The dollar has rallied, boosted by strong economic data and investors betting that Donald Trump can clinch next month’s presidential election, while gold prices hit a new all-time high amid the conflict in the Middle East.
The dollar is up again today, as markets shortened the odds of a second Trump administration. The dollar index – which measures the US currency against six other major currencies – rose to 104.17, the highest since early August.
Gold prices have hit a fresh record as the conflict in the Middle East along with uncertainty around US interest rates and the US election fuelled demand for safe-haven assets.
Spot gold climbed to $2,752 an ounce, while silver prices also rose, by 3% to $34.78 an ounce.
Meanwhile, Lloyds Banking Group, Britain’s biggest mortgage lender, predicted higher house prices as it reported third-quarter profits ahead of expectations. The chief executive, Charlie Nunn, credited income growth, cost discipline and strong asset quality.
It made a statutory pre-tax profit of £1.8bn between July and September, down from £1.9bn a year ago but above City forecasts of £1.6bn.
The bank has raised its forecast for UK house prices to rise by 3.1% this year, compared with an earlier prediction of 1.9%.
The agenda • Noon BST: US MBA mortgage applications • 7am BST: EU car sales for September • 3pm BST: speech by the European Central Bank president, Christine Lagarde • 3pm BST: eurozone consumer confidence flash estimate for October
Every small business owner has a lot on their plate— from navigating a whirlwind of tasks to tackling challenges left and right. In their pursuit of success, they’re looking for ways to help save time and resources without sacrificing sales and security.
Keep the wins coming with PayPal by your side. As a business owner, you can do more with PayPal’s comprehensive solution: offer your customers their most loved payment methods in one solution; secure and protected with built-in security tools; it's easy to get started. By consolidating all your payments with PayPal, you can focus on your next business victory.
You are receiving this email because you are a subscriber to Business Today. Guardian News & Media Limited - a member of Guardian Media Group PLC. Registered Office: Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9GU. Registered in England No. 908396
New Water Commission must create an environmental enforcer that is feared 
