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This is the World in Brief from The Economist.

Our top stories.

The price of gold futures hit $4,000 per Troy ounce for the first time.

The yellow metal's price has risen by more than 50% this year, as Donald Trump's

erratic trade policies shook investors' confidence in the dollar and treasuries. The latest spurt

accompanies fears of lingering inflation in America after the Federal Reserve indicated it would

lower interest rates.

Mr. Trump predicted that Canada would, quote, walk away very happy from trade negotiations with

America as Mark Carney arrived in Washington for talks.

Speaking at the White House with the Canadian leader, Mr. Trump said reaching an

agreement was complicated because the neighboring countries have a natural business conflict.

Mr. Carney said Canada would get the right deal. Officials from Syria's government met

representatives of the Syrian Democratic forces, an American-backed Kurdish group in Damascus.

Earlier on Tuesday, the two sides agreed to a ceasefire after clashes in northern Syria.

Meanwhile, Ahmed al-Shara, Syria's president, hosted American officials for talks.

They reportedly discussed plans agreed with the SDF in March to integrate the group into Syria's armed forces.

Intercontinental Exchange, ICE, the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange will invest up to $2 billion

...