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

  • | |

    ‘I’ll lead from the front’: Sohail Afridi vo…

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has announced a major march towards Islamabad on September 27, saying he will personally lead the protest demanding the release of PTI founder Imran Khan. Addressing a public gathering in Bannu on Sunday, Afridi urged supporters not to be afraid and said more than two million people would take part in the planned demonstration. “I will be at the front of the march for Imran Khan’s release,” Afridi said, assuring supporters that he would stand with them throughout the protest. He called on people to remain determined and claimed that a large turnout would make it difficult for authorities to stop the protesters. He also said that those who use oppression are often afraid when confronted by a large public movement. The chief minister also criticised the federal government, alleging that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had repeatedly been used as “scapegoats” in the past. He accused the authorities of treating the province as an experimental ground and said his administration was independent in making decisions. Speaking about law and order, Afridi said maintaining peace was a shared responsibility. He assured police personnel that his government stood firmly behind them and was providing funds for modern weapons and improvements to police infrastructure. Afridi also compared the current security situation with the period between 2018 and 2022, when Imran Khan was prime minister. He claimed that there had been peace and stability across the region during that period and said terrorism had not been a major threat. According to Afridi, violence and terrorism have returned to the province, with southern districts, particularly Bannu, among the worst affected areas. He held the federal government and those he alleged were responsible for bringing it to power accountable for the deteriorating security situation.

  • | |

    ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ sequel confirmed

    LOS ANGELES: Fans of the popular romantic comedy How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days have reason to celebrate as a sequel to the 2003 film is officially moving forward, more than two decades after the original became a rom-com favourite. The upcoming project is being developed by Paramount Pictures, with actress Kate Hudson, who played the lead character in the original movie, attached as a producer. Details about the sequel are currently being kept under wraps. The storyline has not been revealed, and no official cast announcement has been made so far. However, there is growing speculation that Hudson and Matthew McConaughey could return to their famous roles as Andie Anderson and Benjamin Berry. Neither actor has officially confirmed a return at this stage. The original film centred on Andie Anderson, a journalist working for Composure magazine. She takes on an unusual assignment to write an article explaining how a woman could make a man end a relationship within 10 days. Her target is Benjamin Berry, an advertising executive who becomes involved with her without knowing the real reason behind her behaviour. Benjamin, meanwhile, has his own secret challenge. He makes a bet that he can make Andie fall in love with him within the same period. Their competing plans lead to a series of misunderstandings, romantic moments and comedic situations. The film eventually turns into a genuine love story despite both characters initially having hidden motives. McConaughey’s casting was reportedly not straightforward. Hudson previously revealed that the studio did not initially consider him the obvious choice for the male lead. She said she pushed for McConaughey because she believed the two actors had the right chemistry for the film. Hudson later explained that she wanted to work with him because they had a competitive energy and could challenge each other on screen. She credited his commitment and focused approach to acting as important factors behind their successful pairing. Her decision proved successful. The chemistry between Hudson and McConaughey became one of the film’s biggest attractions and helped turn the movie into one of the better-known romantic comedies of the early 2000s. McConaughey has also spoken positively about the film years after its release. He has described it as one of his favourite romantic comedies and said its popularity has continued to benefit him financially. The actor previously joked that the movie remains his biggest source of so-called “mailbox money”, referring to the continuing income he receives from its popularity and repeated screenings. Directed by Donald Petrie, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days was a commercial success when it reached cinemas in 2003. The film was made on a reported budget of around $50 million and earned nearly $180 million worldwide. Over the years, the movie has developed a strong following and become a staple of the romantic-comedy genre. The announcement of a sequel has therefore generated considerable interest among fans who have long wanted to see what happened to Andie and Benjamin after the events of the original film. For now, Paramount has not disclosed the sequel’s release date, storyline or confirmed cast. Any return by Hudson and McConaughey will depend on official confirmation from the studio and the actors

  • | |

    Cockroach movement demands release of detained pro…

    India’s youth led Cockroach protest movement called on authorities Monday to release all demonstrators detained during weeks of nationwide rallies, days after the campaign succeeded in forcing the resignation of the country’s education minister. The Cockroach Janta Party, an online organized group that has driven weeks of protests over exam paper leaks and other irregularities in India’s competitive examination system, said it had received reports of students being held in custody, particularly across the states of Assam, West Bengal and Bihar. In a statement, the group said any failure to release detained protesters or drop criminal cases against them would represent a breach of public trust, and warned it would take further action if its demand was not met. The statement followed the resignation two days earlier of Dharmendra Pradhan as education minister, a move that came after repeated failures in the administration of competitive exams fueled widespread anger among young Indians. The Cockroach Janta Party accused the government of going back on earlier assurances that protesters would not face punitive action. The movement has attracted millions of followers on social media since it launched in May under the leadership of Abhijeet Dipke, a 30 year old public relations graduate. Tens of thousands of demonstrators, most of them students, rallied last week in New Delhi and other cities across the country to demand Pradhan’s resignation and broader changes to the examination system. Protests in the capital turned violent on July 20 when demonstrators attempted to march from the Jantar Mantar protest site toward parliament. Police responded with tear gas and batons to break up the crowd, setting off clashes that led to a wave of detentions. The fallout from the crackdown carried into parliament on Monday, where opposition lawmakers repeatedly disrupted proceedings while demanding that the government address last week’s police response. Despite the disruptions, the government pressed ahead with introducing legislation in the lower house aimed at imposing tougher penalties for examination paper leaks. The protest movement has emerged as one of the most significant youth led political mobilizations in India in recent years, drawing comparisons to earlier waves of student activism that used social media to rapidly organize large scale demonstrations. Analysts say the swift resignation of a sitting cabinet minister underscores the growing influence such movements can wield when they combine online organizing with sustained street pressure, though the outcome of the current standoff over detained protesters remains uncertain as both sides continue to weigh their next steps.

  • |

    Priyanka Chopra reveals Nick Jonas’s cultural respect importance

    Priyanka Chopra Jonas has spoken candidly about her marriage to Nick Jonas, explaining why his respect for her Indian heritage and traditions has been an important part of their relationship. The actress highlighted the significance of understanding and appreciating a partner’s cultural background, particularly when two people come from different countries and traditions. Priyanka and Nick first attracted widespread attention as a couple after appearing together at the 2017 Met Gala. Although their appearance sparked dating rumours, their relationship quickly developed into something more serious. Nick proposed to Priyanka in July 2018, just two months after they began dating. The couple tied the knot later that year in India, celebrating their marriage through ceremonies that reflected both their backgrounds. Their wedding brought together Indian and Western traditions and became one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings of the year. Reflecting on their relationship, Priyanka said that respect for a partner’s roots is essential in a multicultural marriage. She explained that she could not imagine loving someone who did not understand or appreciate an important part of her identity. “I don’t know if I’d love him if he didn’t. That is a big part of any story or any relationship that is multicultural. I think it’s really important to have a sense of respect for your partner’s roots,” she said. For Priyanka, cultural understanding is not simply about participating in traditions but also about showing genuine respect for the person behind them. Over the years, Nick has frequently accompanied her on visits to India and has taken part in several Indian celebrations and customs, demonstrating his willingness to embrace her cultural background. The actress has previously spoken about some of the thoughtful ways Nick has connected with her traditions. One such romantic story is expected to feature during her upcoming appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show. Priyanka is reportedly set to recall how Nick once took her above the clouds in his plane so she could see the moon and break her Karva Chauth fast. Beyond cultural compatibility, Priyanka also believes that simple kindness plays a major role in maintaining a healthy and lasting relationship. Sharing her thoughts on what keeps a partnership strong, she emphasised the importance of treating one’s partner with care and consideration. “Being kind to your partner. That’s something that’s really important,” she said. Priyanka and Nick have continued to balance their professional commitments with family life. The couple welcomed their daughter, Malti Marie, in 2022 and have often shared glimpses of their family life with fans. On the professional front, Priyanka has several major projects lined up. She will next appear in SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi, where she stars alongside Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. She is also expected to return for Citadel Season 2 and has the upcoming science-fiction action thriller Bluefly in her lineup. As Priyanka continues to build her international career, her comments about marriage underline the importance she places on mutual respect, cultural understanding and kindness in her relationship with Nick.

  • | |

    Sanam Saeed and Emmad Irfani’s ‘Gulbahar’ te…

    Sanam Saeed and Emmad Irfani are set to reunite on television with their upcoming drama Gulbahar, and the newly released teaser has already created excitement among Pakistani drama fans. The teaser comes shortly after the actors earned widespread appreciation for their pairing in Kafeel. Their reunion in Gulbahar has therefore become one of the most anticipated developments for viewers who enjoyed their previous on-screen chemistry. (Reviewit.pk⁠) Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mehreen Jabbar and written by Aliya Bukhari, Gulbahar appears to explore marriage, emotional distance and the longing for parenthood. The teaser presents Sanam Saeed and Emmad Irfani as a married couple whose relationship is being tested by an unfulfilled dream of having a child. (FUCHSIA⁠) Rather than relying on dramatic confrontations, the teaser uses quiet and emotionally restrained moments to establish its mood. Glimpses of an empty crib, a child and the couple’s emotional struggles suggest that motherhood and parenthood will play an important role in the story. Sanam Saeed appears to portray a woman deeply affected by her desire to become a mother. Her expressions in the teaser hint at loneliness and emotional exhaustion, while Emmad Irfani’s character appears to be dealing with the same situation from a different perspective. The teaser leaves several questions unanswered. Will the couple choose adoption? Will their inability to have a child create distance between them? Or will outside expectations put further pressure on their marriage? According to early reports, the drama revolves around a childless couple who face the difficult decision of whether to adopt. This gives Gulbahar an opportunity to explore a subject that is rarely handled with enough sensitivity on Pakistani television. (Reviewit.pk⁠) The reunion of Saeed and Irfani is another major attraction. Their previous project Kafeel gave audiences a complicated marital relationship, and viewers are now curious to see them take on a completely different dynamic. Social media reactions to the Gulbahar teaser have already shown strong interest in seeing the pair together again. (Reviewit.pk⁠) Mehreen Jabbar’s involvement has also raised expectations. Known for her distinctive visual storytelling, the director appears to be taking a more intimate approach with Gulbahar. The teaser’s quiet atmosphere and focus on emotion suggest that the drama may depend more on character development than sensational twists. At the same time, some viewers are already wondering whether the story will take a conventional route involving pressure for another marriage or family expectations. These possibilities remain speculation until the drama reveals more about its characters and storyline. For now, Gulbahar promises an emotionally driven story about marriage, love, longing and the meaning of family. With Sanam Saeed and Emmad Irfani leading the cast and Mehreen Jabbar behind the camera, the drama has already given audiences plenty of reasons to be curious.

  • | | |

    Pakistani celebrities and Kashmir debate: Who spok…

    The role of celebrities in social and political discussions has become a major topic of debate in Pakistan, especially during times of public concern and unrest. With the rise of social media, fans increasingly expect public figures to comment on important national and humanitarian issues, including developments related to Kashmir. Following reports of tensions and protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), discussions emerged online about whether Pakistani celebrities should use their platforms to raise awareness. Some actors and public figures shared messages of support, while others remained less visible or did not publicly comment, leading to debates among social media users. Several celebrities used Instagram stories, posts, and videos to express solidarity and share information related to the situation. Their supporters appreciated their willingness to highlight public concerns and use their large online audiences for awareness. For many fans, celebrity voices can help bring attention to issues that might otherwise receive limited coverage. At the same time, some public figures chose not to make public statements. The reasons behind an individual’s decision to speak or remain silent can vary, including personal views, privacy considerations, professional concerns, or a preference to avoid political discussions. Without direct statements from celebrities themselves, assumptions about their motivations remain speculative. The debate has also highlighted changing expectations from audiences. In the digital age, celebrities are no longer viewed only as entertainers; many fans see them as influencers with the ability to shape conversations. As a result, public figures often face pressure to respond quickly to social and political events. However, opinions remain divided on whether celebrities should be expected to take positions on every issue. Some believe influential personalities have a responsibility to speak about humanitarian matters, while others argue that individuals should have the freedom to decide when and how they engage with political topics. The discussion around celebrities and Kashmir reflects a broader global trend where social media has transformed the relationship between public figures and their audiences. Whether celebrities choose to speak out or remain private, their actions are increasingly examined by millions of followers. As online conversations continue, the issue raises important questions about activism, influence, responsibility, and the role of entertainment personalities in society.

Leave a Reply

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