Source: Economies
Security & Justice
State Action Signals Change in Tackling Longstanding Illegal Land Grabs in Jbeil District
For years, the serene villages of Jbeil's highlands have been far from peaceful. Ghabat, a Maronite village nestled between the predominantly Shiite towns of Afqa and Lassa, has become a focal point of growing tensions due to territorial disputes.
Friday, December 20, 2024
Mawlawi Ensures Strict Monitoring for Wanted Syrian Regime Figures at Beirut Airport
Caretaker Minister of Interior, Bassam Mawlawi, conducted an inspection tour of Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut to review the security arrangements and measures implemented by the Airport Security Apparatus ahead of the holiday season.
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Opinion
Lebanon After the Assads
The United States has important equities in Lebanon, including a desire for a generally friendly government’s economic and political stability; security cooperation; long-standing relations with the large Christian community in Lebanon and Lebanese diaspora in the United States; and ultimately peace between Israel and Lebanon within a broader regional settlement. Achieving these objectives will require navigating a tumultuous period in the country’s history following a war between Hezbollah and Israel that has devastated a large part of the country, exacerbating Lebanon’s already challenging economic conditions. But perhaps the most important dynamic will be how a likely Sunni-dominated state of uncertain composition in Syria will differ in its intentions toward Lebanon from the previous Alawite-led minoritarian Assad regime.
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Europe’s Syrian Dilemma
The news of the sudden and unexpected demise of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria has met a mixed response in Europe. The jubilation that a murderous dictator and close ally of Russia and Iran has fallen is not just good for the Syrian people but serves as a morale booster for Eastern Europeans wondering whether Russia can be defeated
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo Unveils New Private Jet Worth $73 Million
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the richest global athletes, has unveiled his upgraded private jet reportedly worth $73 million. With its top-notch design, exceptional speed and range of 7500 nautical miles, the Gulfstream G650 is among the fastest jets in the world.
Monday, December 16, 2024
Guardiola Accepts Man City May Need to Sign More Players to Cope with Schedule
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes he will need a bigger squad to handle soccer’s ever-expanding fixture schedule.
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Thursday 9 November 2023 13:45:05
Gold Prices Sharpen Decline to Three-Month Trough Before Powell's Remarks
Gold prices fell in European trade on Thursday, sharpening losses for the fourth straight session, and plumbing three-week lows as investment demand declined on the safe haven.
The dollar is also gaining ground and pressuring metals ahead of Fed Chair Jerome Powell's speech later today.
Gold Prices Today
Gold prices fell 0.3% to $1,944 an ounce, the lowest since October 18, after losing 1% on Wednesday, the third loss in a row, as investment demand declines while the dollar gains ground.
Investment Demand
Gold failed to pierce $2000 once again this week as haven demand declines and there are some potential signs of an upcoming humanitarian truce in Gaza to help civilians.
The Dollar
The dollar index rose 0.1% on Thursday, maintaining gains for the fourth straight session against a basket of major rivals.
Such gains came following bullish remarks by Fed officials, which bolstered the odds for another US interest rate hike next month.
US Rates
Odds for a 0.25% interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve in December currently stands at 10%.
Powell
Now investors await Fed Chair Jerome Powell's speech later today in Washington DC, which could hold clues on the likely path ahead for US policies.
The SPDR
Gold holdings at the SPDR Gold Trust fell 0.29 tonnes yesterday, to a total of 867.28 tonnes, away from recent October 5 highs.
