(Updates prices)
* Fed acknowledges possibility of further support measures-minutes
* Palladium hits 1-month high, platinum above 2-month peak
* For an interactive graphic tracking the global coronavirus spread, open https://tmsnrt.rs/3aIRuz7 in an external browser
By Asha Sistla
May 20 (Reuters) - Gold rose on Wednesday amid extensive stimulus measures and uncertainty over a possible coronavirus vaccine, but bullion's gains were limited as risk appetite improved on hopes of an economic recovery.
Spot gold XAU= was up 0.3% at $1,749.29 per ounce by 2:05 p.m. EDT (1805 GMT). U.S. gold futures GCcv1 settled up 0.4% at $1,752.10.
"In the midst of lesser need for safe-haven assets like gold, the fact that gold continued to slowly rise speaks volumes about its underlying strength based on the idea of liquidity injection across the board from central banks and economies," said David Meger, director of metals trading at High Ridge Futures.
"On a slightly offsetting note" was the gain in equities on optimism over the reopening of economies and pent-up consumer demand, while developments surrounding Moderna Inc's MRNA.O vaccine tests were a "wild card" for markets, Meger added. markets climbed on hopes of an economic recovery and further stimulus. MKTS/GLOB .N
Massive global stimulus to limit the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic has supported gold, considered a hedge against inflation and currency debasement.
Gold also found support from minutes of the latest Federal Reserve meeting, with members acknowledging the possibility of further support measures if the economic downturn persists. Chair Jerome Powell told lawmakers on Tuesday the U.S. central bank was looking at extending access to credit facilities to additional borrowers, including states with smaller populations. dismal U.S. data, including massive jobless claims, have underscored the economic blow from the pandemic, which has infected almost 4.91 million people globally. other precious metals, palladium XPD= gained 1.4% at $2,087.16 per ounce after touching a one-month peak. Silver XAG= rose 0.8% to $17.53 and platinum XPT= climbed 1.7% to $846.39, holding above a two-month high.