Gold Declines for the Week as Expectations of Fed Rate Hike Diminish NEW YORK / RankWire.AI/ – Global markets for precious metals experienced downward pressure on Friday, with spot gold prices decreasing and setting the stage for an overall weekly drop. Data from financial markets indicated that spot gold fell 0.5 percent to trade at $4,326.75 per ounce, while United States gold futures for December delivery declined nearly 1.0 percent to $4,382.50 per ounce. The declines followed a sharp temporary surge on Thursday, when bullion prices reached their highest levels in more than two months before retreating 1.3 percent due to sudden profit-taking.
According to official reports released by international health authorities on Friday, the health emergency in Central Africa is rapidly intensifying at an unprecedented pace. The World Health Organization has confirmed that if community transmission remains unchecked and supply chain disruptions persist regionally, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ebola outbreak will surpass all previous death tolls. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus indicated that the epidemic’s current trajectory risks exceeding the devastating 2014–2016 West African outbreak, which caused over 11,000 fatalities.
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Business
Gold Declines for the Week as Expectations of Fed Rate Hike Diminish NEW YORK / RankWire.AI/ – Global markets for precious metals experienced downward pressure on Friday, with spot gold prices decreasing and setting the stage for an overall weekly drop. Data from financial markets indicated that spot gold fell 0.5 percent to trade at $4,326.75 per ounce, while United States gold futures for December delivery declined nearly 1.0 percent to $4,382.50 per ounce. The declines followed a sharp temporary surge on Thursday, when bullion prices reached their highest levels in more than two months before retreating 1.3 percent due to sudden profit-taking.
Global electric vehicle sales expanded by 9% compared to the previous year in July 2026, reaching 1.85 million units. This growth pushed the total number of vehicles sold worldwide in the first seven months to 11.5 million, representing a 4% rise from 2025. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence provided the latest figures on Aug. 13, including data on battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The month of July also marked the fifth consecutive month of annual growth in global EV demand following a sluggish start to 2026.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources noted that exports exceeded the previous July record of US$5.90 billion set in 2023. In comparison, exports in July 2025 amounted to US$5.83 billion. Domestic vehicle sales also experienced a slight rise of 0.5%, totaling 139,000 units, while production increased significantly by 11.3%, reaching 352,000 vehicles.
On Wednesday, diesel prices persisted at high levels as constrained supplies of refined products continued to exert upward pressure on fuel markets across the United States and Europe. U.S. ultra-low sulfur diesel futures surged by 7.4% on Monday, closing at $4.19 a gallon, marking their largest single-day increase since July 13. Early trading on Wednesday saw the contract near $4.28 per gallon, while European diesel refining margins stayed at historically elevated levels after nearly a 10% rise on Monday.
Gold continued its upward trajectory for a third consecutive session on Tuesday, building on the sharp rebound seen last week. Spot gold increased by 1% to reach $4,432.74 an ounce by 0217 GMT, marking its highest point since June 5 and surpassing the seven-week peak recorded the previous week. U.S. gold futures also rose by 1.7% to $4,492.60. This rally followed gains on Friday and Monday, as global bullion markets tracked U.S. economic indicators and interest-rate expectations.
Health
According to official reports released by international health authorities on Friday, the health emergency in Central Africa is rapidly intensifying at an unprecedented pace. The World Health Organization has confirmed that if community transmission remains unchecked and supply chain disruptions persist regionally, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ebola outbreak will surpass all previous death tolls. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus indicated that the epidemic’s current trajectory risks exceeding the devastating 2014–2016 West African outbreak, which caused over 11,000 fatalities.
Chad’s health authorities have verified that an acute waterborne health crisis has resulted in 13 deaths since official public announcements were made late last month. According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Public Health of Chad, epidemiological surveillance indicates that a cholera outbreak in Chad has claimed 13 lives, with the total number of confirmed and suspected cases rising to 239 across the country. These official statistics show a case fatality rate of 5.4 percent, which is notably higher than the international public health standards for emergency outbreak responses.
New medical review reveals 5 cups coffee daily health benefits, linking regular black coffee intake to lower diabetes risk. The post Five cups coffee daily health benefits confirmed by major study appeared first on Arabian Observer: Observe more. Understand Arabia..
Ebola deaths in DR Congo rise to 930 amid attacks on health workers as emergency field response teams face threats. The post Ebola deaths in DR Congo rise to 930 as attacks persist appeared first on Arabian Observer: Observe more. Understand Arabia..
African Development Bank Group provide 13 million to strengthen the national emergency health procedures across the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda The post Global health funds allocated to halt virus transmission now appeared first on Arabian Observer: Observe more. Understand Arabia..
DRC Ebola cases reached 2,267 and deaths rose to 893 as the Bundibugyo outbreak spread across five provinces and 46 health zones in DRC. The post DRC Ebola cases reach 2,267 as deaths rise to 893 appeared first on Arabian Observer: Observe more. Understand Arabia..
DR Congo reports 689 confirmed Ebola cases as WHO warns that Bundibugyo virus transmission remains active across eastern provinces.
DR Congo has confirmed 598 Ebola cases and 115 deaths as health teams respond across eastern provinces hit by Bundibugyo virus.
WHO reports 507 confirmed Ebola cases and 88 deaths across Congo and Uganda as Bundibugyo virus response efforts continue.
Travel
Etihad’s Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg service will operate four times weekly this winter. This service marks Gothenburg’s first direct air link with the United Arab Emirates and establishes its initial nonstop connection to the Middle East and Asia. Western Swedish travelers can now connect through Abu Dhabi to various destinations across India and Asia. Additionally, the new route provides direct access to Abu Dhabi for those traveling from the Gothenburg region. The airport serving the city, Göteborg Landvetter Airport, caters to Gothenburg and the broader western Sweden area. The airline will operate the route using an Airbus A321LR configured for 160 passengers, featuring two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. Both First and Business classes offer seats that convert into fully flat beds with direct aisle access. Economy passengers will enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, and high-speed Wi-Fi will be available in all three classes. The A321LR, a long-range narrow-body aircraft, is now part of Etihad’s fleet.
Entertainment
U.S. Polo Assn. has launched its Fall-Winter 2024 Collection, blending sporty style and festive warmth, with pieces perfect for gifting this holiday season.
Fresha, a leading global booking platform for lifestyle services, announced today that it has…
Adidas Originals and Highsnobiety, a prominent platform in fashion, design, and culture, have announced the launch…
Automotive
Porsche to cut 5000 more jobs under restructuring plan after reaching agreement with German labor unions, data confirms.
Japan’s new car sales rose 1.8% in the first half of 2026, reaching 2.39 million units as registered vehicles and kei cars grew overall.
FIA expands Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life into the Middle East and Africa, extending road safety training, mentoring and local support.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the electric C-Class in Seoul, bringing its first battery-powered C-Class sedan with up to 762 km of WLTP range.
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class adds an illuminated grille, optional lit hood star, and DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps, pairing new styling cues with flagship cabin tech and comfort features.