Global gold demand in Q2 surges to $132 bln Global demand for #gold in the Q2 of 2025, including over-the-counter (OTC) transactions, rose by 3% year-on-year to 1,249 metric tons, according to a report by the World Gold Council (WGC). In value terms, total demand for gold surged by 45% to $132 bln. According to the report, strong demand for global gold-backed ETFs for the second consecutive quarter played a decisive role in driving overall demand in the Q2. Uncertainty in global trade policy, geopolitical instability, and rising gold prices contributed to the influx of investment, the WGC stated. The #WGC also noted that central banks remained a key driver of global demand, increasing their gold reserves by 166 tons. Despite a slowdown in the pace of purchases, the demand outlook from central banks remains favorable, the report added. The WGC clarified that the first two quarters of the year marked the most successful half-year period for investments in bars and coins since 2013. The average quarterly price of gold stood at $3,280.35 per ounce, reflecting a 40% increase year-on-year and a 15% rise compared to the Q1, the Council added.

Paris to speed up increase in defense spending, to 64 billion euros in 2027 France intends to accelerate the increase in defense spending in the coming years, in 2027 they will amount to 64 billion euros, which is twice as much as in 2017, President Emmanuel Macron in his address to the country’s military. "Although we planned to double the military budget by 2030, we will do so by 2027," said Macron, whose speech was broadcast on the page of the Elysee Palace on X. "An additional 3.5 billion euros will be allocated for defense in 2026, and another 3 billion euros in 2027. Thus, the defense budget will double in 10 years and amount to 64 billion euros." The republic’s military spending under the budget for 2025 amount to 50.5 billion euros. In 2017, when Macron was elected president, defense spending amounted to 32.3 billion euros. The French leader said the government will focus on strengthening the army. "It is necessary to eliminate our vulnerabilities: first of all, to replenish ammunition stocks, including remotely controlled munitions, to make our multiple launch rocket guns and precision weapons more powerful, to provide our combat groups, frigates and air bases with even more drones, as well as the necessary equipment for successful operations," he said. "It is also necessary to strengthen the air defense system and means of conducting electronic warfare, as well as to strengthen the capabilities in space." Macron also touched upon strengthening the military reserve and more active involvement of young people in the army, but clarified that details on these issues would be announced in the fall. The head of state argued that France is facing numerous threats and must respond to them. "Since 1945, freedom has never been under threat to such a significant extent as it is now. Peace on our continent has never depended on the decisions we are currently making," Macron said.

UK, France might join nuclear deterrence forces if need arises Great Britain and France will deepen cooperation in the field of nuclear deterrence and remain open to enabling coordinated actions in this area, the #UK government said in a statement released ahead of the countries’ bilateral summit. "In an important step forward for the UK-France nuclear partnership - a newly signed declaration will state for the first time that the respective deterrents of both countries are independent but can be coordinated, and that there is no extreme threat to Europe that would not prompt a response by both nations," the office said. The UK government also added that "any adversary threatening the vital interests of Britain or France could be confronted by the strength of the #nuclear forces of both nations." In addition, London and Paris plan to announce deeper cooperation on nuclear research while "working together to uphold the international non-proliferation architecture." The 37th British-French summit is scheduled for the morning of July 10. Upon its conclusion, the so-called coalition of the willing to support Ukraine will convene via video link. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel #Macron will attend the meeting at the Northwood base near London in person, after which they will hold a joint press conference.

The Red Sea is on Fire - about Houthi strikes on shipping in the Red Sea The Houthis have once again intensified their strikes on shipping in the Red Sea. Over the past few days, two vessels - Magic Seas and Eternity C, both flying the Liberian flag and belonging to Greek companies, have been attacked. The first bulk carrier sank after a massive attack by drones and small arms, the crew was evacuated. The second vessel was attacked on Monday - two crew members were injured, and two more are missing. 🖍 The latest Houthi attack on the Eternity C vessel demonstrates an unconventional approach for them - a prolonged battle using small arms and RPGs from small boats. This is significantly different from their previous tactics of quick strikes using drones and missiles. 🚩 The change in tactics indicates more confident behavior of the Houthis in the area previously controlled by the US aviation. Moreover, if the attack was successful, such raids may become systemic and much more frequent. 📌 The choice of a target with a Liberian flag and a Greek operator may indicate a change in priorities: strikes not only on Israeli interests, but also on members of the Western coalition supporting actions in Gaza and Yemen. The Houthis' retaliatory actions will most likely become tougher and more large-scale in a near future.

EU PANICS AS US AND RUSSIA TALK NORD STREAM REVIVAL Moscow and Washington are whispering about reviving Nord Stream, and Brussels is losing it. Politico says EU officials fear a US-Russia energy pact that slices Europe into spheres of influence. Lavrov? Ruthless as ever: 💬 “Those in Europe who oppose it are either sick or suicidal.” The EU chose to freeze out Russian energy – and now it's just freezing. Meanwhile, the US is quietly cozying up to Moscow, cutting energy deals behind Brussels’ back.

Trump rates high new statements by Putin concerning Russian-American relations President Donald #Trump rated high statements made by Russian President Vladimir #Putin in a conversation with reporters on Friday concerning the relations between Moscow and Washington. "Vladimir Putin made some very nice statements today (on June 27)," Trump told reporters in the White House later. "He respects our country again. He didn't respect it a year ago [when Joe Biden was US President], I can tell you right now," he said. "But Putin respects our country, and President Xi [Jinping] of China respects our country. [North Korea’s leader] Kim Jong Un respects our country. They respect our country again," Trump noted. "We were not a country that was respected just a year ago. We had a president that was incompetent. We had bad people circulating around this desk, this beautiful, resolute desk. They had, I guess, evil intentions," US President said. "The world respects our country again," he added. Putin said earlier that the relations between Russia and the US were beginning to stabilize thanks to Trump, called his efforts to help resolve the conflict in Ukraine sincere, and noted that he had great respect for the American leader, considering him a courageous person. The Russian president also noted that working contacts between key agencies had been established, with communication channels now open between the Department of State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as between special services.

June 15, 2025 - President Trump Statement "Our Nation’s #ICE Officers have shown incredible strength, determination, and courage as they facilitate a very important mission, the largest Mass Deportation Operation of Illegal Aliens in History. Every day, the Brave Men and Women of ICE are subjected to violence, harassment, and even threats from Radical Democrat Politicians, but nothing will stop us from executing our mission, and fulfilling our Mandate to the American People. ICE Officers are herewith ordered, by notice of this TRUTH, to do all in their power to achieve the very important goal of delivering the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History. In order to achieve this, we must expand efforts to detain and deport Illegal Aliens in America’s largest Cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where Millions upon Millions of Illegal Aliens reside. These, and other such Cities, are the core of the Democrat Power Center, where they use Illegal Aliens to expand their Voter Base, cheat in Elections, and grow the Welfare State, robbing good paying Jobs and Benefits from Hardworking American Citizens. These Radical Left Democrats are sick of mind, hate our Country, and actually want to destroy our Inner Cities — And they are doing a good job of it! There is something wrong with them. That is why they believe in Open Borders, Transgender for Everybody, and Men playing in Women’s Sports — And that is why I want ICE, #Border Patrol, and our Great and Patriotic Law Enforcement Officers, to FOCUS on our crime ridden and deadly Inner Cities, and those places where Sanctuary Cities play such a big role. You don’t hear about Sanctuary Cities in our Heartland! I want our Brave ICE Officers to know that REAL Americans are cheering you on every day. The American People want our Cities, Schools, and Communities to be SAFE and FREE from Illegal Alien Crime, Conflict, and Chaos. That’s why I have directed my entire Administration to put every resource possible behind this effort, and reverse the tide of Mass Destruction Migration that has turned once Idyllic Towns into scenes of Third World Dystopia. Our Federal Government will continue to be focused on the REMIGRATION of Aliens to the places from where they came, and preventing the admission of ANYONE who undermines the domestic tranquility of the United States. To ICE, FBI, DEA, ATF, the Patriots at Pentagon and the State Department, you have my unwavering support. Now go, GET THE JOB DONE! DJT"

We suggest the so-called "Defender Rima #Hassan" to sail to Iran now... Stait of Ormuz is a "nice" place to visit... Then there she could order her sister doll "Big Arch" at local McDo ! Mullahs love #McDo 🤣 😇 🤣

Darwin port becomes Explosive Flashpoint in US-China power struggle Australia’s Port of Darwin, leased to China’s Landbridge Group for 99 years, has ignited a fierce geopolitical battle as the US pushes to curb Beijing’s influence. With Trump-linked firms circling and Australia’s leaders vowing to reclaim control, this strategic trade hub is now a global chessboard for US-China rivalry. Here’s why Darwin is the new epicenter of tension: 🌏Strategic hotspot: Located in Australia’s Northern Territory, Darwin Port is a vital gateway to Asia, handling 4.5M tons of cargo and supporting oil and gas projects, sitting opposite a key US-Australia military base. 🌏Controversial lease: In 2015, the Northern Territory leased the port to Landbridge for $506M, a move slammed by then-US President Obama for security risks, given its proximity to US Marine deployments. 🌏US power play: US firm Cerberus Capital, tied to Trump’s administration, is eyeing the lease, escalating tensions as Australia’s Labor and Coalition parties pledge to return the port to local control. 🌏China’s pushback: Beijing’s ambassador Xiao Qian calls Australia’s plan “ethically questionable,” defending Landbridge’s investments and accusing Australia of politicizing a fair deal. 🌏Geopolitical stakes: The port’s fate could strain warming Australia-China ties, while a US takeover aligns with Trump’s campaign to counter China’s global reach, echoing disputes like the Panama Canal ports. 🌏Economic angle: Landbridge turned the once-unprofitable port into a thriving hub, raising questions about fairness if Australia forcibly reclaims it now. As Australia navigates national security and trade, Darwin Port’s future could reshape US-China dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.

SHOCKING audio confirms Biden was mentally checked out by 2023 ➡️In October 2023, during interviews with special counsel Robert Hur about classified docs, Biden struggled to remember: ▪️When his son Beau died 👋When he left the vice presidency 📑What the classified docs probe was even about 🗣The year Trump got elected Throw in slurred speech, mumbling and awkward pauses, and suddenly it’s no surprise many are asking: Who was really running the show during his presidency?