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Gold Prices Reach New Heights Amidst Global Trade Tensions

by News Editor

April 17, 2025

The global economic arena witnesses yet another shock as gold prices hit unprecedented levels. This surge can be attributed to the ongoing trade conflict between the United States and China. As of Wednesday, the spot price of gold soared beyond $3,300 per ounce, marking the third consecutive peak this year.

Key Insights

Investors are gravitating towards gold as a secure asset amidst escalating trade tensions.
Gold recently traded at $3,357.40 before stabilizing at $3,329.53—an increase of roughly a third since the year’s start.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell highlighted how current tariff policies might lead to slower growth, higher prices, and employment risks.

Analysts draw parallels between today’s gold rally and the surge during the Iranian revolution over 40 years ago. Last month, the precious metal surpassed $3,000 per ounce for the first time.

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The Bigger Picture

The trade war escalation stems from the Trump administration’s announcement of tariffs on imports into the U.S., remaining firm despite discussions. With reciprocal tariffs paused for 90 days in favor of negotiations, the market’s future remains uncertain.

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Cypriot Government Employment Sees Modest Growth in April

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 12, 2025

Total government employment in Cyprus increased by 237 persons, a rise of 0.4 per cent, in April, compared to the same month in 2024, reaching a total of 55,490 employees, according to the state statistical service.

Employment in the civil service and the security forces decreased by 1.2 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively, while the educational service saw an increase of 3.8 per cent.

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Civil Service and Educational Service Breakdown

In April 2025, the civil service employed 11,960 permanent staff, 4,141 employees with contracts of indefinite duration, 1,458 with contracts of definite duration, and 5,798 hourly paid workers.

Permanent employees represented the highest proportion of the civil service workforce at 51.2 per cent, while employees with contracts of definite duration made up the lowest proportion at 6.2 per cent.

In the educational service, there were 12,461 permanent employees, 947 with contracts of indefinite duration, 4,824 with contracts of definite duration, and 141 hourly paid workers.

Permanent staff formed the majority of the educational workforce at 67.8 per cent, while hourly paid workers accounted for only 0.8 per cent.

Security Forces Breakdown

Within the security forces, 8,430 were permanent employees, 4,304 held contracts of indefinite duration, 267 were on definite-duration contracts, and 759 were hourly paid workers.

Permanent employees again made up the largest group in the security forces at 61.3 per cent, with definite-duration contracts representing just 1.9 per cent.