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☆ Gold eases as firm dollar counters bets on peak US rates
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( Anushree Ashish Mukherjee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

U.S. gold futures fell 0.2% to $1,961.10 . Denting bullion's appeal, the dollar index (.DXY) was up 0.4%, while benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yields rebounded after a revision of retail sales data showed strong gains in September. Bullion gained over 1% in the previous session after data showed that U.S. consumer prices were unchanged in October. U.S. producer prices fell by the most in 3-1/2 years in October, the latest indication of subsiding inflation pressures. While gold is considered an inflation hedge, rising interest rates dull non-yielding bullion's appeal.

Persons: Bullion, David Meger, Tai Wong, Anushree Mhukerjee, Emelia Sithole Organizations: Companies, U.S . Federal, Treasury, CPI, PPI, High, Investors, Thomson Locations: U.S, New York, Bengaluru

One morning in September, a truck disgorged its load of pulverized rock with a resounding bang inside Stillwater Mining’s metallurgical plant north of Yellowstone National Park. The mined ore contains platinum, palladium and rhodium, three of the earth’s rarest, most expensive metals — and vital components in the millions of catalytic converters that reduce polluting emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles. At the opposite end of the plant was another batch of metal, not from the mine but from used catalytic converters ground into powder for recycling. The new and the old metals would later be blended under intense heat, then shipped to a refinery. Recycling catalytic converters costs less than mining the ore.

Locations: Yellowstone, Stillwater

REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk Acquire Licensing RightsSummaryCompanies US consumer prices unchanged in OctoberU.S. dollar eyes worst session in a yearSilver, palladium gain more than 3%Nov 14 (Reuters) - Gold prices gained 1% on Tuesday as the dollar and Treasury yields retreated after softer-than-expected U.S. consumer inflation data fuelled bets that the Federal Reserve may be done hiking interest rates. U.S. consumer prices were unchanged in October and underlying inflation showed signs of slowing. We are expecting a significant deterioration in the data over the course of the fourth quarter, which should weaken dollar and support gold," said Daniel Ghali, commodity strategist at TD Securities. "Over the next six months, we're looking at gold prices to rally towards $2,100 per ounce." Reuters GraphicsBoosting bullion's appeal, the dollar index (.DXY) fell 1.4%, its biggest daily decline in one year, while benchmark 10-year Treasury yields eyed their worst day in eight months after the inflation data.

Persons: Alexander Manzyuk, Austan Goolsbee, Daniel Ghali, Commerzbank, Ashitha Shivaprasad, Emelia Sithole, Shilpi Majumdar Organizations: REUTERS, Companies, Treasury, Federal, Chicago Fed, TD Securities, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Novosibirsk, Siberian, Russia, U.S, Bengaluru

Bain has been interviewing investment banks to hire financial advisers that will help the private equity firm come up with a plan to cash out on its majority stake in Varsity Brands, the sources said. Varsity Brands generates more than $400 million in 12-month earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, the sources added, asking not to be identified because the matter is confidential. Varsity Brands and Bain declined to comment. Varsity Brands consists of two main businesses, BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit. Varsity kept the yearbooks business when it sold Herff Jones to private equity firm Atlas Holdings earlier this year.

Persons: Kim Kyung, Bain, Varsity's Herff Jones, Herff Jones, Catterton, Abigail Summerville, Nick Zieminski Organizations: Bain Capital, REUTERS, Varsity Brands, BSN SPORTS, Spirit, Nike, Varsity, Atlas Holdings, Bain, Charlesbank Capital Partners, Partners Group, Birkenstock, ACON Investments, Kelso, Co, Equity, Thomson Locations: Tokyo, Japan, U.S, Varsity's, New York, Augusta

The fallout has extended to Washington, where Republicans are hunting for evidence that could be used to impeach President Joe Biden. Republicans have highlighted a $200,000 personal check from Jim to Joe Biden on the same day — March 1, 2018 — that Jim Biden received an equal amount from Americore. Concerns that Jim Biden’s business ventures and missteps would cloud Joe Biden’s political career stretch back decades. Court records show the matter was dropped, and Jim Biden's representatives said the bill was paid. But he’s also angry at Jim Biden's brother.

Persons: ELLWOOD, Jim Biden, Joe Biden, Jim Biden wasn’t, Americore, It’s, Joe Biden’s, Hunter, Biden, Jim, ”, Paul Fishman, “, Ian Sams, Republicans won’t, ” Jim Biden, James Comer, he’s, ” Comer, Jim Biden's, Sara, Joe, Jill, Jim Biden’s, Barack Obama’s, Narendra Modi, Valerie, Frank, Beau, Beau Biden, ” Hunter, Uncle Jim, Hollywood Roosevelt, ‘, Let’s, ’ ”, Hurricane Irma, Tom Pritchard, Pritchard, ” Pritchard, Obama, Jim Biden “, ” Fishman, Michael Lewitt, Lewitt, Fishman, Biden’s, Grant White, ” White, Donald Trump, Scott Paglia, Paglia, ___ Suderman, Rhonda Shafner Organizations: ELLWOOD CITY, Health, House Republicans, Republicans, ., Democrats, Americore, Rep, Kentucky Republican, franchise, Senate, Delaware News, Oval, White, Indian, University of Delaware, Internal Revenue Service, CEFC China Energy . Records, American Express, U.S . Department of Veteran Affairs, Platinum Global Partners, Securities and Exchange Commission, Wall, Democratic, Associated Press Locations: Pa, Florida, Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, Washington, “, China, Philadelphia, Delaware, Mississippi, California, Los Angeles, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Florida, Delray Beach , Florida, Richmond , Virginia, New York

Spot gold dipped 1.1% to $1,936.09 per ounce by 2:38 p.m. ET (1938 GMT) and was down 2.8% in its worst week in six. Benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield and the dollar index (.DXY) headed for weekly gains, making non-yielding gold less attractive for investors. Platinum shed 2% to $842.34, on track for its worst week since mid-2021. Reporting by Ashitha Shivaprasad and Anushree Mukherjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid and Shilpi MajumdarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Powell, Fawad, Bullion, Jim Wyckoff, Ashitha Shivaprasad, Anushree Mukherjee, Tasim Zahid, Shilpi Majumdar Organizations: Federal, Index, Reuters Graphics U.S, Federal Reserve, Treasury, Kitco Metals, Thomson Locations: East, India, Bengaluru

Down 45% so far this year, palladium is on course for its worst year of losses since 2008, when the financial crash hit demand. Top producer Russia's Nornickel expects the palladium market to swing to a surplus of 300,000 ounces in 2024 from a 200,000-ounce deficit in 2023 due to supplies, boosted by recycling, outpacing demand. Consultancy Metals Focus forecasts above-ground palladium stocks of about 11.64 million ounces in 2023, compared with 12.35 million in 2022 and 12.89 million in 2021 - meaning ample supplies. In March 2022, palladium was trading at more than double the price of platinum, prompting a switch by automakers. However, longer-term Metals Focus is quite bearish on palladium," said Nikos Kavalis, managing director at Metals Focus.

Persons: Alexander Manzyuk, hastening, Russia's Nornickel, John Meyer, Edward Meir, Nikos Kavalis, Brijesh Patel, Harshit Verma, Ashitha, Anjana Anil, Anushree Mukherjee, Abhijith, Arpan Varghese, Pratima Desai, Hugh Lawson Organizations: REUTERS, Russia, ICE, International Energy, Consultancy, Metals, Thomson Locations: Siberian, Krasnoyarsk, Russia, Ukraine, Bengaluru

☆ The F-150 Lightning is fast, fun, and comfortable — and you probably don't need one
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

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Persons: —, I've, Ford, Tim Levin, It's, Cruise, spry, Dan Barbossa, Alexander Edwards, Barbossa Organizations: Ford, Service, New, Honda, Strategic Locations: New York City, New York, legroom, Berkeley , California

AdvertisementAdvertisementThere are many ways to narrow down your options for a business bank account, including interest rates. Business vs. personal bank account interest rates at online banks*Current and prior American Express Rewards Checking customers aren't eligible for American Express Business Checking. Business banking vs. personal banking: What you need to knowOpening a business bank account involves more documentation than opening a traditional bank account. AdvertisementAdvertisementFor example, you might consider getting a business checking account over a personal checking account because it offers greater protection and access to merchants' services. Products in this post: Bank of America Advantage Savings Account, Bank of America Savings Account, Chase Business Premier Savings, Chase Premier Savings℠ Account, Regions Bank Business Premium Money Market, Regions LifeGreen® Savings Account, U.S. Bank Platinum Business Money Market Account, U.S. Bank Elite Money Market Account, Wells Fargo Business Platinum Savings, Wells Fargo Platinum Savings Account, American Express Business Checking, American Express® High Yield Savings Account, Axos Business Interest Checking, Axos Bank Rewards Checking, Live Oak Bank Business Savings, Live Oak Bank Online Savings Account, Nationwide Business Premium Savings, Nationwide My Savings Account, NBKC Business Money Market Account, NBKC Money Market Account, BlueVine Business Checking Account, Bethpage Federal Credit Union Business Money Market, Bethpage Federal Credit Union Money Market Account, Blue Federal Credit Union Business Tiered Money Market, Blue Federal Credit Union Accelerate Savings, Consumers Credit Union Business Money Market, Consumers Credit Union Free Rewards Checking Account, Premier Members Credit Union Money Market Account, Premier Members Credit Union Business Money Market Account, Signature Federal Credit Union High-Yield Checking Account, Signature Federal Credit Union Business High Yield Checking

Persons: —, you'll Organizations: Service, U.S . Bank, Business, American, Consumers Credit Union, Products, Bank of America, Chase Business Premier Savings, Chase Premier, Regions Bank, LifeGreen, Bank, Wells, Savings, Wells Fargo, Express, Oak Bank Business Savings, Oak Bank, Business Premium Savings, Nationwide, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Money, Federal Credit Union, Blue Federal Credit Union, Money Market, Consumers Credit, Credit, Credit Union Locations: Florida, Alabama, U.S, Illinois, Wisconsin, Wells Fargo, Bethpage

☆ Music Executive L.A. Reid Is Accused of Sexual Assault in Lawsuit
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( Melena Ryzik | More About Melena Ryzik | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The Grammy-winning music executive Antonio Reid, who is known as L.A. and rose in the industry working with artists including Usher and TLC, has been accused of sexual assault and harassment in a lawsuit by Drew Dixon, who worked for Mr. Reid at Arista Records. The suit, filed in Federal District Court in Manhattan on Wednesday, says that Mr. Reid, who was Ms. Dixon’s boss starting in mid-2000, assaulted her twice. She left the company in 2002, and though she made forays into the industry again, she never fully recovered her promising trajectory as a music tastemaker. Stepping back from a music career “was devastating,” Ms. Dixon, who facilitated the recording of a platinum soundtrack and several hit singles, said in an interview. And that’s really what I’m trying to do.”Mr. Reid did not respond to multiple requests for comment on Wednesday.

Persons: Antonio Reid, Usher, Drew Dixon, Reid, Mr, Dixon’s, John Legend, “, Ms, Dixon, Reid’s, Joel Katz Organizations: Mr, Arista Records, Court, HarperCollins Locations: Manhattan

☆ Firmer dollar weighs on gold as spotlight shifts to Powell's speech
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Spot gold was down 0.2% at $1,965.50 per ounce by 0535 GMT after hitting its lowest since Oct. 24 on Tuesday. The dollar extended gains against its rivals, making greenback-priced gold more expensive for other currency holders. So, there's not much of driving catalysts for gold this week," said Ilya Spivak, head of global macro at Tastylive. Investors now look forward to comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who is set to speak on Wednesday and Thursday. Palladium dropped 2.5% to $1,029.12, after hitting its lowest since October 2018 at $1,016.06 earlier in the session.

Persons: Ilya Spivak, Jerome Powell, Powell, Spivak Organizations: Federal Reserve, Economic, of New Locations: U.S, ., of New York, FOMC

☆ Gold slips as dollar firms, Powell speech eyed for cues on rates
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold bars of different sizes lie in a safe on a table at the precious metals dealer Pro Aurum. Gold prices fell to a near two-week low on Tuesday as the dollar firmed and safe-haven demand slowed, while investors awaited comments from Federal Reserve officials, including Chair Jerome Powell, for more clarity on the interest rate outlook. Spot gold fell 0.5% to $1,968.30 per ounce by 0717 GMT, its lowest since Oct. 25. The dollar rose 0.3% after hitting a six-week low in the previous session, making gold more expensive for other currency holders. SPDR Gold Trust , the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, said its holdings rose 0.50% to 867.57 tonnes on Monday.

Persons: Jerome Powell, it's, Kyle Rodda, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, Neel Kashkari, Powell, Rodda Organizations: Aurum, Federal Reserve, Capital.com, Fed Bank of Minneapolis, Investors, Trust Locations: Gaza

The CIBC Agility Savings Account pays 5.01% APY and has a cash bonus for new and existing customers. CIBC Bank USA, the United States division of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, has a unique promotional offer for its high-yield savings account. New and existing clients may qualify for a $500 cash bonus with the CIBC Agility Savings Account. Featured Nationally Available Deposit RatesHow to qualify for the CIBC Agility Savings Account bonusFirst, you must deposit new money into a CIBC Agility Savings Account between November 1, 2023, and December 19, 2023. Products in this post: BrioDirect High-Yield Savings Account, Western Alliance Bank High Yield Savings Account, Pacific Western Money Market Account, CIT Bank Platinum Savings, Western Alliance Bank 16 Month No-Penalty CD, BMO Relationship Plus Money Market Account, SoFi Checking and Savings, U.S. Bank Standard Savings Account, Alliant High-Rate Savings Account, Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account

Persons: — Organizations: CIBC, Service, CIBC Bank USA, United, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Bank USA, CIBC Agility Savings, Savings, CIBC Bank, FDIC, Western Alliance, CIT Bank, Western Alliance Bank, BMO, U.S, Bank, Bask Bank Locations: United States

☆ Gold slips as yields tick higher, Powell speech in focus
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold bars arranged at the Korea Gold Exchange store in Seoul, South Korea, on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. Gold prices slipped on Monday due to a slight uptick in U.S. bond yields, ahead of a speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell later this week for more clarity on the interest rate outlook. Spot gold was down 0.4% at $1,983.49 per ounce by 0444 GMT after rising above the key $2,000 level on Friday. "The major factor that will influence gold in the near-term will be the U.S. 10-year Treasury yields ... if you start to see resurgence in yields, gold could break below the key support level around $1,974," said Kelvin Wong, senior market analyst for Asia Pacific at OANDA. Benchmark 10-year Treasury yields rose to 4.5910% after hitting a five-week low on Friday, decreasing appeal for non-yielding bullion.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Kelvin Wong Organizations: Korea Gold Exchange, Federal, Asia Pacific, Traders, Trust, ANZ Locations: Seoul, South Korea, U.S

Some developers are building homes like Paulson's with an eye toward making them more resilient to the extreme weather that's increasing with climate change, and friendlier to the environment at the same time. Solar panels, for example, installed so snugly that high winds can't get underneath them, mean clean power that can survive a storm. Recycled or advanced construction materials that reduce energy use as well as the need to make new material. Pearl Homes' Mirabella community in Bradenton, Florida, consists of 160 houses that are all LEED-certified platinum, the highest level of one of the most-used green building rating systems. “We’re building the same old stuff that got blown away.”Babcock Ranch is another sustainable, hurricane-resilient community in South Florida.

Persons: Hurricane Michael, Bonny Paulson's, ” Paulson, Steve Linton, “, Marshall Gobuty, ” Gobuty, Paulson, she's, ”, ” Babcock, Syd Kitson, Ian, Kitson, you’re, Nature, Natalia Padalino, Alan Klingler, ” Klingler, ” Padalino, Laura Bargfeld, Gerald Herbert Organizations: Hurricane, Florida Panhandle, Homes, Pearl Homes, University of Central, Babcock, Florida Keys, Associated Press, AP Locations: Mexico Beach , Florida, Bradenton , Florida, University of Central Florida, Florida, Mexico Beach, South Florida, U.S, New Orleans

☆ Open Enrollment Begins for Affordable Care Act Health Plans
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Ann Carrns | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Unsubsidized monthly premiums — the “sticker” price — for a benchmark silver plan are rising 4.5 percent on average as a result of inflation and greater use of health care services since the pandemic, according to a KFF analysis. (Plans are grouped by metal levels, ranging from bronze plans, which have low premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, to gold and platinum plans, which have higher premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs.) The average monthly premium for a benchmark silver plan is expected to be about $477 for an individual, and the average lowest-cost bronze plan $364, KFF found. Most marketplace customers, however, don’t pay those sticker prices, because tax credits lower their monthly cost — to zero, in some cases. Premium tax credits are based on a family’s size and income and the cost of plans in the area.

Persons: Cox, ”, KFF Organizations: Affordable Care, D.C Locations: Washington

☆ Gold firms as dollar, yields slip after Fed keeps rates steady
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-02 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

At the precious metals dealer Pro Aurum, two gold and two silver bars are placed in a locker in a vault. Gold prices edged up on Thursday, buoyed by a weaker U.S. dollar and Treasury yields after the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady and as investors stepped up bets that the central bank may be done with rate hikes. The Fed on Wednesday held interest rates steady as widely expected, as policymakers struggled to determine whether financial conditions may be sufficiently tight to control inflation. Markets now await the U.S. non-farm payrolls report on Friday, for more cues on Fed's interest rate path. Spot silver was steady at $22.98 per ounce, platinum rose 0.6% to $926.08 and palladium rose 1% to $1,114.02.

Persons: Ilya Spivak, Jerome Powell, Spivak Organizations: Pro Aurum, Federal Reserve, Fed, Trust, U.S .

☆ Today, Shapewear. Tomorrow, the World.
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-02 | by ( Vanessa Friedman | More About Vanessa Friedman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

and USA Basketball, Kim Kardashian was sitting in her office in Calabasas, Calif., framed by two picture windows that offered views of manicured green lawns, and talking about size. Her long hair was dark brown again, after another brief platinum period, and framed her face as neatly as the view outside. I don’t really start out to do anything not the biggest possible.”This is Kim the mogul. Founded four years ago, the brand went from being valued at $1.6 billion in 2021 to $4 billion last summer. In between, it became the official underwear outfitter of Team U.S.A. for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and won the 2022 Innovation Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

Persons: Skims, Kim Kardashian, “, Kim, Kanye, MJ Corey, ” Organizations: USA, Team U.S.A, of Fashion Designers of America Locations: Calabasas , Calif, “, Skims

☆ Gold softens on caution ahead of Fed's policy decision
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Spot gold fell 0.2% to $1,978.36 per ounce by 0351 GMT on Wednesday, while U.S. gold futures dropped 0.4% to $1,987.00. Spot gold posted a 7.3% jump in October, with prices hitting an over five-month high of $2,009.29 last week. Markets now await the outcome of the Fed's monetary policy meeting concluding later in the day, followed by the U.S. monthly jobs report on Friday. "Although no change in the interest rates is expected, the focus will be on the Fed's assessment of the U.S. economy and clues to the monetary policy going forward," said Praveen Singh, associate vice president at BNP Paribas' Sharekhan. Spot silver dropped 1% to $22.662 per ounce, platinum slipped 0.6% to $927.77, while palladium rose 0.5% to $1,120.91.

Persons: Alexander Manzyuk Gold, Christopher Wong, Praveen Singh Organizations: REUTERS, U.S, BNP Locations: Siberian, Krasnoyarsk, Russia, U.S . Federal, Gaza, U.S, China

☆ A 70-year-old Uber driver explains how canceling over 30% of his rides and only driving during busy periods have helped boost his pay
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

AdvertisementAdvertisementBill, a part-time Uber driver , began driving for extra income after he retired six years ago. As a result, he's driving less and accepting fewer rides than he used to. Bill said that the standard, non-surge pay rate calculated by Uber in his area is $0.61 per mile. But there are more drivers now: Uber reported that its number of drivers hit a record-high five million in 2022. To avoid one-way rides, Bill asks customers when he picks them up whether their destination is in the area.

Persons: Bill, Uber, He'll, —, he's, He's, I'm, Jacob Zinkula, Scott Olson, they're, Sergio Avedian, Guy Organizations: Service Locations: North Carolina

It’s time to pick health coverage for next year on the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplaces, and experts caution against focusing your choice on price alone. Here are some things to consider when assessing marketplace plans. Many people who haven't shopped on the marketplace don’t know that they can get this help, according to Jeremy Smith, who directs West Virginia’s health insurance navigator program. “They’re just used to having health coverage … and it covers everything.”Plans also can come with annual out-of-pocket maximums higher than $9,000 for individuals and $18,000 for families. “The good news is a lot of people who’ve been in Medicaid will likely qualify for these cost-sharing reductions,” said Sabrina Corlette, co-director of Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms.

Persons: haven't, Jeremy Smith, ”, ” Smith, “ They’re, who’ve, Sabrina Corlette, “, Cynthia Cox, HMOs, Kelly Fristoe, Smith Organizations: Medicaid, Shoppers, Georgetown University’s Center, Health, KFF, Associated Press Health, Science Department, Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science, Educational Media Group, AP Locations: Wichita Falls , Texas

☆ Gold on track for biggest monthly rise in 11 on safe-haven flows
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Bars of gold are seen at the Krastsvetmet company, one of the world's largest producers of precious metals in Moscow, Russia on January 31, 2023. The rush for safety spurred gold from $1,809.50 on Oct. 6, a day before Hamas' attack on Israel, and set bullion on track for an 8% rise this month, the most since November 2022. U.S. gold futures eased 0.1% to $2,003.60. Investors' focus this week is on the U.S. Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision Wednesday, followed by U.S. monthly jobs report Friday. In other metals, spot silver fell 0.6% to $23.17 and platinum was down 0.1% to $928.58, with both set for monthly gains.

Persons: Kyle Rodda Organizations: U.S, U.S . Federal, Securities, Bank of Locations: Moscow, Russia, Israel, Gaza, U.S ., Bank of Japan

☆ Gold holds above $2,000 mark on safe-haven demand; Fed meet in focus
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold bars and gold coins of different sizes lie in a safe on a table at the precious metal dealer Pro Aurum. Gold prices held steady near the key $2,000 level on Monday, buoyed by safe-haven demand from an escalating Middle East conflict, as investors awaited the outcome from the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy meeting this week. While the Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged, the focus will be on Chair Jerome Powell's commentary. "That should keep a floor under gold prices, which look quite comfortable above $2,000 at the start of the week." Although gold is seen as a hedge against inflation, higher interest rates dull non-yielding bullion's appeal.

Persons: Khan Younis, Jerome Powell's, Matt Simpson Organizations: Aurum, U.S, Palestinian, Index, Commerce Department, Reuters Locations: U.S . Federal, Gaza, Al, Quds, Khan, Israel, U.S

☆ How I Get Eight Free Hotel Nights Every Year Without Doing Anything
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Ben Luthi | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +10 min

So long as you pay the annual fee, many hotel credit cards offer one free night each year. Before discovering free night credits, I stayed at my fair share of motels with rock-hard beds and paper-thin walls. However, as my life and finances evolved, the benefit of my free night certificates has become about more than saving money. My hotel credit card collectionYou probably don’t need eight hotel cards. Key perks: Annual free night award, fourth night free on consecutive award redemptions, automatic IHG® Platinum status, $100 trusted traveler program application fee credit every four years.

Persons: Ben Luthi, I’ve, ”, you’ll, ’, we’ve, I’m, you’re, Wyndham Wyndham, Wyndham Organizations: Nintendo, Card, Marriott Marriott, Marriott, California — Marriott, Marriott Bonvoy, Business, Residence, Ritz, Carlton, Hilton Hilton Honors Aspire, Hilton, Hilton Resort, Honors, Diamond, Las, Hyatt, Hyatt Credit, Hyatt House, Hyatt Card, Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt, Wyndham Locations: Sandy , Utah, Hilton, Park City, Marriott, California, Fairfield, Vegas, Seattle, Alaska, Grand, Wyndham

☆ Gold prices set for third weekly gain as Middle East war looms
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold prices were poised for a third consecutive weekly gain on Friday as the Middle East conflict kept investors drawn towards safety of bullion despite a higher-for-longer U.S. interest rate backdrop. Spot gold edged 0.1% higher to $1,986.76 per ounce by 0341 GMT. "Gold prices will be a function of the Israel-Hamas conflict for as long as things are at risk of escalating," said Kyle Rodda, financial market analyst at Capital.com. Gold has gained about 9% as investors sought refuge from the potential fallout of the Israel-Hamas war that escalated earlier this month. But the lingering prospects of higher U.S. interest rates have kept prices below the $2,000 ceiling last breached in May.

Persons: Kyle Rodda, Rodda, Janet Yellen Organizations: Capital.com, U.S, Treasury Locations: Israel, Gaza, Palestinian, U.S, U.S . Federal

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