Taliban militant group claims Afghan blasts, says dozens dead

KABUL (Reuters) – The Taliban insurgent group claimed responsibility for two blasts which it said killed dozens of people in Afghanistan on Tuesday.

The suicide attacks targeted Afghan security forces, the group’s spokesman said.

The explosions, in the capital Kabul and central province of Parwan, killed at least 30 people and injured 45 others, according to police and health officials.

Oil Prices Pause For Breath After Dramatic Rise

Oil prices fell over 1 percent on Tuesday after surging in the aftermath of drone attacks on two major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Benchmark Brent crude declined 1.45 percent to $68.02 a barrel while West Texas Intermediate futures were down 1.4 percent at $61.78 a barrel.

Oil soared as much as 20 percent at one point on Monday after the devastating attacks that knocked out 5 percent of global crude supply.

The rally halted today after the United States hinted at the possible release of crude reserves.

In addition, investors await updates regarding the resumption of operations in Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, it was expected Saudi would be able to restore some of its major output facilities within days. The Bloomberg said later, quoting officials, that it would take weeks or even months.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Washington was ready to respond to the strike but he would “like to avoid” a military conflict with Tehran.

“That was a very large attack and it could be met with an attack many, many times larger very easily by our country, but we are going to find out who definitively did it first,” Trump said.

ZEW investor sentiment poll in Germany climbs but is still negative

The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment rose 21.6 points to a -22.5 reading in September. Economists polled by FactSet had forecast a reading of -37.9. "The outlook remains negative. However, the rather strong fears that financial experts had in the previous month regarding a further intensification of the trade conflict between the USA and China did not come true. And there is still hope that a no deal Brexit can be avoided. In addition, the European Central Bank is attempting to reduce the economic risks in the eurozone by further easing its monetary policy," said ZEW President Professor Achim Wambach.

France cannot say at this stage if there will be Brexit deal: Macron's office

PARIS (Reuters) – France cannot say at this stage if there will be a Brexit deal or not, said an official from President Emmanuel Macron’s office, who added that France was yet to receive precise proposals regarding Brexit from the United Kingdom.

“We are still waiting for precise propositions from the British,” said the official on Tuesday. “We are preparing ourselves for all scenarios,” added the official.

MoviePass owner gets a bid from Ted Farnsworth, who was chief executive

Financier Ted Farnsworth said he has submitted an undisclosed offer to purchase the assets of Helios and Matheson Analytics Inc. HMNY, -22.22% including MoviePass Inc. Farnsworth has stepped down from his roles as chairman and CEO of Helios and Matheson, and from his position on the board. "I believe there is great unrealized value in MoviePass and we want to rebuild and make sure it reaches its full potential," said Farnsworth in a statement. MoviePass shut down on Saturday.

In Pictures: Protesters gather outside UK Supreme Court as suspension of parliament appeal is heard

Gold falls ₹150 to ₹38,905 per 10 gm on weak demand

Silver also fell ₹290 to ₹48,028 per kilogram from Monday’s closing price of ₹48,318 per kilogram

Gold prices declined by ₹150 to ₹38,905 per 10 gram in the bullion market here on Tuesday due to weak demand, according to HDFC Securities.

Likewise, silver also fell ₹290 to ₹48,028 per kilogram from Monday’s closing price of ₹48,318 per kilogram, it said.

HDFC Securities senior analyst (commodities) Tapan Patel said gold prices for 24 Karat in Delhi was trading down by ₹150 due to weak spot demand despite fall in rupee.

On Monday, gold prices closed at ₹39,055 per 10 gram in the national capital.

In the international market, gold was trading lower at $1,497 an ounce in New York and silver was also quoting down at $17.81 per ounce.

“International gold prices pared previous gains after rallying on geopolitical risk. Gold prices have maintained the narrow trading range awaiting development from U.S.-China trade talks and U.S. FOMC rate decision,” he added.

Meanwhile, the rupee fell 28 paise to 71.88 against the U.S. dollar in early trade on Tuesday.

Supermarket ‘secret’ exposed as real Hula Hoops found in own-brand multipack

Daily Star has contacted Aldi and KP Snacks, which makes Hula Hoops, for comment.

Chipotle adding carne asada to the menu on September 19

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. CMG, +1.52% said Tuesday that it is adding a new steak item, carne asada, to the menu for a limited time starting September 19. Chipotle’s carne asada is made with lime, spices and finished with cilantro. Chipotle tested carne asada in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Fresno, Calif. JPMorgan analysts said in a July note that they suspected carne asada would soon be added to the menu. It’s the latest protein addition since chorizo in September 2018. Chipotle has also partnered with film director David Gelb, the man behind "Chef’s Table" and the movie "Jiro Dreams of Sushi," for a behind-the-scenes look at the new item. Chipotle stock has rallied more than 85% for the year to date while the S&P 500 index SPX, -0.31% has gained 19.6% for the period.