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Gold Surges Above $2,400 Amid Political Uncertainty In The US

Gold has surged past the $2,400 per ounce mark, driven by increasing demand from investors seeking safe havens amidst rising political uncertainty in the United States. The recent announcement by President Joe Biden that he will not seek re-election has intensified market volatility. Biden’s decision to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination has added to the political unpredictability, with former President Donald Trump emerging as a strong contender in the polls.

This political turbulence has led investors to turn to gold, traditionally considered a secure asset during times of instability. Additionally, the weakening US dollar has further bolstered gold prices. As markets opened on Monday, the dollar’s decline provided additional momentum for gold, as a weaker dollar typically enhances the metal’s appeal by making it cheaper for holders of other currencies.

The ongoing pre-election campaign in the US, coupled with recent events such as an assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania, has created a climate of uncertainty. This has prompted investors to seek refuge in gold, driving its price to new highs.

Market analysts hold mixed views on the long-term impact of a potential Trump victory on gold prices. Some anticipate that Trump’s policies, which may include higher trade tariffs and increased US-China tensions, could strengthen the dollar and bond yields, traditionally inversely related to gold prices. However, expectations of looser fiscal policies under a Trump administration might counteract this effect, sustaining the demand for gold.

The recent performance of gold reflects heightened investor expectations that the Federal Reserve may shift towards monetary easing. Lower interest rates generally favour gold, as they reduce the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding asset.

Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.

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