PRECIOUS-Gold edges up ahead of key U.S presidential debate

* Trend positive as long as gold is above $1,850-$1,860/oz-
analyst
* Interactive graphic tracking global spread of coronavirus:
https://graphics.reuters.com/world-coronavirus-tracker-and-maps/

(Recasts, adds comments, updates prices)
By Nakul Iyer
Sept 29 (Reuters) - Gold inched up to touch its highest in
almost a week on Tuesday, supported by a pull-back in the
dollar, as investors waited for the first U.S. presidential
debate and further developments on a new U.S. coronavirus relief
bill.
Having risen as high as $1,886.86, spot gold XAU= was up
0.1% at $1,883.55 per ounce at 0930 GMT, while U.S. gold futures
GCv1 rose 0.4% to $1,889.30.
The dollar was down 0.2% against a basket of other major
currencies .DXY ahead of the 90-minute televised debate
between President Donald Trump and democratic rival, Joe Biden
at 2100 ET (0100 GMT). USD/
"We could see a little bit of strength (in gold) in the
medium term but sentiment does appear to have shifted a little
bit towards the downside," Michael Hewson, chief market analyst
at CMC Markets UK.
Investors appear to be leaning towards U.S. tech stocks
rather than gold and with no further action from U.S. Federal
Reserve until November, there is no reason to buy it, he added.
The metal has fallen more than 4% this month and is on track
for its worst monthly decline since November 2016.
Investors are also keeping close tabs on the prospect for a
fiscal coronavirus package with Democratic lawmakers in U.S.
House of Representatives unveiling a $2.2 trillion relief bill,
although no date was given for a vote on the proposal.
As long as the (gold) price remains above $1,850-$1,860, the
main trend remains positive, while a decline below $1,850 would
denote some further weakness, said ActivTrades chief analyst
Carlo Alberto De Casa in a note.
The 10% decline in gold prices from August's record high
still looks like a significant correction or pause for
consolidation, rather than a proper reversal, he added.
Elsewhere, silver XAG= rose 0.1% to $23.74 per ounce,
platinum XPT= dipped 0.3% to $876.50, while palladium XPD=
edged 0.2% higher to $2,260.55.