Spot gold was at $3311. 33 an ounce, hitting its lowest level since July 9. This comes amid easing concerns about a global trade war and a strengthening dollar, which reduced gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset.
Brent and WTI crude futures fell after the US-EU trade deal, which averted a full-scale trade war. The market awaits the US Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates and negotiations between the US and China.
Kyiv "Dynamo" will play the return match of the 2nd qualifying round of the Champions League against Maltese "Hamrun Spartans" on July 29 at 21:00 at the "Lublin Arena" stadium in Poland. In the first match, "Dynamo" won confidently with a score of 3:0.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the compromise in the tariff dispute with the administration of US President Donald Trump would significantly harm the German economy and lead to higher inflation. He thanked the European Commission for the negotiations, noting that it was the best possible outcome, although it cannot satisfy Germany.
The Russian government extended restrictions on gasoline exports until August 31 to direct producers of petroleum products. This decision was made "to stabilize the domestic fuel market during periods of high demand and agricultural work."
A study by the "European Movement" showed that only a third of citizens in the largest EU countries consistently support democratic values. 64% of respondents do not rule out the advantages of authoritarian rule, yet almost half support the idea of European defense integration.
The European Commission has accused the Chinese online marketplace Temu of violating EU rules due to insufficient measures to prevent the sale of illegal products. This could lead to a fine of up to 6% of the company's annual global turnover.
EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Maternova welcomed the signing of the law on strengthening ARMA's institutional capacity. This step is in line with commitments regarding the Ukraine Facility and paves the way for Ukraine to receive 600 million euros in aid from the EU.
Ukraine has received Azerbaijani gas via the Trans-Balkan route for the first time, which is a positive step for supply diversification. Expert Volodymyr Omelchenko noted that the volumes are still small, but in the future they could reach billions of cubic meters, provided production in Azerbaijan increases.
The US and China will resume talks in Stockholm on August 12 to try to resolve long-standing economic disputes and extend a tariff truce. Without a deal, global supply chains could face new shocks from a sharp increase in US tariffs.
Brent and WTI crude futures rose after the US reached a trade agreement with the EU and may extend the tariff pause with China. This dispelled fears about the negative impact of tariffs on economic activity and fuel demand.
According to the German Chancellor, the trade agreement between the EU and the US helped avoid a conflict that could have harmed Germany's export-oriented economy. In particular, tariffs on cars will decrease from 27.5% to 15%, which is key for the German automotive industry.
The European Union and the United States of America have signed a trade agreement. The EU plans to use American energy resources to achieve energy independence from Russia, replacing Russian gas and oil with purchases of American LNG, oil, and nuclear fuel.
The US and the EU have concluded a large-scale trade agreement, under which the EU will purchase $750 billion worth of energy carriers and invest $600 billion in the US. The EU will also open its countries to zero-tariff trade, including military equipment.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that the country is not changing its foreign policy line and will not join the EU sanctions against Russia. He emphasized that Serbia pursues an independent policy that corresponds to the interests of its citizens.
President Zelenskyy and European Commission President von der Leyen discussed the anti-corruption bodies bill, which is to be adopted next week. Ukraine continues reforms to receive financial assistance and synchronizes sanctions against the Russian Federation.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law that initiates a large-scale reform of ARMA, which provides for changes in asset management and strengthening control. This step opens the way for Ukraine to receive 600 million euros in financial assistance from the EU.
Greece is facing five large-scale wildfires that have engulfed several regions, including Attica, where an evacuation has been announced. Due to intense heat and wind, the flames are spreading rapidly, causing injuries to firefighters, destruction of property, and forest areas.
Ukraine has imposed sanctions against over 90 Russian companies that extract rare earth metals for the Russian military-industrial complex. Additionally, 18 packages of European sanctions have been synchronized, targeting the shadow tanker fleet and 53 individuals and legal entities.
President Zelenskyy signed a decree on new personal sanctions against dozens of individuals and legal entities from Russia, China, Iran, and the UAE. The restrictions apply to companies involved in the extraction and processing of rare earth metals for drone production and the supply of military-purpose technologies to the Russian military-industrial complex.
Emil Brix, Director of the Diplomatic Academy, proposed discussing Austria's accession to NATO. NEOS party leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger stated that neutrality no longer guarantees protection, advocating for open debates on the future of the country's security policy.
Western sanctions after Russia's invasion of Ukraine are increasing the isolation of Kaliningrad, which has no land connection with Russia. This has led to overloaded sea routes and problems for small businesses in the region.
The European Union is cutting part of its aid to Ukraine by 1. 5 billion euros due to decisions that de facto eliminate the independence of NABU and SAPO. Aid of 50 billion euros can be restored provided reforms are carried out and corruption is fought.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with US President Donald Trump in Scotland to conclude a trade deal before Friday's deadline. If no agreement is reached, 30% tariffs on EU exports to the US will come into effect.
Ukraine and Slovenia have agreed on new projects in the areas of water supply, energy efficiency, and communal infrastructure for frontline regions. Slovenian companies will also participate in housing reconstruction, green energy development, and waste management.
US President Donald Trump called the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia, urging them to cease hostilities that erupted at the beginning of the week, and warned about the absence of trade agreements. Both countries face economic challenges, including the threat of high US tariffs, and Thailand, which depends on exports, has not yet concluded agreements with the US.
Georgian and American military equipment, including US armored vehicles and Georgian Didgori and Cobra, has been transferred from Senaki to Vaziani for the Agile Spirit 2025 exercises. The convoy passed along the Tbilisi-Senaki-Leselidze highway, welcomed by local residents.
Qatar, the third largest LNG exporter, threatens to cut gas supplies to the EU in response to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. The country demands changes to the law concerning forced labor and environmental standards, and also objects to the requirement for climate transition plans.
Wall Street's relentless rise this summer has pushed stock valuations close to record levels, prompting warnings of "euphoric" markets entering "bubble" territory. The S&P 500 index has reached historic peaks, and the cost of borrowing for US corporations has approached its lowest level in decades.
In Russia's Stavropol, the Signal radio factory, which produces active jamming stations, was attacked. Local residents report a drone strike on the building of the enterprise, which is under international sanctions.