Mali Govt Says Al-Qaeda Extremists In Region Receive Training, Drones From Ukraine

Russia Says It Downed Almost 700 Ukrainian Drones In Massive Overnight Barrage As Fuel Shortages Worsen Russia's Defense Ministry claimed Friday morning that the military intercepted at least 660 Ukrainian drones across the country and Crimea, in what shaped up to be one of the most massive overnight aerial assaults since the 2022 invasion began. Drones being sent across the border in the hundreds has become a nightly, highly escalatory affair of late. Anti-air defenses in the capital region were busy, with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirming that at least 47 inbound...

Diesel Tops $5, Echoing 2022 Russia-Ukraine Invasion Energy Shock US Fuel Spike Summary: AAA national average diesel prices have jumped 34%, the largest increase for any month on record. AAA national average gasoline prices have jumped 24.5%, also the largest increase for any month on record. The spike in refined products comes just ahead of driving season and, if it persists long enough, could dent consumer sentiment polls. The Trump administration assures the conflict will be short-term. Countdown to Memorial Day driving season: 69 days. *  *  *  Update (0840ET) The partially paralyzed Hormuz chokepoint...

Central Bank Gold Buying Rebounds In April From Dramatic March Selloff First the good news: according to the latest World Gold Council update, central banks, a key pillar of the bullish case for gold, have returned to adding holdings in April after notable selling in March sent the price of the precious metal tumbling. The 17 ton purchase represents a turnaround from steep sales in March, which at nearly 30 tons were the largest monthly gold sales in years, driven almost entirely by Turkey. Poland remained the top buyer in...