Gold tops $3,000 for first time on tariff threats
"Markets hate uncertainty, and Trump's second tenure in the White House has provided huge instability over expectations for trade, jobs, inflation, and government spending," said Joshua Mahony, chief market analyst at Scope Markets.
However, Asian equities managed to end the week on a positive note, while European markets were also up in midday deals. Stocks gained support from "hopes that the US government would avoid a shutdown of non-essential services", said Derren Nathan, head of equity research at Hargreaves Lansdown.
With just hours until a deadline to push a Republican spending bill through, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer dropped his threat to block it.
The package would keep the lights on through September, but Democrats have come under pressure from their grassroots to defy the plan, which they say is full of harmful spending cuts.
London's FTSE 100 index rose as the pound dropped against the dollar after data showed the UK economy unexpectedly shrank in January.
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Times of Oman
7 hours ago
- Times of Oman
India's domestic demand shields economy from tariff impact: BoB Chief Economist
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Observer
19 hours ago
- Observer
The quiet revolution as EVs charge ahead
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Observer
19 hours ago
- Observer
Global universities take part in Muscat for JEDEX 2025
MUSCAT, Aug 2 The International Higher Education Exhibition 2025 (JEDEX), which began on July 31, concluded on Saturday, August 2 and was held for students, educators and academic professionals. Organised under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the exhibition marked a significant moment in Oman's academic calendar, offering a window to the world of educational opportunities. This year's edition of JEDEX featured a dynamic lineup of 70 universities, colleges and academies from within the Sultanate of Oman and beyond, including institutions from Arab, Gulf and Asian countries. The exhibition was further enriched by the participation of Oman's Unified Admission Centre and the Directorate-General of Internal and External Scholarships and Postgraduate Studies under the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. The primary objective of JEDEX is to bridge the gap between aspiring students and the institutions that shape their futures. It serves as an open forum where students, parents and education seekers can interact directly with representatives, learn about academic programmes and specialised fields and explore scholarship and admission opportunities. During her tour of the exhibition, Dr Rahma engaged with representatives from various institutions, receiving briefings on new academic programmes, innovative learning platforms and future-focused disciplines designed to meet the changing needs of the job market and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In addition to its role as an academic fair, JEDEX functions as a networking hub, fostering meaningful collaborations between local and international institutions, promoting research exchange and facilitating the development of dual-degree and exchange programmes. The exhibition, which concluded on Saturday, was held in collaboration with Horizon International Exhibitions and drew thousands of visitors, reaffirming Oman's commitment to educational excellence and global partnerships in higher learning. — ONA
