Monday, January 2, 2012

Gold, silver gain after Iran nuclear reports

Gold and silver gained after reports that Iran produced its first nuclear fuel rod, spurring investors to buy the precious metal as a haven.

Gold for immediate delivery advanced 0.2 per cent to $US1566.27 an ounce in New York. Silver was 0.1 per cent higher at $US27.8625 an ounce. Gold rose 10 per cent last year, the 11th straight annual gain, and silver dropped 9.9 per cent.

A domestically made rod was inserted into the core of Tehran's atomic research reactor after performance tests, the Iranian Students News Agency reported today, citing the country's atomic energy agency. The Tehran reactor produces radioisotopes for cancer treatment, according to Mehr news agency. Nuclear fuel rods contain pellets of enriched uranium that provide fuel for nuclear power plants.

Iowans consider the GOP candidates up close – USATODAY.com

DES MOINES – Mary Troll watched former House speaker Newt Gingrich cry as he talked about his late mother and she considered the campaign pitch of Texas Gov. Rick Perry, but as the moment of decision nears in Iowa she finds herself leaning toward former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum.

Loss of faith in democracy could make 2012 the most frightening year ever | Mail Online

Body found believed that of Mt. Rainier gunman - CBS News

'Person of interest' detained in L.A. arson fires - latimes.com

Los Angeles police this morning have detained and are questioning a “person of interest” in the spate of arson fires around the city since Friday.

The suspect, believed to be the man in a video police released Sunday, was detained near Sunset Boulevard this morning, said an LAPD source familiar with the investigation into the case.

However, in a statement, a Los Angeles fire official said “it is too early to speculate if this person responsible for the spree arson fires.”