Vada Pav is a popular street snack in the streets of Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai. To reduce it to call an 'Indian burger' would be an affront to the unique taste that comes with any number of ways to prepare it. The king of Mumbai streets has now got a golden crown. An eatery in Dubai is selling a perfectly edible Vada Pav glazed with 22 Karat gold.

What's more? The Vada (potato patty) in the Vada Pav is filled with truffle butter and cheese.

If you are willing to shell out around Rs 2000 (about 30 USD), you can't savour this interesting take on the popular street food.&nbsp;

A Dubai eatery is serving the gold Vada Pav. Name of the eatery is O'Pao. They have posted a video of the gold Vada Pav on their Instagram page.

To make the Vada Pav, truffle butter and cheese is filled in the ball of mashed potatoes. It is then dipped in batter and fried in oil. The eatery hasn't been specific in the video as to how exactly the Vada is glazed with gold.

But after all the preparation, the gold Vada Pav is served in a fancy wooden box alongside Sweet Potato fries and lemonade. Check out the video.

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The video has garnered many views and has left viewers wanting for more.

Vada Pav is a popular street snack in the streets of Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai. To reduce it to call an 'Indian burger' would be an affront to the unique taste that comes with any number of ways to prepare it.

Vada Pav is a popular street snack in the streets of Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai. To reduce it to call an 'Indian burger' would be an affront to the unique taste that comes with any number of ways to prepare it. The king of Mumbai streets has now got a golden crown. An eatery in Dubai is selling a perfectly edible Vada Pav glazed with 22 Karat gold. What's more? The Vada (potato patty) in the Vada Pav is filled with truffle butter and cheese. If you are willing to shell out around Rs 2000 (about 30 USD), you can't savour this interesting take on the popular street food. A Dubai eatery is serving the gold Vada Pav. Name of the eatery is O'Pao. They have posted a video of the gold Vada Pav on their Instagram page. To make the Vada Pav, truffle butter and cheese is filled in the ball of mashed potatoes. It is then dipped in batter and fried in oil. The eatery hasn't been specific in the video as to how exactly the Vada is glazed with gold. But after all the preparation, the gold Vada Pav is served in a fancy wooden box alongside Sweet Potato fries and lemonade. Check out the video. View this post on Instagram A post shared by O’Pao (@opaodxb) × The video has garnered many views and has left viewers wanting for more.

Gheun Tak in Dubai: You can eat 22 Karat gold Vada Pav here

The organisers of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 on Thursday have assured a member of Japan's gold medal-winning softball team to get her Gold medal replaced after the mayor of her hometown chomped down on the original.&nbsp;

Last week, Takashi Kawamura, mayor of central Japan's city of Nagoya, was a part of event to celebrate Miu Goto's achievement at the Tokyo 2020 Games where he put her gold medal between the teeth.&nbsp;

The mayor received a lot of criticism on social media for his action. They lashed at him for disregarding coronavirus etiquette and was accused of showing a lack of respect for her feat.

"With support from the International Olympic Committee and in line with her own intention, Ms Goto's medal is now set to be exchanged for a new one," Tokyo 2020 organisers said, adding that the IOC will bear the cost of the exchange.

The Tokyo Games came to a close after successfully hosting 339 events. The Olympics were held behind closed doors due to surge in coronavirus cases in Japan.&nbsp;

Despite 430 COVID-19 cases in the Olympics village, the Games continued without any hindrance.&nbsp;

While most of the public remained opposed to the Games leading up to its opening, there have not been more recent polls since the start of the Olympics to compare public sentiment.

Voter support, however, for the government slid to 34%, the lowest since Prime Minister Suga took office last September.

The IOC has touted the high TV viewership of the Games to show the Japanese public's support of the event. The IOC has said that 113.5 million Japanese watched some coverage of the Games as of Aug. 1.

There were intermittent protests at the Games, including outside the National Stadium during the opening ceremony, but none large enough to significantly disrupt any of the events.

The organisers of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 on Thursday have assured a member of Japan's gold medal-winning softball team to get her Gold medal replaced after the mayor of her hometown chomped down on the original.

The organisers of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 on Thursday have assured a member of Japan's gold medal-winning softball team to get her Gold medal replaced after the mayor of her hometown chomped down on the original. Last week, Takashi Kawamura, mayor of central Japan's city of Nagoya, was a part of event to celebrate Miu Goto's achievement at the Tokyo 2020 Games where he put her gold medal between the teeth. The mayor received a lot of criticism on social media for his action. They lashed at him for disregarding coronavirus etiquette and was accused of showing a lack of respect for her feat. "With support from the International Olympic Committee and in line with her own intention, Ms Goto's medal is now set to be exchanged for a new one," Tokyo 2020 organisers said, adding that the IOC will bear the cost of the exchange. The Tokyo Games came to a close after successfully hosting 339 events. The Olympics were held behind closed doors due to surge in coronavirus cases in Japan. Despite 430 COVID-19 cases in the Olympics village, the Games continued without any hindrance. While most of the public remained opposed to the Games leading up to its opening, there have not been more recent polls since the start of the Olympics to compare public sentiment. Voter support, however, for the government slid to 34%, the lowest since Prime Minister Suga took office last September. The IOC has touted the high TV viewership of the Games to show the Japanese public's support of the event. The IOC has said that 113.5 million Japanese watched some coverage of the Games as of Aug. 1. There were intermittent protests at the Games, including outside the National Stadium during the opening ceremony, but none large enough to significantly disrupt any of the events.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Organizers to replace Japanese athlete's nibbled gold medal

Investigators in Russia have uncovered a multi-million ruble bribery scheme, but more than the huge amount involved in this case, a golden toilet bowl has stolen the show.

Yes, you read that right, a toilet bowl made of gold is shining through the investigation, pun intended.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-real-life-jerry-mouse-interrupts-spanish-parliament-session-399804">Watch: Real life Jerry mouse interrupts Spanish parliament session</a>

Discovered in the top cop&nbsp;colonel Alexei Safonov’s luxurious residence in southern Russia’s Stavropol region this toilet has reminded many of the&nbsp;1990's “Wild East” opulence of post-Soviet capitalism.

According to a statement by the Investigative Committee, Safonov and six of his subordinates were detained based on allegations of bribery extortion amounting to 19 million rubles ($255,000) during the past several years. Allegedly, he and his gang would demand these bribes in exchange for illegal grain transportation licences.

If found guilty Safonov will face a prison sentence between 8 to 15 years.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beyond-cisgender-argentina-introduces-latin-americas-first-non-binary-id-options-399794">Beyond cisgender: Argentina introduces Latin America's first non-binary ID options</a>

As part of a large-scale operation, more than 35 members of Stavropol's traffic police department were apprehended, according to Alexander Khinshtein, a lawmaker with the pro-Kremlin United Russia party.&nbsp;

During the investigation, the authorities have searched about 80 properties and confiscated a large amount of cash, expensive cars and documents.

Safonov's golden toilet bowl was discovered during one of these raids. Video released by the investigators also shows gold decorations all around his house.

Investigators in Russia have uncovered a multi-million ruble bribery scheme, but more than the huge amount involved in this case, a golden toilet bowl has stolen the show.

Investigators in Russia have uncovered a multi-million ruble bribery scheme, but more than the huge amount involved in this case, a golden toilet bowl has stolen the show. Yes, you read that right, a toilet bowl made of gold is shining through the investigation, pun intended. Also read | Watch: Real life Jerry mouse interrupts Spanish parliament session Discovered in the top cop colonel Alexei Safonov’s luxurious residence in southern Russia’s Stavropol region this toilet has reminded many of the 1990's “Wild East” opulence of post-Soviet capitalism. According to a statement by the Investigative Committee, Safonov and six of his subordinates were detained based on allegations of bribery extortion amounting to 19 million rubles ($255,000) during the past several years. Allegedly, he and his gang would demand these bribes in exchange for illegal grain transportation licences. If found guilty Safonov will face a prison sentence between 8 to 15 years. Also read | Beyond cisgender: Argentina introduces Latin America's first non-binary ID options As part of a large-scale operation, more than 35 members of Stavropol's traffic police department were apprehended, according to Alexander Khinshtein, a lawmaker with the pro-Kremlin United Russia party. During the investigation, the authorities have searched about 80 properties and confiscated a large amount of cash, expensive cars and documents. Safonov's golden toilet bowl was discovered during one of these raids. Video released by the investigators also shows gold decorations all around his house.

Cop's golden toilet steals the show during bribery investigation

A 50-year-old man in France has been sentenced for 30 years in prison after he killed four members of his family over 'Nazi gold'.

Hubert&nbsp;Caouissin&nbsp;appeared before the Loire-Atlantique Assize Court on Wednesday and admitted that he&nbsp;convinced that the family was sitting on a rumoured inheritance of gold bars and coins and cheating his wife Lydie, Troadec’s sister,&nbsp;out of what he believed was her fair share.

Following seven hours of deliberations, the jury accepted the argument of&nbsp;Caouissin's lawyer of&nbsp;diminished responsibility, resulting in a punishment that fell short of the life sentence demanded by prosecutors.

For interfering with a crime scene and concealing a corpse, Caouissin's ex-wife Lydie Troadec, 52, received three years' imprisonment, one suspended.

At their home in Orvault near Nantes on the night of 16-17 February 2017, Caouissin killed Brigitte and Pascal Troadec, both 49, as well as Charlotte Troadec, 18, and Sebastien Troadec, 21.

His next step was to meticulously dismember the bodies at his farm, throwing muscles and organs into bushes in order to be eaten by animals and trying to burn skin, bones, and fat in the oven.

In his account, he said he visited the family in Orvault trying to find "information" about the hoard, and then he killed the victims in self-defence.

The accused has been diagnosed with "chronic paranoid delusions" by psychologists and psychiatrists, according to his lawyer Thierry Fillion.

Caouissin's defence lawyers urged jurors not to sentence him for life based on the diagnosis.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

A 50-year-old man in France has been sentenced for 30 years in prison after he killed four members of his family over 'Nazi gold'. Hubert Caouissin appeared before the Loire-Atlantique Assize Court on Wednesday and admitted that he convinced that the family was sitting on a rumoured inheritance of gold bars and coins and cheating his wife Lydie, Troadec’s sister, out of what he believed was her fair share.

A 50-year-old man in France has been sentenced for 30 years in prison after he killed four members of his family over 'Nazi gold'. Hubert Caouissin appeared before the Loire-Atlantique Assize Court on Wednesday and admitted that he convinced that the family was sitting on a rumoured inheritance of gold bars and coins and cheating his wife Lydie, Troadec’s sister, out of what he believed was her fair share. Following seven hours of deliberations, the jury accepted the argument of Caouissin's lawyer of diminished responsibility, resulting in a punishment that fell short of the life sentence demanded by prosecutors. For interfering with a crime scene and concealing a corpse, Caouissin's ex-wife Lydie Troadec, 52, received three years' imprisonment, one suspended. At their home in Orvault near Nantes on the night of 16-17 February 2017, Caouissin killed Brigitte and Pascal Troadec, both 49, as well as Charlotte Troadec, 18, and Sebastien Troadec, 21. His next step was to meticulously dismember the bodies at his farm, throwing muscles and organs into bushes in order to be eaten by animals and trying to burn skin, bones, and fat in the oven. In his account, he said he visited the family in Orvault trying to find "information" about the hoard, and then he killed the victims in self-defence. The accused has been diagnosed with "chronic paranoid delusions" by psychologists and psychiatrists, according to his lawyer Thierry Fillion. Caouissin's defence lawyers urged jurors not to sentence him for life based on the diagnosis. (With inputs from agencies)

Troadec case: French man gets 30 years in jail for killing in-laws over 'Nazi gold'

A 1933 US gold coin that was never issued after Franklin D. Roosevelt removed America from the gold standard sold for a record $19.51 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York Tuesday.

The auction house described the 1933 Double Eagle, the last US gold coin made and intended for circulation, as "one of the most coveted coins in the world" and it didn't disappoint.

The $20 coin, designed by the American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, sailed past its pre-sale estimate price of between $10 million and $15 million.

It also smashed the record for the most expensive coin in the world, set by a 1794 Flowing Hair silver dollar that sold for $10 million in 2013.

The Double Eagle has an image of Lady Liberty on one side and an American eagle on the other.&nbsp;

The 1933 Double Eagles were the last American gold coins intended for circulation by the United States Mint but were never legally issued for use.

That year, President Roosevelt removed the United States from the gold standard in an effort to lift America's battered economy out of the Great Depression.

All of the coins were ordered to be destroyed, apart from two which were given to the Smithsonian Institution.

However, in 1937, several of the coins appeared on the market, sparking a Secret Service investigation in 1944 that ruled that the coins had been stolen from the US government and were illegal to own.

Prior to the probe, one of the coins was purchased and mistakenly granted an export license, Sotheby's said in its notes.

It ended up in the coin collection of King Farouk of Egypt. When Sotheby's tried to auction the Double Eagle in 1954, the US Treasury successfully had it withdrawn.

The coin's whereabouts were then unknown until 1996 when it was seized during a Secret Service sting at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York.

A five-year legal tussle ensued and it was decided that the coin could be privately owned.

Other Double Eagles that have surfaced have been ruled property of the United States following cases that have even gone to the Supreme Court.

The coin bought Tuesday is therefore the only 1933 Double Eagle allowed to be legally sold.

In 2002, it established a new world auction record for any coin at the time when designer Stuart Weitzman bought it for $7.59 million.

A 1933 US gold coin that was never issued after Franklin D. Roosevelt removed America from the gold standard sold for a record $19.51 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York Tuesday.

A 1933 US gold coin that was never issued after Franklin D. Roosevelt removed America from the gold standard sold for a record $19.51 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York Tuesday. The auction house described the 1933 Double Eagle, the last US gold coin made and intended for circulation, as "one of the most coveted coins in the world" and it didn't disappoint. The $20 coin, designed by the American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, sailed past its pre-sale estimate price of between $10 million and $15 million. It also smashed the record for the most expensive coin in the world, set by a 1794 Flowing Hair silver dollar that sold for $10 million in 2013. The Double Eagle has an image of Lady Liberty on one side and an American eagle on the other. The 1933 Double Eagles were the last American gold coins intended for circulation by the United States Mint but were never legally issued for use. That year, President Roosevelt removed the United States from the gold standard in an effort to lift America's battered economy out of the Great Depression. All of the coins were ordered to be destroyed, apart from two which were given to the Smithsonian Institution. However, in 1937, several of the coins appeared on the market, sparking a Secret Service investigation in 1944 that ruled that the coins had been stolen from the US government and were illegal to own. Prior to the probe, one of the coins was purchased and mistakenly granted an export license, Sotheby's said in its notes. It ended up in the coin collection of King Farouk of Egypt. When Sotheby's tried to auction the Double Eagle in 1954, the US Treasury successfully had it withdrawn. The coin's whereabouts were then unknown until 1996 when it was seized during a Secret Service sting at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York. A five-year legal tussle ensued and it was decided that the coin could be privately owned. Other Double Eagles that have surfaced have been ruled property of the United States following cases that have even gone to the Supreme Court. The coin bought Tuesday is therefore the only 1933 Double Eagle allowed to be legally sold. In 2002, it established a new world auction record for any coin at the time when designer Stuart Weitzman bought it for $7.59 million.

US gold coin sells for record $19.5 mn at Sotheby's auction

Gold prices rose on Monday to their highest level in more than three months, as a dip in US Treasury yields and worries over surging COVID-19 cases in some Asian countries boosted demand for the safe-haven metal.&nbsp;

Spot gold was up 0.6% at $1,853.50 per ounce by 0519 GMT, hitting its highest since February 10. US gold futures jumped 0.9% to $1,854.10.&nbsp;

"Treasury yields are falling and on the other hand, there seems to be fears about virus resurgence in Singapore, Taiwan and broader Asian-Pacific markets... driving up demand for safety," said Margaret Yang, a strategist at DailyFX.&nbsp;

Benchmark US 10-year Treasury yields slipped to their lowest in nearly a week, reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-interest bearing gold. &nbsp;

Singapore will shut most schools from Wednesday after the city-state reported the highest number of local COVID-19 infections in months, while Taiwan imposed new curbs on gatherings and movement.&nbsp;

In India, the world's second-worst pandemic-hit country after the United States, the tally of coronavirus infections reached nearly 24.7 million on Sunday.&nbsp;

Investors now await minutes of the US Federal Reserve's last meeting due on Wednesday for more cues on the central bank's monetary policy and any comments on rising inflation.&nbsp;

"Inflation is going to be a strong driver behind gold in the short- and medium-term. There are always concerns about Fed tapering, but the latest non-farm payroll report is helping to contain that fear," Yang said.&nbsp;

Gold is seen as a hedge against rising inflation.&nbsp;

Spot gold may rise to $1,876 per ounce, as it has broken a resistance at $1,847, according to technical analyst Wang Tao.&nbsp;

Elsewhere, silver was up 0.9% at $27.65 per ounce, after hitting a one-week high earlier in the day. Platinum gained 0.2% to $1,228 and palladium edged 0.4% higher to $2,904.72. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Gold prices rose on Monday to their highest level in more than three months, as a dip in US Treasury yields and worries over surging COVID-19 cases in some Asian countries boosted demand for the safe-haven metal.

Gold prices rose on Monday to their highest level in more than three months, as a dip in US Treasury yields and worries over surging COVID-19 cases in some Asian countries boosted demand for the safe-haven metal. Spot gold was up 0.6% at $1,853.50 per ounce by 0519 GMT, hitting its highest since February 10. US gold futures jumped 0.9% to $1,854.10. "Treasury yields are falling and on the other hand, there seems to be fears about virus resurgence in Singapore, Taiwan and broader Asian-Pacific markets... driving up demand for safety," said Margaret Yang, a strategist at DailyFX. Benchmark US 10-year Treasury yields slipped to their lowest in nearly a week, reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-interest bearing gold. Singapore will shut most schools from Wednesday after the city-state reported the highest number of local COVID-19 infections in months, while Taiwan imposed new curbs on gatherings and movement. In India, the world's second-worst pandemic-hit country after the United States, the tally of coronavirus infections reached nearly 24.7 million on Sunday. Investors now await minutes of the US Federal Reserve's last meeting due on Wednesday for more cues on the central bank's monetary policy and any comments on rising inflation. "Inflation is going to be a strong driver behind gold in the short- and medium-term. There are always concerns about Fed tapering, but the latest non-farm payroll report is helping to contain that fear," Yang said. Gold is seen as a hedge against rising inflation. Spot gold may rise to $1,876 per ounce, as it has broken a resistance at $1,847, according to technical analyst Wang Tao. Elsewhere, silver was up 0.9% at $27.65 per ounce, after hitting a one-week high earlier in the day. Platinum gained 0.2% to $1,228 and palladium edged 0.4% higher to $2,904.72. (With inputs from agencies)

Gold hits over three-month high on virus worries, lower US yields 

Gold imports, which have a bearing on the country's current account deficit (CAD), rose by 22.58 per cent to USD 34.6 billion (about Rs 2.54 lakh crore) during 2020-21 due to increased domestic demand, according to the Commerce Ministry data.&nbsp;

Silver imports during the last fiscal, however, dipped by 71 per cent to about USD 791 million. Imports of the yellow metal stood at USD 28.23 billion (about Rs 2 lakh crore) in 2019-20, the data showed.&nbsp;

Despite growth in gold imports, the country's trade deficit narrowed to USD 98.56 billion during 2020-21 as against USD 161.3 billion in 2019-20.&nbsp;

Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) Chairman Colin Shah said that increasing domestic demand is pushing up imports of gold. &nbsp;

The demand for gold would further increase on account of forthcoming auspicious Akshaya Tritiya and marriage season which could increase the CAD.&nbsp;

The CAD is the difference between inflow and outflow of foreign exchange. India's current account swung to a deficit for the first time in the current fiscal, with the gap coming at USD 1.7 billion or 0.2 per cent of the GDP in the December quarter.&nbsp;

India is the largest importer of gold, which mainly caters to the demand of jewellery industry. Gems and jewellery exports declined by 27.5 per cent to USD 26 billion in April-March 2020-21.&nbsp;

In volume terms, the country imports 800-900 tonnes of gold annually.&nbsp;

The government in the Budget reduced the import duty on the yellow metal from 12.5 per cent to 10 per cent (7.5 per cent customs duty plus 2.5 per cent Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess).&nbsp;

Gold imports, which have a bearing on the country's current account deficit (CAD), rose by 22.58 per cent to USD 34.6 billion (about Rs 2.54 lakh crore) during 2020-21 due to increased domestic demand, according to the Commerce Ministry data.

Gold imports, which have a bearing on the country's current account deficit (CAD), rose by 22.58 per cent to USD 34.6 billion (about Rs 2.54 lakh crore) during 2020-21 due to increased domestic demand, according to the Commerce Ministry data. Silver imports during the last fiscal, however, dipped by 71 per cent to about USD 791 million. Imports of the yellow metal stood at USD 28.23 billion (about Rs 2 lakh crore) in 2019-20, the data showed. Despite growth in gold imports, the country's trade deficit narrowed to USD 98.56 billion during 2020-21 as against USD 161.3 billion in 2019-20. Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) Chairman Colin Shah said that increasing domestic demand is pushing up imports of gold. The demand for gold would further increase on account of forthcoming auspicious Akshaya Tritiya and marriage season which could increase the CAD. The CAD is the difference between inflow and outflow of foreign exchange. India's current account swung to a deficit for the first time in the current fiscal, with the gap coming at USD 1.7 billion or 0.2 per cent of the GDP in the December quarter. India is the largest importer of gold, which mainly caters to the demand of jewellery industry. Gems and jewellery exports declined by 27.5 per cent to USD 26 billion in April-March 2020-21. In volume terms, the country imports 800-900 tonnes of gold annually. The government in the Budget reduced the import duty on the yellow metal from 12.5 per cent to 10 per cent (7.5 per cent customs duty plus 2.5 per cent Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess).

Gold imports rise by 22.58% to $34.6 bn in 2020-21 

About 3,700 years ago, a man and a woman were buried together in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. Their tomb was an ovoid jar beneath the floor of a grand hall in an expansive hilltop complex known as La Almoloya, in what is now Murcia, Spain. It’s one of many archaeological sites associated with El Argar culture of the Early Bronze Age that controlled an area about the size of Belgium from 2200 B.C. to 1500 B.C.

Judging by the 29 high-value objects in the tomb, described Thursday in the journal Antiquity, the couple appear to have been members of the Argaric upper class. And the woman may have been the more important of the two, raising questions for archaeologists about who wielded power among the Argarics, and adding more evidence to a debate about the role of women in prehistoric Europe.

She died in her 20s, possibly of tuberculosis, and had been placed on her back with her legs bent toward the man. In life, she had a range of congenital anomalies such as a shortened, fused spine and a stunted left thumb.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-planet-is-hotter-than-80-per-cent-of-stars-in-the-universe-370398" hreflang="en">This planet is hotter than 80 per cent of stars in the universe</a>

On and around her were sublime silver emblems of wealth and power. Her hair had been fastened with silver spirals, and her silver earlobe plugs — one larger than the other — had silver spirals looped through them. A silver bracelet was near her elbow, and a silver ring was still on her finger. Silver embellished the diamond-shaped ceramic pot near her, and triple plates of silver embellished her oak-wood awl — a symbol of womanhood.

Her most fantastic silver artifact is an impeccably crafted diadem — a headbandlike crown — that still rested on her head. Only six have been discovered in Argaric graves.

She would have shimmered in life. “Imagine the diadem with a disc going down to the tip of her nose,” said Cristina Rihuete Herrada, an archaeologist and professor of prehistory at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and one of the discoverers of the burial. “It’s shining. You could actually see yourself in the disc. Framing the eyes of that woman, it would be a very, very impressive thing to see. And the ability of somebody to be reflected — their face in another face — would have been something shocking.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-chandrayaan-3-launch-by-mid-2022-mangalyaan-2-in-definition-stage-370417" hreflang="en">ISRO: Chandrayaan-3 launch by mid-2022, Mangalyaan-2 in definition stage</a>

The sound of her would have been dramatic too: “Think about the noise — this clink, clink, clink, because it’s silver against silver in these very large earlobes,” Rihuete Herrada said. “That would make for a remarkable person.”

The man, who was in his 30s when he died, had been interred with his own fineries, including flared gold plugs in his ears. The silver ring that had once been on his finger had fallen off and lay near his lower back. By his side was a copper dagger fitted with four silver rivets.

Like their contemporaries — such as the Minoans of Crete, the Wessex of Britain and the Unetice of Central Europe — the Argarics had the hallmarks of a state society, with a ruling bureaucracy, geopolitical boundaries, complex settlement systems and urban centers with monumental structures. They had divisions of labor and class distinctions that persisted after death, based on the wide disparity of grave goods discovered at archaeological sites.

And while most of these systems have long been considered deeply patriarchal, the double burial at La Almoloya and other Argaric graves are making archaeologists reconsider life in ancient Iberia. Was she the one wielding the power? Was she a symbol of power but held none of her own? Did they share power or wield it in different realms?

They were buried beneath the floor of a great hall, where long benches lined the walls, and a podium stood before a hearth meant for warmth and light, not cooking. The space was big enough to hold about 50 people. “There have been hundreds of El Argar buildings excavated, and this one is unique. It’s quite clearly a building specialized in politics,” Rihuete Herrada said.

The couple had at least one child together — an infant discovered buried beneath a nearby building was a genetic match to both of them.

In El Argar culture, girls were given grave goods at an earlier age than boys were, indicating they were considered women before boys were considered men. Diadems are exclusively found with women, and their graves hold a richer variety of valuable goods. Some male elite warriors were buried with swords.

As for the power structure the two occupied, Rihuete Herrada suggests that perhaps they held potency in different realms. The swords could suggest “that enforcement of government decisions will be in the hands of men. Maybe women were political rulers, but not alone,” she said.

She suggests that perhaps the Argarics were similar to the matrilineal Haudenosaunee (known also as the Iroquois), with women holding political and decisionmaking power — including over matters of chiefdom, war and justice — but men being in control of the military.

These intriguing ideas fit into an emerging body of research from various archaeological studies in Europe that are reexamining female power during the Bronze Age.

“The fact that most of the grave goods, including all of those made of silver, were associated with the female clearly points to an individual that was considered highly important,” said Karin Frei, a research professor in archaeometry at the National Museum of Denmark. “It makes sense to raise the question of whether a class-based state society could be ruled by women."

About 3,700 years ago, a man and a woman were buried together in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. Their tomb was an ovoid jar beneath the floor of a grand hall in an expansive hilltop complex known as La Almoloya, in what is now Murcia, Spain.

About 3,700 years ago, a man and a woman were buried together in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. Their tomb was an ovoid jar beneath the floor of a grand hall in an expansive hilltop complex known as La Almoloya, in what is now Murcia, Spain. It’s one of many archaeological sites associated with El Argar culture of the Early Bronze Age that controlled an area about the size of Belgium from 2200 B.C. to 1500 B.C. Judging by the 29 high-value objects in the tomb, described Thursday in the journal Antiquity, the couple appear to have been members of the Argaric upper class. And the woman may have been the more important of the two, raising questions for archaeologists about who wielded power among the Argarics, and adding more evidence to a debate about the role of women in prehistoric Europe. She died in her 20s, possibly of tuberculosis, and had been placed on her back with her legs bent toward the man. In life, she had a range of congenital anomalies such as a shortened, fused spine and a stunted left thumb. Also read | This planet is hotter than 80 per cent of stars in the universe On and around her were sublime silver emblems of wealth and power. Her hair had been fastened with silver spirals, and her silver earlobe plugs — one larger than the other — had silver spirals looped through them. A silver bracelet was near her elbow, and a silver ring was still on her finger. Silver embellished the diamond-shaped ceramic pot near her, and triple plates of silver embellished her oak-wood awl — a symbol of womanhood. Her most fantastic silver artifact is an impeccably crafted diadem — a headbandlike crown — that still rested on her head. Only six have been discovered in Argaric graves. She would have shimmered in life. “Imagine the diadem with a disc going down to the tip of her nose,” said Cristina Rihuete Herrada, an archaeologist and professor of prehistory at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and one of the discoverers of the burial. “It’s shining. You could actually see yourself in the disc. Framing the eyes of that woman, it would be a very, very impressive thing to see. And the ability of somebody to be reflected — their face in another face — would have been something shocking.” Also read | ISRO: Chandrayaan-3 launch by mid-2022, Mangalyaan-2 in definition stage The sound of her would have been dramatic too: “Think about the noise — this clink, clink, clink, because it’s silver against silver in these very large earlobes,” Rihuete Herrada said. “That would make for a remarkable person.” The man, who was in his 30s when he died, had been interred with his own fineries, including flared gold plugs in his ears. The silver ring that had once been on his finger had fallen off and lay near his lower back. By his side was a copper dagger fitted with four silver rivets. Like their contemporaries — such as the Minoans of Crete, the Wessex of Britain and the Unetice of Central Europe — the Argarics had the hallmarks of a state society, with a ruling bureaucracy, geopolitical boundaries, complex settlement systems and urban centers with monumental structures. They had divisions of labor and class distinctions that persisted after death, based on the wide disparity of grave goods discovered at archaeological sites. And while most of these systems have long been considered deeply patriarchal, the double burial at La Almoloya and other Argaric graves are making archaeologists reconsider life in ancient Iberia. Was she the one wielding the power? Was she a symbol of power but held none of her own? Did they share power or wield it in different realms? They were buried beneath the floor of a great hall, where long benches lined the walls, and a podium stood before a hearth meant for warmth and light, not cooking. The space was big enough to hold about 50 people. “There have been hundreds of El Argar buildings excavated, and this one is unique. It’s quite clearly a building specialized in politics,” Rihuete Herrada said. The couple had at least one child together — an infant discovered buried beneath a nearby building was a genetic match to both of them. In El Argar culture, girls were given grave goods at an earlier age than boys were, indicating they were considered women before boys were considered men. Diadems are exclusively found with women, and their graves hold a richer variety of valuable goods. Some male elite warriors were buried with swords. As for the power structure the two occupied, Rihuete Herrada suggests that perhaps they held potency in different realms. The swords could suggest “that enforcement of government decisions will be in the hands of men. Maybe women were political rulers, but not alone,” she said. She suggests that perhaps the Argarics were similar to the matrilineal Haudenosaunee (known also as the Iroquois), with women holding political and decisionmaking power — including over matters of chiefdom, war and justice — but men being in control of the military. These intriguing ideas fit into an emerging body of research from various archaeological studies in Europe that are reexamining female power during the Bronze Age. “The fact that most of the grave goods, including all of those made of silver, were associated with the female clearly points to an individual that was considered highly important,” said Karin Frei, a research professor in archaeometry at the National Museum of Denmark. “It makes sense to raise the question of whether a class-based state society could be ruled by women."

She was buried with a silver crown. Was she the one who held power?

Gold prices gained for a third straight session on Thursday, hitting a one-week peak as softer inflation data in the United States pressured Treasury yields and the dollar index.

Spot gold were up 0.7% at $1,738.08 per ounce by 0926 GMT, after hitting its highest since March 3 at $1,739.63 earlier. U.S. gold futures climbed 0.9% to $1,736.30.

"Real rates are falling again and the lower real rates are, the better it is for gold. The second element is the strength in dollar we have seen recently has ended again and this is also helping gold," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.

U.S. 10-year Treasury yields held near a one-week low, while the dollar fell as data showed U.S. core consumer price growth slowed slightly in February.

While gold is considered a hedge against inflation from widespread stimulus, higher bond yields this year have threatened that status as they translate into a higher opportunity cost of holding bullion.

The $1.9 trillion U.S. COVID-19 relief bill was finally approved on Wednesday and is expected to supercharge the economic recovery.

"At the moment it's (relief bill) helping gold due to higher inflation expectations but it could also mean that the U.S. Federal Reserve starts to change its tone a little bit," said UBS' Staunovo, adding that a less dovish Fed could see gold prices remain under pressure.

Investors await a European Central Bank meeting due later in the day to see if policymakers will take any action to rein in rising yields.

Michael Langford, director at corporate advisory AirGuide said there was a greater upside in other assets like copper and small-cap equities than in gold in the short term.

Silver rose 0.8% to $26.38 an ounce. Palladium climbed 1.3% to $2,336.93, while platinum gained 1.4% to $1,219.50.

Gold prices gained for a third straight session on Thursday, hitting a one-week peak as softer inflation data in the United States pressured Treasury yields and the dollar index.

Gold prices gained for a third straight session on Thursday, hitting a one-week peak as softer inflation data in the United States pressured Treasury yields and the dollar index. Spot gold were up 0.7% at $1,738.08 per ounce by 0926 GMT, after hitting its highest since March 3 at $1,739.63 earlier. U.S. gold futures climbed 0.9% to $1,736.30. "Real rates are falling again and the lower real rates are, the better it is for gold. The second element is the strength in dollar we have seen recently has ended again and this is also helping gold," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo. U.S. 10-year Treasury yields held near a one-week low, while the dollar fell as data showed U.S. core consumer price growth slowed slightly in February. While gold is considered a hedge against inflation from widespread stimulus, higher bond yields this year have threatened that status as they translate into a higher opportunity cost of holding bullion. The $1.9 trillion U.S. COVID-19 relief bill was finally approved on Wednesday and is expected to supercharge the economic recovery. "At the moment it's (relief bill) helping gold due to higher inflation expectations but it could also mean that the U.S. Federal Reserve starts to change its tone a little bit," said UBS' Staunovo, adding that a less dovish Fed could see gold prices remain under pressure. Investors await a European Central Bank meeting due later in the day to see if policymakers will take any action to rein in rising yields. Michael Langford, director at corporate advisory AirGuide said there was a greater upside in other assets like copper and small-cap equities than in gold in the short term. Silver rose 0.8% to $26.38 an ounce. Palladium climbed 1.3% to $2,336.93, while platinum gained 1.4% to $1,219.50.

Gold gains for third day as bond yields, dollar retreat

Gold prices on Thursday clawed back from the previous session's 2-1/2 month low, as a retreat in U.S. Treasury yields lifted the non-yielding bullion's appeal.

Spot gold rose 0.3% to $1,781.50 per ounce by 0807 GMT, having dropped to its lowest since Nov. 30 at $1,768.60 on Wednesday. U.S. gold futures advanced 0.4% to $1,780.40.

"The U.S. long-dated yields backing off highs is offering some support. It also appears dip buyers from China have returned from Lunar New Year holidays," said OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley.

"In the bigger picture ... gold is merely pausing for breath, $1,760 remains a critical level, a break below that suggests deeper losses to the $1,600/$1,650 region."

Benchmark 10-year Treasury yields retreated from a near one-year peak hit on Wednesday. Lower yields reduce the opportunity cost of holding bullion, which pays no interest.

Federal Reserve officials were still prepared to keep monetary policy easy to help the coronavirus-hit economy, minutes of the Fed's January meeting showed.

Investor focus remained on the developments of a $1.9 trillion U.S. coronavirus stimulus.

U.S. retail sales rebounded in January, while U.S. producer prices increased by the most since 2009, suggesting inflation was starting to rise.

"Other asset classes as well as those within commodities are providing a more compelling investment payoff than gold presently," cautioned Michael Langford, director at corporate advisory AirGuide.

"We're seeing a re-allocation under renewed optimism, factory orders and general views of stronger underlying growth," Langford said, adding gold's typical attribute as an inflationary hedge was not enough to counter the strong demand for other assets.

Analysts also said the recent technical move of gold's 50-day moving average price dipping below the 200-day moving average, known as a death cross, could lead to more selling.

Silver eased 0.7% to $27.17 an ounce. Platinum gained 0.3% to $1,256.86 and palladium rose 0.1% to $2,372.59.

Gold prices on Thursday clawed back from the previous session's 2-1/2 month low, as a retreat in U.S. Treasury yields lifted the non-yielding bullion's appeal. Spot gold rose 0.

Gold prices on Thursday clawed back from the previous session's 2-1/2 month low, as a retreat in U.S. Treasury yields lifted the non-yielding bullion's appeal. Spot gold rose 0.3% to $1,781.50 per ounce by 0807 GMT, having dropped to its lowest since Nov. 30 at $1,768.60 on Wednesday. U.S. gold futures advanced 0.4% to $1,780.40. "The U.S. long-dated yields backing off highs is offering some support. It also appears dip buyers from China have returned from Lunar New Year holidays," said OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley. "In the bigger picture ... gold is merely pausing for breath, $1,760 remains a critical level, a break below that suggests deeper losses to the $1,600/$1,650 region." Benchmark 10-year Treasury yields retreated from a near one-year peak hit on Wednesday. Lower yields reduce the opportunity cost of holding bullion, which pays no interest. Federal Reserve officials were still prepared to keep monetary policy easy to help the coronavirus-hit economy, minutes of the Fed's January meeting showed. Investor focus remained on the developments of a $1.9 trillion U.S. coronavirus stimulus. U.S. retail sales rebounded in January, while U.S. producer prices increased by the most since 2009, suggesting inflation was starting to rise. "Other asset classes as well as those within commodities are providing a more compelling investment payoff than gold presently," cautioned Michael Langford, director at corporate advisory AirGuide. "We're seeing a re-allocation under renewed optimism, factory orders and general views of stronger underlying growth," Langford said, adding gold's typical attribute as an inflationary hedge was not enough to counter the strong demand for other assets. Analysts also said the recent technical move of gold's 50-day moving average price dipping below the 200-day moving average, known as a death cross, could lead to more selling. Silver eased 0.7% to $27.17 an ounce. Platinum gained 0.3% to $1,256.86 and palladium rose 0.1% to $2,372.59.

Gold off two and half months low as US Treasury yields retreat

The world economy is in desperate need of fiscal stimulus with investments drying up and economic activity slowing down again, however, countries have found a way to stave off an economic meltdown.

They are selling off gold reserves to strengthen their chequebook for the first time in a decade. Central banks have become net gold sellers combined together they have sold more gold than they bought. The logic is simple gold prices are at record highs, selling now means more money especially for countries reeling from the effects of the pandemic.

Turkey and Uzbekistan have done most of the selling. Turkey sold 22.3 tonnes of gold with its economy battered by the pandemic. Uzbekistan has sold 34.9 tonnes. It was largely in tune with the country's declared policy. Uzbekistan has been diversifying its reserves away from gold, overall central banks have sold 12 tonnes compared to their purchase of 141 tonnes last year.

Russia too joined in becoming a net seller for the first time in 13 years. Six countries however have continued their buying spree, chief among them are India, UAE and Qatar. The Reserve Bank of India bought 6.8 tonnes of gold and the UAE bought 7.4 tonnes with Qatar grabbing 6.2 tonnes.

India's gold demand plunged 30 per cent in the third quarter but it is expected to stage a recovery in Q4 especially with the ongoing festival season.&nbsp;

However, a slump could be around the corner. Traditionally, central banks have kept gold prices afloat, they have underpinned the stability of the gold bullion. A selling spree by these banks could trigger a collapse but experts feel this trend is temporary. Once the pandemic is under control, economies should be able to recover and central banks should return to being net buyers.

There is also the added cushion of rising investors' demand. Stock markets are too volatile right now. Oil is trading extremely low, so investors are looking at gold as a stable option. The surge in demand is expected to keep gold prices steady but the total gold supply has fallen 3 per cent this year with activity at mines remaining stalled by COVID-19 restrictions.

The great gold bailout is not a long-term solution. It will ultimately increase the pressure on central banks, the key, therefore, is not gold but a vaccine.

The world economy is in desperate need of fiscal stimulus with investments drying up and economic activity slowing down again, however, countries have found a way to stave off an economic meltdown.

The world economy is in desperate need of fiscal stimulus with investments drying up and economic activity slowing down again, however, countries have found a way to stave off an economic meltdown. They are selling off gold reserves to strengthen their chequebook for the first time in a decade. Central banks have become net gold sellers combined together they have sold more gold than they bought. The logic is simple gold prices are at record highs, selling now means more money especially for countries reeling from the effects of the pandemic. Turkey and Uzbekistan have done most of the selling. Turkey sold 22.3 tonnes of gold with its economy battered by the pandemic. Uzbekistan has sold 34.9 tonnes. It was largely in tune with the country's declared policy. Uzbekistan has been diversifying its reserves away from gold, overall central banks have sold 12 tonnes compared to their purchase of 141 tonnes last year. Russia too joined in becoming a net seller for the first time in 13 years. Six countries however have continued their buying spree, chief among them are India, UAE and Qatar. The Reserve Bank of India bought 6.8 tonnes of gold and the UAE bought 7.4 tonnes with Qatar grabbing 6.2 tonnes. India's gold demand plunged 30 per cent in the third quarter but it is expected to stage a recovery in Q4 especially with the ongoing festival season. However, a slump could be around the corner. Traditionally, central banks have kept gold prices afloat, they have underpinned the stability of the gold bullion. A selling spree by these banks could trigger a collapse but experts feel this trend is temporary. Once the pandemic is under control, economies should be able to recover and central banks should return to being net buyers. There is also the added cushion of rising investors' demand. Stock markets are too volatile right now. Oil is trading extremely low, so investors are looking at gold as a stable option. The surge in demand is expected to keep gold prices steady but the total gold supply has fallen 3 per cent this year with activity at mines remaining stalled by COVID-19 restrictions. The great gold bailout is not a long-term solution. It will ultimately increase the pressure on central banks, the key, therefore, is not gold but a vaccine.

Why countries are selling off gold reserves during pandemic

Sudan risks losing its heritage to gold-digging. It is the third largest gold producer in Africa.

Sudan at risk of losing priceless past due to gold hunting

Few volunteers in Israel have discovered a treasure thta may be thousands year old, said the Irael Antiquities Authority late on Monday.

The treasure consists of a stash of hundreds of gold coins that were buried deep in the ground by someone thousands of years ago. It was found by few teenager volunteers who were working at an excavation in Central Israel.

The excavation was a part of the pre-building process of a new neighbourhood that is being planned in the area.

The authorities revealed that according to initial investigation, the coins were buried around 1,100 years ago and the owner had even secured the utensil holding the coins to make sure it does not move, which points towards the fact that the owner hoped to come back for the vessel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treasure-chest-worth-1-million-found-in-rocky-mountains-304421">Also read|&nbsp;US: Treasure chest worth $1 million found in Rocky Mountains</a>

“The person who buried this treasure 1,100 years ago must have expected to retrieve it and even secured the vessel with a nail so that it would not move. We can only guess what prevented him from returning to collect this treasure,” said excavation director Liat Nadav-Ziv.

The area earlier housed workshops when the coins were placed in that area, as per old records. While the experts are studying the coins and hoping to reach some conclusion, the identity of the owner or the reason why the owner buried or never retrieved the treasure will probably remain a mystery forever.

However, the experience was "amazing" for the young volunteers.&nbsp;“I dug in the ground and when I excavated the soil, saw what looked like very thin leaves. When I looked again I saw these were gold coins. It was really exciting to find such a special and ancient treasure,”&nbsp;said Oz Cohen, one of the volunteers who found the treasure.

Few volunteers in Israel have discovered a treasure thta may be thousands year old, said the Irael Antiquities Authority late on Monday. The treasure consists of a stash of hundreds of gold coins that were buried deep in the ground by someone thousands of years ago.

Few volunteers in Israel have discovered a treasure thta may be thousands year old, said the Irael Antiquities Authority late on Monday. The treasure consists of a stash of hundreds of gold coins that were buried deep in the ground by someone thousands of years ago. It was found by few teenager volunteers who were working at an excavation in Central Israel. The excavation was a part of the pre-building process of a new neighbourhood that is being planned in the area. The authorities revealed that according to initial investigation, the coins were buried around 1,100 years ago and the owner had even secured the utensil holding the coins to make sure it does not move, which points towards the fact that the owner hoped to come back for the vessel. Also read| US: Treasure chest worth $1 million found in Rocky Mountains “The person who buried this treasure 1,100 years ago must have expected to retrieve it and even secured the vessel with a nail so that it would not move. We can only guess what prevented him from returning to collect this treasure,” said excavation director Liat Nadav-Ziv. The area earlier housed workshops when the coins were placed in that area, as per old records. While the experts are studying the coins and hoping to reach some conclusion, the identity of the owner or the reason why the owner buried or never retrieved the treasure will probably remain a mystery forever. However, the experience was "amazing" for the young volunteers. “I dug in the ground and when I excavated the soil, saw what looked like very thin leaves. When I looked again I saw these were gold coins. It was really exciting to find such a special and ancient treasure,” said Oz Cohen, one of the volunteers who found the treasure.

Young volunteers unearth 1,000 years old gold coins in Israel

Two Australian men&nbsp;dug up two uggets but those weren't ordinary nuggets. These nuggets are worth nearly $250,000.

The nuggets are gold nuggets and have a combined weight of 3.5 kgs in a goldmining town Tarnagulla in Victoria state by miners&nbsp;Brent Shannon and Ethan West.

The two men have been digging up gold for the past four years and claim to have found thousands of such pieces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vanuatus-citizenship-for-sale-scheme-keeps-economy-afloat-helps-record-budget-surplus-322097">Also read|&nbsp;Vanuatu's citizenship-for-sale scheme keeps economy afloat, helps record budget surplus</a>

"These are definitely one of the most significant finds," Ethan West said. "To have two large chunks in one day is quite amazing."

The gold nuggets were found within a couple of hours, with the help of Ethan West's dad on what they decribe as a "virgin ground, which means it's untouched and hasn't been mined."

The duo said they were not entriely sure but&nbsp;"I reckoned we were in for a chance,"&nbsp;Brent Shannon said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-oil-no-longer-the-liquid-gold-321787">Also watch|&nbsp;Gravitas: Oil No Longer The Liquid Gold</a>

After finding the gold, the duo found fame when they got featured in a local TV show called 'Aussie Gold Hunters', which revolves around the plot of&nbsp;following teams of gold prospectors who dig in goldfields in remote parts of Australia.

Experts belive the duo can sell the nuggets for more than 30 per cent of the estimated value, which is currently US $ 250,000 (A$350,000).

Tarnagulla is a town that was itself found during the Victoria Gold Rush and was once known to be a very wealthy town.

Last year, too, an Australian man had found a gold nugget worth US$69,000 using a metal detector.

Two Australian men dug up two uggets but those weren't ordinary nuggets. These nuggets are worth nearly $250,000. The nuggets are gold nuggets and have a combined weight of 3.

Two Australian men dug up two uggets but those weren't ordinary nuggets. These nuggets are worth nearly $250,000. The nuggets are gold nuggets and have a combined weight of 3.5 kgs in a goldmining town Tarnagulla in Victoria state by miners Brent Shannon and Ethan West. The two men have been digging up gold for the past four years and claim to have found thousands of such pieces. Also read| Vanuatu's citizenship-for-sale scheme keeps economy afloat, helps record budget surplus "These are definitely one of the most significant finds," Ethan West said. "To have two large chunks in one day is quite amazing." The gold nuggets were found within a couple of hours, with the help of Ethan West's dad on what they decribe as a "virgin ground, which means it's untouched and hasn't been mined." The duo said they were not entriely sure but "I reckoned we were in for a chance," Brent Shannon said. Also watch| Gravitas: Oil No Longer The Liquid Gold After finding the gold, the duo found fame when they got featured in a local TV show called 'Aussie Gold Hunters', which revolves around the plot of following teams of gold prospectors who dig in goldfields in remote parts of Australia. Experts belive the duo can sell the nuggets for more than 30 per cent of the estimated value, which is currently US $ 250,000 (A$350,000). Tarnagulla is a town that was itself found during the Victoria Gold Rush and was once known to be a very wealthy town. Last year, too, an Australian man had found a gold nugget worth US$69,000 using a metal detector.

Australia: Two men dug nuggets worth $250,000

After registering a record peak in early trade on Friday, Gold's rally paused as the dollar found some relief from investors who are concerned over tensed ties between the United States and China.

Spot gold came down to 0.2 per cent to $2,058.55 per ounce by 0945 GMT after witnessing a record high of $2,072.50 earlier today.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chennai-passengers-smuggle-gold-via-relief-flights-221kg-gold-seized-318400">Chennai: Passengers smuggle gold via relief flights; 2.21Kg gold seized</a>

It has gained 4 per cent so far this week, which is its ninth consecutive weekly gain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-team-to-fly-to-uae-to-investigate-kerala-gold-smuggling-case-318115">NIA team to fly to UAE to investigate Kerala gold Smuggling case</a>

US gold futures was trading at $2,070.20.

"We'll see some pullback (in gold) from these levels with USD bottoming for a while and maybe even see some strength in the USD in the near term, which will reverse these gains but not entirely," said Spencer Campbell, director at SE Asia Consulting Pte Ltd, reported news agency Reuters.

"People will be looking to re-enter the market on any pullbacks in precious metals as the medium to longer term views are significantly higher."

The dollar bounced back from a two-year low following US President Donald Trump's decision to ban US transactions with two Chinese apps.&nbsp;

"The dollar's performance has a major say on how much runway gold bulls are accorded," said FXTM market analyst Han Tan.

Gold has jumped over 35 per cent this year amid surging COVID-19 cases that have adversely affected economies and led to unprecedented stimulus measures across the globe.

After registering a record peak in early trade on Friday, Gold's rally paused as the dollar found some relief from investors who are concerned over tensed ties between the United States and China.

After registering a record peak in early trade on Friday, Gold's rally paused as the dollar found some relief from investors who are concerned over tensed ties between the United States and China. Spot gold came down to 0.2 per cent to $2,058.55 per ounce by 0945 GMT after witnessing a record high of $2,072.50 earlier today. Also read | Chennai: Passengers smuggle gold via relief flights; 2.21Kg gold seized It has gained 4 per cent so far this week, which is its ninth consecutive weekly gain. Also read | NIA team to fly to UAE to investigate Kerala gold Smuggling case US gold futures was trading at $2,070.20. "We'll see some pullback (in gold) from these levels with USD bottoming for a while and maybe even see some strength in the USD in the near term, which will reverse these gains but not entirely," said Spencer Campbell, director at SE Asia Consulting Pte Ltd, reported news agency Reuters. "People will be looking to re-enter the market on any pullbacks in precious metals as the medium to longer term views are significantly higher." The dollar bounced back from a two-year low following US President Donald Trump's decision to ban US transactions with two Chinese apps. "The dollar's performance has a major say on how much runway gold bulls are accorded," said FXTM market analyst Han Tan. Gold has jumped over 35 per cent this year amid surging COVID-19 cases that have adversely affected economies and led to unprecedented stimulus measures across the globe.

Gold eases off after witnessing record high

Spot gold briefly touched a record high of $2000 an ounce on Tuesday amid a rally for the commodity

Gold tops $2000 for the first time in history of U.S | U.S Markets | Yellow Metal | WION

Why gold coveted by the Pharaohs is back in favour

Gold prices in India hit a record high on Wednesday, tracking a global rally.

Local gold futures reached an all-time high of $670.32 (Rs 49,996) per 10 grams in early trade, taking their gains to 28 per cent in 2020 after rising a quarter in 2019.

However, the price rise dampened retail demand for gold in India, the world's second largest consumer of the precious metal.

In overseas market, spot gold jumped more than 1 per cent on Wednesday to its highest in nearly nine years, driven by a weaker dollar and safe-haven buying.

India's gold imports in the June quarter plunged 96 per cent from a year earlier to 13 tonnes after shipments virtually ground to a halt in April and May.

Local silver prices jumped nearly 6 per cent on Wednesday to Rs 60,782 per kg, the highest in over seven years. 
&nbsp;

Gold prices in India hit a record high on Wednesday, tracking a global rally. Local gold futures reached an all-time high of $670.32 (Rs 49,996) per 10 grams in early trade, taking their gains to 28 per cent in 2020 after rising a quarter in 2019.

Gold prices in India hit a record high on Wednesday, tracking a global rally. Local gold futures reached an all-time high of $670.32 (Rs 49,996) per 10 grams in early trade, taking their gains to 28 per cent in 2020 after rising a quarter in 2019. However, the price rise dampened retail demand for gold in India, the world's second largest consumer of the precious metal. In overseas market, spot gold jumped more than 1 per cent on Wednesday to its highest in nearly nine years, driven by a weaker dollar and safe-haven buying. India's gold imports in the June quarter plunged 96 per cent from a year earlier to 13 tonnes after shipments virtually ground to a halt in April and May. Local silver prices jumped nearly 6 per cent on Wednesday to Rs 60,782 per kg, the highest in over seven years.

India gold prices hit all-time high, dampen retail demand

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched an investigation into the Kerala smuggling case to find out who was trying to smuggle gold to India under its consulate's name in the southern state and had sent the cargo addressed to it.

According to local authorities, Sarith Kumar, a former PRO at the consulate and one Swapna Suresh, working with Kerala govt IT Company were involved in the gold smuggling racket.&nbsp;A major political row has broken in Kerala after customs seized the diplomatic baggage containing gold worth crores a few days ago.&nbsp;

A statement by the UAE mission in Delhi said, "The authorities have stressed that the culprits who not only committed a major crime but also sought to tarnish the reputation of the UAE mission in India will not be spared. We remain committed to cooperating with Indian authorities in getting to the root of the crime."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-gold-smuggling-ias-officer-m-sivasankar-removed-from-it-secretary-post-311388" hreflang="en">Kerala gold smuggling: IAS officer M Sivasankar removed from IT secretary post</a>

The mission pointed out that the, "employee in question was fired for misconduct long preceding this incident. At this time, it appears that this individual exploited his knowledge of the mission’s channels to engage in criminal activity."

The UAE Embassy has also "utterly condemned&nbsp;the attempted misuse of diplomatic channels by an individual engaged in smuggling activity".

Swapna Suresh&nbsp;was working as a manager at the Kerala State Information technology infrastructure limited company and was hired by IAS official M Sivasankar. Sivasankar, principal secretary to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has been now removed and has been replaced by Mir Muhammad Ali. The opposition in the state is now seeking a wider probe into the matter.&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched an investigation into the Kerala smuggling case to find out who was trying to smuggle gold to India under its consulate's name in the southern state and had sent the cargo addressed to it.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched an investigation into the Kerala smuggling case to find out who was trying to smuggle gold to India under its consulate's name in the southern state and had sent the cargo addressed to it. According to local authorities, Sarith Kumar, a former PRO at the consulate and one Swapna Suresh, working with Kerala govt IT Company were involved in the gold smuggling racket. A major political row has broken in Kerala after customs seized the diplomatic baggage containing gold worth crores a few days ago. A statement by the UAE mission in Delhi said, "The authorities have stressed that the culprits who not only committed a major crime but also sought to tarnish the reputation of the UAE mission in India will not be spared. We remain committed to cooperating with Indian authorities in getting to the root of the crime." Also read: Kerala gold smuggling: IAS officer M Sivasankar removed from IT secretary post The mission pointed out that the, "employee in question was fired for misconduct long preceding this incident. At this time, it appears that this individual exploited his knowledge of the mission’s channels to engage in criminal activity." The UAE Embassy has also "utterly condemned the attempted misuse of diplomatic channels by an individual engaged in smuggling activity". Swapna Suresh was working as a manager at the Kerala State Information technology infrastructure limited company and was hired by IAS official M Sivasankar. Sivasankar, principal secretary to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has been now removed and has been replaced by Mir Muhammad Ali. The opposition in the state is now seeking a wider probe into the matter.

Kerala smuggling case: UAE launches investigation; says culprits won't be spared

Illegal gold mining activity has risen sharply over the last five years in Brazil's indigenous Yanomami reservation in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

Increase in illegal mining threatens Brazil's last major isolated tribe

Gold prices on Tuesday hit a more than seven-year high on rising fears of a steeper economic downturn and amid massive liquidity measures by global central banks.

Gold prices on Tuesday hit a more than seven-year high on rising fears of a steeper economic downturn and amid massive liquidity measures by global central banks. Spot gold gained 0.6% to $1,724.72 per ounce by 0804 GMT, having touched its highest since Nov. 2012 at $1,726.85 earlier in the session. US gold futures rose 0.6% to $1,772.20, according to news agency Reuters. "The concerns about the economic outlook are particularly supportive for gold. Liquidity (from the Federal Reserve) combined with the background of lower interest rates makes gold a much more attractive proposition," Reuters report said quoting Michael McCarthy, chief strategist at CMC Markets. Many countries and central banks have taken fiscal and monetary measures to prop up their economies amid the coronavirus outbreak. The Fed last week announced a $2.3 trillion stimulus package, while European Union finance ministers agreed on half-a-trillion euros worth of economic support. The Fed stimulus aimed at injecting liquidity into the virus-hit US economy tend to weigh on the dollar, which makes gold relatively cheaper to buy, while lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion. (With inputs from Reuters)

Gold hits seven year high on rising economic worries, Fed stimulus

Today in History: Articles of Confederation, Apollo 14 and more!

Akshay Kumar starrer 2018 sports drama `Gold` is now headed for a release in China on December 13. 
 
Akshay shared the news on Twitter, "GOLD releasing in China on 13th December, 2019!" he wrote.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
GOLD releasing in China on 13th December, 2019! <a href="https://twitter.com/excelmovies?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@excelmovies</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/kagtireema?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kagtireema</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FarOutAkhtar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FarOutAkhtar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ritesh_sid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ritesh_sid</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Roymouni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Roymouni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/kapoorkkunal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kapoorkkunal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAmitSadh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheAmitSadh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ItsViineetKumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ItsViineetKumar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sunnykaushal89?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sunnykaushal89</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Soulfulsachin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Soulfulsachin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JIGARSARAIYA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JIGARSARAIYA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nikifyinglife?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nikifyinglife</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ZeeStudiosInt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZeeStudiosInt</a> <a href="https://t.co/sVqoG8FqP3">pic.twitter.com/sVqoG8FqP3</a>
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1202127950432235521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The film traces the journey of Tapan Das, a man who dreamt of making India win its first gold in Hockey post-independence.The movie opened in Indian theatres last year on Independence Day, which also marked the 70th anniversary of free India`s first gold medal at the 1948 Olympics. 
 
The sports drama directed by Reema Kagti and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani has an ensemble cast including Amit Sadh, Kunal Kapoor, Vineet Singh, and Sunny Kaushal, among others. 
 
`Gold` was a hit at the box office and it became the `Khiladi` actor`s ninth film to enter the Rs 100 crore club on the 13th day of its release.&nbsp;

Akshay Kumar starrer 2018 sports drama `Gold` is now headed for a release in China on December 13. Akshay shared the news on Twitter, "GOLD releasing in China on 13th December, 2019!

Akshay Kumar starrer 2018 sports drama `Gold` is now headed for a release in China on December 13. Akshay shared the news on Twitter, "GOLD releasing in China on 13th December, 2019!" he wrote. GOLD releasing in China on 13th December, 2019! @excelmovies @kagtireema @FarOutAkhtar @ritesh_sid @Roymouni @kapoorkkunal @TheAmitSadh @ItsViineetKumar @sunnykaushal89 @Soulfulsachin @JIGARSARAIYA @nikifyinglife @ZeeStudiosInt pic.twitter.com/sVqoG8FqP3 — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) December 4, 2019 × The film traces the journey of Tapan Das, a man who dreamt of making India win its first gold in Hockey post-independence.The movie opened in Indian theatres last year on Independence Day, which also marked the 70th anniversary of free India`s first gold medal at the 1948 Olympics. The sports drama directed by Reema Kagti and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani has an ensemble cast including Amit Sadh, Kunal Kapoor, Vineet Singh, and Sunny Kaushal, among others. `Gold` was a hit at the box office and it became the `Khiladi` actor`s ninth film to enter the Rs 100 crore club on the 13th day of its release.

Akshay Kumar's 'Gold' to release in China on this date

Gold rose on Wednesday, propped up by lingering concerns over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-slide-to-two-week-low-on-china-virus-fears-safe-havens-gain-277082">economic impact of a coronavirus outbreak</a> in China, while investors awaited a policy decision from the US Federal Reserve later in the day.

Spot gold was up 0.3 per cent at $1,571.07 an ounce by 1125 GMT, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/equities-and-oil-tank-plunge-as-deadly-coronavirus-triggers-panic-276900">having fallen</a> about 1 per cent in the previous session after positive US economic data drove recovery inequities. The US gold futures were little changed at $1,570.60 an ounce.

"The coronavirus will definitely have some impact on the Chinese economy and that will <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-rout-extends-to-sixth-day-as-china-virus-death-toll-rises-277073">mostly affect the country's currency</a>, but an impulsive bull trend in gold is not expected yet," said Bernard Sin, group head of trading at MKS.

Safe-haven gold held aloft despite signs of stabilisation in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-slips-to-62-heads-for-weekly-loss-on-china-virus-concerns-276358">global stock markets</a> as equities investors tried to look past China's coronavirus outbreak, encouraged by better-than-expected company earnings.

While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/barclays-sees-2-per-barrel-impact-to-oil-prices-as-virus-fears-threaten-demand-277075">rising stocks</a> are capping gold's gains, it is still being supported by other factors such as uncertainty around US President Donald Trump's impeachment and tensions in the Middle East, said Quantitative Commodity Research analyst Peter Fertig.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/who-tempers-virus-fears-gold-eases-on-improved-risk-appetite-276399">Gold prices ease after WHO tempers coronavirus fears</a>

Risk aversion has not completely lifted, however. With the number of coronavirus fatalities now at 132 and 6,000 cases reported worldwide, there are fears the outbreak could inflict damage on Chinese growth. 
If there is an escalation, gold could reach $1,600, Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA, said in a note.

Investors are now waiting for the Fed's monetary policy statement at 1900 GMT. Possibly of greatest interest would be what if anything Fed Chair Jerome Powell has to say about the high Treasury purchases the Fed has been making since October to inject more liquidity into the money market, Commerzbank said in a note.

Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion. "The main driver for gold this year will be strategic inflows, as it will continue to be viewed as an attractive diversifier for investor portfolios in an environment where rates remain low," UBS strategist Joni Teves said.

Elsewhere, palladium fell 0.7 per cent to $2,272.77 an ounce, while platinum was up 0.7 per cent at $992.45. Palladium will cost on average more than twice as much as platinum this year, but that premium will narrow in 2021. Silver rose 0.5 per cent 
&nbsp;to $17.51, having earlier dipped to its lowest since December 23 at $17.35. 
&nbsp;

Gold rose on Wednesday, propped up by lingering concerns over the economic impact of a coronavirus outbreak in China, while investors awaited a policy decision from the US Federal Reserve later in the day.

Gold rose on Wednesday, propped up by lingering concerns over the economic impact of a coronavirus outbreak in China, while investors awaited a policy decision from the US Federal Reserve later in the day. Spot gold was up 0.3 per cent at $1,571.07 an ounce by 1125 GMT, having fallen about 1 per cent in the previous session after positive US economic data drove recovery inequities. The US gold futures were little changed at $1,570.60 an ounce. "The coronavirus will definitely have some impact on the Chinese economy and that will mostly affect the country's currency, but an impulsive bull trend in gold is not expected yet," said Bernard Sin, group head of trading at MKS. Safe-haven gold held aloft despite signs of stabilisation in global stock markets as equities investors tried to look past China's coronavirus outbreak, encouraged by better-than-expected company earnings. While rising stocks are capping gold's gains, it is still being supported by other factors such as uncertainty around US President Donald Trump's impeachment and tensions in the Middle East, said Quantitative Commodity Research analyst Peter Fertig. Also Read: Gold prices ease after WHO tempers coronavirus fears Risk aversion has not completely lifted, however. With the number of coronavirus fatalities now at 132 and 6,000 cases reported worldwide, there are fears the outbreak could inflict damage on Chinese growth. If there is an escalation, gold could reach $1,600, Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA, said in a note. Investors are now waiting for the Fed's monetary policy statement at 1900 GMT. Possibly of greatest interest would be what if anything Fed Chair Jerome Powell has to say about the high Treasury purchases the Fed has been making since October to inject more liquidity into the money market, Commerzbank said in a note. Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion. "The main driver for gold this year will be strategic inflows, as it will continue to be viewed as an attractive diversifier for investor portfolios in an environment where rates remain low," UBS strategist Joni Teves said. Elsewhere, palladium fell 0.7 per cent to $2,272.77 an ounce, while platinum was up 0.7 per cent at $992.45. Palladium will cost on average more than twice as much as platinum this year, but that premium will narrow in 2021. Silver rose 0.5 per cent to $17.51, having earlier dipped to its lowest since December 23 at $17.35.

Investors await signal from the US Federal Reserve, virus concerns felt across the world

Gold edged down on Friday as the dollar rose and appetite for riskier assets improved after the World Health Organisation tempered fears of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-climbs-to-two-week-high-as-china-flu-scare-spurs-safe-haven-bids-275730">global coronavirus outbreak</a>.

Spot gold was 0.1 per cent lower at $1,561.18 per ounce by 1039 GMT but holding above the key $1,550 support level and en route to a post small weekly gain of about 0.3 per cent, as bets on easy monetary policy globally and lingering uncertainties on the world stage buoyed appetite for the safe haven.

US gold futures slipped 0.3 per cent to $1,560.80 per ounce. "Gold prices are facing headwinds from gaining equities and a stronger dollar but it is unlikely to fall below $1,520 as a bunch of geopolitical uncertainties still exist," Saxo Bank analyst Ole Hansen said.

European shares gained after the WHO designated the coronavirus outbreak an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-risk-assets-slip-on-chinese-virus-anxiety-275925">emergency for China</a> but not yet for the rest of the world. However, the spread of the virus ahead of the Lunar New Year, a peak period of travel and gold demand in China, kept investor concerns heightened.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-climbs-to-two-week-high-as-china-flu-scare-spurs-safe-haven-bids-275730">Gold prices climb to two week high as China flu scare spurs safe haven bids</a>

Further, the dollar hovered close to a more than one and a half month high against a basket of currencies, making gold expensive for buyers holding other currencies. "With a low-interest-rate environment, geopolitical risks and uncertainties such as US President's impeachment, the conditions are still quite conducive to further upside in gold," ANZ analyst Daniel Hynes said.

<img alt="Effects of the virus evident on Chinese public" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba00019e-24c9-469e-a5ba-17cff2a92528" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2861%29_3.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Effects of the virus evident on Chinese public (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

After the European Central Bank left rates unchanged on Thursday, investors are looking to the US Federal Reserve's first meeting of the year scheduled on January 28-29.

However in the short-term, "the Libya oil issue and the coronavirus have not helped (gold) much and if this continues, we might see a challenging quarter ahead," Saxo Bank's Hansen said. Libya earlier this week declared force majeure on two major oilfields following a military blockade, and protests escalated in Iraq, pushing investors towards safe-haven assets.

Holdings of the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, SPDR Gold Trust, rose 0.2 per cent to 900.58 tonnes on Thursday. 
Elsewhere, palladium dipped 0.2 per cent to $2,457.10 per ounce and was on track to register its first weekly fall in five at about 0.7 per cent. 
Silver rose 0.3 per cent to $17.84 per ounce but was set to post its biggest weekly decline since early-December at nearly 1 per cent. Platinum rose 0.3 per cent to $1,004.64 but was down 1.3 per cent for the week, its worst since the week ended December 20. 
&nbsp;

Gold edged down on Friday as the dollar rose and appetite for riskier assets improved after the World Health Organisation tempered fears of a global coronavirus outbreak.

Gold edged down on Friday as the dollar rose and appetite for riskier assets improved after the World Health Organisation tempered fears of a global coronavirus outbreak. Spot gold was 0.1 per cent lower at $1,561.18 per ounce by 1039 GMT but holding above the key $1,550 support level and en route to a post small weekly gain of about 0.3 per cent, as bets on easy monetary policy globally and lingering uncertainties on the world stage buoyed appetite for the safe haven. US gold futures slipped 0.3 per cent to $1,560.80 per ounce. "Gold prices are facing headwinds from gaining equities and a stronger dollar but it is unlikely to fall below $1,520 as a bunch of geopolitical uncertainties still exist," Saxo Bank analyst Ole Hansen said. European shares gained after the WHO designated the coronavirus outbreak an emergency for China but not yet for the rest of the world. However, the spread of the virus ahead of the Lunar New Year, a peak period of travel and gold demand in China, kept investor concerns heightened. Also Read: Gold prices climb to two week high as China flu scare spurs safe haven bids Further, the dollar hovered close to a more than one and a half month high against a basket of currencies, making gold expensive for buyers holding other currencies. "With a low-interest-rate environment, geopolitical risks and uncertainties such as US President's impeachment, the conditions are still quite conducive to further upside in gold," ANZ analyst Daniel Hynes said. [ Effects of the virus evident on Chinese public (Courtesy: Reuters) ] After the European Central Bank left rates unchanged on Thursday, investors are looking to the US Federal Reserve's first meeting of the year scheduled on January 28-29. However in the short-term, "the Libya oil issue and the coronavirus have not helped (gold) much and if this continues, we might see a challenging quarter ahead," Saxo Bank's Hansen said. Libya earlier this week declared force majeure on two major oilfields following a military blockade, and protests escalated in Iraq, pushing investors towards safe-haven assets. Holdings of the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, SPDR Gold Trust, rose 0.2 per cent to 900.58 tonnes on Thursday. Elsewhere, palladium dipped 0.2 per cent to $2,457.10 per ounce and was on track to register its first weekly fall in five at about 0.7 per cent. Silver rose 0.3 per cent to $17.84 per ounce but was set to post its biggest weekly decline since early-December at nearly 1 per cent. Platinum rose 0.3 per cent to $1,004.64 but was down 1.3 per cent for the week, its worst since the week ended December 20.

Gold prices ease after WHO tempers coronavirus fears

Gold prices rose to a two-week high on Tuesday as the spread of a new virus in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-rises-to-one-week-peak-amid-trade-anxiety-254957">China stoked fears</a> of a wider epidemic, sparking a sudden bout of risk aversion and sell-off in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-lower-as-investors-book-decade-end-profits-271229">Asian stocks</a>.

Spot gold prices touched their highest since Jan. 8 at $1,568.35 and were up 0.1 per cent&nbsp;to $1,563.01 per ounce by 0730 GMT. US&nbsp;gold futures were 0.3 per cent&nbsp;higher at $1,564.10.

<img alt="Customers select gold bracelets at Caibai Jewelry store in Beijing" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ca286a0-6aeb-4700-b332-f262b5b8f3c6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2831%29_0.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Customers select gold bracelets at Caibai Jewelry store in Beijing (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Asian shares slipped as the new coronavirus has spread to more Chinese cities and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-prices-steady-as-us-china-trade-deal-doubts-linger-263135">concerns mounted</a> it could spread further with many traveling for the Lunar New Year holidays.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-climbs-to-three-month-high-poised-for-best-year-since-2010-271231">Gold climbs to three-month high, poised for best year since 2010</a>

Gold prices were driven by "the rapid spread of the virus from Wuhan, China, which has caused panic", said Margaret Yang Yan, a market analyst at CMC Markets.

"Chinese New Year holidays are going to worsen the situation as people are bound to travel in China. The fear of outbreak is going to drive up demand for gold for a couple more days," she added.

China will start celebrating the Lunar New Year this weekend. The yen also gained on concerns of a wider outbreak, which has prompted the World Health Organisation to convene an emergency meeting to assess the situation.

Gold prices rose to a two-week high on Tuesday as the spread of a new virus in China stoked fears of a wider epidemic, sparking a sudden bout of risk aversion and sell-off in Asian stocks.

Gold prices rose to a two-week high on Tuesday as the spread of a new virus in China stoked fears of a wider epidemic, sparking a sudden bout of risk aversion and sell-off in Asian stocks. Spot gold prices touched their highest since Jan. 8 at $1,568.35 and were up 0.1 per cent to $1,563.01 per ounce by 0730 GMT. US gold futures were 0.3 per cent higher at $1,564.10. [ Customers select gold bracelets at Caibai Jewelry store in Beijing (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Asian shares slipped as the new coronavirus has spread to more Chinese cities and concerns mounted it could spread further with many traveling for the Lunar New Year holidays. Also Read: Gold climbs to three-month high, poised for best year since 2010 Gold prices were driven by "the rapid spread of the virus from Wuhan, China, which has caused panic", said Margaret Yang Yan, a market analyst at CMC Markets. "Chinese New Year holidays are going to worsen the situation as people are bound to travel in China. The fear of outbreak is going to drive up demand for gold for a couple more days," she added. China will start celebrating the Lunar New Year this weekend. The yen also gained on concerns of a wider outbreak, which has prompted the World Health Organisation to convene an emergency meeting to assess the situation.

Gold prices climb to two week high as China flu scare spurs safe haven bids

A gauge of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-lower-as-investors-book-decade-end-profits-271229">Asian shares</a> was toppled from an 18-month top on Monday as heightened Middle East tensions sent investors scurrying for the safety of gold, which hit a near seven-year high while oil jumped to four-month peaks.

The United States detected a heightened state of alert by Iran's missile forces, as President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a> warned the US&nbsp;would strike back, "perhaps in a disproportionate manner," if Iran attacked any American person or target.

Iraq's parliament on Sunday recommended all foreign troops be ordered out of the country after the US&nbsp;killing of a top Iranian military commander and an Iraqi militia leader.

Spot gold surged 1.5 per cent&nbsp;to $1,579.55 per ounce in jittery trade and reached its highest since April 2013.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-tumble-ahead-of-opec-meeting-global-stocks-fall-265363">Oil prices</a> added to their gains on fears any conflict in the region could disrupt global supplies.

Brent crude futures rose $1.46 to $70.06 a barrel, while US crude climbed $1.17 to $64.22.

"The risk of further escalation has clearly gone up&nbsp;given the direct attack on Iran, Iran's threat of retaliation and Trump's desire to look tough - posing the threat of higher oil prices," said Shane Oliver, chief economist at AMP Capital.

"Historically though oil prices need to double to pose a severe threat to global growth and we are a long way from that."

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-warns-he-may-hit-iraq-with-sanctions-272385/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan&nbsp;slipped 0.7 per cent.

Japan's Nikkei slid almost 2 per cent&nbsp;in a sour return from holiday, while E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P 500&nbsp; fell 0.5&nbsp;per cent in very choppy trade.

Chinese shares opened in the red too, with the blue-chip CSI300 index off a shade while Australian shares were off 0.4 per cent.

"Geopolitical tensions look like remaining elevated in the coming days, so lending support to oil prices and keeping risk asset markets on the defensive," said Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank.

Sovereign bonds benefited from the safety bid with yields on 10-year Treasuries down at 1.769&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;having fallen 10 basis points on Friday. Treasury futures gained 5-1/2 ticks.

In currency markets, the Japanese yen remained the favoured safe harbour courtesy of Japan's massive holdings of foreign assets. Investors assume Japanese funds would repatriate their money during a truly global crisis, pushing the yen higher.

On Monday, the dollar was last at 107.98 yen, after falling to a three-month trough of 107.78 earlier in the session. The euro likewise eased to 120.55 yen having hit a three-week low.

The dollar was steadier against the other majors, with the euro little changed at $1.1161. Against a basket of currencies, the dollar was holding at 96.86.

The risk-sensitive currencies of Australia and New Zealand were on track for their fourth straight session of losses.

A gauge of Asian shares was toppled from an 18-month top on Monday as heightened Middle East tensions sent investors scurrying for the safety of gold, which hit a near seven-year high while oil jumped to four-month peaks.

A gauge of Asian shares was toppled from an 18-month top on Monday as heightened Middle East tensions sent investors scurrying for the safety of gold, which hit a near seven-year high while oil jumped to four-month peaks. The United States detected a heightened state of alert by Iran's missile forces, as President Donald Trump warned the US would strike back, "perhaps in a disproportionate manner," if Iran attacked any American person or target. Iraq's parliament on Sunday recommended all foreign troops be ordered out of the country after the US killing of a top Iranian military commander and an Iraqi militia leader. Spot gold surged 1.5 per cent to $1,579.55 per ounce in jittery trade and reached its highest since April 2013. Oil prices added to their gains on fears any conflict in the region could disrupt global supplies. Brent crude futures rose $1.46 to $70.06 a barrel, while US crude climbed $1.17 to $64.22. "The risk of further escalation has clearly gone up given the direct attack on Iran, Iran's threat of retaliation and Trump's desire to look tough - posing the threat of higher oil prices," said Shane Oliver, chief economist at AMP Capital. "Historically though oil prices need to double to pose a severe threat to global growth and we are a long way from that." Watch Video: MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan slipped 0.7 per cent. Japan's Nikkei slid almost 2 per cent in a sour return from holiday, while E-Mini futures for the S&P 500 fell 0.5 per cent in very choppy trade. Chinese shares opened in the red too, with the blue-chip CSI300 index off a shade while Australian shares were off 0.4 per cent. "Geopolitical tensions look like remaining elevated in the coming days, so lending support to oil prices and keeping risk asset markets on the defensive," said Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank. Sovereign bonds benefited from the safety bid with yields on 10-year Treasuries down at 1.769 per cent having fallen 10 basis points on Friday. Treasury futures gained 5-1/2 ticks. In currency markets, the Japanese yen remained the favoured safe harbour courtesy of Japan's massive holdings of foreign assets. Investors assume Japanese funds would repatriate their money during a truly global crisis, pushing the yen higher. On Monday, the dollar was last at 107.98 yen, after falling to a three-month trough of 107.78 earlier in the session. The euro likewise eased to 120.55 yen having hit a three-week low. The dollar was steadier against the other majors, with the euro little changed at $1.1161. Against a basket of currencies, the dollar was holding at 96.86. The risk-sensitive currencies of Australia and New Zealand were on track for their fourth straight session of losses.

Gold, oil prices soar amid US-Iran tensions

Gold firmed on Thursday, edging back towards the three-month peak it reached earlier in the week on the back of dollar weakness, with the market focusing on minutes of the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve's December policy meeting.

Spot gold was up 0.4 per cent&nbsp;to $1,523.12 per ounce as of 1248 GMT, having touched its highest since Sept. 25 at $1,525.20 on Tuesday. The US&nbsp;gold futures were up 0.2 per cent&nbsp;at $1,525.80.

"We are seeing a bit of a bounce-back&nbsp;in the dollar but if you look at the movements that we saw (in the past few days), it is probably supporting gold in the interim," said OANDA analyst Craig Erlam.

The negative correlation between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/dollar-snaps-six-day-losing-streak-a-flat-start-for-2020-271653">dollar</a> and bullion is what really propelled gold from $1,480 to $1,520, he said, but further upside in the US&nbsp;currency could put pressure on gold.

Against key rivals, the dollar was up 0.3 per cent&nbsp;this session but was trading not far from the six-month low it touched on Tuesday.

Beijing's decision to ease monetary policy further supported bullion, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sterling-rebounds-on-eve-of-uk-election-267749">Erlam</a> added.

China's central bank on Wednesday said it was cutting the amount of cash that all banks must hold as reserves, releasing funds to shore up the slowing economy.

Bullion prices posted their biggest annual rise in nearly a decade in 2019, boosted by the drawn-out trade war between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-halts-british-stock-link-over-political-tensions-sources-271591">United States and China</a> that dragged on global economic growth.

Many analysts said prices were likely to rise further in 2020, with shaky growth and global stock markets potentially looking unsustainable at record highs.

"A key thing to look out for is stock markets, which have been setting new highs," said Brian Lan, managing director at dealer GoldSilver Central in Singapore. "In case there is some correction, we (could) see some capital flows into gold."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdoms-new-government-increases-minimum-wage-to-ps872-271242">Brexit</a>, the US&nbsp;presidential election, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protests-severely-challenged-one-country-two-systems-principle-xi-in-his-new-year-address-271325">protests in Hong Kong</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-says-north-korea-to-show-new-strategic-weapon-leaves-room-for-talks-271331">tensions with North Korea</a> would be the other key factors for the market this year, he said.

Investor focus has now turned to the minutes of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-climbs-to-three-month-high-poised-for-best-year-since-2010-271231">Federal Reserve's</a> December&nbsp;10-11 policy meeting, due at 1900 GMT on Friday. Lower interest rates encourage the buying of non-interest-paying bullion.

"Friday's US&nbsp;manufacturing ISM and the December <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-buoyed-by-wall-st-rally-but-china-worry-caps-gains-267070">Federal Open Market Committee</a> (FOMC) minutes could provide an impulse," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-surge-after-us-strike-kills-iranian-general-271775">Stephen Innes</a>, a market strategist at AxiTrader said in a note.

Among other precious metals, silver gained 0.5 per cent&nbsp;to $17.92 per ounce, while platinum rose 1.7 per cent&nbsp;to $979.65 and palladium edged up 0.4 per cent&nbsp;to $1,947.37 per ounce.

Gold firmed on Thursday, edging back towards the three-month peak it reached earlier in the week on the back of dollar weakness, with the market focusing on minutes of the US Federal Reserve's December policy meeting.

Gold firmed on Thursday, edging back towards the three-month peak it reached earlier in the week on the back of dollar weakness, with the market focusing on minutes of the US Federal Reserve's December policy meeting. Spot gold was up 0.4 per cent to $1,523.12 per ounce as of 1248 GMT, having touched its highest since Sept. 25 at $1,525.20 on Tuesday. The US gold futures were up 0.2 per cent at $1,525.80. "We are seeing a bit of a bounce-back in the dollar but if you look at the movements that we saw (in the past few days), it is probably supporting gold in the interim," said OANDA analyst Craig Erlam. The negative correlation between the dollar and bullion is what really propelled gold from $1,480 to $1,520, he said, but further upside in the US currency could put pressure on gold. Against key rivals, the dollar was up 0.3 per cent this session but was trading not far from the six-month low it touched on Tuesday. Beijing's decision to ease monetary policy further supported bullion, Erlam added. China's central bank on Wednesday said it was cutting the amount of cash that all banks must hold as reserves, releasing funds to shore up the slowing economy. Bullion prices posted their biggest annual rise in nearly a decade in 2019, boosted by the drawn-out trade war between the United States and China that dragged on global economic growth. Many analysts said prices were likely to rise further in 2020, with shaky growth and global stock markets potentially looking unsustainable at record highs. "A key thing to look out for is stock markets, which have been setting new highs," said Brian Lan, managing director at dealer GoldSilver Central in Singapore. "In case there is some correction, we (could) see some capital flows into gold." Brexit, the US presidential election, protests in Hong Kong and tensions with North Korea would be the other key factors for the market this year, he said. Investor focus has now turned to the minutes of the Federal Reserve's December 10-11 policy meeting, due at 1900 GMT on Friday. Lower interest rates encourage the buying of non-interest-paying bullion. "Friday's US manufacturing ISM and the December Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes could provide an impulse," Stephen Innes, a market strategist at AxiTrader said in a note. Among other precious metals, silver gained 0.5 per cent to $17.92 per ounce, while platinum rose 1.7 per cent to $979.65 and palladium edged up 0.4 per cent to $1,947.37 per ounce.

Gold rises back towards three-month high, markets eye Fed minutes

Gold and other <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-hits-two-month-peak-on-dollar-weakness-us-strikes-270962">safe-haven</a>&nbsp;assets including Oil prices increased over&nbsp;$2 a barrel on Friday because of&nbsp;the US&nbsp;killing of a top <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rocket-attack-on-baghdad-airport-top-iran-commander-killed-271756">Iranian commander</a> in an airstrike in Iraq ratcheted up tensions between the two national powers.&nbsp;

Traders were clearly spooked. The death of Iranian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-ordered-action-against-irans-quds-force-commander-soleimani-us-department-of-defence-271773">Major-General Qassem Soleimani</a>, head of the elite Quds Force, prompted Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to vow revenge.

Europe's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-surge-after-us-strike-kills-iranian-general-271775">stock markets</a> fell 0.5 per cent&nbsp;in early trading as hopes for a lengthy New Year rally vanished. Safe havens gained, with Japan's yen rising half a per cent to the dollar to a two-month high and the Swiss franc hitting its highest against the euro since September.

The Middle East-focused oil markets saw the most dramatic moves. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-steady-on-track-for-biggest-yearly-rise-since-2016-271227&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiN_7-hm-fmAhU0yzgGHRcGDn8QFjACegQICBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0VUxWW0N1ASYhJBKQq-jha">Brent crude</a> futures jumped nearly $3 to $69.16 a barrel,&nbsp;also the highest since September,&nbsp;before easing back to $68.42.

"We are only into the third day of the new year, and a big fat dollop of geopolitical uncertainty has landed on investors' desks," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-climbs-to-three-month-high-poised-for-best-year-since-2010-271231">Jeffrey Halley</a>, senior market analyst for Asia Pacific at broker OANDA.

"I am struggling to see how an Iranian riposte will not occur," he said. "Oil installations and tankers were my first thoughts."

Soleimani's Quds Force and its paramilitary proxies, ranging from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-iranians-general-qasem-soleimani-and-its-consequences-271884">Lebanon's Hezbollah</a> to the PMF in Iraq, have ample means to mount a multi-pronged response.

In September, US&nbsp;officials blamed Iran for a missile and drone attack on oil installations of Saudi Aramco, the Saudi state energy giant and world's largest oil exporter. The Trump administration did not respond, beyond heated rhetoric and threats.

German Bunds and US&nbsp;Treasuries,&nbsp;the world's benchmark government bonds, caught a bid, too. Ten-year German yields, which move inversely to prices, fell further away from seven-month highs touched earlier in the week. US&nbsp;10-year yields fell 5 basis points to a three-week low.

The focus on geopolitics meant markets paid little attention to stronger-than-expected data from France, where inflation rose 1.6 per cent&nbsp;year-on-year in December, beating analyst expectations for a 1.4 per cent&nbsp;rise.

"Markets still remain quite thin after the holidays, but even in a regular session we would have seen a similar reaction," said Christian Lenk, a rates strategist at DZ Bank in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/german-court-bans-uber-services-via-rental-cars-in-germany-269165">Frankfurt</a>. "The repercussions from the airstrike are not clearly forecastable and tensions remain high in the region."

The airstrikes in Iraq also killed top Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. They came after US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Thursday there were indications Iran or forces it backed might be planning additional attacks, after Iranian-backed demonstrators stormed the US&nbsp;embassy in Baghdad.

Gold, a traditional refuge for risk-averse investors, rose 1 per cent&nbsp;to a four-month high of $1,543.66. For the week, it has gained about 2 per cent, heading for a fourth consecutive weekly increase.

"After the recent escalations in geopolitical issues, we see a resistance level near the $1,575 level for the next week," said Jigar Trivedi, a commodities analyst at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-shares-slip-on-year-end-profit-booking-nifty-set-for-13-jump-in-2019-271230">Anand Rathi Shares</a> &amp; Stock Brokers in Mumbai.

Gold and other safe-haven assets including Oil prices increased over $2 a barrel on Friday because of the US killing of a top Iranian commander in an airstrike in Iraq ratcheted up tensions between the two national powers.

Gold and other safe-haven assets including Oil prices increased over $2 a barrel on Friday because of the US killing of a top Iranian commander in an airstrike in Iraq ratcheted up tensions between the two national powers. Traders were clearly spooked. The death of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force, prompted Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to vow revenge. Europe's stock markets fell 0.5 per cent in early trading as hopes for a lengthy New Year rally vanished. Safe havens gained, with Japan's yen rising half a per cent to the dollar to a two-month high and the Swiss franc hitting its highest against the euro since September. The Middle East-focused oil markets saw the most dramatic moves. Brent crude futures jumped nearly $3 to $69.16 a barrel, also the highest since September, before easing back to $68.42. "We are only into the third day of the new year, and a big fat dollop of geopolitical uncertainty has landed on investors' desks," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst for Asia Pacific at broker OANDA. "I am struggling to see how an Iranian riposte will not occur," he said. "Oil installations and tankers were my first thoughts." Soleimani's Quds Force and its paramilitary proxies, ranging from Lebanon's Hezbollah to the PMF in Iraq, have ample means to mount a multi-pronged response. In September, US officials blamed Iran for a missile and drone attack on oil installations of Saudi Aramco, the Saudi state energy giant and world's largest oil exporter. The Trump administration did not respond, beyond heated rhetoric and threats. German Bunds and US Treasuries, the world's benchmark government bonds, caught a bid, too. Ten-year German yields, which move inversely to prices, fell further away from seven-month highs touched earlier in the week. US 10-year yields fell 5 basis points to a three-week low. The focus on geopolitics meant markets paid little attention to stronger-than-expected data from France, where inflation rose 1.6 per cent year-on-year in December, beating analyst expectations for a 1.4 per cent rise. "Markets still remain quite thin after the holidays, but even in a regular session we would have seen a similar reaction," said Christian Lenk, a rates strategist at DZ Bank in Frankfurt. "The repercussions from the airstrike are not clearly forecastable and tensions remain high in the region." The airstrikes in Iraq also killed top Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. They came after US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Thursday there were indications Iran or forces it backed might be planning additional attacks, after Iranian-backed demonstrators stormed the US embassy in Baghdad. Gold, a traditional refuge for risk-averse investors, rose 1 per cent to a four-month high of $1,543.66. For the week, it has gained about 2 per cent, heading for a fourth consecutive weekly increase. "After the recent escalations in geopolitical issues, we see a resistance level near the $1,575 level for the next week," said Jigar Trivedi, a commodities analyst at Anand Rathi Shares & Stock Brokers in Mumbai.

Global Markets: Oil, gold, safe haven assets prices rose as US strike kills Iranian commander

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-hits-two-month-peak-on-dollar-weakness-us-strikes-270962">Gold</a>&nbsp;prices jumped to their highest in more than three months on Tuesday on a weakening dollar, with the metal on track for its best annual show in nearly a decade, while palladium leapt towards its fourth straight yearly gain.

Spot&nbsp;gold&nbsp;hit its highest since September&nbsp;25 at $1,525.20 and was up 0.6 per cent to $1,524.44 per ounce by 0727 GMT. U.S.&nbsp;gold&nbsp;futures rose 0.6 per cent to $1,527.60.

Bullion has gained nearly 19 per cent in the year, its biggest since 2010, mainly driven by a tariff war between the United States and China, which triggered monetary policy easing by major central banks.

"One of the main drivers behind&nbsp;gold's gain is the weakening in the dollar," said Margaret Yang Yan, a market analyst at CMC Markets, adding prices also rose on year-end bargain-hunting.

The dollar slipped against a basket of rivals, making&nbsp;gold&nbsp;cheaper for holders of other currencies.

"However, the upside is kind of limited because quantitative easing or rate-cutting cycle has come to an end for now and we don't see a possibility of any rate cuts in 2020," Yan said.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-soars-2-per-cent-after-powell-speech-trump-tweets-245351">US&nbsp;Federal Reserve</a> cut interest rates three times this year before taking a pause. Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding bullion.

On the trade front, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/phase-one-trade-deal-with-china-would-be-signed-very-shortly-donald-trump-269576">Phase 1 deal</a> is likely to be signed next week, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said on Monday.

"With liquidity much reduced in Asia, there is some potential for&nbsp;gold&nbsp;to spike higher on low volume with some risk hedging added into the mix," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst, Asia Pacific at OANDA, in a note. "The next resistance is at $1,535 an ounce."

Further supporting&nbsp;gold, Asian shares slipped as investors locked in gains after a buoyant year of gains.

Speculators raised their bullish positions in COMEX&nbsp;gold&nbsp;contracts in the week to December&nbsp;24.

Elsewhere, palladium rose 0.3 per cent to $1,913.02 per ounce. Plagued by sustained supply deficit, the auto-catalyst metal extended gains into a fourth straight year.

Prices have jumped over 51 per cent so far this year, the most since 2017, which would make palladium the biggest gainer among precious metals for the year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/deficit-hit-palladium-takes-aim-at-2000-ceiling-in-record-run-268725">Palladium</a>, used mainly in catalytic converters in vehicles, rose to an all-time peak of $1,998.43 on December&nbsp;17.

Silver rose 1.1 per cent to $18.10 and was poised to register its best year since 2010, rising about 17 per cent.

Platinum gained 1.4 per cent to $971.09 and was set to gain about 23 per cent for the year, its best since 2009.

Gold prices jumped to their highest in more than three months on Tuesday on a weakening dollar, with the metal on track for its best annual show in nearly a decade, while palladium leapt towards its fourth straight yearly gain.

Gold prices jumped to their highest in more than three months on Tuesday on a weakening dollar, with the metal on track for its best annual show in nearly a decade, while palladium leapt towards its fourth straight yearly gain. Spot gold hit its highest since September 25 at $1,525.20 and was up 0.6 per cent to $1,524.44 per ounce by 0727 GMT. U.S. gold futures rose 0.6 per cent to $1,527.60. Bullion has gained nearly 19 per cent in the year, its biggest since 2010, mainly driven by a tariff war between the United States and China, which triggered monetary policy easing by major central banks. "One of the main drivers behind gold's gain is the weakening in the dollar," said Margaret Yang Yan, a market analyst at CMC Markets, adding prices also rose on year-end bargain-hunting. The dollar slipped against a basket of rivals, making gold cheaper for holders of other currencies. "However, the upside is kind of limited because quantitative easing or rate-cutting cycle has come to an end for now and we don't see a possibility of any rate cuts in 2020," Yan said. The US Federal Reserve cut interest rates three times this year before taking a pause. Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding bullion. On the trade front, a Phase 1 deal is likely to be signed next week, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said on Monday. "With liquidity much reduced in Asia, there is some potential for gold to spike higher on low volume with some risk hedging added into the mix," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst, Asia Pacific at OANDA, in a note. "The next resistance is at $1,535 an ounce." Further supporting gold, Asian shares slipped as investors locked in gains after a buoyant year of gains. Speculators raised their bullish positions in COMEX gold contracts in the week to December 24. Elsewhere, palladium rose 0.3 per cent to $1,913.02 per ounce. Plagued by sustained supply deficit, the auto-catalyst metal extended gains into a fourth straight year. Prices have jumped over 51 per cent so far this year, the most since 2017, which would make palladium the biggest gainer among precious metals for the year. Palladium, used mainly in catalytic converters in vehicles, rose to an all-time peak of $1,998.43 on December 17. Silver rose 1.1 per cent to $18.10 and was poised to register its best year since 2010, rising about 17 per cent. Platinum gained 1.4 per cent to $971.09 and was set to gain about 23 per cent for the year, its best since 2009.

Gold climbs to three-month high, poised for best year since 2010

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-prices-steady-as-market-awaits-united-states-employment-report-253433">Gold prices</a> rose to their highest in more than two months on Monday in thin year-end trading as the dollar dipped and US&nbsp;military strikes in the Middle East drove investors towards the safe-haven metal.

Spot gold rose 0.3 per cent&nbsp;to $1,514.94 per ounce by 0359 GMT. Earlier in the session, prices hit their highest since October&nbsp;25 at $1,515.80. US&nbsp;gold futures were unchanged at $1,518.

"We are looking at pre-positioning for next year and a rebalancing of portfolios ahead of year-end, overlaid with very low liquidity levels, that are essentially exacerbating the volatility and making these moves appear exaggerated," said Ilya Spivak, a senior currency strategist at DailyFx.

Gold is receiving modest support from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/25-isis-terrorists-killed-in-us-airstrikes-in-iraq-175533">US&nbsp;airstrikes</a> in the middle east, Spivak added.

The US&nbsp;military on Sunday carried out successful airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against an Iran-backed militia group, spurring market uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.

Gold is considered a safe investment in times of geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

Further helping gold, the dollar slipped against a basket of rivals, making gold cheaper for holders of other currencies.

Gold prices have risen about 18 per cent this year and we're on track for its best year since 2010, mainly due to the 17-month-long Sino-US&nbsp;tariff war and its impact on global economic growth.

"But from a pure macro and risk perspective, it currently makes little sense for gold to be trading above $1,500/oz. The surging equity market and higher gold prices seldom, if ever, exist in the same time frame and simultaneously moving higher," said Stephen Innes, a market strategist at AxiTrader in a note.

On the trade front, China's Commerce Ministry on Sunday said it has "proactively dealt with" trade frictions with US&nbsp;this year.

Market participants, however, remained wary even after Washington and Beijing have made progress in their tariff dispute and official ratification of an initial trade deal was close.

Indicative of investor sentiment, holdings of the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, SPDR Gold Trust, rose 0.1 per cent&nbsp;to 893.25 tonnes on Friday, the highest since November 29.

Among other precious metals, silver rose 0.9 per cent&nbsp;to$17.92 per ounce, while platinum climbed 0.2 per cent&nbsp;to $946.62. Palladium was flat at $1,905.28 per ounce.

Gold prices rose to their highest in more than two months on Monday in thin year-end trading as the dollar dipped and US military strikes in the Middle East drove investors towards the safe-haven metal.

Gold prices rose to their highest in more than two months on Monday in thin year-end trading as the dollar dipped and US military strikes in the Middle East drove investors towards the safe-haven metal. Spot gold rose 0.3 per cent to $1,514.94 per ounce by 0359 GMT. Earlier in the session, prices hit their highest since October 25 at $1,515.80. US gold futures were unchanged at $1,518. "We are looking at pre-positioning for next year and a rebalancing of portfolios ahead of year-end, overlaid with very low liquidity levels, that are essentially exacerbating the volatility and making these moves appear exaggerated," said Ilya Spivak, a senior currency strategist at DailyFx. Gold is receiving modest support from the US airstrikes in the middle east, Spivak added. The US military on Sunday carried out successful airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against an Iran-backed militia group, spurring market uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. Gold is considered a safe investment in times of geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Further helping gold, the dollar slipped against a basket of rivals, making gold cheaper for holders of other currencies. Gold prices have risen about 18 per cent this year and we're on track for its best year since 2010, mainly due to the 17-month-long Sino-US tariff war and its impact on global economic growth. "But from a pure macro and risk perspective, it currently makes little sense for gold to be trading above $1,500/oz. The surging equity market and higher gold prices seldom, if ever, exist in the same time frame and simultaneously moving higher," said Stephen Innes, a market strategist at AxiTrader in a note. On the trade front, China's Commerce Ministry on Sunday said it has "proactively dealt with" trade frictions with US this year. Market participants, however, remained wary even after Washington and Beijing have made progress in their tariff dispute and official ratification of an initial trade deal was close. Indicative of investor sentiment, holdings of the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, SPDR Gold Trust, rose 0.1 per cent to 893.25 tonnes on Friday, the highest since November 29. Among other precious metals, silver rose 0.9 per cent to$17.92 per ounce, while platinum climbed 0.2 per cent to $946.62. Palladium was flat at $1,905.28 per ounce.

Gold hits two-month peak on dollar weakness, US strikes

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