gold nears record
| |

Gold nears record high as investors set sights on …

International gold prices could move back toward the $5,000-per-ounce level in the coming weeks as investors closely monitor inflation, US Federal Reserve policy and growing demand for safe-haven assets.

Spot gold fell 0.5 percent to around $4,643 per ounce on Wednesday after reaching its highest level since mid-May earlier this week. Meanwhile US gold futures settled at approximately $4,700.70.

Despite the slight decline, the recent rally has strengthened expectations that gold could make another attempt at the psychologically important $5,000 mark. The precious metal has benefited from renewed investor demand as market participants look for protection against economic and financial uncertainty.

Market attention is now turning toward developments that could influence the direction of gold prices. Investors are particularly watching trade conditions in the Gulf and the impact of inflation on major economies and businesses.

Another important catalyst will be a speech by US Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh on Friday. His comments could provide fresh clues about the central bank’s monetary policy outlook and potentially influence gold prices in the short term.

Gold could also gain further support if concerns about the sustainability of US government finances increase. Rising concerns over government debt and fiscal stability can encourage investors to seek alternative stores of value including precious metals.

With gold already trading close to record levels, several major market events could determine its next move. Inflation data and signals from the Federal Reserve are likely to remain among the most important factors for traders.

If upcoming economic data strengthens expectations of easier monetary policy gold could regain upward momentum and move closer to the $5,000-per-ounce level in the near term.

Lower interest rates generally make non-yielding assets such as gold more attractive to investors. At the same time continued geopolitical and economic uncertainty could further support demand for the precious metal.

For now, traders will be watching the Federal Reserve’s signals inflation trends and broader market conditions closely. A combination of softer inflation and expectations of monetary easing could provide the catalyst needed for gold prices to resume their rally toward the closely watched $5,000 level.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Taylor Swift mourns Dolly Parton, celebrates her lasting legacy

    Taylor Swift has paid an emotional tribute to Dolly Parton following the death of the legendary singer, songwriter and entertainer at the age of 80. Swift remembered Parton as an extraordinary artist whose generosity, strength and timeless music touched millions of people around the world. Parton died in Nashville on August 25, 2026, following a brief battle with cancer. News of her death was announced by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who had worked as her head of security for more than two decades. The announcement prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow musicians and celebrities across the entertainment industry. Swift shared her heartfelt tribute with The Hollywood Reporter just hours after Parton’s passing. Reflecting on the loss, the pop superstar said that imagining a world without Parton did not feel possible. She praised the late icon for the generous way she lived her life and for the countless people she inspired through her music, philanthropy and personal values. Swift described Parton as someone who encouraged people to remain true to themselves while offering valuable lessons about life with warmth, honesty and humour. She also admired the way Parton balanced her public image with genuine openness, describing her as a person who could combine grace, determination and strength. The 14-time Grammy winner particularly highlighted Parton’s compassion for others and her ability to defend her own worth as an artist. According to Swift, Parton possessed a remarkably kind heart when dealing with other people’s struggles while also having the courage and determination to stand up for herself. Swift also expressed gratitude for Parton’s enduring musical legacy. She praised the songs and lyrics that have continued to connect with audiences across generations, noting that Parton’s work had the power to reach people emotionally and remain meaningful long after it was written. Beyond music, Swift highlighted Parton’s philanthropic work, especially her Imagination Library. The nonprofit organisation provides free, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, helping encourage a love of reading among young children. Swift and Parton had maintained a warm relationship over the years, supporting each other’s professional and charitable efforts. Their connection became particularly notable when Swift and her husband, NFL star Travis Kelce, made a $26 million donation to Parton’s Imagination Library shortly before their July 3, 2026 wedding at Madison Square Garden. Parton later expressed her appreciation for the enormous contribution, saying she was deeply moved and delighted by the gesture. In a playful social media message, she even joked with Swift about eventually sending her firstborn to the programme. Parton leaves behind a remarkable legacy spanning music, film, television, business and philanthropy. She is survived by six of her siblings as well as more than a dozen nieces and nephews. She and her husband, Carl Dean, who died before her, did not have children of their own. For Swift and countless other admirers, Parton’s influence will continue through her music, charitable work and the generations of artists and fans she inspired. Her life remains a testament to the lasting impact one artist can have through talent, kindness and generosity.

  • | |

    U.S. congressional delegation visits Punjab safe c…

    Lahore, July 26, 2026: A high-level delegation from the United States Congress, including Congressman Ryan Zinke and Congressman Michael Baumgartner, visited the headquarters of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) in Lahore. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the Authority’s advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based systems, modern surveillance technologies, and digital public safety initiatives aimed at improving security and emergency response mechanisms across Punjab. The visiting delegation was warmly welcomed by Managing Director Punjab Safe Cities Authority Muhammad Ahsan Younas and Chief Operating Officer Muntansir Feroz upon their arrival at the PSCA headquarters. The officials provided an overview of the Authority’s operations and highlighted the role of technology-driven solutions in strengthening law enforcement capabilities and ensuring better public safety services for citizens. During their visit, the U.S. Congressional delegation toured different operational sections of the Authority and observed the functioning of various advanced security systems. The visitors were informed about the latest technological developments introduced by PSCA, including artificial intelligence-powered upgrades, smart monitoring tools, and digital solutions designed to improve security management throughout the province. According to the PSCA spokesperson, the delegation received a detailed briefing on the Authority’s modern surveillance infrastructure, including state-of-the-art security cameras, the Integrated Command and Control Centre, AI-based security modules, and province-wide monitoring networks. Officials explained how these technologies help authorities monitor public spaces, respond quickly to emergencies, and support law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and security. The delegation was also briefed on PSCA’s coordination with Punjab Police and other security institutions. Officials highlighted the Authority’s role in creating an integrated security environment through advanced communication systems, data-driven monitoring, and rapid emergency response mechanisms. The visitors were informed about how these systems assist law enforcement agencies in improving operational efficiency and providing timely assistance to citizens. The PSCA spokesperson further explained that the delegation was given a detailed presentation on the upgraded features of Emergency Helpline 15. The briefing included information about its technology-based emergency response system and various citizen-focused digital services developed to make emergency assistance faster and more accessible for the public. The U.S. Congressional delegation showed particular interest in several major initiatives launched by PSCA, including the Women Safety App, Virtual Women Police Station, Virtual Center for Child Safety, Intelligent Traffic Management System, and other innovative digital public safety projects. These initiatives were presented as examples of how technology can be effectively used to address social challenges and improve public services. The visiting representatives appreciated the efforts of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority in using modern technology to enhance public security and improve citizen services. They recognized these initiatives as progressive models that demonstrate the potential of artificial intelligence and digital innovation in strengthening safety systems. At the conclusion of the visit, commemorative shields were presented to the members of the U.S. Congressional delegation as a gesture of appreciation and goodwill. Senior officials from PSCA and representatives of relevant departments were also present during the concluding ceremony. The visit highlighted the growing importance of technological cooperation and knowledge-sharing in the field of public safety. The Punjab Safe Cities Authority continues to focus on adopting modern digital solutions to create safer communities, enhance emergency response capabilities, and provide improved services to citizens across the province.

  • |

    Romanian forces execute controlled detonation on Danube to safeguard nuclear energy supply

    Romanian naval forces detonated 180 kilogrammes of explosives to clear a massive rock obstruction in the drought-stricken Danube River, attempting to channel essential cooling water towards the country’s sole remaining functional nuclear reactor at Cernavoda. The blast was designed to clear the riverbed and facilitate the construction of a temporary dam to boost water volume heading to the facility. The intervention follows Romania’s declaration of a nationwide state of emergency for August after record-low water levels forced one reactor to shut down entirely. Romanian Defence Minister Radu Miruta defended the costs of the operation, emphasising that maintaining operational capacity at the facility even for a few additional days far outweighs the financial expenditure. Regional energy strains are mounting simultaneously in neighbouring Hungary, where severe water depletion at the Paks nuclear power station has drastically cut output. Prime Minister Peter Magyar warned that a complete plant shutdown could occur next week without weather relief, urging regional coordination and energy restraint to avoid a wider crisis as low rainfall continues across Eastern Europe.

  • |

    Ferry fire off Lombok leaves one dead, 172 rescued

    JAKARTA: Indonesian rescue teams have evacuated 172 people after a passenger ferry travelling from Bali to Lombok caught fire in the Lombok Strait early Wednesday. Officials said one Indonesian passenger was confirmed dead as rescue crews continued searching the surrounding waters for anyone who may still be missing. The KM Putri Yasmin was sailing from Padangbai port in Bali towards Lembar port in West Nusa Tenggara when the incident occurred. Local rescue authorities said the ferry caught fire at around 4:39am local time. Muhammad Hariyadi, head of the local rescue agency, said emergency teams immediately launched an evacuation operation after receiving information about the incident. Several rescue boats were sent to the area to assist passengers and coordinate with other vessels operating near the ferry. More than 200 personnel were reportedly involved in the rescue effort. Most of those rescued were Indonesian nationals, while one Australian citizen was also among the survivors. The evacuees were transported to ports in Bali and Lombok for further assistance. Authorities have not yet determined what caused the fire. Officials were also investigating whether the ferry may have been carrying more people than officially registered. An official at Padangbai port, Heri Wiyanto, said the vessel’s manifest listed 114 passengers and 17 crew members. The discrepancy between the registered figures and the number of people rescued has raised questions about passenger safety and possible overcrowding. The incident comes less than a month after another ferry accident in Indonesian waters. The KM Mutiara Sentosa 2 caught fire off Madura island, killing five people. That vessel was also reportedly carrying more passengers than listed on its official manifest. Indonesia depends heavily on ferries because its thousands of islands are separated by extensive stretches of sea. Ferry services are widely used by residents and tourists because they are generally more accessible and affordable than air travel. However, a series of maritime accidents has repeatedly raised concerns about safety enforcement, passenger capacity and emergency preparedness in the country’s ferry industry. Rescue officials said the search operation would continue as authorities work to establish the full number of people who were aboard the vessel and determine how the fire began.

  • |

    Captain Sarwar Shaheed remembered on 78th martyrdo…

    President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s armed forces have paid tribute to Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, the first recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, on his 78th martyrdom anniversary. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Captain Sarwar embraced martyrdom on July 27, 1948, during the first Kashmir war while fighting in the Tilpatra area of Azad Kashmir. His bravery earned him the distinction of becoming Pakistan’s first Nishan-e-Haider recipient. ISPR said Captain Sarwar led his troops with exceptional courage, strong military strategy and an unwavering sense of duty. The people of Pakistan and the armed forces continue to honour his enduring legacy, which inspires present and future generations to uphold the values of duty, honour and patriotism. President Zardari said Captain Sarwar sacrificed his life for the cause of Kashmir’s freedom, describing his sacrifice as a timeless example of courage, duty and patriotism. He added that the nation’s martyrs remain a precious national asset and that Captain Sarwar’s name will always be remembered. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the national hero, saying the entire nation honours his sacrifice for the defence of Pakistan. He said Captain Sarwar fought the enemy with remarkable courage and became the first Pakistani to receive the Nishan-e-Haider for his ultimate sacrifice in the service of the country.

  • |

    Pakistan seal seven-wicket win over County Select XI

    BECKENHAM: Pakistan produced a strong second-half turnaround on Saturday, defeating the Professional County Club Select XI by seven wickets in their three-day practice match at the Kent County Cricket Ground. Chasing 262 runs for victory on the final day, Pakistan made the target look comfortable, reaching 265-3 in just 57.1 overs. The result provided an encouraging boost for the visitors ahead of their three-match Test series against England. The star of Pakistan’s successful chase was Saud Shakeel, who delivered a composed unbeaten century. Coming in at No. 3 after opener Azan Awais was dismissed for just one, Saud took control of the innings and finished with 100 not out from 147 balls, hitting 10 fours and three sixes. He found an ideal partner in Imam-ul-Haq, with the experienced opener producing an attacking 80 from 88 deliveries. Imam struck 13 boundaries and combined with Saud for a crucial 127-run partnership, effectively taking the game away from the hosts. Mohammad Rizwan added a useful 33, while Awais Zafar remained unbeaten on 30 to complete the chase. Earlier, the PCC Select XI resumed their second innings at 128-3, holding a 195-run lead. Pakistan’s bowlers, however, quickly turned the pressure into wickets. The hosts managed only 66 additional runs before being dismissed for 194. Falconer top-scored with 56, while Saif Zaib and Manny Lumsden contributed 24 each. Spinner Ali Usman was Pakistan’s standout bowler, finishing with an impressive five wickets for 42 runs. Ubaid Shah claimed two wickets for just nine runs, while Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan and Mohammad Ali took one apiece. The comeback victory comes at an important moment for Pakistan. With their first Test against England scheduled to begin in Leeds on August 19, the performances of Saud, Imam and the bowling attack offer Pakistan plenty of confidence. After struggling earlier in the match, Pakistan finished strongly — exactly the kind of response they will hope to carry into the Test series. Brief Scores Pakistan beat PCC Select XI by seven wickets PCC Select XI: 305 (S. Zaib 65, M. Fisher 62*, C. Falconer 59, T. Haines 51; M. Ali 3-23, M. Abbas 3-37) & 194 (C. Falconer 56, J. Rew 40; A. Usman 5-42, U. Shah 2-9) Pakistan: 238 (A. Shafique 61; S. Bashir 4-76) & 264-3 (S. Shakeel 100*, I. ul-Haq 80 retired not out) Result: Pakistan won by 7 wickets.

Leave a Reply

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