Global Pulse

标签： North America

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  • Gold charges toward $5,000 as a new real-assets supercycle takes hold

    Gold charges toward $5,000 as a new real-assets supercycle takes hold

    The global gold market is experiencing a profound transformation as the precious metal accelerates toward the unprecedented $5,000 per ounce threshold. This remarkable rally, characterized by a 64% surge in 2025 followed by an additional 6% gain in early 2026, represents a fundamental revaluation of gold’s role in modern portfolios.

    Three powerful catalysts are driving this structural shift: aggressive central bank accumulation, escalating geopolitical tensions, and anticipated monetary easing cycles. Emerging market central banks, particularly China’s People’s Bank which has expanded its buying streak to 14 consecutive months, are systematically diversifying reserves away from traditional dollar holdings. This institutional demand has created an exceptionally solid foundation for continued price appreciation.

    Financial institutions are revising targets accordingly. Standard Chartered maintains gold as a core overweight position with projected targets of $4,350 within three months and $4,800 over twelve months. ANZ analysts present an even more bullish case, forecasting gold will surpass $5,000 during 2026 as safe-haven demand intensifies.

    The market dynamics reflect this paradigm shift. Spot gold recently achieved record highs approaching $4,630 per ounce, while silver simultaneously reached unprecedented levels above $86. According to World Gold Council data, gold established new record prices on 53 separate occasions during 2025, while physically-backed gold ETF inflows reached an extraordinary $89 billion.

    Market analysts emphasize this represents more than temporary speculation. Ross Norman, independent precious metals analyst, notes that gold increasingly reflects a world where geopolitical and monetary uncertainty has become structural rather than episodic. This sentiment is echoed by KCM Trade’s Tim Waterer, who observes that sustained breaks above $4,600 could open the path to significantly higher valuations.

    Despite technical indicators occasionally signaling overbought conditions, analysts universally agree that any near-term corrections will likely be shallow and temporary. FXTM’s Lukman Otunuga emphasizes that fundamentals remain overwhelmingly favorable due to persistent concerns regarding Federal Reserve policy credibility, ongoing trade tensions, and unwavering central bank demand.

    As Naeem Aslam of Zaye Capital Markets concludes, gold is evolving from traditional defensive hedge to core strategic asset precisely because global tensions across multiple flashpoints are driving investors toward bullion as the ultimate store of value in an increasingly uncertain world.

  • Abu Dhabi: Man ordered to pay Dh25,000 for filming, posting online without consent

    Abu Dhabi: Man ordered to pay Dh25,000 for filming, posting online without consent

    In a significant ruling reinforcing digital privacy rights, Abu Dhabi’s judicial system has delivered a decisive verdict against unauthorized image sharing. The Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Court adjudicated on January 6, 2026, mandating a defendant to pay Dh25,000 in compensation for capturing and disseminating an individual’s photograph without consent.

    The case originated when the defendant photographed the plaintiff in a public setting and subsequently published the image on Snapchat without authorization. This action prompted both civil and criminal proceedings, with the criminal court previously establishing the defendant’s guilt in privacy violation. The initial criminal judgment, upheld by the Abu Dhabi Appeals Prosecution in August 2025, included a provisional compensation of Dh20,000, mandatory deletion of the Snapchat account, and a six-month internet ban.

    In the civil proceedings, the plaintiff sought Dh50,000 compensation, citing substantial emotional distress and reputational damage among professional and personal circles. The court meticulously examined evidentiary documents, including the February 2025 prosecution judgment that confirmed the privacy infringement.

    While acknowledging the moral damages suffered by the plaintiff, the court differentiated between emotional and financial impacts. The final award of Dh25,000 specifically addresses moral damages, incorporating the previously awarded provisional compensation with an additional Dh5,000 for intangible harms. The court dismissed financial damage claims due to insufficient evidence connecting the defendant’s actions to monetary losses.

    The comprehensive ruling also requires the defendant to cover all court expenses and legal fees, delivering a clear message about the serious consequences of non-consensual image sharing in the digital age.

  • Trump vows tariffs on eight European nations over Greenland

    Trump vows tariffs on eight European nations over Greenland

    In a significant escalation of transatlantic tensions, former President Donald Trump has declared impending tariff measures against eight European nations in pursuit of his longstanding ambition to acquire Greenland. Through his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump announced a 10% import tariff scheduled to take effect February 1st targeting Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Great Britain—all already subject to existing Trump-era tariffs.

    The punitive measures would intensify to 25% by June 1st unless negotiations culminate in U.S. ownership of the autonomous Danish territory. Trump maintains that Greenland’s strategic Arctic positioning and substantial mineral resources render it vital to American security interests, refusing to discount potential military action despite Greenland and Denmark’s consistent assertions that the island is not for sale.

    The announcement triggered immediate diplomatic backlash across Europe. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the threat via social media, stating tariff imposition against allies pursuing collective NATO security was ‘completely wrong.’ European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa issued identical statements affirming the EU’s ‘full solidarity’ with Denmark and Greenland, warning tariffs risked a ‘dangerous downward spiral’ in transatlantic relations.

    Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed surprise at the unilateral declaration, while Cyprus, holding the EU presidency, convened an emergency meeting of ambassadors from all 27 member states. Multiple European officials reiterated that tariff threats should have no place in discussions regarding Greenland’s sovereignty.

    The move potentially jeopardizes tentative trade agreements negotiated between the Trump administration and European partners last year. Trade analysts note the unprecedented approach of targeting specific EU members differently risks fragmenting European unity and could undermine existing trade frameworks.

    Meanwhile, thousands protested in Denmark and Greenland against what they perceive as neo-colonial aggression, demanding respect for Greenland’s self-determination. The escalating situation has raised concerns among NATO members about the alliance’s stability, with some U.S. senators warning the approach damages American interests and strengthens adversaries like China and Russia.

  • Around 1,500 soldiers on standby for deployment to Minneapolis, officials say

    Around 1,500 soldiers on standby for deployment to Minneapolis, officials say

    Approximately 1,500 soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, remain on high alert for potential deployment to Minneapolis, according to a U.S. defense official. This military contingency plan comes as ongoing demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations continue to unfold throughout the city.

    The possible activation of active duty personnel represents one of several options available to the administration should civil unrest escalate. No final decision regarding troop deployment has been made at this time.

    These developments follow the fatal shooting of U.S. citizen Renee Good by an ICE agent earlier this month. Good was reportedly acting as a legal observer monitoring ICE activities at the time of the incident. While protest organizers have characterized her as a civilian observer, federal authorities have controversially labeled her a “domestic terrorist.”

    In response to the escalating situation, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has already mobilized the state’s National Guard and deployed additional law enforcement personnel to maintain order during protests. Simultaneously, the judicial branch has intervened through a federal court order issued by Judge Katherine Menendez. The ruling explicitly prohibits ICE agents from employing certain crowd control measures—including arrests and pepper spray—against peaceful demonstrators and observers.

    City officials have repeatedly urged protesters to maintain orderly and peaceful conduct during demonstrations, which have spread beyond Minneapolis with signs demanding “Justice for Renee” appearing at rallies nationwide. The ongoing tensions reflect deepening national divisions regarding immigration enforcement policies and practices.

  • Mercosur, EU sign free trade agreement in Asuncion

    Mercosur, EU sign free trade agreement in Asuncion

    In a landmark ceremony held in Asunción on January 17, 2026, the European Union and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) formally signed one of the world’s most comprehensive free trade agreements, culminating negotiations that spanned more than two decades. The signing event brought together top leadership from both blocs, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and representatives from Mercosur’s core member states.

    The agreement establishes a transformative economic framework between the two regions, which together represent a market of over 700 million people. The pact will progressively eliminate tariffs on numerous goods, with the European Commission projecting annual duty savings exceeding €4 billion on EU exports alone. Key EU exports to Mercosur include machinery, chemical products, and transport equipment, while South American exports predominantly feature agricultural commodities, minerals, and forestry products.

    The negotiation journey, which began in the late 1990s, encountered multiple obstacles including political shifts in South American governments, environmental protection concerns, and resistance from European agricultural sectors. The final agreement includes provisions addressing sustainable development and environmental standards, reflecting contemporary trade priorities.

    The pact now advances to the ratification phase, requiring approval from the European Parliament and the national legislatures of Mercosur’s member countries: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

  • Trump says US to impose tariffs on 8 European nations over Greenland

    Trump says US to impose tariffs on 8 European nations over Greenland

    In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Saturday that the United States would implement sweeping tariffs against eight European nations in retaliation for their opposition to American ambitions regarding Greenland. The targeted countries include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, and Finland.

    According to Trump’s social media announcement, a 10% tariff on all goods from these nations will take effect on February 1, 2026. These levies are scheduled to increase dramatically to 25% by June 1 unless an agreement is reached for the United States to acquire the Arctic territory of Greenland.

    The tariff threat follows reports that several NATO members, including Britain, France, and Germany, deployed military assets and diplomatic personnel to Greenland this week in apparent opposition to U.S. territorial aspirations. Trump framed these actions as a ‘very dangerous game’ that created an unacceptable level of risk.

    ‘Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation ends quickly, and without question,’ Trump stated in his post.

    The former president justified the proposed acquisition on national security grounds, asserting that American control of Greenland is necessary to protect U.S. interests. He simultaneously offered negotiations with Denmark ‘and/or any of these Countries that have put so much at risk, despite all that we have done for them.’

    Greenland, while self-governing, remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark, which maintains authority over its defense and foreign policy. The United States already operates a strategic military base on the island. Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in obtaining Greenland, recently intensifying his rhetoric.

    The announcement sparked immediate public backlash, with thousands of protesters gathering in Copenhagen on Saturday chanting slogans such as ‘Greenland is not for sale,’ demonstrating widespread European opposition to the proposition.

  • Watch: Timelapse shows Nasa rocket’s 12-hour journey to launch pad

    Watch: Timelapse shows Nasa rocket’s 12-hour journey to launch pad

    In a meticulously choreographed ballet of engineering, NASA’s colossal Space Launch System (SLS) rocket has completed its monumental journey to Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center. Captured in a mesmerizing timelapse, the 12-hour transit unveiled the sheer scale of pre-launch operations for the Artemis I mission.

    The 322-foot-tall (98-meter) deep-space rocket, mounted atop NASA’s robust Crawler-Transporter 2, embarked on a 4.2-mile (6.8-kilometer) voyage from the Vehicle Assembly Building. Progressing at a deliberate maximum speed of just 0.82 miles per hour (1.3 km/h), the procession emphasized the careful precision required to move the 3.5-million-pound structure without compromising its delicate systems.

    This journey, known as the ‘rollout,’ represents a critical milestone in NASA’s preparations for returning humans to the lunar surface. The SLS rocket—the most powerful ever built by the agency—will serve as the cornerstone for the Artemis program, which aims to establish sustainable lunar exploration while paving the way for future Mars missions.

    The timelapse footage compresses hours of painstaking progress into minutes, showcasing how engineering marvels overcome terrestrial challenges before ever reaching the stars. With the rocket now positioned at the launch pad, teams will conduct final tests and rehearsals leading to the historic uncrewed flight around the Moon.

  • UAE minister Reem Al Hashimy appointed to White House’s Gaza Executive Board

    UAE minister Reem Al Hashimy appointed to White House’s Gaza Executive Board

    In a significant diplomatic development, the White House has established a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) as part of implementing phase two of President Donald Trump’s ‘Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.’ This 20-point roadmap aims to establish lasting peace, stability, reconstruction, and prosperity in the region.

    The newly formed Gaza Executive Board will operate in support of the Office of the High Representative and the NCAG. The Board’s primary mission involves supporting effective governance and delivering superior services that advance peace, stability, and prosperity for Gaza’s population.

    Notable appointments include UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy, who joins the Executive Board. Simultaneously, Nikolay Mladenov, Director General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi, assumes the critical role of High Representative for Gaza. Mladenov will serve as the essential on-the-ground liaison between the Board of Peace and the NCAG, supporting oversight of Gaza’s governance, reconstruction, and development while ensuring coordination across civilian and security sectors.

    This executive board formation coincides with the creation of a ‘Board of Peace’ to supervise Gaza’s temporary governance. The territory has maintained a fragile ceasefire since October. The supervisory board includes prominent figures such as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, with President Trump serving as chair.

  • Artemis II: Nasa’s mega Moon rocket arrives at launch pad

    Artemis II: Nasa’s mega Moon rocket arrives at launch pad

    In a monumental step toward returning humans to the Moon, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket has completed its meticulous 12-hour journey to Launch Pad 39B at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. The 98-meter-tall colossus, carrying the Orion spacecraft, was transported vertically atop a massive crawler-transporter at a painstakingly slow pace of 0.82 mph (1.3 km/h) along the 4-mile (6.5 km) route from the Vehicle Assembly Building.

    The Artemis II mission, scheduled for launch as early as February 6th with additional windows through April, represents humanity’s first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 in December 1972. The four astronauts—NASA’s Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen—observed the rocket’s movement, anticipating their pioneering journey around the Moon.

    Before the historic launch, NASA engineers will conduct final preparations including a critical “wet dress rehearsal” to test fuel operations and countdown procedures. The 10-day mission will not land on the lunar surface but will instead orbit Earth initially before traveling approximately 250,000 miles to circumnavigate the Moon’s far side.

    A significant international collaboration underscores the mission, with the European Service Module—built by Airbus in Bremen, Germany—providing essential propulsion, power, and life support systems. “We basically can’t get to the Moon without it,” emphasized Sian Cleaver, an Airbus spacecraft engineer, highlighting the module’s critical role in crew safety and mission success.

    Despite years of development delays, NASA officials maintain that crew safety remains the absolute priority. “We’re going to fly when we’re ready,” stated John Honeycutt, chair of the Artemis mission management team, underscoring the commitment to the astronauts’ safe return. The mission will conduct substantial scientific observation during three dedicated hours of lunar flyby, gathering crucial data for future landing missions, particularly targeting the Moon’s south pole region.

  • Half American, half Canadian: Take a ride in a car welded from two front ends

    Half American, half Canadian: Take a ride in a car welded from two front ends

    On the streets of Detroit, an automotive anomaly is turning heads and challenging conventional vehicle design. A uniquely modified car, meticulously crafted by welding the front ends of two separate vehicles together, has emerged as a rolling symbol of cross-border ingenuity. Its creator proudly describes the driving experience as generating exceptional ‘smiles per gallon,’ a metric that far surpasses traditional fuel efficiency ratings.

    This engineering curiosity, which lacks a conventional rear end, features two complete front sections fused at the center. The resulting ‘centrepillar’ car represents a fascinating exercise in automotive customization, showcasing what happens when mechanical creativity transcends factory specifications. While its exact powertrain configuration remains undisclosed, the vehicle demonstrates fully operational components from both front halves, including functioning headlights and steering systems from two donor vehicles.

    The phenomenon has sparked lively discussions among automotive enthusiasts and casual observers alike, generating both amusement and admiration for the builder’s unconventional approach to personal transportation. This creation stands as a testament to Detroit’s enduring identity as a hub of automotive innovation, where the spirit of customization continues to thrive in unexpected ways.