Gold plunges 3% as Trump Treasury pick and potential Israel-Hezbollah truce fuel risk-on mood

Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted co-conspirator of Jeffrey Epstein, claimed in a DOJ interview that there was no client list or blackmail scheme related to Epstein's sex trafficking, asserting she witnessed no illegal acts by high-profile associates like Donald Trump or Bill Clinton. Despite her conviction for aiding in Epstein's crimes, Maxwell maintained her innocence and argued she was wrongly accused. Want More Context? 🔎

Pope Leo XIV met with the Chagos Refugees Group, advocating for the right of Chagossians to return to their homeland, following their expulsion by Britain in the 1960s and 1970s. He endorsed a recent U.K.-Mauritius treaty that aims to transfer sovereignty while supporting a trust fund for resettlement, emphasizing the importance of respecting the rights of all peoples. Want More Context? 🔎

Cristiano Ronaldo made history by becoming the first player to score 100 competitive goals for four different clubs, reaching this milestone with a penalty for Al Nassr in the Saudi Super Cup final, despite their eventual loss to Al-Ahli in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw. His total includes 450 goals for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, and 101 for Juventus, but he is still seeking his first major trophy in Saudi Arabia....

Sprint champion Jasper Philipsen won the opening stage of La Vuelta a España in Novara, Italy, marking his comeback after a crash in the Tour de France left him with injuries. With a perfect lead-out from his Alpecin-Deceuninck team, Philipsen secured his 14th Grand Tour stage win and the red jersey, finishing ahead of Ethan Vernon and Orluis Aular. Want More Context? 🔎

Donald Trump is fulfilling his campaign promise of retribution by targeting critics and political opponents, including former national security adviser John Bolton and various Democrats, while using government powers to intimidate. His administration has sparked concerns over unprecedented authority, deploying military forces in cities and pursuing investigations against those who challenged him, reflecting a consolidation of power that alarms many. Want More Context? 🔎

Syria has postponed a parliamentary vote in Sweida due to recent sectarian violence, as announced by commission spokesperson Nawar Najmeh. Consequently, the seats designated for three provinces will remain unfilled until new elections can be organized. Want More Context? 🔎