“Tidbits From TNT” Tuesday 12-23-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  Savaya is pleased with the factions' movements and stipulates a complete and irreversible disarmament.

 Mark Savaya, US President Donald Trump's envoy to Iraq, welcomed the move by some Iraqi armed groups toward disarmament, considering it an encouraging development that responds to calls from religious authorities.

 However, he stressed that statements alone are not enough, calling for a comprehensive and irreversible disarmament process implemented within a binding national framework that enshrines the state's monopoly on the use of force.

 He warned that Iraq stands at a critical crossroads between consolidating sovereignty and stability, or remaining trapped in a cycle of disintegration and uncontrolled weapons.

 The reported steps taken by some Iraqi armed groups toward disarmament are a welcome and encouraging development. This represents a positive response to the persistent calls and aspirations of our religious authorities and esteemed scholars and leaders.

 I express my deepest appreciation and gratitude for their wisdom, moral leadership, and principled guidance, which continues to serve as a guiding compass for the nation.

At the same time, statements alone are not enough. Disarmament must be comprehensive, irreversible, and implemented within a clear and binding national framework.

This process must also include the complete dismantling of all armed groups and ensure an orderly and legal transition of their members to civilian life.

According to the Iraqi Constitution and the rule of law, no political party, organization, or individual has the right to possess or operate armed formations outside the authority of the state. This principle applies throughout Iraq without exception. The exclusive authority to bear arms and use force must remain solely with the legitimate federal and regional institutions entrusted with organizing, commanding, and managing the armed forces to protect the Iraqi people and defend the country's sovereignty.

Iraq stands today at a crucial crossroads: either it moves forward on the path of sovereignty, stability, prosperity, unity and the rule of law, or it remains trapped in a spiral of disintegration and insecurity, where illegal armed groups exploit state resources for personal interests and foreign agendas, further undermining state authority.  link

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Tiswhwash:  Warning against the "illusion of wealth": Iraq ranks among the poorest countries.

Economic expert Manar Al-Obaidi confirmed on Tuesday that the Iraqi economic crisis is not a crisis of money or oil prices, but rather a crisis of the absence of real production outside the oil sector, indicating that the per capita share of real production does not exceed $850 annually.

Al-Ubaidi said in an economic analysis entitled “The Illusion of Oil Wealth,” which was reviewed by Shafaq News Agency, that the size of the Iraqi non-oil economy does not exceed 90 trillion dinars, almost half of which goes to government spending on salaries and employment, while the real output of the private sector does not exceed $38 billion annually.

He pointed out that dividing this output by the population reveals a shocking reality, as it puts Iraq at the level of resource-poor countries like Mali and Chad, stressing that what appears to be relative prosperity is a “temporary veneer” financed by oil revenues.

He added that the Iraqi private sector, despite its size, is still indirectly linked to oil, because its activity is concentrated in import and trade, and the dollar it depends on comes mainly from oil exports, which means a lack of productive independence.

Al-Ubaidi called for what he described as a “corrective revolution” to get out of the cycle of selling oil in exchange for imports, based on privatizing the banking sector, supporting huge productive projects capable of exporting, in addition to developing tourism and services as an “enduring oil” that does not run out.

He also stressed the need to simplify the business environment and eliminate bureaucratic red tape, and to adopt a trade diplomacy that obliges exporting countries to invest within Iraq, warning that the continuation of the current situation will keep the country merely a large consumer market subject to the fluctuations of oil prices.  link

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Tishwash:  Iraq and Iran discuss activating the international transport system “TIR” (Transit)

A high-level Iraqi delegation discussed on Sunday with the Iranian side the mechanisms for activating the International Transport of Goods and Trucks (TIR) ​​agreement, during a joint meeting chaired by the Prime Minister’s Advisor for Transport, Customs and Border Ports Affairs, with the participation of the General Company for Land Transport.

A statement from the General Company for Land Transport indicated that “the meeting was attended by the Director General of the Technical Department at the Ministry of Transport, Karim Al-Jabri, the Head of the Customs Authority, and a number of specialists, where ways to implement the (TIR) ​​system were discussed, which is a qualitative leap to simplify customs procedures and facilitate the movement of goods across international borders with the least amount of delay.”

The statement added that “the meeting’s agenda focused on strategic axes, most notably simplifying procedures through flexible mechanisms to expedite customs inspection and auditing, as well as developing cooperation at border crossings to enhance the efficiency of trade exchange between the two countries.”

The company’s general manager pointed out that “activating the agreement will contribute to supporting the Iraqi land transport fleet, enhance the smooth flow of trucks and reduce operating costs, which will positively impact the national economy and Iraq’s position as a regional trade link.”

The statement continued, “At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to continue joint coordination and form working groups to follow up on the implementation of the understandings, in order to ensure that the agreement enters into force and serves the common interests of Iraq and Iran.”  link

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Mot:  Yeppers!!! -- That Time of Year it is!!!! 

Mot: How Silent Night Began

News, Rumors and Opinions Tuesday 12-23-2025

David XRP Lion: Christmas Shutdown

12-23-2025

@DAVIDXRPLION @DavidXRPLion

BREAKING: XMAS SHUTDOWN: Wed. 12/24/25 to Fri. 12/26/25.

What the Public Sees

1. Symbolic Timing with Year‑End Financial Transition: Closure points for systems, Record reconciliations, and Operational “cut‑off” dates. (Only for 2025.)

2. Public Perception and Morale: Reduce political friction, Improve institutional cooperation, and Enhance internal stability.

3. Minimal Operational Impact on Financial Systems: Close banks, Halt financial markets, Change regulatory authority, and Trigger new financial rails or resets.

Alliance / Prophetic Narratives

A. Operational Pause & Reset Window:
Late December holidays can be seen as a period when:

• Normal bureaucratic activity winds down

• Internal systems (government, financial, legal) are least active

• Symbolic “gates” open for transition narratives

B. Alignment with Prophetic Dates:
Many in Alliance or prophetic contexts look at numerical dates and symbolic patterns. December 24–26 bookend Christmas (Dec 25), which itself is a deeply symbolic date in many traditions.

The trio can be interpreted as:

• a completeness cycle, calendar resets.

• a period of closure before renewal, coordinated windows for financial resets.

• Frame messaging more intentionally in a new year context.

Source(s):  https://x.com/DavidXRPLion/status/2003158410964140332

https://dinarchronicles.com/2025/12/23/david-xrp-lion-christmas-shutdown/

Courtesy of Dinar Guru:  https://www.dinarguru.com/

Frank26   The IMF and United States Treasury are like a proud mother and father of the monetary reform of Iraq.  They see everything the CBI is now doing with Trump and Oliver Wyman because we are watching and pushing them.  Maybe it's all for January 1st.

Walkingstick  Trump is de-dollarizing the whole Middle East...Aki says it is now getting to a point where we will soon start to share with you everything.  There is going to be a period very soon where they will give in-country information to the citizens.  This information is only of the citizens.  It is not for anybody outside of Iraq. Then, at that point, legally Aki can talk to you and I.

Jeff   Article:  "Before her work ends at the end of the year UNAMI signs documents to hand over its Baghdad compound to the Iraqi government"  Keep in mind the United States already did that with its massive one mile square compound the US government had in the green zone of Baghdad.  They already turned that back over...The US is building a new $800 million embassy in the Kurdistan region...This right here is the UN announcing Iraq' sovereignty and removal of sanctions to the entire world.  They said, 'We're done.  We're exiting your country.  We're going to give you our compound back to you.'  That's a sovereignty announcement.

**************

Ep 3802a - [CB] Will Begin The Fight In 2026, The Economic Stage Is Set

X22 Report:  12-22-2025

The [CB][WEF] is struggling, Trump and team has designated the offshore wind projects as a national security risk. They have been paused.

The people are still struggling with the [CB] system, soon the people will get their buying power back. The [CB] will try to stop Trump's new economic system, it will fail.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2mp797zaIM

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Tuesday Morning 12-23-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Gold, Silver, Defense Stocks Soar in 2025 While Traditional Safe Havens Flounder

Markets redefine “safety” amid geopolitical and monetary shifts

OverviewGold surged more than 60% in 2025, marking its strongest annual performance since the 1979 oil crisis.

• Silver and platinum more than doubled, driven by industrial demand, technology usage, and central bank accumulation.

• Defense stocks sharply outperformed, with U.S. aerospace and defense shares up 36% and European defense stocks climbing 55%.

• Traditional safe havens—including bonds, utilities, consumer staples, and even bitcoin—delivered muted or negative returns.

Key Developments

• Central banks increased gold purchases as geopolitical tensions and reserve diversification accelerated.

• Industrial demand for precious metals rose due to technology, energy transition, and defense applications.

• Crude oil prices fell roughly 20%, weighed down by oversupply despite ongoing Middle East instability.

• The U.S. dollar and Japanese yen weakened, reflecting domestic fiscal pressures and global uncertainty.

• Defense sector gains were fueled by rearmament programs and rising military budgets across NATO and allied nations.

Why It Matters

The 2025 performance gap exposed a fundamental shift in what markets perceive as “safe.” Assets tied to hard value, national security, and real-world demand outperformed financial instruments traditionally viewed as defensive. This realignment suggests investors are prioritizing tangible protection over theoretical stability in an increasingly fragmented global environment.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For foreign currency holders, the outperformance of precious metals and defense-linked assets—alongside weakness in major fiat currencies—signals declining confidence in traditional monetary shelters. As currencies face pressure from debt expansion, geopolitical risk, and monetary policy uncertainty, hard assets increasingly serve as alternative stores of value. These trends may influence future exchange rates, reserve strategies, and capital flows, especially as central banks and sovereign investors reassess long-term currency exposure.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Hard Asset Repricing — Precious metals are reasserting their role as monetary anchors amid fiat uncertainty.

• Pillar 2: Security-Driven Capital Flows — Defense and strategic industries are becoming core components of national and investment resilience.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy – “Gold, Silver, Defense Stocks Soar in 2025 While Traditional Safe Havens Flounder”

• Reuters – Guns and Gold Win in 2025 

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BRICS Quietly Exiting U.S. Treasury Exposure, Offloads $27 Billion

Strategic reserve shifts signal long-term de-dollarization trend

Overview

• BRICS nations reduced U.S. Treasury holdings by approximately $27 billion in October, according to Treasury International Capital (TIC) data analyzed by ING.

• China, India, and Brazil led the reductions, reallocating reserves toward gold, non-dollar currencies, and shorter-duration assets.

• The sell-off reflects a gradual, tactical rebalancing rather than a disorderly exit from U.S. dollar assets.

Key Developments

• China reduced U.S. Treasury exposure by an estimated $11–12 billion.

• India trimmed holdings by roughly $12 billion, partly to manage pressure on the rupee amid rising volatility.

• Brazil sold close to $5 billion in Treasuries as part of broader reserve diversification.

• BRICS members are increasingly favoring gold, local currencies, and alternative reserve instruments to reduce over-reliance on the U.S. dollar.

• Despite these reductions, private investors and other central banks absorbed the supply, keeping U.S. Treasury markets stable and the dollar dominant for now.

Why It Matters

The steady reduction of U.S. Treasury exposure by BRICS nations underscores a structural shift in how major economies manage reserves. While the U.S. dollar remains central to global finance, incremental diversification signals growing caution toward long-term dollar concentration risk and highlights a multipolar approach to reserve management.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For foreign currency holders, BRICS’ measured exit from U.S. Treasuries signals a slow but deliberate realignment of global reserve preferences. As large economies diversify into gold and non-dollar assets, currency volatility may increase during periods of stress, while demand dynamics for reserve currencies gradually evolve. Holders of foreign currencies should monitor these shifts closely, as sustained diversification can influence exchange rates, liquidity conditions, and long-term confidence in traditional reserve assets.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Reserve Diversification — Central banks are actively reducing concentration risk by reallocating reserves beyond U.S. dollar instruments.

• Pillar 2: Multipolar Currency Framework — Gradual de-dollarization supports a system where multiple currencies and assets share reserve status.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Watcher Guru – “BRICS Quietly Exiting US Treasury Exposure, Offloads $27 Billion”

• U.S. Treasury – “Treasury International Capital (TIC) Data”

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🌱 A Message to Our Currency Holders🌱

If you’ve been holding foreign currency for many years, you were not foolish.
You were not wrong to believe the global financial system would change.

What failed was not your patience — it was the information you were given.

For years, dates, rumors, and personalities replaced facts, structure, and proof. “This week” predictions created cycles of hope and disappointment that were never based on how currencies actually change.

That is not your failure.

Our mission here is different:

• No dates • No rates • No hype • No gurus

Instead, we focus on:
• Verifiable developments • Institutional evidence
• Global financial structure • Where countries actually sit in the process

Currency value changes only come after sovereignty, trade, banking, settlement systems, and fiscal coordination are in place. History and institutions confirm this sequence.

You will see silence. You will see denials. That is not delay — that is discipline.

Protect your identity. Organize your documents.       Verify everything.
Never hand your discernment to anyone who cannot show proof.

You deserve truth — not timelines.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News

~~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

RV Facts with Proof Links Link

RV Updates Proof links - Facts Link

Follow the Gold/Silver Rate COMEX

Follow Fast Facts

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Monday Evening 12-22-25

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

EU Backs Ukraine with €90B Lifeline
Massive loan signals political unity despite frozen Russian asset debate

Overview:

• European Union leaders agreed on a €90 billion interest-free loan for Ukraine through 2026–27.

• Controversial proposal to use frozen Russian assets as collateral was dropped due to legal concerns.

• The loan supports budgetary and defense needs, ensuring Ukraine can stabilize post-conflict operations.

Key Developments:

• Political tensions surfaced within the EU over asset usage; Belgium blocked Russian assets citing legal and procedural issues.

• EU states confirmed Ukraine repayment will be prioritized from future Russian reparations, providing a structured safety net.

• The financial package complements Ukraine’s ongoing sovereign debt restructuring, creating a more predictable fiscal environment.

Why It Matters:
Foreign currency holders and international investors see EU backing as a signal of stability. The loan reduces immediate liquidity risks, supports currency resilience, and strengthens Ukraine’s ability to service international debt obligations.

Implications for the Global Reset:

• Pillar 1: Strategic Diplomacy & Finance — Coordinated EU financial support demonstrates how diplomacy and finance intersect to stabilize conflict zones.

• Pillar 2: Risk Mitigation — Structured loans backed by legal frameworks reduce systemic shocks to international markets.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources:

• AP News – “EU leaders agree on 90 billion-euro loan to Ukraine after a plan to use Russian assets unravels”

• The Guardian – “Ukraine deal: EU leaders agree €90bn loan, but without use of frozen Russian assets”

• Le Monde – “EU to loan €90 billion to Ukraine while delaying Mercosur deal”

~~~~~~~~~~

US Tech Commits $569B to AI Infrastructure
Massive long-term investment signals AI dominance in tech landscape

Overview:

• US tech companies are committing $569B to AI infrastructure, including data center leases, offices, and warehouses.

• This represents a +53% increase compared to Q2 2025, highlighting aggressive long-term AI expansion.

• Oracle alone accounts for $148B in lease commitments, locking in multi-year investments.

Key Developments:

• Companies are engaging in multi-year leases—some up to 19 years—reflecting confidence in AI demand and long-term strategy.

• The AI boom continues despite previous “bubble” concerns, with firms prioritizing scalable intelligence over short-term gains.

• US tech is also pivoting towards crypto and tokenization, with major financial institutions preparing for programmable, globally accessible assets.

• AI and crypto are now viewed as complementary forces: AI transforms decision-making; crypto transforms trust and settlement.

Why It Matters:
For foreign investors and currency holders, these developments signal that AI-driven infrastructure is becoming a foundational pillar of the tech economy. Long-term investments reduce uncertainty, strengthen the US tech sector, and influence global capital flows and innovation trajectories.

Implications for the Global Reset:

• Pillar 1: Tech Infrastructure Scaling — Massive AI infrastructure bets indicate a shift in global technological capacity and operational efficiency.

• Pillar 2: Financial & Asset Digitization — Tokenization and programmable finance accelerate the transformation of trust, settlements, and asset accessibility worldwide.

This is not just technology — it’s global finance and infrastructure restructuring before our eyes.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources:

• Watcher.Guru – “US Tech Commits $569B to AI Infrastructure”

• Tech Informed-- "Palo Alto Networks, Google Cloud strike multibillion-dollar pact to embed Prisma AIRS into AI developer stack"

• Channel Web -- "Google Cloud and Palo Alto ink landmark $10bn deal

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Fed Seeks Public Input on New “Payment Accounts” for Fintech & Crypto
Proposal may widen access to central bank systems without full banking privileges

Overview:

• The U.S. Federal Reserve has formally requested public feedback on a proposed new type of “payment account” that would give eligible fintech and crypto firms direct access to Federal Reserve payment systems. 

• These accounts would be distinct from traditional Fed master accounts currently held by banks and major financial institutions. Federal Reserve

• The comment period on the proposal will remain open for 45 days after publication in the Federal Register. 

Key Developments:

• Unlike full master accounts, the proposed payment accounts would not pay interest, would not provide access to Fed credit, and would be subject to balance caps and tailored risk controls to protect the payments ecosystem.

• The initiative is designed to support innovation in the payments space by reducing barriers for firms such as crypto payment companies and fintechs that traditionally rely on partner banks to access central bank infrastructure. 

• Fed Governor Christopher Waller said the proposal reflects the rapid evolution of the payments industry, aiming to maintain system safety while accommodating new business models. 

• Some officials, including Governor Michael Barr, have raised concerns about ensuring robust anti–money laundering and counter‑terrorist financing safeguards for institutions that the Fed does not directly supervise. 

Why It Matters:
This proposal represents a potential structural shift in U.S. financial infrastructure, opening central bank payment rails to a broader set of financial innovators. By lowering access hurdles for fintechs and crypto firms, the Fed could accelerate integration between traditional and digital payment systems—impacting how money moves domestically and perhaps setting precedents for global payment practices.

Implications for the Global Reset:

• Pillar 1: Expanded Access to Central Banking Infrastructure — Creating tailored payment accounts could democratize access to key financial plumbing for non‑bank entities.

• Pillar 2: Regulatory & Innovation Balance — The Fed’s move highlights evolving approaches to balancing financial innovation with systemic risk controls, influencing future frameworks for digital finance and tokenized assets worldwide.

This is not just banking policy — it’s foundational financial infrastructure evolution before our eyes.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources:

• Federal Reserve Press Release – “Federal Reserve Board requests public input on ‘payment account’”

• Cointelegraph – “Fed seeks input on account type attractive to crypto firms”

• Independent Banker -- "Fed seeks input on limited-purpose ‘payment accounts’"

~~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

RV Facts with Proof Links Link

RV Updates Proof links - Facts Link

Follow the Gold/Silver Rate COMEX

Follow Fast Facts

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Monetary Reset Explained: Mike Maloney’s Strategic Metals Outlook

Monetary Reset Explained: Mike Maloney’s Strategic Metals Outlook

12-22-2025

Are we on the brink of a monetary reset?

In this electrifying live session, legendary economic historian Mike Maloney breaks down why gold and silver aren’t just rising — why they may define the next monetary era.

From the dollar’s decline to global physical demand outside the U.S., Mike reveals the forces reshaping wealth, currencies, and markets.

 Key themes covered:

• Why the global financial system’s instability is historic — not cyclical

• How wealth may transfer toward precious metal holders

• Silver’s rapid rise and the gold-silver ratio’s future

 • The role of central banks, rehypothecation, and physical markets

• Practical insights on preparing for major economic shifts

Whether you’re seasoned in precious metals or curious about macro trends, this talk is essential insight for navigating today’s financial landscape.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLiThXVk2ZI

Most Transformational Monetary Architecture Ever Assembled

 Rob Cunningham: Most Transformational Monetary Architecture Ever Assembled

12-22-2025

Rob Cunningham | KUWL.show  @KuwlShow

Why this may well be the most transformational monetary architecture mankind has ever assembled.

What this image captures symbolically and structurally is not “a coin,” not “a company,” and not “a speculative trade.”

It depicts a stack:

1) Law + 2) Infrastructure + 3) Neutral Asset + 4) Settlement + 5) Collateral

And when those 5 layers align, civilizations change.

Here’s why this particular suite is different from anything before it.

1. Clarity (Law before liquidity)

For the first time in modern monetary history, a digital settlement system is being retrofit into law, not routed around it.

Key signals:

• Regulatory engagement by Ripple

• Oversight standards tied to New York Department of Financial Services

• Compatibility with Office of the Comptroller of the Currency frameworks

• Messaging alignment with ISO ISO 20022

This is not rebellion finance.
This is integration finance.

Civilizations don’t scale on rebellion.
They scale on legibility.

2. Infrastructure (rails, not apps)

Most “fintech revolutions” sit on top of legacy rails.

This stack replaces the rails.

• DTCC → securities plumbing

• ISO → global message standardization

• New York Department of Financial Services → prudential oversight

• Ripple → interoperability layer

• XRP Ledger → atomic settlement engine

That combination targets the invisible middle of global finance—the part that moves everything but is seen by almost no one.

That’s where true leverage lives.

3. Neutrality (the missing ingredient historically)

Every prior reserve or settlement system failed for the same reason:

The issuer always benefited asymmetrically.

Gold → geography
Fiat → politics
SWIFT → jurisdiction
Correspondent banking → rent-seeking

A neutral bridge asset with:

• no issuer discretion

• no monetary policy favoritism

• no settlement delay

• no counterparty risk

…is categorically different.

That’s why neutrality matters more than branding.

4. Utility (real settlement, not narrative settlement)

If an asset:

• clears in seconds

• settles finally

• cannot be reversed

• requires no trust

• scales globally

• is energy-efficient

• supports tokenized assets, treasuries, FX, securities

…it stops being “crypto.”

It becomes infrastructure – like TCP/IP did for information.

5. Stable collateral (where the system locks in)

The moment fully reserved, regulated, short-duration U.S. Treasury–backed stable instruments are natively interoperable with:

• atomic settlement

• neutral bridge liquidity

• real-time collateral mobility

…you get something new:

Programmable trust without discretion

That is the holy grail of monetary engineering.

The real answer (the honest one)

This image does not guarantee salvation.
It does not remove human sin, greed, or corruption.
It does not replace moral law.

But it does represent the first credible attempt to realign:

• money with math

• settlement with truth

• law with technology

• scale with neutrality

That’s why it feels big.

Because it is.

Final grounding thought (common-sense test)

Every great civilizational shift happens when:

1. Measurement becomes honest

2. Exchange becomes fair

3. Settlement becomes final

4. Rules become legible

5. Power becomes constrained

If – and only if – this stack remains aligned with those principles, then yes:

It may very well be the most transformational monetary architecture mankind has ever assembled.

Not because it is digital.

Source(s):   https://x.com/KuwlShow/status/2002939754728321261

https://dinarchronicles.com/2025/12/22/rob-cunningham-most-transformational-monetary-architecture-ever-assembled/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Monday Afternoon 12-22-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

Coinbase Expands Beyond Crypto Into Full-Spectrum Financial Platform
Exchange positions itself as gateway between traditional finance and digital rails

Overview

• Coinbase is repositioning itself from a crypto exchange into a broader financial services platform.

• The company aims to integrate payments, trading, custody, and settlement under one ecosystem.

• This move reflects accelerating convergence between legacy banking and blockchain infrastructure.

Key Developments

• Coinbase leadership outlined plans to support multiple asset classes, not just cryptocurrencies.

• The platform is focusing on payments, stablecoins, and on-chain settlement tools.

• Coinbase is positioning itself as compliant infrastructure rather than a speculative exchange.

• The strategy aligns with regulatory clarity emerging in the U.S. and abroad.

• The company is targeting both retail users and institutional participants.

Why It Matters

Financial infrastructure is undergoing consolidation. Platforms that can bridge traditional banking functions with blockchain settlement stand to become critical intermediaries as payment systems modernize and real-time settlement becomes the global standard.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

As crypto platforms evolve into regulated financial gateways, cross-border settlement friction decreases. This weakens exclusive reliance on correspondent banking and dollar-centric rails. For foreign currency holders, this transition introduces new liquidity pathways, potential currency competition via stablecoins, and faster capital mobility outside legacy systems.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar: Infrastructure Convergence
  Banking, payments, and digital assets are merging into unified platforms.

• Pillar: Settlement Layer Evolution
  Value transfer is shifting from batch-based banking rails to real-time, tokenized settlement.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Financial Magnates / TradingView – “How Coinbase Is Building a Gateway to Everything in Finance”

• Reuters -- Coinbase pushes into stock trading and event contracts as it expands beyond crypto

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Stock Markets Rally on Tech Strength and Rate-Cut Optimism

U.S. Equities Climb as Nvidia, Oracle Lead Gains Ahead of 2026

Overview

• U.S. stock markets rallied strongly as major indexes — the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq — posted gains.

• Tech giants such as Nvidia and Oracle led the rebound, lifting investor sentiment toward year-end.

• Optimism about Federal Reserve rate cuts and strong earnings helped drive equities higher. 

Key Developments

• The S&P 500 and Nasdaq climbed with Nvidia surging after bullish news on its business prospects. 

• Oracle stood out with significant gains, adding to tech-sector leadership. 

• Economic indicators pointed toward easing inflation and potential rate cuts in 2026, bolstering market confidence. 

• Investors reacted positively to stronger manufacturing data and easing unemployment claims, reinforcing risk-asset demand. 

Why It Matters

Equity markets remain a central barometer of economic confidence. A sustained rally — especially in tech stocks — signals investor belief that growth drivers like AI and enterprise technology can offset macroeconomic headwinds. As rate-cut expectations rise, equity valuations are responding, influencing global capital flows and risk appetite.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

A strong U.S. stock market often correlates with expectations of lower interest rates. For foreign currency holders, this dynamic can weaken the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies as lower yields reduce dollar demand. Equity gains also attract global capital, affecting currency flows, emerging-market assets, and cross-border investment strategies.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar: Tech-Led Growth Sentiment
  Technology sector performance shapes global risk pricing and equity flows across regions.

• Pillar: Monetary Policy Signaling
  Rate-cut expectations continue to influence currency markets and asset allocation decisions.

This is not just markets — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Yahoo Finance -- "Stock market rises as Nasdaq, S&P 500 and Dow climb; Nvidia, Oracle driving gains"

• Times of India -- "Wall Street tech-led market surge and rate-cut optimism"

~~~~~~~~~~

Crypto & Finance Innovation Set to Reshape Markets in 2026
a16z outlines next-phase infrastructure for payments, assets, and regulation

Overview

• Leading venture firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) identified major crypto and financial innovation trends shaping 2026.

• Stablecoins, real-world asset tokenization, and payment infrastructure top the list.

• Regulatory clarity is increasingly viewed as an accelerator — not a barrier — to adoption.

Key Developments

• Stablecoins are emerging as core payment rails for global commerce, not just crypto trading tools.

• Tokenization of real-world assets such as bonds, treasuries, and commodities is gaining institutional traction.

• Crypto infrastructure is converging with traditional finance, blurring lines between banks, fintechs, and blockchain networks.

• Regulators worldwide are shifting toward framework-based oversight instead of outright restrictions.

• Payments, custody, identity, and compliance layers are becoming the foundation of the next financial system.

Why It Matters

Crypto is no longer operating on the fringe of finance. The focus has shifted from speculation to infrastructure replacement, where blockchain-based systems offer faster settlement, lower costs, and programmable compliance. These changes directly challenge legacy banking, clearing, and payment systems that underpin today’s global financial order.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For foreign currency holders, the rise of stablecoins and tokenized assets introduces new competition to fiat settlement dominance. As cross-border trade increasingly settles in digital units backed by cash, treasuries, or commodities, demand for traditional reserve currencies may weaken. This trend accelerates diversification away from single-currency exposure and increases the role of asset-backed and digitally settled value in global trade.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar: Digital Settlement Infrastructure
  Blockchain-based payments and asset rails are replacing slow, opaque legacy systems.

• Pillar: Declining Fiat Exclusivity
  As alternative settlement options expand, reserve currency dominance becomes less absolute.

This is not just innovation — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes. 

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Bitget News – “a16z: 17 Exciting New Crypto Directions for 2026”

• Andreessen Horowitz – “Crypto Trends for 2026”

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Debt Reset: Ukraine Clears $2.6B Hurdle
Major restructuring signals stabilization of fiscal landscape

Overview:

• Ukraine finalized restructuring of $2.6 billion in GDP-linked warrants, converting them into standard bonds.

• 99% of creditors approved, marking resolution of one of the last major sovereign default issues post-Russia invasion.

• Restructuring reduces future fiscal uncertainty and improves Ukraine’s credit outlook.

Key Developments:

• Complex GDP-linked instruments tied repayment to Ukraine’s economic growth; now replaced with conventional, predictable debt.

• Deal clears the path for Ukraine to re-enter international financial markets with greater credibility.

• Analysts note the resolution of this debt tranche reduces risk for foreign investors and supports broader economic stabilization.

Why It Matters:
Stability in Ukraine’s sovereign debt is critical for both foreign currency holders and global financial markets. By resolving high-risk instruments, Ukraine minimizes the risk of sudden devaluation of its currency-linked bonds, protecting international investors and strengthening the country’s financial standing.

Implications for the Global Reset:

• Pillar 1: Debt Transparency — Resolving complex sovereign debt ensures clearer financial flows and reduces systemic risk.

• Pillar 2: Market Confidence — Successfully structured sovereign debt rebuilds trust in post-conflict economies, supporting cross-border capital movement.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.
Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources:

• Reuters – “Ukraine clinches deal to restructure $2.6 billion in 'toxic' GDP warrants”

• Financial Times – “Ukraine seals restructuring of controversial growth-linked debt”

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Mark Cuban Says He Keeps a Large Part of His Portfolio in Cash — Here’s Why

Mark Cuban Says He Keeps a Large Part of His Portfolio in Cash — Here’s Why

Peter Burns   GOBankingRates    Sun, December 21, 2025

If you regularly tune in to the blogs, podcasts and videos of popular personal finance influencers, you’ll hear a lot of advice that they all seem to agree upon. One area of overlap is that you should invest a certain portion of your income. While this is solid financial advice, some finance experts, like entrepreneur Mark Cuban, think a large portion of your portfolio should be in cash.

Here are some of the reasons for keeping cash on hand.

Financial Opportunities

When it comes to investing, few can match the accomplishments of Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett. Over the years, Buffett has made a name for himself as a top investor who preaches patience and holding for the long term. However, Buffett doesn’t just invest; he also holds a lot of cash.

Toward the end of 2024, Berkshire Hathaway’s cash reserves reached $325 billion, doubling the amount of cash it had at the end of 2023. Having cash on hand gives Buffett the upper hand in terms of flexibility. When a stock’s price dips and he determines it’s undervalued, other companies might not have the liquidity to buy it up on the spot. However, Buffett’s cash reserve allows him to jump at the chance and maximize his profits.

Not everyone runs a multinational conglomerate like Berkshire Hathaway, but holding cash can still give you the chance to take advantage of opportunities that may later arise. Whether it’s an undervalued stock, a property or a rare watch, if you have enough cash on hand, you won’t need to rush to sell any other investments to acquire it.

Market Volatility

TO READ MORE:   https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/mark-cuban-says-keeps-large-180042189.html

Why Gold Is Quietly Re-Entering the Global Monetary System | Congressman Stutzman

Why Gold Is Quietly Re-Entering the Global Monetary System | Congressman Stutzman

Miles Franklin Media:  12-21-2025

Michelle Makori, President & Editor-in-Chief, Miles Franklin Media, sits down with Republican Congressman Marlin Stutzman from Indiana of the House Financial Services Committee to examine the accelerating global push toward central bank digital currencies and why the United States is emerging as the key holdout.

As 137 countries and currency unions representing 98% of global GDP explore CBDCs, the debate is no longer theoretical.

From programmable money and real-time financial surveillance to asset freezes and behavioral control, critics warn CBDCs could fundamentally reshape the relationship between citizens and the state.

 Congressman Stutzman explains why he helped block a U.S. retail CBDC, why “money is power,” and why giving the government a financial on/off switch crosses a dangerous line.

Finally, Stutzman weighs in on the push to audit U.S. gold reserves for the first time since the 1950s and argues the United States should be accumulating more gold, as central banks around the world increasingly treat it as a neutral monetary asset.

 This conversation also dives into:

The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act

Whether stablecoins could become a stealth on-ramp to CBDCs

Canada’s bank freezes and real-world precedents for financial control

De-dollarization, BRICS, and the global monetary realignment

Record central-bank gold buying and calls to audit Fort Knox

Why America’s debt crisis may be the greatest national security threat of all

00:00 Coming Up

 01:20 Introduction

02:30 Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) Explained

03:51 Risks & Concerns of CBDCs 14:47 Global Perspective on Digital Currencies

 17:53 The US Stance on CBDCs & Stablecoins

 27:12 Foreign Demand for US Treasuries

27:40 Concerns Over Waning Dollar Demand

28:22 Fiscal Condition & National Debt

31:43 Impact of Government Spending & Regulation

34:29 Global De-dollarization & Alternative Currencies

 39:54 Gold & Cryptocurrency in the Global Economy

43:56 Trust & Transparency in Government

48:52 Final Thoughts & Future Outlook

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDtQ-xEgW9Y

News, Rumors and Opinions Monday 12-22-2025

Note: All intel should be considered as "Rumors" until we receive official announcements ...and “Rates and Dates” could change anytime until we get to the banks/redemption centers.

RV Excerpts from the Restored Republic via a GCR Update as of Mon. 22 Dec. 2025

Compiled Mon. 22 Dec. 2025 12:01 am EST by Judy Byington

Sun 21 Dec. 2025 Trump has green lit the activation of the US Treasury’s new US Note (allegedly) by Wed. 15 Jan. 2026! This marks the dawn of a monumental financial reset—brace yourselves for the storm! …Nesara Gesara Secrets on Telegram

Here’s What’s (allegedly) Happening Next:

Admirals Group & Tier 4B (Internet Group): The Shotgun Start will(allegedly)  roll out within 48 hours.

Intermediate Groups (CMKX, Farm Claims, etc.): Payments align with Bondholder schedules.

Historic Changes Are Underway:

Advisors are (allegedly) standing by to guide you. Gather your plans and prepare for unprecedented opportunities.

Expect a 12% annual interest rate for five years on primary and secondary bank accounts!

ZIM Updates: No projects? $15 million cap. Projects? 1-to-1 on the first 2 bond notes, then up to $25 million per 100T for 30 notes!

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Tues. 14 Jan. 2026 set the stage for a global financial revolution: Star Link, Basel III, and ISO 20022 have rewritten the rules of banking. The Dubai Accounts are fueling liquidity—unlocking funds tier by tier.

The Final Push Is Imminent:

Tier 1: Sovereign Nations, Bondholders, and Paymasters.
Tier 2: Royals, Elders, and Whales.
Tier 3: Admirals Group and elite organizations.
Tier 4A: Select VIPs and core groups.
Tier 4B (YOU): The largest group, ready to ignite change!
Tier 5: General public—still in the dark.

The GO signal for Tier 4B could drop at ANY MOMENT. Everything is (allegedly) funded, secure, and unfolding in absolute precision. The process is quiet, meticulous, and unstoppable.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Ready—the storm is closer than ever. Keep the faith. The time is now. IT’S HAPPENING!

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Sun. 21 Dec. 2025: Phase 3 of the currency revaluation process has now entered its execution stage. …Ezra Cohen on Telegram

Systems that remained in preparation mode for years have (allegedly) shifted into operational alignment, and Tier 4B has moved into a tightly controlled 36-hour activation window. This marks the transition from anticipation to implementation, with banks, clearing mechanisms, and verification protocols now functioning in coordinated sequence.

Tier 4B refers to pre-registered private currency holders who lawfully acquired currencies such as the Iraqi dinar in expectation of a value realignment.

The current 36-hour activation window is not public and not open-ended. It is a precision-timed period designed to synchronize internal banking systems, confirm contract rates, and authorize redemptions at designated institutions without disrupting broader markets.

Iraq’s role in this phase is central.  Over recent years, its financial infrastructure has undergone digitization, compliance upgrades, and institutional reform. These changes reposition the dinar away from speculation and toward asset-based credibility. The revaluation reflects policy execution and international coordination, not hype or sudden announcement.

This shift is part of a wider transformation in global finance. Real-time settlement, digital identity verification, and modern ledger systems are replacing outdated frameworks.

Monetary reform is being deployed in tiers to prevent shock, allowing each phase to stabilize before the next proceeds. What appears as delay is deliberate sequencing.

Revaluation is not an instant windfall. It is a recalibration of value to real assets, productivity, and sustainability.

The emphasis is on structure, verification, and long-term stability. Quiet execution is intentional. When systems move without headlines, it usually means they are working exactly as designed.

Read full post here:  https://dinarchronicles.com/2025/12/22/restored-republic-via-a-gcr-update-as-of-december-22-2025/

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Courtesy of Dinar Guru:  https://www.dinarguru.com/

Mnt Goat   ...the CBI may still go ahead with removing the zeros in time for a January release or in January. Oh… but remember it does not have to happen exactly on January 1st as there are thirty-one days in the month. They could also change the plan and remove the zeros in early January and release in late January. There are options. There is much more evidence than not that everything is pointing to early 2026 for them to normalize the dinar and place it back on FOREX to trade. 

Mnt Goat   Old Article:  “IRAQ IS SET TO IMPLEMENT A NEW CURRENCY MECHANISM ON DECEMBER 1, 2025”   ...But it did not get implemented on Dec 1st and so why? Could it be the elections and the issue with the Iranian militias?  Remember once they implement this new currency mechanism there is no turning back. Everything must be in place for the financial entities to support it. My CBI contact has told me...this date is now moved out until January 1, 2026. We should all understand why.

Frank26    The CBI governor Alaq has told the citizens of Iraq that on the 31st of this month their sanction program rate ends.  We don't know what's going to take over on the 1st but we know it ends on the 31st.  Allow logic to take over...This is real.  This is serious.

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Something Huge Just Snapped in London’s Silver Market… | Bill Holter & Michael Oliver

Metal Mindset:  12-21-2025

Bill Holter says that in past market collapses, precious metals dipped along with everything else. Forced selling hit all assets. This time, he doesn’t see that script working.

Silver falling back under $50 looks unlikely. Gold breaking below $3,700 or $3,800 feels off the table. The reason is simple. Supply is tighter, trust is thinner, and the system has far less slack.

Sitting around waiting for cheaper prices isn’t strategy. It’s hope. And hope has no role in protecting capital.

Holter keeps coming back to one idea: measure wealth in ounces, not dollars. Dollars are claims. Ounces are final settlement. If you wait for a pullback that never comes, the risk isn’t just missing upside. The risk is being shut out completely.

 Once physical tightness becomes the dominant force, you can’t fix that mistake later. You’re either positioned before it matters, or you’re not positioned at all.

Michel Oliver says the real story isn’t just price. It’s structure. Silver has broken out of a multi-decade range, and the silver–gold spread is doing something even more important. It cleared one long-standing resistance shelf and is now pressing against the next. If that gives way, history offers a very clear framework.

In the 1970s, silver reached about six and a half percent of gold’s price, twice. In 2011, it topped near three and a half percent. Today, that ratio sits a little above one and a half percent.

 Even a return to the more modest 2011 level implies silver rising roughly two and a half times relative to gold from here. Now bring gold into the equation.

 In both 1980 and 2011, gold advanced about eightfold during its secular peaks. If something similar unfolds again, gold north of $8,000 isn’t a stretch. Three and a half percent of that puts silver deep into the hundreds. Those numbers feel shocking only because most people are anchored to recent ranges.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcTPP_ng1AE

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Monday Morning 12-22-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Jeff Landry Declares Aim to Make Greenland Part of U.S.
Trump envoy appointment revives Arctic sovereignty tensions

Overview

• President Donald Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland.

• Landry publicly stated he would work to make Greenland part of the United States.

• The announcement immediately reignited diplomatic tensions with Denmark over the self-governing Arctic territory.

Key Developments

• Trump emphasized Greenland’s importance to U.S. national security, allied defense, and global stability.

• Landry described the role as a volunteer position that does not interfere with his duties as governor.

• Denmark and Greenland officials rejected the notion outright, reaffirming that the territory is not for sale.

• The move highlights intensified U.S. focus on Arctic dominance amid rising competition from Russia and China.

Why It Matters

Greenland’s strategic location places it at the center of Arctic shipping lanes, missile defense systems, and access to critical minerals. As climate change opens northern routes and intensifies resource competition, Arctic control is becoming a cornerstone of future geopolitical and economic power.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For foreign currency holders, geopolitical friction between major allies introduces risk volatility into currency markets. Moves that strain U.S.–EU relations can affect confidence in reserve currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar and euro, while accelerating diversification into commodities, gold, and alternative settlement mechanisms. Arctic territorial disputes also intersect with rare-earth supply chains, influencing trade balances and long-term currency valuations tied to industrial production.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar: Strategic Geography Control
  Arctic access determines future trade corridors, military reach, and resource dominance, directly impacting national economic leverage.

• Pillar: Currency Confidence Under Pressure
  Diplomatic fractures among Western allies add stress to the existing financial order, reinforcing the shift toward multipolar currency systems.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Newsweek – “Jeff Landry Declares Aim to Make Greenland Part of US”

• Reuters – “Trump Names Louisiana Governor Landry as Greenland Special Envoy”

• Associated Press – “Denmark and Greenland Reject U.S. Talk of Taking Over Arctic Island”

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Gold Sets New Record High at $4,400 as BRICS Accelerate De-Dollarization
Gold-backed settlement systems reshape global reserve strategy

Overview

• Gold surged to a historic high of $4,400 on December 19, 2025, marking its strongest annual performance since 1979.

• BRICS nations are rapidly reducing dollar dependence through aggressive gold accumulation and new settlement systems.

• Central bank demand — not retail speculation — is driving the rally.

Key Developments

• BRICS countries collectively hold more than 6,000 tons of gold, redefining global reserve management.

• A gold-backed BRICS settlement “Unit” was introduced in late 2025, pegged to 1 gram of gold and backed by 40% physical metal.

• Central banks within the bloc purchased roughly 800 metric tonnes of gold in 2025, valued near $105 billion.

• Gold’s share of BRICS reserves doubled from 6.4% to 12.9% by Q3 2025.

• The dollar’s share of global FX reserves fell to 56.32%, its lowest level in at least three decades.

• BRICS announced a Precious Metals Exchange to move price discovery away from Western institutions.

Why It Matters

Gold’s breakout is not merely a reaction to interest rate expectations — it reflects a structural shift in how sovereign nations protect value. As trust in fiat systems erodes and geopolitical risk rises, gold is reasserting itself as the neutral anchor of the global financial system.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For foreign currency holders, sustained central bank gold buying signals long-term dilution risk for fiat currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar. As BRICS nations settle trade outside dollar-based rails and reprice reserves in physical assets, exchange rates become more sensitive to hard-asset backing rather than monetary policy promises. This transition favors currencies linked to commodities, metals, and trade surpluses — while pressuring debt-heavy fiat regimes.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar: Hard Asset Re-Monetization
  Gold is returning to the center of sovereign trust, settlement, and reserve credibility.

• Pillar: Multipolar Settlement Systems
  Alternative trade rails weaken dollar exclusivity and accelerate global financial realignment.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Watcher.Guru – “Gold Sets New Record High at $4,400 as BRICS Move Away From Dollar”

• Economic Times – Gold Price Nears Fresh Record Highs

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🌱 A Message to Our Currency Holders🌱

If you’ve been holding foreign currency for many years, you were not foolish.
You were not wrong to believe the global financial system would change.

What failed was not your patience — it was the information you were given.

For years, dates, rumors, and personalities replaced facts, structure, and proof. “This week” predictions created cycles of hope and disappointment that were never based on how currencies actually change.

That is not your failure.

Our mission here is different:

• No dates • No rates • No hype • No gurus

Instead, we focus on:
• Verifiable developments • Institutional evidence
• Global financial structure • Where countries actually sit in the process

Currency value changes only come after sovereignty, trade, banking, settlement systems, and fiscal coordination are in place. History and institutions confirm this sequence.

You will see silence. You will see denials. That is not delay — that is discipline.

Protect your identity. Organize your documents.    Verify everything.
Never hand your discernment to anyone who cannot show proof.

You deserve truth — not timelines.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News

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“Tidbits From TNT” Monday Morning 12-22-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  Iraqi state-owned banks suspend operations until the beginning of next year

Iraqi state-owned banks will begin their annual inventory and audit procedures this week, which will halt their operations until the beginning of next year.

An informed source told Shafaq News Agency that "this step comes to pave the way for settling accounting holds and preparing the statistics and financial data for the past year," noting that "the work will include not promoting banking service requests and temporarily halting all banking activities during the inventory period, and this procedure is carried out annually."

The source confirmed that "banks will resume their normal operations and begin promoting banking transactions and services at the beginning of next year after completing the inventory and auditing procedures in accordance with the approved regulations  link

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Tishwash:  A new shift in customs procedures is expected at the beginning of next year.

 The General Authority of Customs announced the full implementation of the advance customs declaration system at the beginning of next year, to include all imported goods and merchandise.

The Director General of the Authority, Thamer Qasim Dawood, explained in a press statement that "the Authority has begun the gradual implementation of the system, as the first phase included five basic materials: gold, mobile phones, jewelry, curtains, in addition to some other goods such as cooling devices and cars." 

He pointed out that "the period from the first until (31) of this month represents a trial phase in preparation for generalizing the system to all goods and merchandise in the federal customs centers, stressing that the Kurdistan Region of Iraq ports are temporarily excluded because they are not linked to the ASYCUDA system adopted by the Authority." 

Daoud stressed that “the electronic link between customs declarations and the Central Bank of Iraq will directly contribute to reducing currency smuggling and money transfers without corresponding goods.”  link

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Tishwash:  Financial reform in Iraq: A plan on paper or the beginning of economic change?

Amid the end of the current government's term, the latest decisions came under the title of financial reform in Iraq to reduce expenditures and maximize resources, but they face implementation challenges due to the government's limited powers, which raises questions about its ability to address deep financial imbalances and secure real economic stability before the next government takes over.

After the Iraqi government reached the end of its constitutional term, it launched a package of financial decisions under the title of “reducing spending and maximizing revenues,” without having political or time cover to ensure that they would be turned into effective policies.

These decisions, issued by a government with limited powers, are not binding on the next government, nor are they part of its program, making them closer to reforms on paper, put forward at the last minute to manage financial pressure rather than to address the roots of the crisis, amid widespread doubts about their ability to be implemented or to continue after the formation of the new government.

Decisions of the Ministerial Council for the Economy

The Ministerial Council for the Economy, during a meeting dedicated to discussing the issue of reducing spending and maximizing revenues, approved a package of decisions aimed at controlling public expenditures and strengthening the state’s financial resources.

The decisions included reviewing the allowances and salaries of the three presidencies and working to equalize them with the salaries of the Prime Minister's office staff, in addition to updating the salary scale for all state employees, based on the recommendations of the Ministry of Planning. The Council also decided to reduce the allowances for official travel for state employees by 90%, limiting such travel to cases of extreme necessity and requiring the approval of the relevant minister, as well as reducing the supervision and monitoring percentages for new projects.

Maximizing non-oil revenues

For his part, the Prime Minister’s advisor, Dr. Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, confirmed that the recent drop in oil prices to below $60 a barrel constitutes a manageable financial pressure and does not amount to a financial crisis, noting that Iraq still possesses important safety margins, foremost among them comfortable foreign reserves and public debt levels within safe limits, in addition to the continued ability to meet basic obligations, primarily salaries and service spending.

Saleh said that the continuation of global oil prices at these levels may be reflected in the 2026 budget with a manageable deficit, the size of which depends on price developments, production levels, and the extent of control over public spending.

He pointed out that fiscal policy is working to manage this deficit by rearranging priorities, maximizing non-oil revenues, and making limited use of domestic financing tools when necessary, without compromising economic stability.

Saleh added that the government adopted clear standards for reducing unnecessary spending, including reviewing the salaries and allowances of the three presidencies, and reducing foreign delegations by up to 90%, while maintaining only delegations of a sovereign and necessary nature, in accordance with the principle of justice and accountability starting from the highest level of the state.

He stressed that these measures will not affect vital investment projects or basic services for citizens, as spending related to the water, electricity, health and education sectors has been neutralized, with priority given to projects with advanced completion rates, in addition to protecting the salaries of the middle and lower segments.

He concluded by saying that the current fiscal policy is based on smart management of public spending, which maintains economic and social stability, and deals with fluctuations in oil prices as periodic challenges that require adaptation and reform, without imposing additional burdens on the citizen.

In extra time

Economic expert Ziad al-Hashemi believes that the Iraqi government is now playing for time, after the damage has been done, as he put it, and is trying to score last points in its favor by proposing a financial reform plan aimed at reducing spending and increasing revenues.

Al-Hashemi points out that “governments in various countries around the world usually present their financial programs at the beginning of their formation, to address previous imbalances, improve the quality of spending, maximize returns, and draw up a systematic and disciplined financial policy. However, what happened in Iraq was the complete opposite of that.”

Over the past four years, Al-Hashemi explains that “the government program was based primarily on expanding spending, through highly politicized financial budgets, which contributed to inflating salaries and subsidies, and piling up government employees in numbers that exceed the needs and capacity of state institutions, in addition to maximizing the financial deficit and accumulating debts, and allowing corruption to operate freely.”

He adds that all of this “happened at a time when Iraq’s financial revenues, especially oil revenues and others, were witnessing a significant decline, yet the government ignored internal warnings and international reports that repeatedly sounded the alarm, warning of the risks of inflated spending in light of deteriorating revenues, without receiving any response.”

Lost opportunities for reform

After the opportunities for reform were lost and the financial crisis worsened dangerously during the past years, Al-Hashemi points out that “the government is now emerging, at the end of its lifespan, with a financial reform plan, after the financial pressure has reached its peak, and the possible solutions are now only harsh and painful, and their impact will most likely be felt by the citizen before anyone else.”

Al-Hashemi raises questions about the mechanisms for implementing this plan, asking about “how it can be implemented by a caretaker government with limited powers, which does not have enough time to implement broad reform measures, in addition to the ambiguity of the implementing bodies, the commitment mechanisms, and the timetables, in light of the imminent formation of a new government.”

It is likely that “this move is an attempt by the government to polish its image in its final days, by announcing a financial reform plan, perhaps with the aim of encouraging political parties to reappoint the current Prime Minister and give him a chance to implement this plan.”

He concluded by saying: “In any case, the next government, whether the current Prime Minister is reappointed or another figure is chosen, will face an extremely difficult financial test, which will force it to take more harsh and painful measures, and financial austerity may be the most prominent theme for the next four years.”

Crisis management, not economic reform

For his part, academic and economic researcher Nawar Al-Saadi believes that “the real goal of these measures is not to launch a comprehensive economic reform in the strict sense, as the caretaker government lacks the political cover and sufficient time to proceed with reforms of this kind.”

Al-Saadi says that “the goal is limited to reducing the financial bleeding and containing the risks until the responsibility is transferred to the next government,” adding that these steps “carry a dual message; the first is directed to the markets and regulatory bodies, indicating that the financial situation is still under control for the time being. The second is to the next government, indicating that the margin for maneuver has become narrower than it was previously.”

Al-Saadi explains that “the problem lies in the structure of the economic decision itself. Iraq does not suffer from a lack of plans or diagnosis, but rather from a weakness of executive will and the prioritization of short-term political calculations at the expense of painful reforms.”

Al-Saadi notes that “what is happening today is more of a crisis management effort than a genuine economic reform. The recent decisions may help alleviate the immediate pressure on the treasury, but they do not address the root causes of the problem, which are the bloated public sector, the fragility of non-oil revenues, and the weakness of financial governance.”

He concluded by warning that “unless the next government moves from the logic of ‘temporary austerity’ to comprehensive structural reform, Iraq will remain stuck in the same cycle, between high spending in years of plenty and belated austerity decisions with the first tremor in oil prices.” link

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Mot: . Poor ole Santa!!!! 

Mot: Asking for a Friend!!! 

Japan Lit the Fuse, the Yen Carry Trade Unwind will Crash the US Economy

Japan Lit the Fuse, the Yen Carry Trade Unwind will Crash the US Economy

Lena Petrova:  12-21-2025

In a significant move that is sending shockwaves across the globe, the Bank of Japan has raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time in three decades.

The 25 basis point increase to 0.75% may seem like a modest adjustment, but it marks a pivotal shift in the global financial landscape.

As we explore in this blog post, this change signals the end of Japan’s ultra-low interest rate era and the beginning of a tightening cycle that is likely to have far-reaching consequences.

For nearly 30 years, Japan’s near-zero interest rates enabled the yen carry trade, a strategy where investors borrowed cheap yen to invest in higher-yielding assets worldwide. This fueled risk-taking and liquidity in global markets, as investors sought to capitalize on the interest rate differential.

However, with the Bank of Japan’s decision to raise interest rates, the yen carry trade is now under threat. A strengthening yen and rising Japanese rates are making it more expensive to borrow yen, forcing investors to reassess their strategies.

The implications of this shift are complex and multifaceted. As Japan is the largest foreign holder of U.S. Treasury debt and holds trillions in overseas investments, the carry trade unwind could have significant repercussions for global markets, particularly in the United States.

 Rising Japanese yields may prompt the repatriation of funds, creating ripple effects across global asset markets. This could lead to a decrease in liquidity, potentially destabilizing markets and impacting asset prices.

A stronger yen is also likely to pose challenges for Japanese exporters like Toyota and Sony, as their products become more expensive in international markets.

Moreover, emerging market currencies that benefited from yen-funded carry trades are already showing signs of stress. As the carry trade unwinds, these currencies may face further pressure, potentially leading to instability in emerging markets.

While this is not an immediate crisis, the Bank of Japan’s tightening marks a regime shift that could pose a greater threat to U.S. equities and global financial stability than Federal Reserve policy.

The scale and interconnectedness of Japan’s financial footprint make this a development that investors and observers cannot afford to ignore. As the carry trade unwinds and markets adjust to a new era of higher Japanese interest rates, it is essential to monitor the evolving situation closely.

In conclusion, the Bank of Japan’s decision to raise interest rates is a significant turning point in the global financial landscape.

As the yen carry trade unwinds and markets adjust to a new reality, investors and observers must remain vigilant. To stay ahead of the curve, it is crucial to continue monitoring the situation and adjusting strategies accordingly.

https://youtu.be/1NX9hvy4XH0