PRECIOUS-Gold firms as virus concerns eclipse vaccine optimism

* Gold stuck in $1,850-$1,890 range- analyst
* U.S. weekly jobless claims data due at 1330 GMT
* Investors eye Moderna vaccine data
* Interactive graphic tracking global spread of coronavirus:
* https://tmsnrt.rs/3mvcUoa

(Adds comments, updates prices)
By Eileen Soreng
Nov 12 (Reuters) - Gold edged up on Thursday as concerns
over the economic fallout from surging COVID-19 cases outweighed
positive developments surrounding a vaccine.
Spot gold XAU= rose 0.1% to $1,865.96 per ounce by 0820
GMT, while U.S. gold futures GCv1 were 0.3% higher at
$1,866.90.
But prices have declined 4.5% so far this week after
Monday's encouraging late-stage coronavirus vaccine trial data
from Pfizer Inc PFE.N powered risk assets and sent safe-haven
gold sharply lower.
"Gold traders are trying to strike a balance between
positive vaccine news and a rising number of coronavirus cases
around the globe," said Margaret Yang, a strategist with
DailyFx, which covers currency, commodity and index trading.
"I don't think the central banks and governments will cut
back on stimulus efforts before the pandemic is fully under
control."
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde signalled
further economic support on Wednesday, with cases expected to
spike amid the onset of winter. Gold tends to benefit from widespread stimulus measures from
central banks as it is considered a hedge against inflation and
currency debasement.
"The intensifying second coronavirus wave is likely to delay
the economic recovery process, raising the level of uncertainty
and supporting the precious metal," said Hitesh Jain, lead
analyst at Mumbai-based Yes Securities.
Investors also awaited Moderna Inc's MRNA.O data on its
experimental COVID-19 vaccine, which it is preparing to submit
to an independent safety board to help determine its efficacy.
Also, weekly U.S. jobless claims data due at 1330 GMT is
likely to offer further signals on the health of the world's
largest economy.
Gold remains range-bound between $1,850 and $1,890, though
it continues to see solid support on dips, notably from sticky
longer-term holders and physical names, MKS PAMP said in a note.
Silver XAG= fell 0.7% to $24.07 an ounce. Platinum XPT=
was steady at $865.21 and palladium XPD= climbed 0.9% to
$2,335.94.