Precious metals emerged as some of the strongest-performing assets of the year, powered by escalating geopolitical risk, expectations of looser monetary policy and lingering questions about global economic stability. Gold prices surged to unprecedented levels in 2025, climbing as high as $4,481 (€3,797) per troy ounce in recent trading. That move represents a roughly 55–70% increase year on year and ranks among the most powerful annual rallies in decades. Silver, long regarded as gold’s quieter counterpart, delivered an even more dramatic performance in percentage terms, posting gains of about 130–140% over the year and reaching record highs near $69 (€58)…
Author: Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow is a freelance journalist based in Beijing, China, with over 20 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. She holds a degree in Communication and Journalism from Stanford University. Over the course of her career, she has contributed to leading outlets such as The New York Times, BBC, and CNN. Recognized for her insightful analysis and engaging reporting style, Rachel delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on key national and international developments.
Deadly Blast in Southern MoscowRussian authorities have launched an investigation into a deadly explosion that struck southern Moscow on Monday morning, killing Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, a senior figure in the Russian Armed Forces. Investigators said Sarvarov, who headed the Operational Training Directorate of the General Staff, died from injuries sustained when a car exploded in a parking lot near a residential building. Russian media reported that the blast occurred shortly after the general arrived at the site, triggering an immediate emergency response. Criminal Case Opened, Motive UnclearRussia’s Investigative Committee confirmed that it has opened a criminal case into Sarvarov’s…
A Release That Raised More Questions Than Answers The US Justice Department has published thousands of photos and documents linked to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, reigniting demands for full transparency. Many of the newly released images feature former President Bill Clinton, prompting lawmakers to call for the complete and uncensored release of all remaining material. The department made the files public on Friday after years of public pressure, but the limited scope of the release quickly frustrated critics who expected far more. Democratic lawmakers accused the Trump administration of withholding critical information and shielding powerful figures. The Justice Department said…
EU leaders realised late Thursday that their unprecedented reparations loan for Ukraine could not survive political resistance.The plan aimed to transform frozen Russian central bank assets into a zero-interest loan for Kyiv.Leaders ultimately judged the proposal too risky and too uncertain to implement. The idea appeared daring, ambitious, and symbolically powerful.It also pushed the bloc into uncharted legal and financial territory.In the end, that leap proved too large for consensus. EU leaders chose a familiar solution instead.They agreed to support Ukraine through joint borrowing on financial markets.They avoided touching the €210 billion in immobilised Russian assets. Belgian Prime Minister Bart…
Airport employees across Europe are walking out to protest what unions call mean-spirited behavior by low-paying employers.Workers accuse companies of squeezing wages during the busiest and most profitable travel season of the year. Christmas trips and winter holidays now often overlap with strike action across transport networks.Workers deliberately choose this period to push for fair pay and better working conditions. Some strikes appear on official schedules months in advance, giving travelers time to prepare.Others surface suddenly, sometimes only hours before planes or trains should depart.Passengers should always check travel updates before leaving home to avoid sudden disruption. With Christmas just…
Hackers launched a cyberattack against France’s Interior Ministry that lasted several days, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said.The attackers focused on email accounts within the Place Beauvau ministry, which employs nearly 300,000 people.Nuñez publicly confirmed the incident on Wednesday after investigators identified the breach. The cyberattack compromised internal email accounts and exposed sensitive police information.Nuñez said the attackers accessed protected systems connected to law enforcement operations. He discussed the incident during an interview with the Franceinfo news outlet.Authorities immediately opened a judicial investigation to identify those responsible. Email Access Opened the Door to Sensitive Files Attackers infiltrated several professional email inboxes…
Workers at the Louvre shut down the museum on Monday after launching a strike over working conditions, staffing and security concerns. The walkout closed the world’s most visited museum and came just weeks after a highly embarrassing jewellery heist. Union leaders said all staff present backed the strike, although they have not yet decided whether action will continue beyond one day. The CFDT union said around 400 employees voted unanimously during a morning meeting. Striking workers gathered at the glass pyramid entrance, holding banners and blocking access for visitors. The Louvre confirmed the closure on its website, described it as…
A shooting erupted at Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach, killing ten people, including one gunman. More than a dozen others suffered injuries during the attack. A Hanukkah event took place at the beach when the shooting began. Authorities continue investigating the motive behind the violence. New South Wales Police confirmed ten deaths following the shooting on Sunday. Police said one of the dead was a gunman. Officers reported that another suspected gunman remains in critical condition. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes across the beach. They said they saw more than a dozen people lying injured on the ground. Witnesses also reported blood…
EU fisheries ministers wrapped up two days of talks with an agreement on fishing quotas for 2026. The Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers approved catch limits and fishing effort rules for next year, with some measures extending through 2028. The deal covers the most important commercial fish stocks in the Atlantic, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea, giving the sector a clearer regulatory outlook. The agreement defines fishing effort by combining vessel size, engine power, and the number of days spent at sea. After intensive negotiations, all 27 Member States settled on a compromise that reflects…
China’s Premier Li Qiang has called for greater mutual opening up among international markets, urging countries to avoid politicizing trade or overemphasizing security concerns in economic discussions. He highlighted cooperation on innovation as a key path to both global and domestic growth. Speaking at an international economic forum, Li emphasized that countries should focus on collaboration rather than confrontation. He said mutual openness and fair trade practices are essential for sustainable economic development. Premier Li also stressed that over-politicizing trade issues can create unnecessary barriers and disrupt global markets. He encouraged nations to maintain predictable policies and reduce tensions that…
