Sierra and Meta launch the Personal Agent Protocol to define agent and enterprise interactions

Finnish authorities have ordered the suspension of construction on two proposed Google (GOOG.US) data centers due to concerns over the clearing of more than 300 hectares of forest. These projects are part of Google's record €13 billion investment plan in Finland, which was announced less than a month ago and described by Google as its largest single investment in Europe. Finnish regulators stated that construction at one of the sites was carried out without a mandatory environmental impact assessment and ordered the suspension of all construction activities that would "significantly alter the environment" until October 23. Google stated that the company "did not meet its own high standards in this incident" and will comply with the regulators’ guidance.

Spot gold has just surpassed the $4,150.00/oz mark, now quoted at $4,149.98/oz, down 0.33% on the day; COMEX gold futures main contract is now at $4,177.40/oz, down 0.23% on the day.

Perth Mint's silver sales increased to 605,408 ounces in September.

The Bank of Japan will purchase 85 billion yen of 10- to 25-year Japanese government bonds, compared to 100 billion yen in the previous operation. The Bank of Japan will purchase 330 billion yen of 1- to 3-year Japanese government bonds, compared to 355 billion yen in the previous operation.