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.

Trump gives Russia ten days to get Ukraine deal done, otherwise tariffs coming

The Washington administration wants to reach an agreement with Russia on resolving the conflict in Ukraine in 10 days, otherwise it will impose import duties, President Donald Trump told reporters aboard his plane on the way from Aberdeen to Washington.
"10 days from today," the American leader said in reply to a question about how he would reduce the previous 50-day deadline. "And then we're going to put on tariffs and stuff and I don't know if it's going to affect Russia, because it wants to, obviously, keep the war going, but we're going to put on tariffs and the various things that you put on, it may or may not affect them, but it could."

Spanish airline #Vueling forcibly removed the director of a #Jewish summer camp and approximately 50 children from a flight, according to footage shared on social media Wednesday.

According to Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli, the children, aged between 10 and 15, were singing songs in Hebrew on the plane. Chikli alleged that the camp director was arrested in a "serious" #antisemitic incident.

#pendejo #cabron

IDF Spokesperson: #IDF forces continue to monitor developments in the Syrian theatre - documentation from an assessment of the situation by Division 210 in the field

In accordance with the situation assessment, it was decided to reinforce the forces in the #Syrian border sector in the area of the fence. The IDF continuously conducts situation assessments and accordingly determines the necessary forces to carry out operational missions in the various sectors. The IDF will continue to operate defensively and offensively to maintain the security of Israeli civilians.

Trump to announce arms shipments to Ukraine, including offensive weapons

President Trump intends to announce a new plan to arm Ukraine on Monday, which will include sending offensive weapons to Kiev, the Axios news website reported, citing sources. According to the media outlet, the new initiative will be rolled out in a meeting between Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday. "Sending offensive weapons would be a major shift for Trump," Axios notes. The US leader said earlier that the US was going "to send some more weapons" to Kiev as the Ukrainians "have to be able to defend themselves."

According to Axios’ sources, the plan is "likely to include long-range missiles that could reach targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow." However, the sources are unaware of any final decision.

Trump told reporters on Sunday that Washington would send additional weapons to Ukraine, including Patriot missiles, which the European Union will pay for.

The New York Times reported on July 2 that the US would suspend the supplies of missiles for Patriot air defense systems, guided multiple launch rocket system (GMLRS) rockets, Hellfire missiles, Stinger man-portable air-defense systems and some other weapons to Kiev. After that, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry summoned US Charge d’Affaires in Kiev John Ginkel, while Vladimir Zelensky noted that Europe was unable to compensate for US supplies. On July 3, US President Donald Trump stated that Washington continued to provide Kiev with military assistance. However, he emphasized that the US requires weapons itself. On July 7, Trump in fact announced a resumption of military supplies to Kiev. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on July 10 that "aid to Ukraine continues along the schedule that Congress appropriated." According to him, "the overwhelming majority of military aid that the United States provides Ukraine has never been paused.".

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.

Trumps threatens additional 10% tariff on countries aligning themselves with BRICS’ policy

President Donald Trump has threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on countries supporting policies being pursued by the BRICS grouping. "Any country aligning themselves with the anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an additional 10% tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy," the US leader warned on his Truth Social media platform.

Brazil is hosting the 17th BRICS summit. The agenda includes healthcare, trade, investment, finance, and climate change issues, as well as AI management, and the strengthening of peace and security.
Read More : https://ho1.us/2025/07/brazils-rio-de-janeiro-set-to-welcome-brics-summit-participants/

Golan Without Golan

The new "authorities" in Syria no longer insist on the return of the Golan Heights - now their priority is to conclude an agreement with Israel. This is reported by Israeli media, citing Lebanese sources. As expected, in response to Israel's recognition of the territory captured in 1967, the Israelis promise to withdraw from the lands occupied in 2024-2025 after the overthrow of Assad. Even at the UN level, the Golan Heights are considered an integral part of Syria.

🖍 The overall logic of the negotiations is as follows: Israel's recognition of the actual state of affairs within Syria in exchange for abandoning the historical territorial issue. The Golan becomes a bargaining chip for the southern lands occupied in the last year and a half.

The new authorities are ready to do a lot for full international legitimization. The new "President" of Syria, al-Julaini (which, by the way, means "Golan"), has already taken huge steps towards Israel, even to the point of helping to repel Iranian strikes.

[AI Gen Video] Is IRGC general Esmail Qaani a Mossad spy?

The video hilariously depicts senior IRGC member Esmail Qaani carrying out various operations for the Mossad, such as planting explosives in the room of slain Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and packaging pagers for Hezbollah.

Iranian official reportedly says fuel ships may not pass to Europe through the Strait of #Hormuz

If Iran carries out its threat to block oil tankers heading to #Europe, the EU will be in serious trouble.