Gold prices struck near six-year highs on Friday (Jun 21) as a weaker dollar and escalating US-Iran tensions fuelled a flight to safer investments, while oil futures built on strong gains. Gold prices are at their highest level since September 2013 AFP/PATRICK HERTZOG The week has been an eventful one for stock markets, crude prices and the dollar - and investors still have a key G20 summit to look forward to amid hopes for progress on the US-China trade war. "Gold has been one of the week's biggest stories, with the precious metal hitting US$1,400 (an ounce) for the first time in almost six years overnight," said Joshua Mahony, senior market analyst at IG trading group. The gold spike has been caused by the change in sentiment and dollar weakness amid "overnight talk of a cancelled US strike on Iranian targets highlighting how close we are from a huge ramp-up in conflict between the two nations," he said. US President Donald Trump said he approved the attack then at the last … [Read more...] about Gold glistens as US Iran tensions fuel flight to safety
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Diplomatic gold? Joint North Korea-South Korea Olympic bid faces long odds
Buoyed by the role the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics played in easing tensions last year, South Korean and North Korean officials are due to meet on Friday with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Switzerland to discuss what would be the first ever bid by two countries. To make Olympic history, experts say the long-shot bid would need to overcome international sanctions against North Korea, decades of mistrust between Seoul and Pyongyang, and wide political and economic differences between two countries still officially at war. The Switzerland meeting comes ahead of a second summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump in Vietnam, which will be key to the future of reclusive North Korea’s relations with the world. Since the Olympic bid was announced after a summit between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Pyongyang in September, South Korean officials have been pushing forward with plans despite the obstacles. On Monday … [Read more...] about Diplomatic gold? Joint North Korea-South Korea Olympic bid faces long odds
Gold-plated orchid, apricot, and peach tree models attract customers for Tet
24K gold-plated flower and rock crystal models have become popular among customers in flower markets this year. These products are usually selected by many customers to give as gifts during Tet A pot containing a gold-plated orchid flower is priced between VND12 million and 16 million. The flowers are meticulously crafted by artisans. A painting featuring a gold-plated flower is sold at a price between VND4 million and VND15 million depending on its size. The frame of the painting has been made from imported natural wood The gold-themed flowers have been designed in small sizes, meaning they are perfect to decorate the home or the workplace. Through the skillful hands of artisans, each petal and stem looks like a real flower. Calligraphic pearls attached to apricot blossoms have been selected by some customers to decorate their homes. The price of this work is over VND10 million. Peach blossom models made from imported pearl can fetch a price of VND10 million 24K … [Read more...] about Gold-plated orchid, apricot, and peach tree models attract customers for Tet
A new moon rising alongside a gold star
If the Gold Stars can beat the Blue Samurai this Thursday night, it will already be a Tet like no other; ultimate semi-final or final glories or not. — Photo tinthethao.com.vn By Terry Hartney There is a perfect storm brewing for Vietnam in the coming fortnight as family and friends come together for their annual celebrative binge of being Vietnamese for the lunar new year festival, called Tet. For the past week or so, the focus has been on reunions to do with work, shared university, schooling and other relationships dating far back in time. Soon the family takes over, and the eating and drinking intensifies, punctuated by group visits to forbears’ graves, temples and relatives, particularly in countryside ancestral villages. (One of the traditional arguments against marrying outside of Vietnamese blood is that a foreigner can never really be a part of this ancestor worship process). Mixed in with all of this is the unexpected progress of the Gold Stars from … [Read more...] about A new moon rising alongside a gold star
Mute shoeshiner strikes Gold after losing best friend
The reunion was emotional. The dog, Vang (Gold), repeatedly jumped up and kissed Tran Khac An. Punching his chest, the An looked up at the sky and smiled as though he could not stop. On December 7, two weeks after he lost Vang, a friend helped An find him again. Hugging the dog tightly, An could not help smiling, and put his hands on his heart to show his joy and happiness. He gave himself a "day off" to take care of the dog. This is not the first time that this loving pair is making news. Three years ago, a story about the friendship between the mute shoeshiner and the blind dog had spread across the country and touched the heart of millions of readers. The pet lovers community and many young people voted it as one of 20 most inspirational stories of the year in 2015. The same year, they were voted among the Top 10 inspirational characters of the year and honored on the stage of the WeChoice Awards gala. A wedding gift To welcome his best friend home, An had someone write … [Read more...] about Mute shoeshiner strikes Gold after losing best friend