Gold prices gained in volatile trade on Wednesday amid weakening appetite for risk as rising deaths dampened hopes for a swift containment of the novel coronavirus.

Spot gold ticked up 0.2% to $1,651.51 per ounce by 0739 GMT, after climbing to its highest since March 10 on Tuesday at $1,671.40. U.S. gold futures rose 0.4% to $1,689.80.

The virus has infected more than 1.38 million people globally and the death toll crossed 81,400, and though the numbers are still rising in many highly populated countries, tentative improvements had given hope.

Source : Reuters