Gold Prices Fall Amid Rate Jitters; Copper Steady as China Stimulus Eyed 
Here are some key events to keep a tab on,
- Russia-U.S. - Syria: OPCW team has concluded its investigation in the town of Douma late last week. With the FFM (fact-finding mission) being over, the result of the analysis will be released over the next couple of weeks.
- Russia-UK-Skripal: The chemical weapons watchdog, OPCW has backtracked on its suggestion 100g of Novichok nerve agent was used in the Salisbury spy poisoning. It is turning out to be 100mg or could be even less. The initial comments on Novichok and the latest stance of OPCW creating lot many confusion.
- Korean Peninsula: A reconciliation took place in the Korean Peninsula last month when North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un became the first North Korean leader to cross into the south. He held direct talks with South Korean President Moon Jae in. The two leaders hailed the progress made towards achieving peace in the Peninsula as North Korean leader vowed to de-nuclearize and halts testing of missiles. The very focus is nor on the much-anticipated meeting between Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump later this month.
- Palestine - Israel: Violence continues in Gaza strip as Palestinians march against what they call is Israel’s occupation of their land. Scores of people have been killed and wounded in the latest spark of violence, where Palestinians stage a rally to return to what they call is their homeland, forcefully occupied by Israel. According to the latest report, 2 more Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops near Gaza Strip border as they try to cross.
- Israel-Iran: Tensions remain high as the harsh war of words continues between Israel and Iran. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his country stands ready to repel any attack, Iranian commander replied saying that Israel shouldn’t rely on its air force as the aerodromes are in the range of Iranian missiles. In recent days, Israel has carried out several attacks on Iranian camps in Syria. U.S. Defense Secretary said that according to his view, a direct conflict between Israel and Iran looks very likely. Israel has accused Iran of secretly pursuing nuclear weapons while agreeing to the JCPOA Israel has threatened to kill the Syrian president Bashar al Assad if Iran operates and attacks from Syrian territory.
- Tunisia: The country, where the Arab Spring movement first began, held its first free municipal election over the weakened. Tunisia’s Islamist Ennahda party claimed victory by late Sunday.
- Lebanon: The country held its first general election in nine years. According to reports, the turnout was below 50 percent and Iran and Hezbollah allied parties are gaining grounds.
