Gold rose to its highest since September 2011 on Wednesday, propelled by a softer U.S. dollar and expectation of more stimulus measures to resuscitate pandemic-hit economies which could stoke inflation. Spot gold was up 0.1% at $1,843.09 per ounce, after hitting its highest in nearly nine years at $1,847.30 in early Asian trade. U.S. gold futures rose 0.1% to $1,845.90. The dollar index held near a more than four-month low, making gold less expensive for holders of other currencies. Coronavirus cases continue to surge in the United States. President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that the virus would probably get worse before it gets better. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States wants to build a global coalition to counter China as he accused Beijing of exploiting the pandemic to further its own interests. Japan's factory activity contracted for a 15th straight month in July, indicating the economic pain from the coronavirus crisis extended into the third quarter of the year as hopes for a quick global recovery fade. Gold is used as a safe investment during times of political and financial uncertainty. SPDR Gold Trust, the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, said its holdings rose 0.7% to 1,219.75 tonnes on Tuesday.