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• Gold prices declined 0.16% to trade at $4,594, remaining below key moving averages as market participants await the upcoming Jackson Hole symposium. • Technical indicators show a mixed outlook, with the MACD in a strong sell configuration and the RSI at 48.63, suggesting mild bearishness. • The ADX reading remains neutral, indicating that gold currently lacks a dominant trend amid limited trading flows.

• Ongoing conflicts across the Middle East since October 7 have fundamentally altered the regional landscape, though not in the directions envisioned by the U.S. and Israel. • The strategic goals of the U.S. and Israel to weaken Iran's influence or stabilize the region have faced significant setbacks amidst sweeping regional instability. • This shift matters because it suggests that military pressure and targeted strikes have failed to deter Iranian-backed proxies or secure a lasting peace.

• US stock indices remained steady on August 28, 2026, as investors reacted to Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh's address at the annual Jackson Hole symposium in Wyoming. • During his speech, Warsh warned policymakers and economists that inflation risks remain persistent, contributing to a cautious mood across the markets. • The subdued trading session was further influenced by a combination of mixed corporate updates and fluctuating commodities data.

• Mail-in voting has expanded significantly since 2000, with 37 states now permitting no-excuse ballots leading into the 2026 elections. • Donald Trump has proposed that the postmaster general mandate all mail-in and absentee ballots be placed in secured envelopes marked "Official Election Mail" featuring unique tracking barcodes. • This proposal is facing pushback from critics who argue that states should maintain their own control over ballot provision and processing.

• Mail-in voting has expanded significantly since 2000, with 37 states now permitting no-excuse ballots leading into the 2026 elections. • Donald Trump has proposed that the postmaster general mandate all absentee and mail-in ballots be placed in secured envelopes marked "Official Election Mail" and equipped with unique tracking barcodes. • This proposal is facing pushback from critics who argue that states should maintain their own control over ballot provision and processing.

PM was in contact with unknown person pretending to be senior White House aide Susie Wiles, it is understoodAndy Burnham exchanged messages with someone impersonating Donald Trump’s chief of staff, the Guardian understands.The prime minister was in contact with an unknown individual pretending to be the senior White House aide Susie Wiles before concerns were raised about the incident. No messages of significance were sent and the suspicious activity was quickly reported to the appropriate authorities, it is understood. Continue reading...

• Asian stock markets mostly declined on Friday, with the Hang Seng losing 1% and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 slipping 1.1%, while U.S. futures remained largely unchanged. • Some markets bucked the trend, as South Korea's Kospi rose 1.3% to 6,924.74 and Tokyo's Nikkei 225 gained 0.3% to 68,533.85. • The market volatility follows the release of U.S. inflation data from July, which showed a better-than-expected improvement.