5 Pieces of Financial Advice to Avoid at All Costs

5 Pieces of Financial Advice to Avoid at All Costs

Suze Orman on the commonly accepted money tips it pays to ignore.

By Suze Orman

Bad financial information doesn't come only from scammers; even our loved ones can unwittingly steer us wrong. That's why knowing what not to do with your money is often your biggest asset. In general, there are two little words that should set off everybody's suspicion meter: Trust me. Anyone who gives you this line—whether a financial adviser or your significant other—is disrespecting you.

 You should never entrust a money decision entirely to someone else. I know, I know: Sometimes you'd rather pass the buck. But remember, we're talking about your security, your future, your peace of mind.

It's one thing to hire an investment adviser to help you choose funds for your IRA, or to cheerlead a spouse as he or she sets up a 529 plan to help pay your child's college tuition. It's quite another to tune out completely.

Find an hour or so a month to peruse a personal finance Web site or a magazine like Money or Kiplinger's, which will keep you up-to-date on the basics. The blog at Mint.com is also a great resource, with posts on everything from choosing a mortgage to spotting medical bill errors. By educating yourself in these simple ways, you'll sidestep all sorts of traps. Here's some common advice you should disregard—and more profitable leads to follow instead.

Don't Buy It: "Your child's college degree is a great investment."

A blanket statement like this is missing a crucial qualifier: An affordable college degree is a great investment. The unemployment rate for Americans 25 years of age and older is a lot lower for college graduates than for those with only a high school diploma (3.9 versus 8.1 percent).

But that doesn't mean you should tell your kids to set their sights on any school—regardless of whether it will leave you with a crushing amount of debt. All too often, parents fail to strategize when it comes to paying for education and end up getting off the track to retiring comfortably.

Ironically, this does kids a major disservice: If you lack sufficient retirement savings down the line, your children are the ones who'll bear the burden of supporting you.

A Better Idea: Think in terms of long-run affordability. (This goes for you and your child, since I firmly believe kids must borrow for school before parents dip into their savings or take out a loan.) Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of FinAid.org, says students should limit their total borrowing to an amount no greater than what they can reasonably expect to earn in their first year of full-time work; borrow more, and the odds of running into payback problems and default soar.

Check out typical starting salaries at Salary.com; even if your child doesn't have a specific career in mind yet, it's a great exercise for families to do together, to start getting grounded in postcollege reality.

When it comes to financing options, remember that federal Perkins and Stafford loans offer the best deals; private loans are risky and can end up being far too expensive. The maximum Stafford loan amount a dependent student can borrow for all undergrad years is $31,000.

Parents who want to chip in should first figure out if they can afford to do so by using the T. Rowe Price Retirement Income Calculator and then look into federal PLUS loans.

Finally, your child should apply to at least one public institution; if money is extremely tight, there's also the option of attending two years of community college (whose credits are usually transferable) and finishing at a four-year school.

Don't Buy It: "Renting is a waste of money."

Buying a home can of course be a wise investment, especially considering today's record-low mortgage rates. But that doesn't mean choosing home ownership over renting is right for everyone. In some regions of the country, the cost of owning may still be higher than that of renting (to account for total ownership expenses, including property tax and maintenance, my rule of thumb is to add about 30 percent to the base mortgage amount).

And while home values may be stabilizing in many parts of the United States, that doesn't mean they're suddenly going to start rising at a fast and furious pace.

Over the next five to seven years, you still might not see a home's value appreciate the roughly 8 to 10 percent it would need to simply to cover the costs of relocating (which at the very least include the real estate agent's typical 6 percent commission, as well as movers' fees).

A Better Idea: Do the math carefully before you consider buying. Ask yourself: Do you have any inkling that you'll want to move in the next five to seven years, whether for a job, a fresh start, or a new experience? If so, purchasing a home is not a smart choice. Keep renting until you can commit to settling down for longer, and tune out everyone who says you're throwing away money.

To Continue To Read More:  https://www.oprah.com/omagazine/financial-advice-to-ignore-suze-orman-financial-advice#ixzz2BC2Qum7Q

Why Robert Kiyosaki Believes the Financial System is Changing

Why Robert Kiyosaki Believes the Financial System is Changing

The Rich Dad Channel: 7-30-2026

Hard assets have become a central topic for investors concerned about inflation, government debt, geopolitical conflict, and the future of the U.S. dollar. In this special compilation from The Rich Dad Radio Show, Robert Kiyosaki speaks with leading economists, investors, and industry experts about why tangible assets may offer greater protection during periods of financial uncertainty.

Throughout these conversations, Robert explores how the global monetary system is evolving, why central banks continue accumulating gold, how Bitcoin compares with traditional stores of value, and why oil remains one of the world's most strategically important commodities.

The discussion also examines inflation, currency debasement, government debt, and the growing importance of owning assets that cannot be created through monetary expansion.

In this episode, you'll learn:

 -Why hard assets matter during inflationary periods

-How gold, silver, Bitcoin, and oil serve different roles in a portfolio

 -Why many investors are concerned about the long-term purchasing power of the U.S. dollar

-How government debt and monetary policy influence financial markets

-Why energy remains a critical driver of the global economy

-How geopolitical events affect commodity prices and investment opportunities

-Why central banks continue increasing gold reserves

-How investors can think about preserving wealth during periods of economic uncertainty

Whether you're interested in precious metals, Bitcoin, energy investing, or understanding today's macroeconomic environment, this compilation offers multiple perspectives on why owning real assets may become increasingly important in a changing financial system.

00:00 Bitcoin vs Gold

03:30 Inflation Debt and Trust

04:30 Bitcoin Backed by Energy

05:42 Venezuela Oil Reserves

08:22 Oil Geopolitics and Payback

13:26 Hormuz Oil and Fertilizer

15:10 War Inflation and Iran

19:31 World War Three Signals

21:45 Protecting Yourself Now

24:49 Creditism and Dollar Decline

29:58 Global Recession Outlook

The global financial system is moving away from credit-backed fiat reliance and toward a reality where tangible, scarce assets reign supreme.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uquhvz9DGi4

Coffee with MarkZ, joined by Mr. Cottrell. 07/30/2026

Coffee with MarkZ, joined by Mr. Cottrell. 07/30/2026

MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions

MZ:  The Codeman and Dr. Scott trade places this week. We hit the latest news and then spend time with the original code man. StaciesZ talks health after the news.

THE CONTENT IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR GENERAL & EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY&NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE ANY PROFESSIONAL, FINANCIAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSIDER EVERYTHING DISCUSSED IN MARKZ’S OPINION ONLY

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THANK YOU FOR JOINING.  HAVE A BLESSED DAY.  SEE YOU IN THE MORNING FOR COFFEE @ 10:00 AM EST ~ UNLESS BREAKING NEWS HAPPENS!   FOR UPDATES ON MARK’S PODCAST GO TO: https://t.me/+b3hYhYlhKM1hYzcx

Youtube:     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3YYsguQ62Y

News, Rumors and Opinions Thursday 7-30-2026

KTFA

Clare: Trump: The attack on the militias in Iraq was coordinated with Baghdad.

7/29/2026

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the attack on the "militias" in Iraq was carried out in coordination with the Iraqi government, hours after the headquarters of the Popular Mobilization Forces were targeted by "US-Saudi" aircraft, resulting in deaths and injuries. LINK

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Clare: Iraq announces the launch of the "Starlink" service.

 – Baghdad

The head of the executive body of the Media and Communications Commission, Baligh Abu Kalal, announced on Wednesday the actual launch of the “Starlink” satellite internet service in Iraq.

Abu Kalal said in a post published on the "X" platform: "With God's blessing, the Starlink service has now been officially launched in Iraq."

The announcement comes after months of regulatory and technical procedures related to introducing satellite internet service to the

Iraqi market, allowing users to benefit from the service in accordance with the regulations approved by the  competent authorities.   LINK

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Clare: The disappearance of small change from Iraqi markets: Who controls the flow of money?

July 29, 2026

Complaints are increasing in Iraqi markets from citizens and shop owners about the difficulty of obtaining small denominations of currency, especially the 250 and 500 dinar notes, in a phenomenon that disrupts daily sales operations and raises questions about the efficiency of distributing the local currency between the Central Bank, banks and markets.

Shop owners and customers told Al-Mustaqila that returning the remaining amounts to customers has become more difficult, prompting some stores to round up prices or replace the remaining amount with a small item, which represents an additional cost to the consumer when repeated in a large number of transactions.

There are no official indications that the two denominations will be withdrawn from circulation, as they remain legal tender. However, their continued legal tender status does not explain their limited availability in the market, particularly in sectors such as transportation, convenience stores, and services that rely on small amounts of cash.

The shortage may be related to weak demand from banks for small denominations, or their unbalanced distribution among branches and governorates, or some commercial activities keeping them to cover their needs, as well as quantities leaving circulation due to damage and overuse.

The currency moves from the central bank to banks, then to companies, traders and citizens, which means that the problem may occur in one of the distribution links and not necessarily in the size of the currency issue itself.

The central bank had previously instructed banks to promote the circulation of small denominations and open windows for replacing damaged banknotes, but the continued complaints indicate that the implementation of these measures has not ended the problem in the markets.

There is no publicly available periodic data showing the quantities of each category being pumped out, the number of banknotes withdrawn due to damage, or the share of each governorate and bank, which makes it difficult to determine the actual reasons for the shortage and the extent of the responsibility placed on each party.

There is no publicly available evidence that an entity is deliberately collecting the small denominations or that there is an organized market for selling them for commissions, but their continued scarcity may open the door to informal practices for providing them.

Despite the expansion of electronic payments, large sectors in Iraq still rely on cash, making the availability of small denominations a necessity for stabilizing sales and protecting consumer rights.

The crisis puts the central bank and banks to a test of transparency and efficiency in managing cash, as it requires publishing detailed data on the denominations in circulation and ensuring that banks and markets are supplied with the required quantities.

The question remains: if the 250 and 500 dinar denominations are still within the money supply, why don't they reach citizens and markets regularly?   LINK

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

 Boot-On-The-Ground Guru Omar  The redenomiation is a framework event.  It is not a payoff event.  It cleans up the monetary system, improves credibility and it lays the runway for a sustained revaluation.

Thom  Article:  "Iraqi PM Ali Al-Zaidi publicly ordered Transport Minister Wahab al-Hasani to sign the Development Road agreement during a live ceremony with Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, after an unexpected delay interrupted the signing."  Development Road Project signed! ...I like al-Zaidi. He is making moves faster than any Iraqi politician I have seen.

Stephen  The HCL law has been at a standstill since 2007...They've negotiated back and forth but it's really gone nowhere.  Why is this law needed?  Imagine you and your brothers inherit a business worth billions of dollars but nobody agrees on how to split the profits.  That's been Iraq's problem...The HCL is designed to answer questions like who owns the oil, who can sign the oil contracts, how are the oil revenues divided, how much goes to Baghdad...each province.  Without clear rules disputes discourage investment...The HCL isn't about changing the exchange rate directly.  It's about making sure Iraq's biggest source of wealth...is managed in a stable, transparent way.  If Iraq wants a stronger economy and...currency, getting its oil revenue system right is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle.

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Wednesday Evening News with MarkZ. 07/29/2026

MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions

MZ:  Where have lower denominations gone? Starlink in Iraq

THE CONTENT IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR GENERAL & EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY&NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE ANY PROFESSIONAL, FINANCIAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSIDER EVERYTHING DISCUSSED IN MARKZ’S OPINION ONLY

Youtube:     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-0ojSoKVV0

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Thursday Morning 7-30-26

Iraqi Banks Accelerate US Compliance Measures

2026-07-30 07:08   Shafaq News- Baghdad  Iraqi private banks have begun implementing urgent compliance measures tied to lifting restrictions on several lenders, banking sources told Shafaq News on Thursday.

The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) instructions require stronger anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing controls, tighter governance, closer monitoring of dollar movements, and measures to prevent smuggling and illicit transfers, the sources explained, adding that banks were given deadlines to complete the procedures, with failure potentially limiting access to international banking services.

Employees at several private lenders separately told Shafaq News that management had intensified work, with some staff working about 12 hours daily and reporting severe exhaustion and fainting cases.

On July 18, Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s Media Office said CBI Governor Nizar Nasser Hussein held high-level meetings with US Treasury officials that produced an understanding to return restricted Iraqi banks to foreign correspondent channels in currencies other than the US dollar.

Read more: Iraq’s PM al-Zaidi offers Tehran and Washington a corridor, not a battlefield

Hussein said seven banks are currently eligible to resume non-dollar correspondent banking and may later qualify for dollar transactions after completing further compliance and governance requirements.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraqi-banks-accelerate-US-compliance-measures

Oil Prices Retreat On Steady Gulf Supply Routes

2026-07-30 Shafaq News   Oil prices erased some of their previous gains on Thursday, despite escalating attacks in the Gulf as investor focus shifted to supply flows through the key chokepoints in the region.

Brent futures fell 96 cents, or 1.06%, to $89.78 a barrel as of 0418 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 64 cents, or 0.76%, to $83.82 a barrel.

Brent settled up 7.91% in the previous session and WTI up 6.56% in one of the sharpest spikes of the Iran war, reversing a 5% plunge on Tuesday after a pause in hostilities in the five-month conflict.

Prices surged as U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Wednesday to hit Iran "very hard" after an Iranian missile attack on Tuesday on ⁠a U.S. base in Jordan.

On Wednesday, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia attacked Iran-backed paramilitary forces in Iraq, the first time that Saudi had publicly joined U.S. air strikes, in retaliation for drone attacks on Saudi oil targets launched from Iraq.

The U.S. also carried out two hours of attacks on Iran on Wednesday, the U.S. Central Command said. That ended a lull in U.S. strikes on Iran that began over the weekend.

"Trump’s 'hit hard' rhetoric caused the price spike immediately but looks like the market has fully priced (that) in and (is) considering the 'TACO' possibility right now," said Lin Ye, vice president of commodity markets, oil, at Rystad Energy, referring to the acronym Trump Always Chickens Out.

Ye said the market is following a pattern: ⁠geopolitical headlines are triggering rapid price spikes, but those gains are often short-lived as actual supply flows and parallel diplomatic efforts tend to determine how long those upward price moves persist.

Prices are being capped as crude supply is still moving from the key Gulf region despite the near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran closed the waterway, through which around a fifth of global ⁠oil and gas flows previously passed, after the U.S.-Israeli war began on February 28.

Rystad Energy estimates about 13 million barrels per day of oil from the Gulf is still reaching markets.

Even after the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen imposed a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia ⁠in the Red Sea on July 20, disrupting shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, some cargoes, particularly on Chinese-connected tankers, have flowed to markets.

"While overall volumes are reduced, oil continues to leak out of the region through multiple ⁠channels, and additional workarounds are being explored. The longer this situation persists, the more these alternative routes and methods will erode Iran's leverage over the Strait of Hormuz," IG market analyst Tony Sycamore said in a note.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Oil-prices-retreat-on-steady-Gulf-supply-routes

Basrah Crudes Rise Despite Global Benchmark Losses

026-07-30 Shafaq News- Basrah  Iraq’s Basrah crude prices edged higher on Thursday, gaining less than 1%, even as major global oil benchmarks declined.

Basrah Heavy crude climbed to $54.04 per barrel, rising $0.34, or 0.63%, while Basrah Medium crude advanced to $56.34 per barrel, adding $0.34, or 0.61%.

Brent futures dropped 96 cents, or 1.06%, to $89.78 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 64 cents, or 0.76%, to $83.82 a barrel.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Basrah-crudes-rise-despite-global-benchmark-losses-6

Najaf Advances Oil Exploration With New Well

2026-07-29 Shafaq News- Najaf   Najaf, in southern Iraq, is preparing to drill a new exploratory oil well in the Al-Qarnain oil block after completing the installation of a new drilling site, Governor Yousef Kanawi said on Wednesday.

In a statement, Kanawi described the project as part of the province's plan to explore and develop its oil resources.

Operated by China’s ZhenHua Company through Qarnain Petroleum Company (QPC), the Al-Qarnain field spans roughly 8,773 square kilometers near the Saudi border and is considered one of Iraq’s most promising exploration areas.

Read more: Iraq’s oil bottleneck: Abundance trapped by dependency

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Najaf-advances-oil-exploration-with-new-well

Three Oil Tankers Dock At Iraq’s Basra Port

2026-07-30 Shafaq News- Basra   Three crude oil tankers with a combined capacity of five million barrels have docked at Iraq’s Basra Oil Port to load cargoes bound for global markets, a source at the state-owned General Company for Ports of Iraq told Shafaq News on Thursday.

The chartered vessels, operated by Indian and Chinese companies, berthed at the port’s single-point mooring terminals. Two can each carry two million barrels, while the third has a capacity of one million.

Additional tankers are expected in the coming days, with some already approaching Iraqi territorial waters and others waiting offshore for clearance.

Iraq, OPEC’s second-largest producer, exports about 95% of its crude through southern terminals, leaving it highly exposed to disruptions in Gulf shipping. Eco Iraq, an economic affairs observatory, estimated that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz had cut exports by about 350 million barrels by June 20, costing the country roughly $37.7 billion in revenue.

The Oil Ministry reported earlier this week that Iraq exported 32.11 million barrels of crude, including condensates, worth about $2.34 billion during May and June. The total comprised 20.24 million barrels from Basra, 10.31 million barrels of Kirkuk crude shipped through Turkiye’s Ceyhan port, and 1.56 million barrels from the Kurdistan Region through the same route.

Read more: No exit but Hormuz: Iraq's economic vulnerability exposed

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Three-oil-tankers-dock-at-Iraq-s-Basra-Port

USD/IQD Edges Up In Baghdad, Erbil Trading

2026-07-30 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   The US dollar opened Thursday’s trading higher in Iraq, hovering around 151,000 dinars per 100 dollars.

According to Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded in Baghdad’s Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges at 150,650 dinars per 100 dollars, up from the previous session’s 150,300 dinars.

In the Iraqi capital, exchange shops sold the dollar at 151,000 dinars and bought it at 150,000 dinars, while in Erbil, selling prices stood at 150,650 dinars and buying prices at 150,550 dinars.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/USD-IQD-edges-up-in-Baghdad-Erbil-trading

Gold Extends Gains In Baghdad and Erbil

2026-07-30 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil  On Thursday, gold prices hovered near 855,000 IQD per mithqal in Baghdad and Erbil markets, according to a survey by Shafaq News Agency.

Gold prices on Baghdad's Al-Nahr Street recorded a selling price of 853,000 IQD per mithqal (equivalent to five grams) for 21-carat gold, including Gulf, Turkish, and European varieties, with a buying price of 849,000 IQD. The same gold had sold for 848,000 IQD on Wednesday.

The selling price for 21-carat Iraqi gold stood at 823,000 IQD, while the buying price reached 819,000 IQD.

In jewelry stores, the selling price per mithqal of 21-carat Gulf gold ranged between 855,000 and 865,000 IQD, while Iraqi gold sold for between 825,000 and 835,000 IQD.

In Erbil, 22-carat gold was sold at 899,000 IQD per mithqal, 21-carat gold at 859,000 IQD, and 18-carat gold at 735,000 IQD.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-extends-gains-in-Baghdad-and-Erbil

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Thursday Morning 7-30-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Global Digital Asset Rules Gain Momentum as Senate Faces Critical CLARITY Act Deadline

Growing bipartisan support and renewed pressure ahead of the Senate recess are keeping U.S. digital asset legislation at the center of efforts to modernize the financial system.

Overview

• Support continues to build for the CLARITY Act as lawmakers push to complete negotiations before the Senate's August recess.

• Ethics provisions remain the primary obstacle, even as many lawmakers agree on the need for clear digital asset regulations.

• A successful vote would establish one of the most comprehensive federal regulatory frameworks for digital assets, potentially strengthening America's leadership in financial innovation.

Key Developments

1. Senate Faces Narrow Legislative Window

With only a limited number of legislative days remaining before the August recess, Senate leaders continue working to advance the CLARITY Act. The compressed schedule has increased pressure on negotiators to resolve remaining issues quickly while maintaining bipartisan support.

2. Ethics Negotiations Continue

The largest remaining challenge centers on ethics language governing public officials' involvement with digital assets. While revisions have narrowed differences, several senators continue seeking stronger safeguards before supporting final passage.

3. House Support Remains Strong

Representative Mike Haridopolos publicly reaffirmed support for the legislation, arguing that regulatory clarity is essential for keeping blockchain development, investment, and innovation inside the United States rather than moving overseas.

4. Regulatory Certainty Could Unlock Institutional Growth

The legislation would clarify which digital assets fall under SEC oversight and which belong under CFTC jurisdiction. Industry participants believe greater certainty could encourage additional institutional participation while improving investor protections and reducing regulatory uncertainty.

Why It Matters

The CLARITY Act represents far more than a cryptocurrency bill. It is part of a broader transition toward digitally integrated financial markets, where tokenized assets, blockchain infrastructure, and regulated digital payments increasingly become part of mainstream finance. Clear regulatory rules may also influence how global investors allocate capital and how other nations design their own digital asset frameworks.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Many observers of international monetary reform believe digital asset regulation represents one building block of the evolving financial system. While the CLARITY Act does not change currency values or trigger any revaluation, it could strengthen confidence in regulated digital markets that increasingly interact with traditional banking and payment systems.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 2: Trade

Clear digital asset regulations could improve cross-border financial transactions by reducing legal uncertainty for blockchain-based commerce and digital settlement.

• Pillar 4: Technology

The legislation supports continued development of tokenization, blockchain infrastructure, and regulated digital financial markets that are becoming increasingly important to next-generation financial systems.

This is not simply about cryptocurrency legislation—it reflects the broader modernization of financial infrastructure as governments work to balance innovation, regulation, and trust in the evolving global monetary system.

Sources

• CoinGape — "Clarity Act Gains Fresh House Support from Haridopolos as Senate Eyes Pre-Recess Vote" 

• Investor's Business Daily — "CLARITY Act Hopes Fade As Deadline Looms. Senate Priorities, Ethics Concerns Take Lead."

  
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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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Thank you Dinar Recaps

Iraq and Vietnam News Posted by Tishwash at TNT 7-30-2026

TNT:

Tishwash:  this is a really long report that goes into other parts of that area so if you want to read the rest just click the link it will take you there

Ascott Accelerates Vietnam Expansion With Nine Signings in 1H 2026, Growing Portfolio by Over 30%

Signs four new projects with longstanding partner Sun Group and five with owners new to Ascott, adding over 3,200 units

Deepens presence in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong, expands along the coast in Da Nang and Phu Quoc, and enters Quy Nhon for the first time

Debuts The Crest Collection in Vietnam, with signings spanning seven brands

Expects signing momentum to continue in 2H 2026  link

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Tishwash:  Iraq Launches Starlink Satellite Internet Services Nationwide

At a Glance

Iraq officially activates Starlink satellite internet services.

The project utilizes low Earth orbit technology to connect rural areas, bypassing damaged ground-based infrastructure.

Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission announced the official launch of Starlink internet services across the country. 

Key Statements and Focus Area

CMC Executive Authority Head confirmed the launch, enabling citizens to utilize the service under new regulatory guidelines.

The initiative is part of a broader technology initiative backed by the Prime Minister.

Baligh Abu Kalal, Head of the CMC's Executive Authority, stated on Wednesday that “the Starlink service has now been officially launched in Iraq.” 

This announcement follows the completion of technical and legal procedures that spanned several months. Moving forward, citizens can utilize the service in accordance with established regulatory guidelines.

The official launch follows a landmark licensing agreement signed by Abu Kalal in Washington on July 17, under a broader technology initiative backed by Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi. 

The deployment aims to overcome Iraq’s historical broadband deficits by utilizing low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to instantly connect remote and rural regions without relying on fragile ground infrastructure. 

Technical negotiations took several months because Baghdad mandated strict data sovereignty, implementing dedicated API monitoring systems for the Iraqi National Security and Intelligence services.  link

FYI:

Starlink is a global satellite internet service developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The primary objective of the project is to deliver high-speed internet to every corner of the world, particularly to remote areas that lack access to standard internet lines or suffer from weak communications infrastructure. 

According to technical data, standard download speeds on the Starlink service range between 25 and 220 Mbps, while upload speeds consistently average between 15 and 35 Mbps. 

Regarding the financial cost, the monthly subscription fee for users inside Iraq is expected to be above $50, which is considered a reasonable price relative to its performance capability.

To date, SpaceX has deployed a massive constellation featuring over 10,800 active Starlink satellites in orbit, moving steadily toward its ultimate long-term target of 42,000 satellites. 

Operating in LEO, Starlink delivers an ultra-responsive latency of 25 to 60 milliseconds. While local, regional fiber-optic networks can offer slightly lower latency and higher top-tier consistency in heavily urbanized zones, Starlink bridges the digital divide seamlessly by providing instant, high-speed connectivity to rural and infrastructure-depleted areas without any reliance on ground-based cabling.

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Tishwash:  these are the ones they use now not the ones we are waiting for

Why have small denominations disappeared from the markets? Al-Zaydi's advisor reveals the reasons.

 The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, revealed on Wednesday the reasons for the scarcity of small denominations of currency in Iraqi markets, stressing that this is mainly related to their paper nature and the high speed of their circulation, which leads to their deterioration within a short period of time.

Saleh told Shafaq News Agency that issuing currency in its various denominations is one of the core tasks of the Central Bank of Iraq, which is responsible for managing the currency and providing the necessary liquidity to meet the needs of economic activity and ensure the smooth flow of payments and the stability of cash transactions.

He explained that small denominations of currency represent the primary tool for conducting low-value daily transactions, which makes them the most commonly traded among citizens and markets, and therefore the most susceptible to wear and tear.

Saleh added that Iraq, unlike many countries that rely on coins for small denominations, still uses paper denominations, noting that the lifespan of these denominations does not exceed about one year according to international standards, due to the intensity of their use and their continuous transfer between hands, at a time when reliance on paper money remains high while electronic payment methods continue to grow.

He pointed out that the Central Bank has accurate indicators and statistics to measure the demand for different denominations of currency, and it is the first entity to sense the market’s need to issue or reprint any denomination, especially the small denominations, which are characterized by their rapid circulation compared to the large denominations, which tend to be more towards saving or hoarding.

The government advisor concluded his remarks by saying that "providing small denominations is not just about issuing currency, but also represents one of the indicators of efficient cash management, and contributes to ensuring the smooth flow of economic activity and the stability of the payments system," stressing that "these denominations are continuously monitored by the Central Bank of Iraq."

Iraqi markets are experiencing ongoing suffering due to the scarcity of small denominations of currency, such as 250 and 500 dinars, which puts citizens and shop owners in front of frequent difficulties in completing daily buying and selling transactions.

Sellers often resort to compensating for the shortage by giving alternative goods such as gum, tissues, or sweets instead of returning the change as in the markets, while others are forced to round up or down prices, which provokes consumer dissatisfaction.  link 

Tishwash:  Coordination framework: Iraq's security and sovereignty cannot be violated or compromised under any circumstances.

 The Coordination Framework affirmed that "Iraq's security and sovereignty are inviolable and cannot be compromised under any circumstances, and it rejects turning Iraq into an arena for regional and international conflicts."

A statement from the Coordination Framework's media office indicated that "the Framework held an emergency meeting Wednesday evening at the Government Palace to discuss the American-Saudi attacks on Iraq's sovereignty."

According to the statement, the Coordination Framework condemned the aggression targeting Iraqi territory, which resulted in the martyrdom of several members of the Popular Mobilization Forces and the injury of others, in a blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in contravention of the principles of international law and the UN Charter.

The Framework expressed its astonishment at this attack, especially given the government's adoption of a balanced foreign policy based on building cooperative and partnership relations with its regional neighbors and the international community.

He offered his sincere condolences to the families of the martyrs and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded. He affirmed that Iraq's security and sovereignty are inviolable and cannot be compromised under any circumstances, and he rejected turning Iraq into an arena for regional and international conflicts.

He emphasized that "the attacks targeting Iraq and violating its sovereignty do not serve regional and international efforts aimed at containing the crisis and de-escalating tensions, but rather contribute to complicating the situation and threaten security and stability in the entire region." link

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

Tishwash:  Al-Aboudi: Three factions have begun handing over their weapons to the state, and talks are underway with Washington and Tehran to support the monopoly of arms.

National Security Advisor Qasim al-Aboudi revealed new developments in the file of restricting weapons to the state, stressing that the government held talks with the United States and Iran to support this path, while announcing that three factions have begun procedures to hand over their weapons to official institutions.

Al-Aboudi said in a televised statement that Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington contributed to developing the course of Iraqi-American relations and moving them to the framework of economic partnership and security cooperation, indicating that the two sides agreed to resume training programs and security coordination, as well as discussing a number of joint files.

He explained that the issue of restricting weapons to the state requires dialogue with the various concerned parties, noting that some factions were linking their continued possession of weapons to the presence of American forces, and that an understanding regarding the end of their presence removes one of the justifications that were being put forward in this context.

He added that the government discussed the issue with the Iranian side, noting that Tehran expressed its readiness to support efforts to restrict weapons after being convinced of the withdrawal of US forces, stressing that Baghdad emphasized during the meetings its rejection of the use of Iraqi territory or targeting it in any conflict.

Al-Aboudi stressed that the government is committed to ending the presence of any weapons outside the framework of the state, noting that the next phase will witness new steps to strengthen the authority of official security institutions and consolidate the state’s monopoly on weapons. link

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Wednesday Evening 7-29-26

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates Again: Military Strikes, Hormuz Tensions, and New Sanctions Raise Global Economic Risks

Renewed military action, expanded sanctions, and growing instability in the Strait of Hormuz are increasing pressure on global energy markets while further complicating diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.

 Overview

• The U.S.-Iran conflict intensified again as Iran launched missile attacks targeting U.S. forces in Jordan, prompting retaliatory U.S. and allied military operations against Iran-backed militias in Iraq. Diplomatic efforts have not completely collapsed, but active military operations have once again taken center stage.

• The Strait of Hormuz remains the central flashpoint. Iran has rejected proposals regarding management of the strategic waterway while renewed attacks on shipping continue to disrupt one of the world's most important energy corridors.

• The United States simultaneously expanded economic pressure, announcing new sanctions targeting Iranian shipping, maritime insurance networks, and vessels linked to Iran's energy exports, demonstrating that Washington is combining military, diplomatic, and financial pressure.

Key Developments

1. Military Confrontation Intensifies

The conflict entered another dangerous phase after Iran launched ballistic missile attacks against U.S. forces stationed in Jordan.

The United States reported intercepting the incoming missiles before responding with coordinated strikes against Iran-backed militia positions in Iraq, signaling that military deterrence remains a central component of U.S. strategy.

2. Strait of Hormuz Remains the Critical Battleground

The Strait of Hormuz continues to be the world's most strategically important oil chokepoint, carrying a significant portion of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Recent attacks on vessels, combined with Iran's rejection of new proposals concerning management of the waterway, have renewed fears that shipping disruptions could continue well into the summer.

3. Sanctions Campaign Expands

Rather than relying solely on military action, the U.S. Treasury announced another round of sanctions targeting companies, insurers, and tankers connected to Iran's maritime operations.

The expanded sanctions are designed to restrict Iran's ability to finance military activities through oil exports while increasing economic pressure on the Iranian government.

4. Diplomacy Has Not Ended—But It Has Become More Difficult

Although fighting has intensified, communications between Washington and Tehran have not completely disappeared.

The earlier Memorandum of Understanding and previous indirect negotiations created channels for future discussions. However, continued military exchanges have significantly reduced confidence and complicated efforts to return to meaningful negotiations.

5. Markets Respond to Growing Uncertainty

Energy markets immediately reacted to the renewed escalation.

Oil prices moved higher as investors priced in increased geopolitical risk, while global markets monitored the potential impact on inflation, shipping costs, and central bank policy if disruptions continue.

 Why It Matters

The renewed escalation demonstrates how quickly geopolitical conflict can affect energy markets, inflation, global trade, and financial stability.

The combination of military operations, sanctions, and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz places additional pressure on central banks already attempting to balance inflation control with slowing economic growth. Continued instability also increases risks for global supply chains and international commerce.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

• Higher oil prices can strengthen inflationary pressures across many economies.

• Rising geopolitical uncertainty often increases demand for safe-haven assets and reserve currencies.

• Currency markets may remain volatile as investors respond to developments affecting global energy supplies and international trade.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Energy

Continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz highlights how critical energy security remains to the global financial system. Disruptions to oil shipments influence inflation, central bank policy, and economic growth around the world.

• Pillar 2: Trade

The conflict demonstrates how strategic shipping routes have become central to global commerce. Prolonged disruptions could increase transportation costs, alter supply chains, and accelerate efforts by many nations to diversify critical trade routes.

Conclusion

The latest developments show that the U.S.-Iran conflict has entered another period of heightened uncertainty despite earlier diplomatic progress.

While negotiations have not formally ended, military actions and expanding sanctions are currently driving events far more than diplomacy.

This is not simply about another military confrontation—it reflects the growing intersection of geopolitics, global energy security, international trade, and financial stability as governments navigate an increasingly fragile global economic system.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters — "US Issues New Iran-Related Sanctions Targeting Insurers, More Tankers"

• Associated Press — "Iran Launches Renewed Missile Attacks as US and Saudis Strike Tehran-Backed Militias in Iraq"

~~~~~~~~~~

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Rob Cunningham: The Emerging Blockchain-based Financial System

Rob Cunningham: The Emerging Blockchain-based Financial System

7-29-2026

If we treat the emerging blockchain-based financial system as an integrated monetary architecture, these four functions are not equally scarce or economically valuable.

A reasonable ranking is:

1: Liquidity

The irreplaceable “bloodstream” of the system. Without available capital to bridge buyers and sellers, markets seize regardless of how perfect the technology is.

2: Collateral

The foundation of trust. Every tokenized asset, loan, stablecoin, derivative, and settlement network ultimately depends upon high-quality collateral.

3: Settlement

The movement of value. Settlement technology determines speed, certainty, cost, and finality but cannot function without liquidity and collateral.

4: Data

Necessary infrastructure, but increasingly abundant and commoditized compared with scarce financial capital.

Why liquidity ranks first

Imagine four modern cities:
1 – Data is the map.
2 – Settlement is the highway.
3 – Collateral is the bridge engineering.
4 – Liquidity is every vehicle carrying people and goods.
Without vehicles, the world’s greatest highways sit empty.

Financial history repeatedly shows that institutions fail far more often from liquidity shortages than from settlement technology problems. Even solvent organizations can collapse if they cannot access liquidity when needed.

Liquidity enables:
Foreign exchange
Securities trading
Bond markets
Derivatives
Commercial banking
Cross-border payments
Tokenized real-world assets
Stablecoins
Money markets

Everything depends on capital being available exactly when needed.

Why collateral is second

Collateral determines whether counterparties trust one another.

In the digital asset economy, collateral supports:
tokenized Treasuries
stablecoins
lending
repo markets
derivatives
institutional credit

The larger the economy becomes, the more valuable transparent, high-quality collateral becomes.

Settlement is essential – but follows liquidity

Settlement answers:
“How do we transfer ownership?”

Liquidity answers:
“What are we transferring?”

Settlement technology can become nearly instantaneous, inexpensive, and automated. That improves efficiency, but if no liquidity exists to complete the transaction, fast settlement alone has limited value.

Data becomes increasingly commoditized
Data remains indispensable:

identity
compliance
auditability
pricing
market intelligence
AI
analytics

However, technological progress generally makes data generation, storage, and processing cheaper over time.

Scarce, deployable capital is much harder to replicate than information.

Overall Relative Complexity

From a systems engineering perspective:

1) Liquidity – Highest complexity. It spans market making, treasury management, risk, capital allocation, pricing, regulations, and behavior across global markets.

2) Settlement – Very high complexity. It requires synchronization, consensus, legal finality, messaging, interoperability, and operational resilience.

3) Collateral – High complexity. Valuation, custody, margining, rehypothecation rules, and legal enforceability all matter.

4) Data – Complex, but comparatively mature, with many established technologies and standards.

Relative long-term value

As a broad conceptual framework for a mature digital financial ecosystem:

1) Liquidity – Largest source of enduring economic value.

2) Collateral – Second-largest, because trust scales with collateral quality.

3) Settlement – Third, creating significant efficiency gains by reducing friction and cost.

4) Data – Fourth, as a foundational input that is increasingly abundant.

In practice, the greatest value is often created by organizations that combine these layers rather than specializing in only one. A platform that can orchestrate liquidity, collateral, settlement, and trusted data together is positioned to capture more of the economic value than one that optimizes a single function.

Source(s):
• https://x.com/KuwlShow/status/2082248991782076843

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/07/28/rob-cunningham-the-emerging-blockchain-based-financial-system/

The Next Market Crash will be Nothing like 2008: Mark Moss

The Next Market Crash will be Nothing like 2008: Mark Moss

7-29-2026

For decades, the standard playbook for navigating a major market downturn has been relatively straightforward: liquidate risky positions, move to cash, and wait for the dust to settle before buying back in at undervalued prices.

However, according to an insightful analysis by financial educator Mark Moss, this traditional strategy may no longer be viable. The modern economic landscape is shaped by unprecedented forces—specifically, record-breaking levels of institutional leverage and the certainty of rapid government intervention—meaning the next market correction will behave very differently than those of the past.

Investors who rely solely on holding cash risk being left behind in the subsequent recovery.

The primary catalyst for the next major market disruption lies in the extreme leverage embedded within institutional trading and complex derivative markets.

Today, financial institutions operate with massive debt-to-equity ratios, meaning that even a minor, unexpected economic trigger can set off a domino effect of margin calls and forced liquidations.

When highly leveraged entities are forced to sell assets to cover their debts, it creates a rapid, cascading downward spiral. While this sounds like a traditional market correction, the speed and velocity of these modern, automated sell-offs mean that a downturn could occur much faster than in previous eras, catching unprepared investors off guard.

However, the real danger for investors is not just the initial drop in asset prices, but the inevitable policy response that will follow.

In a highly interconnected global economy, central banks and governments cannot afford a prolonged, systemic deleveraging process without risking a complete economic freeze. As a result, any sharp market decline is highly likely to be met with swift and aggressive policy rescues, such as interest rate cuts and massive liquidity (often referred to as money printing).

This intervention will effectively cut the market correction short, rapidly pushing asset prices back up before a traditional, prolonged “market bottom” can fully form. Consequently, the window of opportunity to buy assets at deep discounts will be incredibly narrow.

Because of this rapid-intervention cycle, holding cash for too long poses a major strategic risk. While cash provides necessary liquidity during a panic, its purchasing power is rapidly eroded when central banks flood the system with new currency to rescue the economy.

The key to surviving and thriving in this environment is owning genuinely scarce assets. Assets with a fixed or strictly limited supply—such as gold, prime real estate, scarce energy resources, critical infrastructure, and Bitcoin—serve as a crucial hedge.

 These assets are uniquely positioned to absorb the massive influx of newly created currency, causing their valuations to soar even as the broader economy faces structural challenges.

Furthermore, the rise of artificial intelligence and advanced technology is driving down the cost of producing abundant goods, making true physical and digital scarcity even more valuable. In a world where technology can replicate and produce almost anything in abundance, assets that cannot be easily copied or inflated become the ultimate store of value.

Therefore, successful portfolio positioning in the modern era requires a delicate balancing act. Investors must maintain enough liquidity (cash or cash equivalents) to withstand sudden market volatility and meet immediate obligations, while simultaneously ensuring they hold deep exposure to scarce, hard assets that will capture the massive upside once the inevitable policy-driven rescue begins.

Navigating the complexities of modern financial markets requires moving away from outdated investment dogmas and adapting to a world of high leverage and rapid central bank intervention.

To gain a deeper understanding of these macroeconomic shifts and learn how to position your wealth for the future, be sure to watch the full video from Mark Moss on YouTube, where he breaks down these concepts with detailed data and actionable insights.

0:00 - China Just Attacked the Gold Market

1:12 - The Reverse Market Crash

3:15 - The Leverage Time Bomb

5:42 - What Could Trigger the Next Crash?

12:30 - Why 2008 was Different

15:34 - Why the Rescue Makes it Worse

19:05 - How to Position Before the Rescue

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Wb2C9_zT90

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Wednesday Afternoon 7-29-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

Federal Reserve Holds Rates Steady: Inflation Progress Meets Rising Global Risks
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged as easing inflation was balanced against higher energy prices and geopolitical uncertainty, signaling that policymakers remain cautious about the next move.

 Overview

• The Federal Reserve voted on July 29, 2026, to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.50%–3.75%. The decision reflects confidence that inflation has moderated while recognizing that new risks have emerged from rising oil prices and global instability.

• Although inflation has cooled in recent months, it remains above the Fed's long-term 2% target. Policymakers indicated they need additional evidence before making another policy adjustment, particularly as Middle East tensions continue influencing energy markets.

• The decision underscores the delicate balance facing central banks worldwide. Stable interest rates may support economic growth, but persistent inflation and geopolitical shocks could still require tighter monetary policy later this year.

Key Developments

1. Federal Reserve Holds Rates Steady

The Federal Open Market Committee voted to maintain the federal funds rate at 3.50%–3.75%, extending its pause while evaluating incoming economic data.

Officials stated that the U.S. economy continues to expand, employment remains stable, and inflation has eased but has not yet returned to the Fed's objective.

2. Inflation Has Improved but Risks Remain

Recent inflation readings have shown encouraging progress, giving policymakers room to pause.

However, higher energy prices linked to renewed Middle East tensions could place upward pressure on future inflation, making the Fed cautious about declaring victory.

3. Rare Division Among Federal Reserve Officials

The vote was 9-3, with three Federal Reserve officials favoring an immediate quarter-point rate increase rather than holding rates steady.

The unusual level of dissent illustrates that policymakers remain divided over whether inflation risks have truly subsided.

4. Markets Shift Focus to the Next Meeting

Financial markets are now closely watching upcoming inflation reports, employment data, and developments in global energy markets before the Fed's September meeting.

Any renewed inflation pressure could increase expectations for another rate hike later this year.

 Why It Matters

The Federal Reserve's decision affects borrowing costs, investment activity, housing, consumer spending, and financial markets throughout the global economy.

For investors, today's announcement reinforces that monetary policy remains data dependent, with inflation and geopolitical developments likely determining the Fed's next move. Central banks worldwide continue facing the challenge of supporting economic growth while maintaining price stability.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

• Stable U.S. interest rates help support confidence in the U.S. dollar.

• Future inflation and energy prices will influence global capital flows and currency values.

• Any future rate increases could strengthen the dollar while placing pressure on many foreign currencies.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Debt

Higher-for-longer interest rates continue increasing borrowing costs for governments, businesses, and consumers. Elevated financing costs place additional pressure on highly indebted economies while reinforcing the importance of fiscal discipline.

• Pillar 2: Energy

Renewed geopolitical tensions affecting global oil supplies demonstrate how energy prices remain one of the most important drivers of inflation. Energy market disruptions continue influencing central bank policy decisions worldwide.

Conclusion

The Federal Reserve's decision to leave rates unchanged reflects growing confidence that inflation is moving in the right direction while recognizing that important risks remain.

Although inflation has eased, policymakers are unwilling to declare victory until price stability becomes more firmly established.

This is not simply about one interest-rate decision—it reflects how central banks are navigating the intersection of inflation, energy security, and global geopolitical risk as the international financial system continues to evolve.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• CNBC — Fed Meeting Live Updates: Federal Reserve Holds Rates Steady

• Reuters — Uncertainty Creeps Into Fed's Rate Decision as Warsh Keeps His Cards Hidden

~~~~~~~~~~

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The Biggest Winners Of This War Don't Pump A Single Barrel

The Biggest Winners Of This War Don't Pump A Single Barrel

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black / Sovereign Man) July 28, 2026

How much do you think it would cost to send a supertanker, one of the giant ships that move the world's crude oil, through a narrow stretch of water that is full of mines, where missiles hit two tankers in early July, and where a crew member has already been killed?

Last month, one shipowner agreed to make that run— through the Strait of Hormuz— for nearly $470,000 per day.

For perspective, in the first few months of last year, before the war, the biggest crude tankers on earth were earning as little as $36,000 a day.

The ships collecting these fortunes don't produce anything at all. They don't pump oil, they don't refine it, and they don't sell it. They just carry it from one place to another.

And that is exactly why they have become the biggest winners of this war.

When Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz in late February, oil spiked to $120 a barrel in March, then calmed as ceasefires came and went. But all the while, tanker rates just kept climbing.

That's because of the arithmetic that drives the shipping business; it’s simple to understand— when the strait became too dangerous to navigate, everything had to be rerouted. So instead of a quick voyage through the strait, cargo had to be transported through far more complicated means... and ships had to sail much longer routes to avoid the danger.

The end result is that oil from the region now crosses far more ocean, and every voyage takes a LOT longer. This means ships are tied up for longer... driving demand higher for shipping.

And it’s not like this problem can be eliminated by simply adding more ships to the global fleet; supertankers take years to build, and shipyards spent the past decade producing very few.

That last part matters, because it is the reason this windfall was visible long before anyone had heard of this war.

One of the largest supertanker owners earned more than $100 million in the first quarter, excluding one-off gains from selling ships, as its fleet was making roughly two and a half times as much per day as a year earlier.

The company paid out every penny of it as a dividend, extending a streak of quarterly payouts stretching back more than fifteen years. And the second quarter will be even better: by early May, it had already booked most of its available days at nearly double its first-quarter rate.

Another major tanker owner reported nearly $200 million in profit for the quarter and declared the largest dividend in its history.

Tankers are not the only winners. One owner of bulk carriers— the ships that haul iron ore, grain, and coal— has become the target of a takeover battle in which a rival has raised its offer again and again, and the board keeps rejecting bids it says still undervalue the fleet.

All three companies are on the research list of Schiff Sovereign's investment newsletter, Strategic Assets.

They were featured in 2023 and 2024, back when shipping was about as unloved as a business can be. That was the point. Shipping moves in long cycles, and the bottom is where the next shortage is easiest to see... because years of terrible rates had stopped owners from ordering ships, and a ship ordered today does not carry cargo for three years.

Counting the ships that would exist in 2026 took no view on Iran— only a public order book.

They met a strict set of criteria: profitable, little or no debt, trading cheap against current cash flow, and operating in an industry with an aging fleet and hardly any new construction on order.

The war revealed that setup; it did not create it. As of early July, one tanker owner had more than doubled since being featured, the other was up more than 90%, and the bulk carrier owner was up more than 50% on a takeover bid rather than a rate spike.

The tankers keep paying quarterly dividends, and one payout alone equals almost 10% of the share price when that company was first featured.

We expect this pattern to repeat across real assets.

The world spent a decade underinvesting in the physical things civilization runs on: ships, mines, oil fields, refineries, smelters. Now geopolitics has turned violent. When there is no spare capacity, every disruption has to be resolved by price, and the companies that own the scarce assets collect the difference.

To be clear, we are not permabulls, and rates like these will not last forever. A durable peace would bring tanker earnings down hard, and shipping has punished euphoric buyers many times before.

Our edge is not predicting wars or commodity prices. It is applying strict criteria to well-run companies, making the case to buy when they meet the bar, and to sell when they no longer do.

That discipline is working. Of the more than twenty companies currently on the research list, six are showing a loss. The companies that we closed out returned an average of 172%.

A silver producer gained more than 950% in under a year, and others returned 540%, 240%, and 150%.

To your freedom,  James Hickman   Co-Founder, Schiff Sovereign LLC

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/investing/the-biggest-winners-of-this-war-dont-pump-a-single-barrel-155538/?inf_contact_key=a58c89f7f010f8bf60e566939605a0843a5186b0959d36194e900cf71a9c9586

Ross: IQD Revaluation Stuff Right here

Ross: IQD Revaluation Stuff Right here

7-29-2026

IQD RV stuff right here, I don’t care what anyone says.

Why this matters for the revaluation of IQD.

Watch on X:  https://twitter.com/i/status/2082166344217149740

1. Authority is being asserted, not negotiated.
Old Iraq style = ministers can stall mega-projects for factional, Iranian, or personal reasons and nothing happens.

New Iraq under al-Zaidi = the PM humiliates you on live TV next to a major foreign leader until you execute. That is a different operating system.

2. Development Road is not a side project. 

This is the multi-billion-dollar rail + highway corridor from Al-Faw Grand Port up through Iraq into Turkey and then Europe.

It is the single biggest non-oil economic bet Iraq has. It turns the country into a transit hub, generates real non-oil revenue, and is designed to pull serious FDI.

Delaying the signature was not bureaucracy — it was resistance. Al-Zaidi just crushed that resistance in public.

3. Optics + substance landed together.
This happened during a visit that also delivered:

Turkish state oil company TPAO taking a 15% stake in the BP-operated Kirkuk fields (3 billion barrels).

Talk of ramping Iraqi oil to Turkey toward 1 million bpd.

New pipeline discussion.
So you get both the infrastructure corridor and deeper energy integration with Turkey in the same trip.

That is economic sovereignty work, not photo-op diplomacy.

4. The resistance itself is the tell.
The minister’s hesitation (and the “WhatsApp” reply) fits the pattern of the old guard / Iranian-leaning elements still trying to slow-walk strategic files.

Al-Zaidi overrode it on camera.

That is the exact behavior IQD investors have been waiting to see from the new government: less consensus theater, more forced execution on the files that actually matter for fiscal strength and investor confidence.

Source(s):
• https://x.com/Ross_ptm/status/2082254083843621247

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/07/29/ross-iqd-revaluation-stuff-right-here/