June 25 (Reuters) - Gold prices edged higher on Thursday, as concerns over rising coronavirus cases dented hopes of a swift economic recovery, driving investors towards the safe-haven metal. * Gold, considered a safe investment during times of political and financial uncertainty, tends to benefit from widespread stimulus measures as its is widely viewed as a hedge against inflation and currency debasement. * Asian markets were set to follow a tumble in Wall Street stocks after surging coronavirus cases and the IMF's subdued projections shook confidence in a recovery.