Author: Grace Johnson

Gold and silver ended the year with sharp volatility following a historic rally. Both metals posted their strongest annual gains since 1979. Trading stayed unstable in the final sessions. Investors reacted to interest rate signals, geopolitical tensions, and fragile markets. Gold prices rose more than 60 percent over the year. The metal reached a record high above 4,549 dollars per ounce. Prices retreated after Christmas. Gold traded near 4,330 dollars per ounce on New Year’s Eve. Silver experienced similar turbulence. The metal traded around 71 dollars per ounce at year end. Earlier in the week, silver climbed to an all-time…

Meta has completed the acquisition of the Chinese-founded AI start-up Manus. The company aims to enhance its technology and expand AI capabilities. Meta said the deal will strengthen its products for both consumers and businesses. Analysts estimate the deal at billions Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal estimated the acquisition at more than two billion dollars. Meta has not confirmed the financial terms publicly. The investment highlights Manus’s strategic value for the company. AI agents become central to Meta strategy Meta said the acquisition will bring advanced digital agents to more users. These tools can plan trips, create presentations, and…

Ukraine dismissed Russian claims of a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow spread false accusations to block peace efforts. He accused Russia of inventing a pretext for further military action. Ukrainian officials confirmed no such operation took place. Russia Reports Alleged Drone Attack Overnight Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones overnight. He claimed the drones targeted Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region. Russian authorities did not disclose Putin’s location during the alleged incident. Moscow said it would reassess its approach to peace negotiations. Zelensky Calls Accusation…

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky said talks in Florida advanced efforts to end the Ukraine war. Trump said major and unresolved issues still prevent a final agreement. Both leaders described the discussions as productive and encouraging. Trump said territorial disputes remain the central challenge. Russia continues to press Ukraine for additional land. Territory remains central to negotiations Speaking at Mar-a-Lago, Zelensky said negotiators agreed on ninety percent of a twenty point peace plan. Trump said talks nearly completed security guarantees for Ukraine. He estimated progress at about ninety five percent. Zelensky confirmed further negotiations would continue next week. Ukrainian and…

Rich and voiceless, Russia’s billionaires reached a record high during the war against Ukraine. Their fortunes grew, but their political influence disappeared. Over 25 years, Vladimir Putin stripped the wealthy of independent power. Once-feared oligarchs now avoid public opposition. This reality serves the Kremlin perfectly. Western sanctions failed to create elite resistance. Pressure and privilege instead ensured loyalty. The Kremlin maintains control through a combination of rewards and threats. Loyalty delivers protection, access, and profit. Defiance triggers immediate punishment. Former banking billionaire Oleg Tinkov experienced this system firsthand. One day after calling the war “crazy” online, officials contacted his executives.…

Ruben Amorim usually demands dominance, control, and attacking conviction. His Manchester United project reflects those ideals week after week. Against Newcastle, necessity forced a rethink. United claimed a 1-0 Premier League victory through discipline and endurance. The win arrived without control but carried clear importance at Old Trafford. A tactical taboo finally broken Amorim has guarded his system with stubborn loyalty. Earlier this season, he joked nobody could persuade him to change. After 13 months in charge, he finally relented. For the first time under his leadership, United started with a back four. The decision signalled pragmatism over ideology. From…

BP has completed a six billion dollar transaction. The company sells a majority stake in its Castrol motor oil division. US investment firm Stonepeak acquires the holding. The buyer operates from New York. BP transfers 65 percent of Castrol. The brand produces lubricants for cars, motorcycles, and industrial vehicles. The deal values Castrol at 10.1 billion dollars. BP receives six billion dollars in cash. Management plans to reduce debt and focus on its core operations. BP retains a 35 percent stake in Castrol. The group first took control of the brand in 2000. Executives called the deal a strategic milestone.…

The US economy picked up strong speed in the three months to September as consumer spending rose and exports rebounded. Economic output expanded at an annual rate of 4.3%, clearly beating expectations. Growth improved from 3.8% in the previous quarter and marked the fastest pace in two years. The figures emerged after delays caused by a federal government shutdown. The report described an economy shaped by shifting trade policies, immigration changes, persistent inflation, and reduced government spending. These pressures caused sharp swings in trade flows. Despite that volatility, overall economic momentum remained strong and surpassed many forecasts. Unexpected strength shocks…

Amazon has blocked more than 1,800 job applications linked to suspected North Korean operatives. Amazon chief security officer Stephen Schmidt revealed the action publicly. He shared the details in a LinkedIn post. The applicants targeted remote IT roles across the company. They used stolen or fake identities to bypass hiring checks. Remote IT Jobs Exploited to Fund Pyongyang Schmidt said the applicants followed a clear and deliberate plan. They sought employment, collected salaries, and funneled wages back to North Korea. The funds supported weapons development and other state programs. Schmidt warned the activity likely spreads across the technology sector. He…

Jim Beam will halt production at its main Kentucky distillery for the whole of next year. The company confirmed the shutdown will extend through 2026. Executives said the move followed a close review of demand and output levels. Management said it routinely adjusts production to match consumer demand. Leaders recently met employees to discuss expected volumes for 2026. That internal assessment led to the production pause. Shutdown period earmarked for site improvements The distillery will remain closed while the company carries out major site upgrades. Executives said the pause allows focused work without disrupting operations. Management described the decision as…