International News
Gold near fresh all-time highs ahead of US trading session
Gold’s price (XAU/USD) is seeing gains tick up trading near $2,952 at the time of writing, fueled by a weaker US Dollar (USD) and softening US yields in a reaction to the recent German federal election outcome. Although the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has gained 20% of votes, the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) is comfortable in the lead with 208 seats against AfD’s 152. US yields dropped off and the CME Federal Reserve (Fed) Futures are now favoring a 25 basis points (bps) rate cut in June, where last week odds were rather for no rate cut in June.
Meanwhile, traders will watch the US Gross Domestic Product (GBP) release for the fourth quarter of 2024 later this week. Given the recent slowdown in US activity and economic data (for example, the softer Services Purchase Managers Index (PMI) reading on Friday), another drop in US yields could be triggered, with markets anticipating the Federal Reserve lowering its monetary policy rate to boost the economy and demand. The US dollar weakened after several reports and economic data points last week revealed that US business activity slowed and consumer confidence waned, with expectations for inflation surging and markets pricing in more rate cuts by the Federal Reserve this year.
International News
Paraiba Tourmalines Deposit Discovered In Ethiopia
SSEF Said Trace-Element Data From The Suspected Ethiopian Material Overlaps Considerably With Stones From Established Localities, Particularly Brazil
The Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) has received credible reports indicating the discovery of a new deposit of copper-bearing tourmalines, known in the trade as Paraíba tourmalines, in Ethiopia.
The development coincides with the submission of several stones whose geographic origin proved difficult to determine using existing methods. Preliminary analyses suggest some may originate from Ethiopia.
Since their discovery in Brazil in the late 1980s, Paraíba tourmalines have been prized for their vivid “neon” blue and bluish-green colours caused by copper within their crystal structure. Additional deposits were later found in Nigeria and Mozambique, with the latter becoming a major source.
SSEF said trace-element data from the suspected Ethiopian material overlaps considerably with stones from established localities, particularly Brazil, making origin determination challenging. The institute is conducting further research to characterise the new material and refine methods for distinguishing it from copper-bearing tourmalines from other sources.
-
National News18 hours agoJaipur Gem & Jewellery Bourse Poised To Transform Global Coloured Gemstone Trade
-
National News18 hours agoAdvit Jewels IPO To Open On June 23, Issue Size Of Rs. 165.16 Crores
-
International News19 hours agoParaiba Tourmalines Deposit Discovered In Ethiopia
-
National News21 hours agoGold Prices Decline On Easing Global Tensions

