gold climbs back
| |

Gold climbs back near 10-week peak, investors awai…

LONDON: Gold prices rose on Wednesday as investors reduced expectations of tighter US monetary policy and turned their attention to upcoming inflation data that could influence the Federal Reserve’s next interest-rate decision.

Spot gold gained 0.6 per cent to $4,391.82 an ounce by 0535 GMT, while US gold futures for December delivery advanced 0.2pc to $4,451.90.

The precious metal had reached a 10-week high a day earlier before encountering technical resistance around $4,387, near its 100-day moving average. It subsequently closed lower for the second time this month.

Market analyst Kelvin Wong of Oanda said the recent strength in gold was largely driven by changing expectations about Federal Reserve policy. He noted that prices had also gained momentum after breaking above the $4,200 level late last week.

Gold recorded its strongest weekly gain since January on Friday after weaker-than-expected US employment figures prompted traders to reduce their expectations of further interest-rate increases.

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, markets are now assigning roughly a 50 per cent probability to a rate hike in September, down from about 60pc before the jobs report.

Lower interest rates generally benefit gold because the metal does not generate interest, making it relatively more attractive when yields decline.

Investors were awaiting the latest US Consumer Price Index figures later on Wednesday for further clues about the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee has meanwhile said inflation remains a greater concern for him than weakness in the labour market.

Oil prices also extended their gains after the United States and Houthi forces reported separate attacks involving shipping on Tuesday. Meanwhile, hopes of an end to the Iran conflict appeared to weaken after Tehran indicated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed unless certain conditions were met.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Manuel Neuer signals likely retirement at season’s end

    Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer has said it is “very likely” he will retire at the conclusion of the upcoming campaign, bringing an end to a career that has defined modern goalkeeping. Speaking at Bayern’s training camp in southern Bavaria, the 40‑year‑old confirmed that his one‑year contract extension signed in May would almost certainly be his last. “It certainly looks very likely I’m going to retire,” Neuer told reporters, adding that the strength of the current squad convinced him to play one more season. Neuer has battled recurring muscle injuries but remains a key figure for Bayern, who won the Bundesliga and German Cup double last season before falling to Paris Saint‑Germain in the Champions League semi‑finals. He missed the German Cup final against Stuttgart, with Jonas Urbig deputising in goal. The 2014 World Cup winner retired from international football after Euro 2024 but briefly returned for the most recent World Cup, where Germany exited in the last 32 against Paraguay. Since joining Bayern from Schalke in 2011, Neuer has collected 13 Bundesliga titles, six German Cups and two Champions League crowns. Despite hinting at retirement, he insisted the coming season would not be treated as a farewell tour. “I’m not playing these matches just to say, ‘This is my last game,’” he said.

  • |

    Tanzid Hasan hits century as Bangladesh dominate Australia

    Bangladesh strengthened their grip on the Darwin Test against Australia on Friday as opener Tanzid Hasan produced a memorable maiden Test century to put the visitors in a commanding position after the second day. Bangladesh finished the day on 351 for six, securing a valuable 153-run lead and leaving Australia facing an uphill battle in the opening Test. The biggest highlight was Tanzid, who marked only his second Test appearance with a composed century. The young opener spent nearly five hours at the crease, facing 197 deliveries and striking eight boundaries and one six on his way to three figures. His innings provided Bangladesh with the foundation they needed against a strong Australian attack. Tanzid first combined with Mominul Haque to build a 102-run partnership for the second wicket. He then continued Bangladesh’s progress alongside captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, with the pair adding another 93 runs. Shanto played a valuable supporting role before falling for 84, but Bangladesh refused to surrender their advantage despite Australia finding some success with the new ball. Australia managed to take three quick wickets with the second new ball, raising hopes of a late collapse. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud responded with disciplined batting to frustrate the hosts. The pair remained unbeaten at the close, putting together an important 43-run partnership for the seventh wicket and ensuring Bangladesh ended the day firmly in control. For Australia, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins claimed one wicket each, but their efforts were not enough to prevent Bangladesh from establishing a substantial advantage. Tanzid’s century was particularly significant given his limited Test experience. Having played only his second match in the format, he showed patience and maturity against one of the world’s most respected bowling attacks. With Bangladesh already 153 runs ahead and four wickets still in hand, Australia face a crucial third day in Darwin. The hosts will need early breakthroughs to prevent Bangladesh from turning their advantage into a potentially decisive position.

  • |

    Emilio Gay boosts England ahead of Pakistan Tests

    BECKENHAM: England have received a timely boost ahead of their Test series against Pakistan, with opener Emilio Gay included in the Professional County Club Select XI squad for a three-day warm-up match. Gay’s participation is encouraging news after the left-handed batter suffered a right shoulder injury while representing Durham against Middlesex in the One-Day Cup last week. He experienced discomfort early in his innings before aggravating the problem while playing a straight drive against Toby Roland-Jones. The 26-year-old was forced to leave the field after scoring nine runs from 17 deliveries, raising concerns over his availability for England’s upcoming Test assignment. However, medical scans reportedly showed no serious damage, allowing Gay to return to competitive action as England assess his fitness. The warm-up fixture at Beckenham was initially scheduled for four days but has been shortened to three following an agreement between the England and Wales Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board. Gay will feature alongside England Test squad members Shoaib Bashir and Matthew Fisher in the PCC Select XI. The match could provide England with an important opportunity to monitor Gay’s shoulder before the first Test. Gay earned his place in England’s Test plans after an impressive run of form and made his international debut earlier this summer. His availability is particularly significant as England reshape their batting line-up following Ben Stokes’ retirement. Bashir, meanwhile, remains highly regarded by England’s selectors despite limited recent county appearances. The young spinner may not feature in the Test XI, with England considering a four-seamer attack and relying on Dan Lawrence and Joe Root for occasional off-spin. The PCC Select XI will be coached by England Under-19 head coach Mike Yardy, with the England Lions head-coach position currently vacant. For England, Gay’s return offers a welcome sense of relief — but the warm-up match will reveal whether the opener is truly ready for the pressure of Test cricket against Pakistan. PCC Select XI squad Tom Haines (c), Shoaib Bashir, Luc Benkenstein, Caleb Falconer, Matt Fisher, Emilio Gay, Nathan Gilchrist, Josh Hull, Manny Lumsden, James Rew, James Sales, Charlie Tear, Noah Thain, Saif Zaib.

  • | |

    Pakistan defeats USA 3-0 in ITF masters world team…

    Pakistan made an impressive start to its campaign at the ITF Masters World Team Championships by defeating the United States 3-0 in the opening round of the men’s 45+ category. The prestigious tournament is being held in Lisbon, Portugal, where more than 300 players from 30 countries are competing for international honors. The Pakistani team, featuring experienced and internationally recognized players, displayed outstanding skill and determination to secure a clean sweep against a strong American side. The victory places Pakistan in a favorable position in the round-robin stage as it aims to qualify for the knockout rounds. Pakistan Tennis Federation President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi gave his team the perfect start by winning the opening singles match against Wojtek Breitek in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3. Qureshi’s commanding performance reflected his vast international experience and provided Pakistan with an early advantage. In the second singles match, veteran Aqeel Khan faced John Chesworth of the United States in a thrilling contest. After comfortably winning the first set 6-2, Khan lost the second set 1-6 before making a determined comeback to claim the decisive set 6-4. His hard-fought victory secured Pakistan’s overall triumph before the doubles match was played. The doubles encounter featured Shahryar Salamat and Hadi Hussain representing Pakistan against Jevon West and Guillermo Cosin. Despite losing the opening set 1-6, the Pakistani duo responded brilliantly by winning the second set 6-1. They maintained their composure in the deciding match tiebreak, sealing a 10-6 victory and completing Pakistan’s dominant 3-0 success. The comprehensive win highlights the depth of Pakistan’s veteran tennis squad and demonstrates the team’s ability to compete against some of the strongest nations in the tournament. With experienced campaigners leading the way, Pakistan has sent a strong message to its upcoming opponents. Following this convincing victory, Pakistan will now face Canada in its next round-robin fixture. The match is expected to be crucial, as the winning team will advance to the knockout stage of the ITF Masters World Team Championships. Pakistan will look to carry the momentum from its opening victory and continue its impressive run in the competition as it targets a place among the tournament’s top-performing teams.

  • | |

    Fans urge Faysal Quraishi to stop weight loss procedures

    Faysal Quraishi has been one of Pakistani television’s most recognisable faces for decades. His body of work includes acclaimed performances in dramas such as Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan, Main Abdul Qadir Hoon, Bashar Momin, Muqaddar, Khaie, Haiwaan, Farq, Hook, Behroopia, Bheegi Palkain and Fitoor, and he most recently earned widespread praise for his outstanding portrayal of Kamran in Case No. 9. In recent weeks, however, it is not his acting that has been generating conversation online. It is his dramatically altered physical appearance. Quraishi has been visibly losing weight over an extended period, and what initially drew admiration as a fitness transformation has now become a source of genuine worry among fans. In a recent clip that spread across social media, the actor appeared noticeably leaner than before, with deeply sunken cheeks and a physique that many of his followers found alarming rather than impressive. The reaction in the comments was immediate and concerned. One fan wrote, “What has he done to himself, look at him how thin he has become.” Another was more direct in their appeal, writing, “Faysal Quraishi should immediately stop all the weight loss procedures that he is taking.” A Turkish fan reached out with a message that combined admiration with worry, writing, “Faysal sir why are you looking so thin, I hope you are not sick.” Others expressed a simple preference for how he looked before, with one commenter writing, “He used to look handsome when he was chubby.” Some fans went further, speculating about the methods behind the transformation. Several commenters raised the possibility that Quraishi had been using Ozempic, the weight loss injection that has been widely discussed in both medical and celebrity circles in recent years. Quraishi himself has not responded publicly to the concern or addressed the speculation about how he has been achieving his weight loss. He has not commented on Ozempic or any other weight loss method, and no statement has been issued by his representatives. The situation reflects a broader shift in how Pakistani audiences engage with celebrity health and appearance. While weight loss is often celebrated, the speed and visibility of certain transformations have increasingly prompted followers to raise questions about sustainability, health and the procedures that might be involved. The reaction to Quraishi’s appearance suggests that for many fans, concern for a beloved figure can override the usual tendency to simply praise visible physical change. Faysal Quraishi remains one of the most celebrated and consistently working actors in Pakistani television. His fans clearly remain deeply invested in his wellbeing, and the volume and tone of the comments surrounding his recent appearance reflect exactly that investment. Whether he chooses to address the concern publicly or simply continue on his current path remains to be seen.

  • |

    Brad Pitt’s daughter Vivienne seeks major name change

    Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s daughter, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, has reportedly taken legal steps to remove “Pitt” from her surname. If approved, the 18-year-old will officially be known as Vivienne Marcheline Jolie, marking another significant change within the famous family. According to reports, Vivienne filed a petition in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, requesting the legal name change. In the court documents, she cited “personal” reasons for the request. A hearing on the petition has been scheduled for November 2. Although the legal filing has now come to light, many fans had already noticed a similar change last year. In 2024, Vivienne was credited as “Vivienne Jolie” in the Playbill for the Broadway production The Outsiders, where she worked alongside her mother, Angelina Jolie. At the time, the credit sparked speculation that she had chosen to distance herself from the “Pitt” surname. Vivienne is not the first of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s children to make such a decision. Her older sister, Shiloh, legally dropped “Pitt” from her surname in 2024 after turning 18. Meanwhile, Zahara and Maddox have also publicly used the Jolie surname in various settings, reflecting similar personal choices regarding their names. The reported decision has once again drawn attention to the long-running family dynamics following Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s highly publicized split. The Hollywood stars separated in 2016 after two years of marriage, ending one of the entertainment industry’s most talked-about relationships. Their divorce was finalized in late 2024 after years of legal proceedings. Despite the conclusion of their divorce, the former couple remain involved in an ongoing legal dispute over Château Miraval, the French winery they once jointly owned. The property has been at the center of a lengthy legal battle, keeping the former spouses connected through court proceedings. Following similar reports involving the couple’s children, a source close to Brad Pitt previously described the situation as heartbreaking, suggesting it was difficult to watch the growing distance between the actor and some of his children. However, neither Brad Pitt nor Vivienne has publicly commented on the latest legal filing. Angelina Jolie has often spoken about encouraging her children to embrace their individuality. Over the years, she has emphasized that each of her children has a unique personality and that her role as a parent is to support them as they discover who they are. She has previously shared that watching them grow into independent individuals has been one of the most rewarding parts of motherhood. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie share six children. Their family includes three adopted children—Maddox, Pax, and Zahara—and three biological children—Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne. As their children have grown into adulthood, several have chosen to shape their own identities in different ways, including making personal decisions about their names. Vivienne’s petition represents the latest chapter in the evolving story of one of Hollywood’s most well-known families, as the next generation continues to make choices that reflect their own identities and personal journeys.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *