News
The conflict in Gaza is causing changes in relationships between secular and ultra-Orthodox Israelis.
The recent Gaza War has had significant implications for the relationship between secular and ultra-Orthodox Israelis. The conflict, which was initiated by Hamas last October, has led to moments of unity between different segments of Israeli society as they face a common threat. In a neighborhood in Jerusalem, ultra-Orthodox residents welcomed a soldier returning from military service, while at a religious seminary, students listened to an officer talk about his duties. Additionally, in a synagogue attended by devout Jews, a Torah scroll was dedicated in memory of a soldier who lost his life in Gaza.
The war has reignited the debate surrounding military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel. While most Israelis are required to serve in the military, Haredim are exempted to focus on religious studies. This has led to resentment from secular Israelis who feel that the community is not contributing enough to the country. Efforts to integrate the ultra-Orthodox into the military and workforce have faced resistance from many Haredim who view army service as a threat to their religious way of life.
However, in the wake of the attacks in Gaza, there has been a shift in attitudes within the ultra-Orthodox community. Polls show that a growing number of Haredim are expressing support for or interest in military service, despite the majority still seeking to maintain their exemption. This has led to greater solidarity between different segments of Israeli society as they navigate the aftermath of the conflict.
The government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a critical decision regarding the inclusion of Haredim in the military draft, which has the potential to impact the governing coalition. Despite the challenges involved in integrating a conservative population like the ultra-Orthodox into the modern military, there has been an increase in Haredim seeking to join the army in recent months.
Some leaders within the Haredi community have hinted at a shift in mindset following the events of the Gaza War. Yitzhak Goldknopf, a Haredi government minister, has expressed willingness to allow those who are not inclined towards Torah scholarship to join the army. This signifies a potential change in the traditional views held by many within the ultra-Orthodox community.
Overall, the Gaza War has brought about a reevaluation of the relationship between secular and ultra-Orthodox Israelis. While there are still deep divisions and challenges to overcome, there are signs of progress towards greater integration and understanding between different segments of Israeli society. This shift in dynamics has the potential to shape the future of the country and its diverse population.
News
Is now the right time to invest in gold as prices have cooled?
The price of gold has climbed to record highs recently and has remained strong through much of April. And, that growth continued until the precious metal traded at around $2,390 per ounce on April 19, 2024. But since, growth in the price of the precious metal has cooled, with gold’s price now hovering around $2,300 per ounce.
This lull in gold’s price may represent an investment opportunity.
In general, investing is centered around buying assets when prices are low and selling them when prices are high – generating a profit on the difference between the two. So, considering the declines in gold’s price over the past few days, now may be the time to make your investment. But is buying gold during this lull in prices really a good idea?
Compare your gold investment options among leading brokers now.
Gold prices have cooled. Should you buy in now?
With gold’s price down from recent highs, you may be wondering if now is the right time to buy in. There are several reasons the dip in gold’s price may represent an opportunity to buy. Here are some of the biggest:
Prices may rise again
If looking at a gold price chart shows anything for certain, it shows that changes in the overall growth of the medal come in fits and spurts. Periods of price growth are typically followed by periods of declines and vice versa.
But with inflation rising in recent months – and with gold’s reputation as a safe-haven asset that can hedge against inflation – it only makes sense that the price of the precious metal will eventually start to head up again in the future. While attempting to time that directional change may be tricky, buying the precious metal while the price is down gives you the opportunity to take advantage of any upward movement that may be ahead.
Add gold to your portfolio now before prices have a chance to rise.
You may be able to make a quick profit
Gold isn’t known as an asset in which you can earn a quick return, but in today’s market, that may be the case. Don’t forget that in January, gold was trading at just $2,000 per ounce. And, by mid-April, the commodity’s price had climbed to around $2,400 per ounce. That’s about 20% growth in a matter of months, much of which happened since March 1 – an impressive climb for any investment asset.
Perhaps more importantly, gold’s price growth through the beginning of 2024 shows that the commodity doesn’t have to be a buy and hold style investment that you keep in a safety deposit box or precious metal depository for years to come. There’s also the possibility that the commodity’s price could climb further ahead, making it a compelling way to potentially generate a quick profit.
There are other benefits of investing in gold
There are other benefits of investing in gold that have little to do with the price growth seen thus far in 2024 – or the lull in prices seen over the past couple of days. Those benefits include:
- Inflation protection: Gold has long been considered an inflation hedge, and for good reason. When inflation drives the prices of consumer goods and services up – and the value of the dollar down – gold’s price tends to rise. So, it could be used to maintain the value of your portfolio during inflationary economic conditions. That’s important in today’s economic environment as stubborn inflation continues to weigh on the value of the dollar.
- Portfolio diversification: Gold’s price doesn’t always move in the same pattern that bonds or stocks do. So, mixing a reasonable amount of gold into your portfolio (up to 10% of your portfolio assets) as a diversifier could protect you from losses should one or more of your traditional portfolio assets fall in value. “If you have less than 5% – 10% of your net worth in commodities & FX (forex), you should absolutely consider adding exposure to gold and other precious metals,” says Vijay Marolia, money manager and managing partner at the wealth management firm, Regal Point Capital.
The bottom line
Gold’s price has fallen from recent highs – which may represent an opportunity to tap into growth ahead. However, gold isn’t simply a “buy while it’s low and sell while it’s a high” kind of investment opportunity. The commodity can also protect your portfolio from the stubborn inflation we’ve seen thus far in 2024 while acting as a diversification tool that could increase your risk-adjusted portfolio returns. So, consider adding gold to your portfolio today while it has the potential to grow in value.
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Is now the right time to invest in gold as prices have cooled?