Gold prices still hover around record highs in early European trade after topping $2,800 a troy ounce earlier this week. "The precious metal continues to find support from investors amid heightened macro risks," ANZ Research analysts say in a note to clients. "The market appears to be positioning for a high level of uncertainty ahead of the U.S. election." Meanwhile, demand for the safe-haven asset remains strong, according to the World Gold Council, up 5% on year in the third quarter. Investors now await Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index data--the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation metric--later on Thursday, ahead of Friday's U.S. employment statistics. Gold futures trade 0.4% lower at $2,789.00 a troy ounce.