The precious yellow metal was boosted by the somewhat surprising interest rate cut by the European Central Bank and by more safe-haven investment demand as the EU debt crisis drags on.

FORBES: Comex Gold Ends Sharply Higher on ECB Rate Cut, More Safe-Haven Demand

The Bank of England and FDIC also want big banks to hold enough capital and debt that could be converted into capital at the apex of their complicated corporate structures, so that this capital and debt could absorb any losses that would be generated as the bank is resolved or made safe.

BBC: The cost of making big banks safe

On the agenda for the first round are such old chestnuts as the Palestinian airport and seaport in Gaza and the Palestinians' right of safe passage from Gaza to the West Bank.

ECONOMIST: A Middle Eastern time-out?