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

L'Oreal, the world's largest beauty group, aims to reduce its reliance on the Chinese market for growth, shifting focus to opportunities in the U.S. CEO Nicolas Hieronimus highlighted a decline in North Asia sales, with China accounting for 17% of total sales. Despite weaker consumer demand in recent quarters, fourth-quarter sales increased to 11.08 billion euros, with U.S. sales rising 1.4% and Hieronimus expressing optimism about the market's potential for growth. Full Article

Hamas is set to release three hostages, Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel. The hostages were abducted during the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, sparking a war that resulted in over 1,200 deaths. This will be the fifth swap since the ceasefire began, with a total of 18 hostages and more than 550 prisoners already freed. Full...

In Nicosia, Cyprus, Cypriot Maronites gather at the Maronite Archbishopric for choir rehearsals, led by conductor Georgia Markou, who interacts with Lebanese refugees and prepares for a multilingual concert featuring Silent Night in English, Greek, Arabic, and Sanna. Among the refugees are Maria and Georges Kamar from Lebanon, seeking shelter in Cyprus, where they are welcomed by the Cypriot Maronite community, including Georgia, who hails from a traditional Maronite village on the island and is...

A federal judge declined to immediately block the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing Labor Department systems, citing lack of evidence of legal injury from labor unions who sued to block access. DOGE, led by Elon Musk, has been investigated for accessing sensitive Treasury and Labor Department records, prompting concerns about violating laws protecting government data and civil servants. Despite allegations of wrongdoing, the Justice Department defended DOGE's access, arguing against a sweeping order...

U.S. President Donald Trump's foreign policy approach is characterized by a mix of nationalism and globalism, with a focus on restraint and avoiding unnecessary wars. Despite his inaugural address suggesting a more cautious approach, Trump has made bold statements about reclaiming the Panama Canal and taking over the Gaza Strip. His promises of a new approach to American foreign policy raise questions about the existence and nature of a potential Trump Doctrine. Full Article

In the quest for the perfect nursing bra, the author tried various styles before discovering the Flexifit non-wired bra from Marks and Spencer. With easy-release nursing clips and sizes ranging from 32A to 42H, this bra received glowing reviews for its comfort and support. Made with soft material and featuring Flexifit™ technology, it provides ample support and adapts to the body's changes during breastfeeding. Full Article