A concise, current portrait of the element Au (79)
A coalition of 23 Democratic-led states and two Republican-led states has filed suit in the U.S. Court of International Trade to block tariffs of 10–12.5% that took effect in July on goods from about 60 trading partners. Plaintiffs say the administration used forced-labour claims as a pretext to recreate sweeping tariffs that courts have already undercut; the White House says the duties are lawful under Section 301.
The AI-driven memory-chip rally has continued this week. SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics have joined trillion-dollar valuations while the broader Kospi shows renewed volatility amid global AI market enthusiasm and new IPO chatter.
The IATA predicts a sharp drop in airline profits for 2026 as fuel prices soar and airspace restrictions persist amid Middle East tensions. Airlines are raising fares, cutting routes and trimming schedules while demand remains resilient for now.
The ECB has raised its policy rate to 2.25% as inflation remains a concern amid a war-linked energy shock. Markets are watching next week’s meetings with the Fed, BOJ and BoE, with analysts signaling a cautious path ahead.
The World Bank has cut its 2026 global growth forecast to 2.5% and has warned growth could fall to 1.3% if disruptions to oil and fertiliser flows from the Middle East persist. Rising energy and food costs are pushing inflation higher and hitting developing countries hardest; the bank has pledged up to $100bn in support.
Global markets hold steady as US Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh signals a cautious pause, with oil prices stabilising after recent falls. UK inflation data supports expectations of a hold on rates, while energy assets rally on easing supply concerns.
Markets are stabilising after a stretch of high activity in tech options, with traders shifting focus as implied volatility cools. Small caps are leading potential next moves, while global equities reflect a policy-led, carry-friendly regime.
Gold and silver have paused their retreat as hawkish central-bank signals and inflation fears weigh on the metals. Oil prices stay subdued, and markets eye key U.S. data on jobs and inflation to gauge the path of monetary policy. Yields on U.S. Treasuries have moved little on the final trading day of June. This update covers developments through July 1, 2026.
Rwandan and Congolese officials remain locked in a dispute over commitments under a Washington-brokered peace deal, with UN experts noting M23 remains active and minerals continue to flow from conflict zones. Western governments have stepped up sanctions, and the ICJ case against Rwanda has widened the international response.
The Scotland 500 shows private equity now owns nearly 60% of listed Scottish firms, underscoring international investor interest in Scotland’s traditional sectors evolving into high-growth businesses. Origo and Vespa Capital are highlighted as unicorn ambitions, while BR-DGE expands beyond gaming to enterprise payments.
U.S. Treasury yields have fluctuated amid hawkish signals from Fed Chair Warsh and ongoing data momentum. Investors await key jobs data and FOMC minutes to gauge policy direction.
Gold has fallen from its 2025 peak as higher real yields and a firmer dollar weigh on prices, with analysts noting divergent drivers behind safe-haven demand and new forecasts suggesting limited upside this year.
The June 2026 US jobs report shows leisure and hospitality employment has fallen by 61,000, undermining expectations that the World Cup would spur hiring. Overall employment rose modestly, with revisions to May and April figures, and analysts weigh whether the tournament will lift local economies in other ways.
The US and Iran have exchanged fresh strikes this weekend and on Monday, reversing a recent interim ceasefire and re‑opening doubt over control of the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire "over," ordered further strikes and revoked a temporary oil waiver. Oil has jumped into the high $70s–$80s and global markets have fallen.
The government has not charged Febrie Adriansyah. Authorities are carrying out raids across Jakarta, South Tangerang, and Bogor in connection with a corruption and bribery case tied to power blackouts and fraud at Asabri and Jiwasraya. The case involves state officials and mining firms amid high-profile investigations.
Treasury Secretary has unveiled a commemorative $1 coin bearing President Trump’s likeness for America’s 250th anniversary. The coin features a gold finish and a forward-facing Trump, prompting questions about living-person portraits on currency. Legal review and congressional oversight are centered on whether the design complies with federal law and existing coinage rules. The coin will be minted in Philadelphia this fall.
Brent crude has fallen about 8–9% to below $88–$92 a barrel after prices briefly topped $100 last week. The drop follows pauses in US–Iran strikes and reports that both sides have halted attacks to allow diplomacy. Markets remain volatile because shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea is still disrupted and analysts warn supply risks and inflationary pressure persist.
The UN and world powers are pressing for governance reform as demand for critical minerals rises. Leaders warn that without local processing and stronger rule of law, mining profits will bypass local communities and fuel conflict. New commitments aim to channel wealth into public services and jobs amid a global scramble for cobalt, lithium, nickel and rare earths.
The central bank has kept the policy rate steady, citing price stability and a steady growth outlook amid global risks. Domestic growth remains solid, while inflation remains within the target band despite recent upticks.
GDP growth has slowed to 1.5% in Q2, down from 2.1% in Q1, as a trade deficit widens and petrol prices spike. Consumer spending remains resilient, while AI investment continues to push capital formation and imports, dampening net exports. Fed kept rates unchanged amid inflation concerns, with midterm elections approaching.
The United States has expanded tariffs on imports from more than 60 partners, citing forced-labor concerns. Israel faces a 12.5% duty on exports, with other allies facing 10% tariffs. Governments and exporters warn of economic disruption and potential shifts in trade patterns.