Belgium stocks higher at close of trade; BEL 20 up 0.07%

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• Oil prices set for second straight weekly decline on growing signs of supply surplus

  Energy markets are reacting swiftly as mounting global inventories and rising American imports outweigh persistent Middle Eastern flashpoints. Analysts attribute the downward momentum to institutional forecasts pointing to an expanding supply glut and a cooling of immediate geopolitical conflict fears. This trajectory signals that traders are currently prioritizing weakening demand fundamentals over regional disruption threats.

  2 min read
• Gold Edges Up, Still On Track for Worst Weekly Slump Since June

  Hotter-than-expected inflation data and hawkish Federal Reserve commentary spurred aggressive bets on further interest rate increases, heavily punishing non-yielding bullion. Although reserve managers stepped in to purchase discounted metal after it breached psychological thresholds, the modest bounce did little to offset broader macro pressures. Consequently, the precious metal closed out the trading week hovering near 13-month lows.

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• Two men arrested over alleged $3.7m bank debit fraud using stolen identities

  Federal prosecutors in New York have charged Paris Baker and Michael Sullivan for orchestrating a five-year unauthorized debit operation using stolen victim profiles and fictitious corporate entities. The multi-state scheme successfully siphoned at least $1.3 million from victim accounts before federal law enforcement intervened. Both defendants now face substantial prison time across multiple felony charges, including money laundering and identity theft.

  3 min read