Brazil’s Bovespa index rallied as iron ore prices climbed on robust demand outlooks from Asia. The materials sector is a key beneficiary, and analysts suggest Latin American equities may offer diversification benefits given global macro headwinds in developed markets. A former Obama White House official with knowledge of his team’s thinking said before Obama sat for a series of paid speaking events in recent weeks, his team mulled how to best take advantage of the appearances. At the same time, a flurry of high-profile events transpired, including the Kirk shooting, Kimmel being pulled off the air and the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. Scripps Research Institute is seeking outstanding applicants for a tenure track Assistant Professor position in La Jolla, CA. London’s FTSE 100 benefited from strong mining sector performance, as gold prices touched $2,360/oz on safe-haven buying. Anglo American and Rio Tinto logged gains over 2%, supported by strong Chinese metals demand. Commodity strategists maintain an optimistic medium-term price forecast for precious metals.