe Biden's top advisers called for urgent action to address the crisis.

"There are still underlying problems in structural economies, with job creation being the biggest problem," said Stephen Innes, chief global market strategist at financial services firm Axi. "Central banks are going to keep the markets flushed enough to bridge this gap between now and the vaccine."

Germany's Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said the country should brace for another 4-5 months of severe measures to halt the outbreak. U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell repeated last week his view that more action from the central bank and Congress, in the form of further fiscal stimulus, would likely be needed.

Gold, which tends to benefit from stimulus measures from central banks as it is considered a hedge against inflation and currency debasement, has soared 25% this year. Prices fell 3.3% last week after Pfizer said its experimental COVID-19 vaccine was over 90% effective based on initial trial results.

"From a technical point of view, gold may face some resistance around $1,900-$1,905," said Howie Lee, economist at OCBC Bank, adding that bullion's move higher depends on clarity on fresh U.S. fiscal stimulus.

Silver rose 1.1% to $24.91 per ounce. Platinum rose 1% to $897.52, while palladium was 1.1% higher at $2,350.20.