Dec 3 (Reuters) - Gold prices edged lower on Thursday as
news of the world's first vaccine approval from Britain
underscored hopes of a swift economic recovery, weighing on
bullion's safe-haven demand, while investors kept a close eye on
potential U.S. stimulus.
FUNDAMENTALS
* Spot gold XAU= slipped 0.2% to $1,826.10 per ounce by
0156 GMT, U.S. gold futures GCv1 were trading steady at
$1,829.50.
* U.S. health experts on Wednesday welcomed Britain's
approval of Pfizer Inc's COVID-19 vaccine, in a sign that U.S.
regulators may soon follow suit to combat the pandemic.
* Positive vaccine news could push more money out of gold
and into riskier assets as bullion is regarded as a safe
investment during uncertain times.
* Congressional Republicans and Democrats were unable to
reach agreement on a fresh coronavirus relief package, though
early signs indicate that a $908 billion bipartisan proposal
could be gaining traction as a negotiating tool. * Both Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and outgoing U.S.
President Donald Trump supported a proposal put forth by
Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell after he
rejected the bipartisan package.
* Data showed on Wednesday that U.S. private payrolls rose
less than expected in November as soaring new COVID-19
infections triggered a wave of business restrictions.
* Joe Biden will not immediately cancel President Donald
Trump's trade agreement with China nor remove tariffs on Chinese
exports, the New York Times on Wednesday quoted Biden as saying.
* The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator said on
Wednesday negotiations on a trade deal with Britain were
reaching "a make-or-break moment". * Silver XAG= fell 1.2% to $23.82 an ounce, while platinum
XPT= dropped 0.7% to $1,007 and palladium XPD= was up 0.1%
at $2,401.60.
DATA/EVENTS (GMT)
0900 EU Nov. Services Final PMIs
1330 US Weekly Initial Jobless Claims
1500 US Nov ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI