(Kitco News) - Gold and silver prices are down in early U.S. futures trading Wednesday, as it appears the bearish aspect of reduced consumer demand for the precious metals amid the potential for a slowdown in global economic growth is presently trumping the safe-haven demand aspects of the coronavirus scare. China, which is hit hardest by the outbreak, is a world leader for consumer gold demand. It can also be correctly argued the gold market is seeing a corrective pullback from recent solid gains that pushed prices to a seven-year high earlier this week. April gold futures were last down $5.90 an ounce at $1,644.10. March Comex silver prices were last down $0.241 at $17.95 an ounce.