February 11 (Reuters) - Gold and silver edged higher on Wednesday as U.S. Treasury yields fell after data showed retail sales growth slowed in December, signaling a weakening economy ahead of key jobs data.

Gold rose 0.3 percent in spot trading to $5,038.73 an ounce. U.S. gold futures for April delivery climbed 0.6 percent to $5,060.60.

Silver gained 1 percent in spot trading to $81.49, after falling more than 3 percent in the previous session.

U.S. bond yields fell on Tuesday after a slew of data suggested the economy may be slowing, giving the Federal Reserve more flexibility to cut interest rates.

US retail sales were unexpectedly unchanged in December, as households cut back on spending on cars and other expensive goods, potentially putting consumer spending and the economy on a slower growth path as the new year begins.

Investors are awaiting the January non-farm payrolls report, due later on Wednesday, and inflation data on Friday.

As for other precious metals, platinum rose 0.6 percent to $2,098.78 in spot trading, and palladium climbed 0.2 percent to $1,712.25.