PRECIOUS-Gold steady as stimulus hopes offset stronger dollar

* European shares pull back on COVID-19 vaccine uncertainty
* Interactive graphic tracking global spread of coronavirus:
https://graphics.reuters.com/world-coronavirus-tracker-and-maps/

(Updates prices)
By Brijesh Patel
Oct 13 (Reuters) - Gold steadied on Tuesday, buoyed by
optimism a U.S. stimulus package would eventually be passed,
bolstering the metal's appeal as an inflation hedge although
gains were capped by a firmer dollar.
Spot gold XAU= was steady at $1,921.71 per ounce by 1217
GMT. U.S. gold futures GCv1 eased 0.2% to $1,924.50.
Robin Bhar, an independent analyst, said while a lack of
time meant an agreement on a stimulus package was unlikely
before the Nov. 3 U.S. election, one would "definitely" be
passed after the election.
"That would be a bullish catalyst for gold," he said.
The dollar .DXY rose 0.1% against a basket of major
currencies, making gold more expensive for holders of other
currencies. USD/
Gold, which has risen nearly 27% so far this year, is
considered a hedge against inflation and currency debasement
amid the unprecedented global levels of stimulus to ease the
economic blow from the pandemic.
A White House spokeswoman said on Monday Senate Republicans
will go along with what President Donald Trump wants in terms of
coronavirus relief legislation. "There's still plenty of volatility as we head towards the
U.S. election, but over the medium-term, monetary stimulus
that's already in the system will take a long time to be
withdrawn and that's supportive for gold," Bank of China
International analyst Xiao Fu said.
Polls show Democrat rival Joe Biden leading the race for the
U.S. presidency. "A so-called 'blue wave' (of Democratic victories) would
likely pave the way for a larger fiscal support package, which
in turn could exert more upward pressure on bullion," said FXTM
market analyst Han Tan.
"A protracted delay to the U.S. elections outcome could also
spur risk aversion in the interim."
Meanwhile, appetite for riskier assets waned after Johnson &
Johnson temporarily halted its COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials.
MKTS/GLOB
Elsewhere, silver XAG= fell 0.6% to $24.97 per ounce,
platinum XPT= was flat at $873.28, while palladium XPD= rose
0.1% to $2,404.65.