分类： business

Gold prices in Dubai showed signs of recovery on Wednesday, with 22K gold trading above Dh450 per gram, according to the latest market data. The Dubai Jewellery Group reported that 24K gold was priced at Dh491 per gram, up from Dh489.75 the previous day. Other variants, including 21K and 18K, were also trading higher at Dh436 and Dh373.75 per gram, respectively. Globally, spot gold saw a modest increase of 0.28%, reaching $4,077.38 per ounce. Dat Tong, a senior financial markets strategist at Exness, highlighted that gold could face continued pressure due to declining expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in December and easing trade tensions, which have reduced safe-haven demand. Tong noted that market sentiment has shifted, with only a 43% probability of a 25-basis-point rate reduction in December, down from 62% a week earlier. Investors are now focusing on upcoming US economic data, including the delayed September non-farm payrolls report, which could influence market volatility and gold’s trajectory. On the geopolitical front, US President Donald Trump’s executive order to exclude certain food products from recent tariff hikes has temporarily eased market concerns. However, rising tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East continue to support demand for safe-haven assets like gold.

Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized the importance of bolstering economic and trade exchanges across the Eurasian continent during his keynote address at the second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum in Xi’an, Shaanxi province. The event, held on November 18, 2025, brought together approximately 450 participants, including international experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, and government officials. Ding, who also serves on the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, highlighted the China Railway Express as a cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative, underscoring its role as a premier international logistics brand with significant influence. He outlined a four-point strategy to enhance the railway’s development, focusing on improved connectivity, technological innovation, risk management, and integrated growth to stabilize international supply chains and foster regional economic prosperity. The forum, themed ‘Connecting Asia and Europe for a Shared Future,’ also featured remarks from Tsoncho Ganev, Vice-President of the Bulgarian National Assembly, who discussed bilateral cooperation with China. This gathering underscores China’s commitment to fostering collaborative economic growth and mutual learning across Eurasia.

Gold prices rebounded from a one-week low on Tuesday, buoyed by weaker-than-expected U.S. employment data, as investors speculated on the possibility of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in December. Spot gold increased by 0.6% to $4,068.05 per ounce, recovering from its lowest point since November 10 earlier in the day. Meanwhile, U.S. gold futures for December delivery dipped slightly by 0.2% to $4,068.40 per ounce. The rise in gold prices was fueled by data showing that the number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits reached a two-month high in mid-October, with continued jobless claims climbing to 1.9 million for the week ending October 18. Market analysts interpreted this as a sign of economic softening, potentially prompting the Fed to lower interest rates. Tai Wong, an independent metals trader, noted that the data has slightly increased market optimism for a December rate cut, aiding gold and silver in breaking a three-day losing streak. According to the CME FedWatch tool, markets now perceive a 50% chance of a rate cut in December, up from 46% earlier in the day but down from 67% last week. Gold, which performs well in low-interest-rate environments, had previously declined by over 3% on Friday and 1% on Monday as investors tempered expectations for another rate cut this year. Attention now turns to the release of the Fed’s meeting minutes on Wednesday and delayed September jobs data on Thursday, both of which were postponed due to the U.S. government shutdown. Analysts at Deutsche Bank highlighted that elevated official demand for gold is likely to persist, supporting a bullish outlook and potentially driving prices above their forecasted average of $4,000 per ounce for next year. In other precious metals, spot silver rose 1% to $50.67 per ounce, platinum surged 7% to $1,544.66, and palladium fell 1.2% to $1,409.72.

India has emerged as a global leader in digital payments, transforming its financial landscape in less than a decade. At the heart of this revolution are two groundbreaking innovations: the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the RuPay card network. These systems have not only reshaped domestic commerce but are also challenging traditional financial powerhouses worldwide. UPI, launched in 2016, has become the world’s most successful real-time payment platform, processing over a trillion transactions annually. Its open architecture allows seamless integration with banks, fintech companies, and payment apps, enabling instant, secure, and low-cost transactions. Meanwhile, RuPay has disrupted the dominance of global credit card networks in India, capturing 60% of the domestic card market. Its affordability and sovereignty have made it a preferred choice for small businesses and consumers alike. Together, UPI and RuPay have created a unified payments ecosystem that is unparalleled in its inclusivity and efficiency. This transformation has brought over 500 million people into the formal financial system, empowering small businesses, farmers, and daily wage workers. Beyond India’s borders, UPI is gaining traction in countries like France, Singapore, and the UAE, offering a faster and cheaper alternative to traditional remittance systems. India’s digital payments revolution is not just a technological achievement; it is a strategic move toward financial sovereignty and global influence. As more nations adopt UPI and RuPay, India is laying the foundation for a new financial order that prioritizes inclusivity, affordability, and independence. The world is taking notice, and India’s leadership in digital payments is set to redefine the future of global finance.

In June 2016, Kim Min-seok, CEO of Pinkfong, approved the release of a 90-second children’s song, unaware it would become a global sensation. The song, ‘Baby Shark,’ amassed over 16 billion views on YouTube, making it the platform’s most-watched video ever. This viral hit not only captivated toddlers and irked adults worldwide but also transformed Pinkfong into a media powerhouse valued at over $400 million. On November 18, 2025, Pinkfong debuted on the South Korean stock market, with shares surging more than 9% on its first trading day. Founded in 2010 as SmartStudy, the company initially focused on digital content for children under 12. With just three employees, including Kim and CTO Dongwoo Son, the firm operated from a modest office. Over the years, Pinkfong underwent significant changes, shifting its focus to toddlers and creating simpler, educational content. The release of ‘Baby Shark’ in 2016 marked a turning point, generating half of the company’s revenue and paving the way for new content and merchandise. Despite facing a plagiarism lawsuit in 2019, Pinkfong successfully defended its position, arguing that ‘Baby Shark’ was derived from a public domain folk song. The company now employs 340 people, with offices in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Los Angeles. While ‘Baby Shark’ remains a cornerstone of Pinkfong’s success, the company is diversifying its portfolio with franchises like Bebefinn and Sealook. Kim Min-seok aims to expand Pinkfong’s offerings and establish it as a tech-driven content creator, leveraging data to shape future projects. However, the challenge lies in proving to investors that Pinkfong is more than a one-hit wonder.