_{CURRENCY NEWS}

Rising Gold Prices Signal Trouble Ahead for the Dollar

Gold’s soaring price signals trouble for the dollar as global shifts continue to reshape the financial landscape. Rising 28% in 2024, gold outperformed the S&P 500, driven by central bank buying and geopolitical instability. Investment banks forecast gold reaching $3,000 in 2025, while deeper analysts suggest it could hit $10,000 by 2030 due to dedollarization efforts. Following the seizure of Russian assets in 2022, countries are diversifying from the dollar, with gold emerging as a preferred trade settlement mechanism. A collapse in U.S. tech stocks could accelerate this shift, undermining global confidence in the dollar and highlighting gold's pivotal role in the evolving economic order. Read More.

_{ECONOMIC NEWS}

Mask Mandates Resurface as Doctors Warn of 'Quad-demic' Threat

The U.S. faces a "quad-demic" as cases of flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus surge following holiday gatherings, travel, and weakened immune systems from pandemic lockdowns. Flu has already sickened 3.1 million people, with 37,000 hospitalizations and 1,500 deaths, while RSV hospitalizations have risen 40% in two weeks. Norovirus cases hit their highest December levels since 2012, and COVID-19 continues to see millions of cases and thousands of deaths. Mask mandates are returning in states like Wisconsin, California, and New Jersey, with hospitals reinstating rules for visitors and staff. Experts recommend vaccines, handwashing, and staying home when sick to curb the spread as flu season peaks between December and February. Read More.