If Sophia Smith sounded especially reflective after the U.S. women’s national team’s penalty shootout win against Canada in the W Gold Cup semifinal on Wednesday, it was with good reason.

Her interim coach Twila Kilgore shared that the striker teared up at the end of the game, which saw her score a goal in extra time and bury a penalty kick in the shootout.

The culmination of the sequence was a far cry from Smith’s painful tears that fell last year. For a goalkeeper who’s often emotionless, Naeher’s wry celebratory smile was equally powerful.

So often, a team’s tournament performance is remembered for the performances of their striker and goalkeeper. In this Gold Cup, the U.S. women’s national team program is no exception. Read more below.

first published: March 10, 2024, 09:30 IST

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Archaeologists from Sweden have unearthed thousands of medieval objects among which a gold ring with Christ’s face was discovered, CBS News reported.

The gold ring which reportedly belongs from the 15th century has a carved figure of Jesus Christ in the middle. The new-looking ring is small in size and archaeologists believe it to be of a female.

Before this similar type of jewellery was found in other parts of Sweden and Finland.

The archaeologists were excavating the coastal city of Kalmar in Southwest Sweden. It is part of the National Historical Museums Agency (NHMA).

Researchers investigating the area found 50 medieval plots, small everyday objects, and alsengem which researchers believe might have been used as a religious amulet, among other things.

Major findings include buildings, cellars, 10 streets, and parts of an old wall.

According to researchers, the discoveries date back from 1250AD to 1650AD, with the smallest items almost dating back to 400 years ago.

The NHMA has labelled the investigation results as “beyond all expectations.”

The medieval city is believed to have been destroyed by battle in the 1600s, however despite the damage, large areas remain unexcavated.

Magnus Stibéus, a project manager at the Archaeologists says, “We have been able to lift the lid on the city’s Middle Ages and have had the opportunity to study how people lived, what they ate and drank, and how this changed over time.”

Gold prices surged to a new peak, soaring to ₹65,298 per 10 grams on the MCX, indicating a notable increase of over ₹2,700 within the initial week of March last week on Thursday. This remarkable uptrend in the value of the precious metal is primarily attributed to the anticipation of an interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve in June.

This expectation has ignited bullish sentiments in both domestic and international markets, further fueling the rise in gold prices.

Chair Jerome Powell’s indication of the Central Bank’s possible rate reduction in the coming months boosted market confidence, resulting in gold reaching a fresh high of $2,152 in international markets on Wednesday.

Also read: Gold and silver prices Today on 08-03-2024 : Check latest rates in your city

International gold prices ended February 0.25% lower at $2032.8 per ounce, whereas, domestic prices closed 0.67% lower.

On the other hand, MCX Silver witnessed a downtrend following its positive closure on Wednesday last week. By around 9:30 am, it was observed trading at ₹74,015 per kg, reflecting a decrease of ₹123 or 0.17%. However, despite this short-term setback, silver futures have depicted a significant rise of almost ₹2,859 or 4.01% in March. On a year-to-date basis, they have experienced a marginal decline of 0.39% or ₹292, according to analysis provided by the commodity and currency expert.

The surge in gold prices can be attributed to the decline in the dollar index (DXY), which has once again dipped below the 104 mark. Presently, it stands at 103.80 against a basket of six major currencies, showing a degree of stability. Over the past five trading sessions, the dollar index has experienced a 0.17% depreciation.

Also read: Gold rate today hits new high as US Fed testimony pulls down US dollar index to 5-week low

“Despite this unwinding of rate cut expectations, gold is showing relative resilience. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and global growth concerns are acting as tailwinds. While the US economy has managed to weather high borrowing costs and tight credit conditions thanks to US fiscal spending and consumers running down their savings, the support from these factors is expected to wane in 2024, dragging down growth. Rising credit card and auto delinquencies in the US signal weakness ahead. US inflation too is slowly but steadily progressing towards the Fed’s 2% target, which too should support rate cuts. Additionally, the rapidly increasing interest costs on the $34 trillion US national debt too is expected to weigh on policymakers’ decision making, prompting them to cut rates,” said Chirag Mehta, Chief Investment Officer, Quantum AMC.

Where are the Gold prices headed?

According to data by the World Gold Council, central banks’ acquisitions of gold in 2023 amounted to 1,037 tonnes, falling slightly short of the record established in 2022.

“We believe this trend is likely to continue this year amid geopolitical tensions and the uncertainty on the macroeconomic front and act as a soft support for gold prices. As aggressive bets on Fed rate cuts unwind, global Gold ETFs have seen net outflows. Domestic gold ETFs on the other hand saw inflows of 657 crores in January probably driven by investors’ need to diversify their investments given that equity markets are gradually getting expensive,” Mehta said.

He further added, “Gold prices could remain choppy in the months ahead as the market reacts to geopolitical developments and US monetary policy. Medium term outlook for the precious metal looks promising given the imminent turn in US interest rate cycle.”

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By Canadian Press

Mar 9, 2024 | 3:43 PM

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Eliot Grondin took home the gold medal in snowboard cross at the FIS World Cup on Saturday.

The Quebec native won all four of his races to take home his fifth gold of the season, while also finishing with the fastest qualifying time (38.60).

American Jake Vedder finished with silver, while Australian Jarry Hughes rounded out the top three.

Grondin sits atop the leader board after netting two back-to-back silver medals in World Cup snowboard cross action in Spain last week.

Vijayawada: Soaring gold prices have become a major concern for the people ahead of the summer wedding season. Gold price touched a record high mark of 6,627 per gram in city on Saturday resulting in sudden fall in demand. Gold ornaments play a key role in Telugu weddings. No weddings are complete without gold which is often gifted in the form of ‘Sthree Dhana’ to the bride by her paternal family members.Gold prices shot up globally in last 10 days and recorded an increase of 430 per gram. As a result, demand for gold fell significantly and gold shops wore a deserted look. “We are experiencing huge losses for last 10 days with fall in sales. Predictions of gold rate touching 7,200 per gram is creating panic among the buyers. This is a mighty blow ahead of wedding season for us,” said Dogiparthi Sumanth, a jeweller and member of Vijayawada Jewellers Association. Buyers are unhappy over the gold prices. “Gold and Telugu weddings cannot be seen separately. Even poor and middle class buy gold during weddings. Surge in prices during wedding season is definitely a big blow. We are eyeing to buy around 100 grams of gold for my daughter’s wedding and we need to pay 40,000 extra with the price hike,” said K Madhava Rao, a retired employee. Sources said the gold price is expected to increase significantly in next 10 days and stablilise at 6,700 per gram in city. Meanwhile, a few jewellers are offering huge discounts on wastage and making charges to attract buyers.

We also published the following articles recently

Gold surges Rs 800 to hit record high of Rs 65,000 per 10 grams

Gold prices in Delhi markets reached a new record high of Rs 65,000 per 10 grams, driven by global trends and speculation of US interest rate cuts. Silver surged to Rs 74,900 per kg. International gold prices rose to USD 2,110 per ounce.

Gold jumps Rs 500 to scale record high of Rs 65,650 per 10 grams

Gold prices in Delhi rose to Rs 65,650 per 10 grams, while silver prices reached Rs 74,900 per kg. Spot gold at Comex hit $2,152 per ounce in Asian trading hours. The upcoming US CPI data and non-farm payroll will impact gold trends, according to Jateen Trivedi of LKP Securities.

Gold price today: Gold rate hits new high; March gains surpass Rs 2,700; what you should know

Gold prices on MCX reached a new peak of Rs 65,298 per 10 grams, driven by expectations of a US Federal Reserve interest rate cut. Silver futures increased. Weakness in the dollar and strong demand, particularly from China, supported the rise in gold prices. Silver futures declined.

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Eliot Grondin took home the gold medal in snowboard cross at the FIS World Cup on Saturday.

The Quebec native won all four of his races to take home his fifth gold of the season, while also finishing with the fastest qualifying time (38.60).

American Jake Vedder finished with silver, while Australian Jarry Hughes rounded out the top three.

Grondin sits atop the leader board after netting two back-to-back silver medals in World Cup snowboard cross action in Spain last week.

The 22-year-old also won a bronze medal earlier this season.

Victoria’s Meryeta O’Dine finished 11th on the women’s side, making the quarterfinals with a time of 41.99.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 9, 2024.

The Canadian Press

KARACHI: Gold prices in Pakistan continued to increase sharply as per tola price witnessed an increase of Rs1,600 in the local market, ARY News reported.

The gold price increased by Rs1600 to reach at Rs230,200 in the domestic market.

Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 22-karat gold also saw an upward trend to trade at Rs180,913.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a week of positive trends and notable growth in business activities after general elections.

At the close of the business week, the KSE-100 index stood at 65,793 points, marking a gain of 468 points or (0.70%).

During the week, the KSE-100 index reached its peak at an impressive 66,150 points reflecting the confidence of investors. However, the lowest KSE-100 index reaching its at 65,187. Such variations are inherent in the stock market, prompting investors to carefully monitor the market dynamics and make informed decisions.

first published: March 09, 2024, 13:39 IST

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