News, Rumors and Opinions Saturday 8-29-2026

Reset Intelligence: Be Prepared

8—28-2026

Be Prepared

By Reset Intelligence | @EXIT_FIAT

On Monday Iraq ordered 7.5 billion new banknotes. By Friday the news from the ground was that you cannot buy the old ones.

Two separate reports, with no line to each other, describe the same street: dinar nowhere to be found, cash machines offline or capping withdrawals, payments pushed onto cards, and Kurdistan’s public workers given days to get a bank card because salaries are going electronic. The pay trucks have stopped showing up.

The Cash Is Disappearing

Iraq’s own numbers frame the picture. The CBI’s data shows bank deposits slid 5.6% in the first half of 2026, and the dollar firmed in Baghdad’s markets this week. The banks hold less, the street holds less, and the machines that bridge the two are switching off. In a country with 111 trillion dinars officially issued, the paper is getting hard to touch. In Kuwait in 1991 and Iraq in 2003, the old cash went scarce before the public was told anything.

The Week’s Moves

• The seizure ledger – Iraq’s National Security Service announced more than 93 billion dinars recovered for the treasury, plus another $14 million and 12 billion dinars seized and deposited with the central bank, on the record.

• Counterfeits swept – the second counterfeit currency operation in a week shut down, along with a clandestine drone-manufacturing cell in Baghdad.

• The water, by the numbers – CENTCOM confirmed Hormuz shipping lanes cleared of Iranian mines, 750 million barrels escorted through, and Iran’s oil exports at zero since mid-July.

• September 1 – Iraq’s export contracts on routes that bypass the strait entirely take effect Tuesday.

• The weekend of money – the Fed’s Jackson Hole keynote, the G20 convening around Treasury Secretary Bessent in Asheville, and Iraq’s 2027 budget due at cabinet within days.

What It Adds Up To

Each piece alone has an innocent explanation. Put them in a single week, in the same country whose central bank published a swap procedure inside its own denial, and the innocent explanations start to require more faith than the obvious one. That is the short version. The full daily briefing connects every piece, names the sources, and tells you what to actually watch next.

Being told to be prepared is one thing from a newsletter. It is another arriving from the ground, describing a country already living the first half of an exchange.

Read the full daily briefing free for 5 days. Sign up here: resetintelligence.com

Want it straight from the horse’s mouth? The CBI Rate Alert pings you the moment the Central Bank of Iraq moves the official rate. The number itself, not a rumour about it. It comes with our free resource library and the daily breakdown of what is actually moving in Iraq. Sign up free: resetintelligence.com/rate-alert

Got a dinar question? Reset Intelligence runs an on-call research assistant: ask it anything they have published. It answers in seconds and will conduct deep research to find you the answer. Try it: resetintelligence.com/research-assistant

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/08/29/reset-intelligence-be-prepared/

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

Frank26  I want the lower denominations.  I could care less about the date.  When you give me the lower notes, you're giving me the date.

Guy  If the central bank stops their supply of fresh notes and we get reports from the 5 or 6 or 7 legitimate [online] exchanges [in the US] that they're out.  That's it.  I'd say that's evidentiary reasons for getting excited.

Militia Man   The zeros file is no longer theoretical.  It is being shaped in public...hard numbers on the cash outside the banks, expanded printed capacity and a clear warning to large undeclared holders...The foundation underneath it is the same system-work that began to take shape in 2023 and has continued since then.

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

Trump Just Amplified This: Gold to $10,000 Before Year-End | Jim Rickards

Daniela Cambone:  8-28-2026

“It’s coming soon. It’s not a five-year forecast.” Jim Rickards explains why gold could reach $10,000, what Kevin Warsh left unsaid, and why investors should prepare for volatility ahead.

Chapters:

00:00 Midterm Meltdown

03:47 Could Gold Reach $10,000 by Year-End?

05:33 How Much Gold Does Jim Own?

06:13 Gold’s Political Risk Premium

10:30 Should You Sell Gold to Pay Off Debt?

11:15 Jim’s Take on Warsh’s Speech

15:14 Why Own Gold When Interest Rates Are Higher?

16:32 Quantitative Easing Has Begun

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J_p41qkHMc

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Saturday Morning 8-28-26

Iraq's Appointments Are On Shaky Ground... The 2027 Budget Will Determine The Fate Of Thousands Of Job Positions.

August 29, 2026Last updated: August 29, 2026    The Independent/- The Federal Public Service Council has brought the issue of government appointments back to the forefront of attention, after confirming that determining the number of job grades, creating them, and the necessary financial allocations for them are directly linked to what will be decided in Iraq’s 2027 budget and the relevant government agencies.

The official spokesman for the council, Fadel Al-Gharawi, said that the council’s role in the appointments file comes within the powers specified by the amended Federal Public Service Council Law No. (4) of 2009, noting that initiating the appointment procedures requires the availability of the necessary legal and financial requirements.

This position means that the appointments file is not linked to a single decision by the Civil Service Council, but rather depends primarily on the size of the job grades that will be included in next year’s budget, as well as the financial allocations and the actual needs of state institutions.

A wide segment of graduates and the unemployed are waiting to see what the 2027 budget will include, especially with the increasing number of applicants for government job opportunities and the growing demands to find real solutions to the unemployment issue.

Conversely, the government faces the challenge of striking a balance between providing job opportunities for graduates and maintaining the state’s financial stability, given the rising current expenditures and the costs of salaries and wages.

Thus, the 2027 budget appears to be the most important milestone in determining the shape of future government appointments, whether in terms of the number of newly created positions, the beneficiary entities, or the mechanisms for distributing them, while the Civil Service Council remains waiting for the completion of the legal and financial cover to begin its role in this matter.    https://mustaqila.com/تعيينات-العراق-على-صفيح-ساخن-موازنة-2027-ت/

Sources: Ali Al-Zaidi Is Considering Dismissing The Finance Minister Due To The Failure To Address The Financial Crisis.

Last updated: August 29, 2026    Al-Mustaqilla - Well-informed political and media sources told Al-Mustaqilla that Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi is seriously considering making a change in the Ministry of Finance that may include the dismissal of Minister Falih al-Sari, amid escalating criticism of the way the liquidity shortage crisis and the delay in funding state employees’ salaries have been managed.

The sources, who asked not to be named, said that Al-Zaydi expressed his dissatisfaction with the level of support provided by the Ministry of Finance during the past months, especially with the continued pressure on the treasury and the failure to reach stable solutions to secure salaries and ongoing obligations.

There has been no official comment yet from the Prime Minister's office or the Ministry of Finance regarding the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle.

Al-Sari took over the Ministry of Finance on May 14, 2026, after the House of Representatives unanimously voted to grant him confidence within Al-Zidi’s government.

On July 30, Al-Sari acknowledged a financial deficit that was hindering the completion of salary payments for employees, retirees, and social welfare beneficiaries. He stated that the monthly salary obligations amounted to approximately 7.8 trillion dinars, and that the ministry was working to provide the necessary liquidity to complete the payments.

Pressures increased during August, as the parliamentary finance committee said that the minister had requested to be hosted in the House of Representatives to explain the financial situation and discuss a draft law for borrowing, while it spoke of the lack of final solutions to the salary crisis.

Local reports also showed that the government resorted to borrowing from local banks to cover part of its obligations, in light of declining oil revenues and a shortage of available liquidity, in an economy that relies heavily on crude oil revenues to finance public spending.

Published financial data indicates that government revenues amounted to approximately 35.9 trillion dinars in the first half of 2026, compared to expenditures of approximately 54.7 trillion dinars, reflecting a large funding gap that increased the pressure on the Ministry of Finance.

Al-Zaidi had placed economic reform and building a more robust financial and banking system among the priorities of his government program when he gained confidence, so the liquidity crisis and the regularity of salaries became one of the most prominent tests facing his government during its first months.

Under Article 78 of the Constitution, the Prime Minister has the right to dismiss ministers with the approval of the House of Representatives, which means that any decision to dismiss Al-Sari, if taken, will require parliamentary approval.

https://mustaqila.com/مصادر-علي-الزيدي-يدرس-إقالة-وزير-المال/

Atroushi Calls For A "Legal Revolution" In The Federal Parliament To Overturn The Decisions Of The Previous Regime And Enact The Oil And Gas Law.

Erbil (Kurdistan 24) - Deputy Speaker of the Federal Parliament, Farhad Atrushi, stated on Thursday, August 27, 2026, that the atmosphere within the Federal Parliament has witnessed a marked improvement compared to previous months, stressing the existence of efforts to unify the positions of the Kurdish parties, and emphasizing Iraq’s need for a “legal revolution” to cancel the decisions of the former regime and enact the postponed basic laws.

In statements to Kurdistan24, Atroushi pointed out that Iraq, in addition to the issues of its relationship with the Kurdistan Region, faces internal challenges related to services, salaries, the phenomenon of uncontrolled weapons, and outlaw groups, as well as the complexities of relations with neighboring countries.

The Deputy Speaker of the Federal Parliament explained that the Kurdistan Democratic Party seeks to strengthen its relations with the Shiite political forces in Iraq, indicating that work is underway to coordinate positions between the Kurdish parties in order to pass common points under the dome of Parliament.

Regarding the fuel crisis, Atroushi noted his meeting with the Federal Oil Minister, who responded positively, pointing out the need to hold a meeting with the Federal Prime Minister, Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, to demand the formation of a joint committee between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government to address the gasoline issue.

Regarding sovereign laws, Atroushi criticized the inability of the federal parliament over the past two decades to enact vital laws such as the Oil and Gas Law, the Federal Council Law, and the Federal Court Law, saying: "We need a legal revolution; there are still about 5,000 decisions issued by the (Revolutionary Command Council) of the former regime in effect, and they do not in any way conform to the standards of a federal state."

He added that enacting an oil and gas law is a top priority, given that work is still underway on laws dating back 40 years, at a time when Iraq depends on oil wealth for 90% of its revenues.

Regarding the nature of the relationship between Erbil and Baghdad, Atroushi revealed that relations are going through a very positive phase, stressing that President Barzani, the President of the Region, and the Prime Minister of the Region are showing great support for the new federal government, as it is a real opportunity to rescue Iraq from the current crises.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/ar/story/935507/أتروشي-يدعو-لـ-ثورة-قانونية-بالبرلمان-الاتحادي-لإلغاء-قرارات-النظام-السابق-وتشريع-قانون-النفط-والغاز

The Central Bank suspends banking transactions for 14 individuals and 19 companies

About the news

• The Central Bank of Iraq has decided to suspend dealings with 14 individuals and 19 companies operating in the oil, trade and transportation sectors.

• The decision was made due to suspicions surrounding their dealings.

• The companies named on the list operate in vital and sensitive sectors such as: oil, trade, livestock, manufacturing, transportation, and financial services.

According to an official letter issued by the Central Bank of Iraq on Thursday, August 27, 2026, the letter was addressed to all banks and non-bank financial institutions not to deal in any way with the bank accounts of these individuals and companies.

Reasons related to this procedure

• The action is related to suspicions surrounding their financial transactions, and it has been decided to suspend their accounts pending a thorough and comprehensive investigation into them.

• Central Bank: This measure will continue until further notice.

• All banks were warned that any entity that violates this decision will be subject to legal accountability.

The list of bans and prohibitions included (14) people and (19) commercial and local companies, most notably “Al-Taif Holding Company”, “Jamal Al-Surouh Company”, “Mismar Juha Company for Manufacturing Industries”, and “Al-Masarat Company for Oil Services”, in addition to a number of individuals.

This decision is based on Article 40 of the "Central Bank of Iraq" Law, which grants the bank full powers to supervise and regulate the affairs of banks and their branches, with the aim of protecting the country's financial system and preventing any illegal transactions. https://channel8.com/arabic/news/84537

Central Bank Of Iraq To Monitor Bank Accounts Of Politicians And Officials

At a Glance

• The Central Bank of Iraq issued strict new directives on August 26 targeting the bank accounts of politicians and government officials.

• The regulations are designed to combat systemic corruption and illicit money laundering across national financial institutions.

• Banks are required to flag anomalous wealth, unverified foreign transfers to high-risk zones, and unexplained asset spikes during or after tenure.

• Compliance will be rigorously audited by central inspection teams and factored into institutional evaluations.

In an official directive issued on August 26, the Central Bank of Iraq instructed all commercial banks to enforce enhanced monitoring protocols on politically exposed persons and high-ranking government officials to curb financial crimes.

Key Monitoring Criteria

• Disproportionate Wealth: Flagging sudden inconsistencies between declared monthly salaries or state incomes and total accumulated assets.

• Unusual Transactions: Detecting high-value or irregular transactions executed during or immediately following an official's term in office.

• High-Risk Transfers: Scrutinizing capital movements routed to high-risk foreign countries or jurisdictions lacking clear economic justifications.

• Complex Structures: Identifying the use of third parties, shell companies, or intricate corporate vehicles to conceal ultimate beneficial ownership.

• Family Networks: Monitoring unexplained financial flows involving relatives, close associates, or negative intelligence reports regarding bribery and financial misconduct.

The Central Bank emphasized that all banking branches must immediately implement these guidelines and brief their staff accordingly. Inspection teams will actively evaluate institutional compliance, ensuring that failure to report unverified funds or suspicious asset shifts impacts overall bank performance ratings. FYI

Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) are individuals who have been entrusted with prominent public functions, such as senior politicians, judicial officials, or state executives. Because of their positions and influence, international financial watchdogs classify PEPs as higher-risk targets for money laundering and corruption, necessitating enhanced due diligence by commercial banks. https://channel8.com/english/news/64666

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Saturday Morning 8-29-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

When the Fed Turns Hawkish Again: Higher Rates, U.S. Debt and a New Dollar Test

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh's Jackson Hole message has reopened the possibility of higher U.S. interest rates — creating a new test for the dollar, Treasury market and the sustainability of America's debt burden.

 Overview

• The Federal Reserve is signaling that rate hikes are back on the table if inflation does not move convincingly toward the 2% target.

• Treasury yields moved higher as markets repriced the Fed's path, putting renewed pressure on an already heavily indebted U.S. government.

• The dollar initially strengthened, but the bigger question is whether higher yields ultimately reinforce confidence in U.S. assets or expose deeper concerns about debt sustainability.

Key Developments

1. Warsh puts inflation back at the center of Fed policy

At the Federal Reserve's Jackson Hole symposium, Chair Kevin Warsh delivered his clearest indication yet that additional rate increases may be necessary if inflation fails to make meaningful progress toward the Fed's 2% objective.

Warsh said recent inflation readings have not convinced him that the underlying trend has improved sufficiently. He also emphasized that the economy remains resilient, meaning the Fed may have room to maintain or increase monetary restraint rather than automatically moving toward lower rates.

Markets responded quickly. Reuters reported that the probability of a September rate hike rose from roughly 35% to 60% following Warsh's remarks, while short-term Treasury yields moved sharply higher.

2. The Treasury market is now facing a different rate environment

The immediate market reaction was concentrated at the short end of the Treasury curve, but the implications extend much further.

The 2-year Treasury yield rose to about 4.35%, while the 10-year yield moved to approximately 4.72% after Warsh's speech. The increase reflects a market that is beginning to price a higher probability of restrictive monetary policy lasting longer — or becoming tighter again.

That matters because the United States must continually refinance existing debt while issuing enormous quantities of new debt.

Higher interest rates therefore create a difficult feedback loop:

Higher inflation → tighter Fed policy → higher yields → more expensive government borrowing → greater pressure on the federal budget.

The longer that cycle persists, the more important Treasury yields become to the broader financial system.

3. The dollar gets an initial boost — but the longer-term test is more complicated

Normally, expectations for higher U.S. interest rates are supportive of the dollar because higher yields can attract global capital toward dollar-denominated assets.

That reaction is already visible. The dollar strengthened following Warsh's remarks as markets reassessed the likelihood of additional tightening.

But there is another side to the equation.

Higher yields are good for the dollar only if investors interpret them as evidence of monetary credibility rather than evidence of rising fiscal stress.

That distinction is becoming increasingly important.

If investors believe the Fed is willing to keep rates sufficiently high to restore price stability, the dollar can benefit from higher real returns and renewed confidence in U.S. monetary policy.

If investors instead conclude that Treasury borrowing requirements are becoming the dominant force behind higher yields, the signal becomes more complicated.

Why This Matters

The significance of Warsh's speech extends beyond the September rate decision.

• For years, the global financial system has operated around the assumption that U.S. Treasuries are the foundational safe asset and the dollar is the dominant reserve currency.

• That system depends partly on confidence that the United States can finance its enormous debt while maintaining monetary stability.

• The current environment is testing both sides of that equation.

• The Fed wants sufficiently tight financial conditions to control inflation. The Treasury, meanwhile, must finance a massive fiscal deficit at whatever interest rates the market demands.

• Those objectives can coexist — but they become increasingly difficult to balance as debt service costs rise.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For foreign-currency holders, the important issue is not simply whether the dollar rises or falls on any particular day.

The larger issue is how the world's major currencies respond to a changing U.S. interest-rate and debt environment.

• If higher U.S. rates attract capital back toward dollar assets, the dollar could strengthen against currencies whose central banks remain more accommodative.

• But if persistent U.S. deficits and rising debt-service costs eventually become a greater concern for global investors, currency diversification could become more important.

• That is particularly relevant to the broader movement toward local-currency trade, alternative payment systems and greater reserve diversification.

• The global financial system does not have to abandon the dollar for diversification to matter. Even a gradual shift in the percentage of international trade, reserves and financial transactions conducted outside the dollar can alter the architecture at the margin.

Implications for the Global Financial Reset

• Debt is becoming a monetary-policy variable

The United States cannot separate interest-rate policy from its fiscal position indefinitely. Every additional increase in borrowing costs affects the government's future financing requirements.

That makes the Treasury market increasingly important to the global financial system — not simply as an investment market, but as a measure of confidence in U.S. fiscal and monetary policy.

• The dollar's next test may come from the bond market

A stronger dollar caused by higher Fed rates would reinforce the existing financial system.

But a situation in which higher Treasury yields coexist with questions about U.S. debt sustainability would represent something very different.

That is the financial signal worth watching.

What to Watch Next

The next major signals will come from:

• September's inflation data and employment reports

• The Fed's September 15–16 policy meeting

• The 2-year and 10-year Treasury yields

• Demand at upcoming Treasury auctions

• The dollar's response to higher U.S. yields

• Any evidence that Treasury borrowing costs are beginning to influence fiscal or monetary policy

The most important question is no longer simply “Will the Fed cut rates?”

It is whether the United States can maintain price stability, affordable debt financing and confidence in the dollar at the same time.

Bottom Line

Kevin Warsh has put inflation back at the center of the Federal Reserve's policy debate, and markets are already responding by pricing a greater possibility of higher rates.

That creates a new three-way tension between the Fed, the Treasury and the dollar.

If higher rates restore confidence in U.S. monetary stability, the dollar could benefit. If higher yields increasingly reflect the cost of financing America's debt, the same Treasury market could become a source of pressure on the currency.

The next phase of the global financial reset may therefore be determined not by a single rate decision, but by how the world responds when U.S. monetary tightening collides with America's unprecedented debt burden.

Sources

• Reuters — Rate-hike expectations rise on Warsh speech at Jackson Hole

• Federal Reserve — Chairman Warsh's 2026 Jackson Hole keynote remarks 

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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

Rob Cunningham: What if we’ve been Right about XRP but Measuring the Wrong Clock?

Rob Cunningham: What if we’ve been Right about XRP but Measuring the Wrong Clock?

8-28-2026

XRP ARMY: WHAT IF WE’VE BEEN RIGHT… BUT MEASURING THE WRONG CLOCK?

We all know the headline: XRP settles in ~3–5 seconds.

But settlement speed ≠ economic reuse speed.

That distinction may completely change the XRP calculus.

If XRP simply bridges: ASSET A → XRP → ASSET B

…it may be economically occupied for seconds.

But if XRP is also supporting liquidity across currencies, stablecoins, tokenized securities and other assets, some XRP will remain economically committed for minutes, hours, days or longer.

Same XRP.
Same fast ledger.
Very different capital velocity.

And THAT changes the question.

Stop asking only: “How many times can XRP theoretically settle each day?”

Start asking: “How many times can the economically AVAILABLE XRP actually be reused each day?”

Now XRP utility becomes something closer to:

VALUE × TIME ÷ AVAILABLE XRP

How much value needs XRP? × How long does it need XRP? ÷ How much XRP is actually available for the next job?

That’s the mindset shift.

A 3–5 second settlement network can remain breathtakingly fast while portions of its liquidity become economically occupied for far longer.

And even a relatively small percentage of longer-duration liquidity commitments can dramatically reduce effective XRP reuse.

Which means the future XRP question may not simply be: “How much value can XRP move?”

It may be: “HOW MUCH ECONOMIC CAPACITY MUST EACH AVAILABLE XRP CARRY?”

Don’t accept this because it’s bullish.

Don’t reject it because it’s unfamiliar.

Attack the assumptions. Change the VET/LBO mix. Change occupancy time. Change available supply. Run the math.

Confidence doesn’t come from somebody predicting our favorite XRP price target.

It comes from understanding the machinery deeply enough that you no longer need someone else to tell you what to believe.

Maybe the XRP community hasn’t been wrong.

Maybe we’ve simply been watching one clock… when XRP’s emerging liquidity economy requires us to understand two.

SETTLEMENT measures SPEED.

OCCUPANCY measures SCARCITY.

UTILITY determines the MIX.

PRICE provides CAPACITY.

Same XRP.

Entirely different calculus.

My Full KUWL Analysis: https://robcunningham.substack.com/p/the-next-layer-of-xrp-understanding

Source(s):
• https://x.com/KuwlShow/status/2093102360415387990

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/08/28/rob-cunningham-what-if-weve-been-right-about-xrp-but-measuring-the-wrong-clock/

Dollar's Final Break? “RUSH TO THE EXITS” Could Trigger Global Financial CHAOS | Robert Kientz

Dollar's Final Break? “RUSH TO THE EXITS” Could Trigger Global Financial CHAOS | Robert Kientz

Liberty and Finance:  8-27-2026

The U.S. dollar and Treasury markets could be approaching a critical breaking point as rising debt, persistent inflation, and declining confidence put increasing pressure on the financial system, according to Rob Kientz of the Freedom Report.

Kientz argues that de-dollarization may unfold slowly at first, but could suddenly accelerate when the next recession forces nations to “rush to the exits” and rotate out of dollars and U.S. bonds.

He warns that a bond-market crisis could trigger massive losses across banks, pensions, corporations, and financial markets while capital seeks alternative assets such as gold and silver.

Kientz also explains why the Federal Reserve is trapped between fighting inflation with higher rates and protecting an economy burdened by unprecedented debt, while predicting continued strength in precious metals and significant outperformance from mining stocks.

With gold potentially retesting $5,500 and silver potentially surpassing $100 this year, Kientz sees the beginning of a broader commodity supercycle—and warns investors to prepare for a potentially historic shift in global capital flows.

INTERVIEW TIMELINE:

0:00 Intro

1:10 US debt crisis

15:20 Jackson Hole meeting

24:30 Miners & gold

28:20 Gold confiscation

29:45 Last thoughts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sj0Ro0Ch90

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Friday Afternoon 8-28-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

The Strait of Hormuz Becomes a Financial Negotiation: Oil, Sanctions and the Global Economy

The six-month Iran conflict has reached a potentially important new phase as diplomacy increasingly centers on reopening the Strait of Hormuz — turning a military chokepoint into a negotiating instrument with consequences for oil, inflation, sanctions and the global financial system.

 Overview

• The Strait of Hormuz is becoming much more than a military or energy-security issue.

• It is now a central bargaining point in the broader U.S.-Iran confrontation, with mediators pressing for the restoration of commercial shipping while Iran prepares conditions for reopening the waterway.

• Before the war, roughly 20% of global oil supplies moved through the Strait of Hormuz. Today, shipping remains dramatically below normal levels, even as the United States says it has cleared Iranian mines and oil markets have begun responding to signs that more crude is finding its way through alternative routes and limited traffic.

• That makes Hormuz a direct connection between geopolitics and global finance.

Key Developments

1. Diplomacy is increasingly focused on reopening Hormuz

Qatar and Pakistan are helping mediate efforts to restore freedom of navigation through the strait. Iran says it is preparing a list of conditions for reopening the waterway, while Qatar has emphasized the importance of returning to the pre-war system of open commercial shipping.

The United States continues to insist that Hormuz must remain an open international waterway. Iran, however, has linked reopening to broader demands that have included sanctions relief, an end to the U.S. blockade and compensation.

This creates an important shift.

The reopening of a major global energy artery is now part of the diplomatic price being negotiated to end or de-escalate the conflict.

2. Oil markets are already pricing the possibility of greater flows

Oil prices moved lower today as traders assessed signs that more oil may be moving through the Gulf and that producers are adapting to the disruption.

Reuters reports that oil was on track for a weekly decline, despite the diplomatic stalemate, as the market increasingly focused on the possibility of greater supply and a gradual normalization of Gulf energy flows.

That reaction is important because it demonstrates how quickly financial markets can begin pricing a geopolitical change before a formal agreement exists.

A sustained reopening of Hormuz could reduce the geopolitical premium embedded in crude prices.

A renewed closure or military escalation could reverse that trade just as quickly.

3. Washington's sanctions campaign adds another financial layer

At the same time that diplomacy is focusing on Hormuz, Washington is expanding economic pressure against Iran.

New U.S. sanctions are targeting additional Iranian-linked entities, while the administration is pressuring other countries to reduce commercial ties with Tehran or risk secondary sanctions. Iran's annual inflation has reached 66%, according to Reuters.

This creates a fascinating intersection between physical energy flows and financial flows.

The United States is attempting to restrict Iran's access to international finance at the same time that Iran retains leverage over one of the world's most important energy corridors.

Why It Matters

The Strait of Hormuz illustrates how closely energy security and financial security have become connected.

• If oil remains expensive because shipping is restricted, inflation can remain elevated.

• If inflation remains elevated, central banks may have less room to cut interest rates.

• If interest rates remain higher, government borrowing costs remain elevated.

• And higher borrowing costs place additional pressure on highly indebted governments around the world.

The chain is straightforward:  Hormuz → Oil → Inflation → Interest Rates → Bonds → Currencies → Global Growth

That is why today's diplomatic developments deserve attention far beyond the Middle East.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For foreign-currency holders, the most important issue is how an energy shock affects relative currency strength and purchasing power.

Countries heavily dependent on imported energy can experience significant pressure on their currencies when oil prices rise. Energy exporters can experience the opposite effect as higher commodity revenues strengthen their external balances.

But there is another consideration.

• The Iran conflict is demonstrating that access to international finance and access to physical commodities can be used together as instruments of geopolitical power.

• Sanctions restrict financial channels.

• Control over shipping routes influences physical commodities.

• Together, they create a much broader form of economic pressure.

• That could encourage more countries to diversify their trade relationships, payment mechanisms and reserve assets over time.

Implications for the Global Financial Reset

The Hormuz crisis is becoming another example of why the global financial system may be moving toward greater diversification rather than a simple replacement of the dollar.

The dollar remains central to international finance.

But countries facing sanctions risk or geopolitical uncertainty have greater incentives to develop:

• Local-currency trade

• Alternative payment systems

• Bilateral settlement arrangements

• Larger strategic commodity reserves

• Greater gold holdings

• Alternative energy transportation routes

The financial reset, therefore, may not happen through one dramatic announcement.

It may emerge through thousands of decisions by governments trying to reduce vulnerability to financial, energy and geopolitical chokepoints.

The Bigger Picture

Today's development is particularly important because the Strait of Hormuz is now sitting at the intersection of three negotiations.

• There is a military negotiation over control of the waterway.

• There is a diplomatic negotiation over the conditions required to reopen it.

• And there is a financial negotiation over the consequences of sanctions, oil prices and access to global markets.

The fact that oil prices are already responding to the possibility of greater flows demonstrates how important the strait has become to global markets.

The ultimate outcome remains uncertain.

If Hormuz gradually reopens, oil could lose some of its geopolitical risk premium, easing inflation pressure and potentially giving central banks greater policy flexibility.

If the reopening fails, the opposite could occur: renewed supply concerns could push energy prices higher, complicating the inflation outlook and keeping pressure on bond markets and currencies.

That makes the next phase of the Iran conflict particularly important.

The Strait of Hormuz is no longer simply a passage for oil. It has become a bargaining chip connecting military power, sanctions, energy security and the global financial system.

The next major financial move may come not from Wall Street, but from whether the world's most important energy chokepoint becomes a pathway to de-escalation — or another source of global economic pressure.

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters — Iran war diplomacy turns toward reopening Strait of Hormuz

• Reuters — Oil slides on clues about Fed policy, rumors of Hormuz deal

~~~~~~~~~~

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Thank you Dinar Recaps

Holly Celiano: Crypto, the Great Wealth Transfer, Clarity Act, Updates with Rob Cunningham, August 2026

Holly Celiano: Crypto, the Great Wealth Transfer, Clarity Act, Updates with Rob Cunningham, August 2026

8-28-2026

The global financial landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, moving away from outdated, opaque systems toward a future defined by transparency, security, and efficiency.

In an insightful discussion hosted by Holly Celiano, financial analyst Rob Cunningham dives deep into the structural flaws of traditional monetary systems and explores how modern technology is paving the way for a fairer economic paradigm.

Cunningham’s analysis sheds light on why a systemic overhaul is not only necessary but actively underway, driven by advancements in blockchain technology and digital assets.

To understand the urgency of this financial evolution, Cunningham compares the legacy monetary framework to a broken, contaminated bubble gum machine built on dishonest “weights and measures.”

For generations, centralized financial systems have relied on opacity, allowing intermediaries to control the flow of capital while introducing vulnerabilities such as inflation, counterfeiting, and institutional corruption.

This traditional model often benefits entrenched banking cartels—such as those historically centered in the City of London—at the expense of everyday participants. As trust in these legacy institutions wanes, experts point to the necessity of a system built on verifiable integrity rather than blind faith in intermediaries.

The proposed solution lies in a modernized global monetary architecture powered by transparent stablecoins backed one-to-one by real-world assets, such as gold or secure government securities like US Treasuries.

By anchoring digital tokens to tangible value, this approach bridges the gap between traditional economic stability and the speed of the digital age. Technologies like XRP and the XRP Ledger play a pivotal role in this vision by facilitating trustless, peer-to-peer value transfers. By cutting out unnecessary intermediaries, this immutable and auditable ledger system eliminates points of failure, ensuring that transactions can occur securely 24 hours a day, anywhere in the world.

Transitioning to this new financial frontier requires more than just innovative technology; it demands regulatory clarity and institutional adoption. Cunningham highlights ongoing legislative efforts, such as the Clarity Act, alongside strategic executive orders, as crucial steps toward integrating blockchain technology into the mainstream financial ecosystem.

Despite inevitable resistance from legacy institutions accustomed to controlling monetary policy, the momentum toward digitization is undeniable. Proponents view this monumental shift not merely as a technical upgrade, but as a fundamental movement toward financial sovereignty, where mathematics and immutable principles replace human discretion and deception.

Ultimately, the conversation surrounding the future of money points toward a remarkably optimistic outlook. As the longstanding systemic overhaul approaches implementation, society stands on the brink of a more equitable financial era. By embracing decentralized, transparent, and asset-backed systems, the global economy is moving closer to an era of uncompromised trust and financial inclusion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-y0lKqzPyo

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/08/28/holly-celiano-crypto-the-great-wealth-transfer-clarity-act-updates-with-rob-cunningham-august-2026/

News, Rumors and Opinions Friday 8-28-2026

Reset Intelligence: Denial or Blueprint

8-28-2026

Denial or Blueprint

By Reset Intelligence | @EXIT_FIAT

The Central Bank of Iraq published two documents in one day. The public got a denial. Every bank in Iraq got instructions.

One tells you what the state wants believed. The other tells you what the state is doing.

The Statement

On Wednesday the CBI put out its first formal statement under its own name on the zeros. The first half denies that the bank has printed a new currency with the zeros deleted. The second half describes, in the bank’s own words, how a redenomination would run: legal, regulatory and technical stages, an announcement through official channels, and a transitional period for citizens, banks and institutions to exchange the currency with financial rights preserved in full. Institutions with no project do not publish the project’s procedure.

The Circular Nobody Saw

The same day, the bank’s Banking Supervision Department sent a circular to every licensed bank and financial institution in the country. Subject: due diligence on politically exposed persons. It reaches officials, their families to the second degree, and their associates. The red flags are explicit, and one of them is the whole story in a sentence: wealth that does not match the salary of a government employee.

• 111 trillion dinars – total currency issued by end of June, up from just under 100 trillion at end-2025, with about 92% of it outside the banking system

• Cabinet vote – parliament preparing to vote on the vacant ministries within days, three candidates submitted per seat

• 2027 budget – due at parliament by mid-September, the paper that carries the dinar’s number in law

• September 1 – Iraq’s new export routes go live, revenue moving on lanes that never touch the Strait of Hormuz

What the two documents mean together, the Baghdad ground report neither of them mentions, the Kuwait 1991 and Iraq 2003 precedent, and what decides whose cash survives the crossing – that analysis is in today’s full briefing. This is the short version.

A state tells you what it denies. It shows you what it prepares for.

Read the full daily briefing free for 5 days. Sign up here: resetintelligence.com

Want it straight from the horse’s mouth? The CBI Rate Alert pings you the moment the Central Bank of Iraq moves the official rate. The number itself, not a rumour about it. It comes with the free resource library and the daily breakdown of what is actually moving in Iraq. Sign up free: resetintelligence.com/rate-alert

Got a RV question? Reset Intelligence now runs an on-call research assistant: ask it anything they have published. It answers in seconds and will conduct deep research to find you the answer. Try it: resetintelligence.com/research-assistant

The full design behind it all is in the book: Head of the Snake. The free guides and scenario reports live in the Resource Library.

Follow the daily intel free: Telegram · Facebook · Spotify · Odysee

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/08/27/reset-intelligence-denial-or-blueprint/

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

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

Guy  They're not going to announce that they're going to make an announcement, they're just going to announce it.   Because if they say on Monday that tomorrow we're going to revalue or reinstate our currency, then there's going to be a rush to buy what's available.  They would have to shut down all of the exchanges in the world from selling more dinars.   That's a gargantuan task.  I wouldn't want to try to coordinate that...It's much better just to make the announcement, just to hit everyone by surprise.

Frank26   The CBI, they're not lying.  But they're not telling you the full truth...The CBI is saying they don't have to print any lower notes.  They're telling you the truth.  They don't have to.  They already did...They didn't tell you everything...

Reset Intelligence  The Central Bank of Iraq published two documents on Wednesday. One went to the public: a formal statement... denying that any new currency has been printed. Its companion went to every licensed bank and financial institution in Iraq...It instructs every counter in the country on how to treat the money of politically exposed persons. That means officials, their families out to the second degree, and the associates whose wealth a government salary cannot explain. One release manages what you believe. The other changes what a bank teller in Baghdad is required to do...Underneath it all sits...102 trillion dinars held beyond the reach of any bank, which all of this is built to bring in.

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

Europe’s Economic Collapse Is Accelerating — These Are The REAL Numbers

Lena Petrova:  8-28-2026

00:00 Europe’s New Economic Crisis Is Here

00:36 The Economic Chain Reaction: Energy → Inflation → Recession

00:53 Europe’s Energy Crisis Is Driving Inflation Higher

01:38 European Inflation Rises Above the ECB Target

02:14 ECB Trap: Inflation vs. Economic Growth

02:50 Why High Interest Rates Are Hurting Europe

03:43 Germany’s Industrial Crisis Gets Worse

04:10 China’s “New Shock” Hits German Industry

05:22 Chinese Imports Threaten European Manufacturing

06:29 Why Europe Is Turning to Protectionism

07:14 China Could Retaliate Against European Exports

08:09 Europe’s Economic Crisis Explained

08:52 Europe’s Competitiveness Crisis Is Growing

09:10 Can Europe Remain an Industrial Powerhouse?

09:37 The Irony of Europe’s Protectionist Strategy

10:10 Europe’s Impossible Economic Choice

10:50 What Europe Must Do to Avoid Economic Decline

11:26 What Happens Next for Europe’s Economy?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdiAOSPE8Vw

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Friday Morning 8-28-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

When the Fed and Treasury Pull in Different Directions: U.S. Debt, Inflation and the Next Rate Regime

As Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh prepares to speak at Jackson Hole, markets are watching for clues about interest rates, inflation and the future of U.S. monetary policy — while the Treasury pursues its own strategy to manage long-term borrowing costs.

Overview

The U.S. financial system has reached an important crossroads.

The Federal Reserve is confronting persistent inflation and deciding how restrictive monetary policy needs to remain, while the Treasury is working to manage the government's enormous borrowing needs and long-term financing costs.

Those objectives do not always point in the same direction.

• That tension is coming into sharper focus today as Fed Chair Kevin Warsh delivers his first major Jackson Hole speech. Investors are looking for clues about whether the Fed will emphasize inflation control, provide clearer guidance on future rate decisions, or maintain Warsh's relatively limited approach to forward guidance.

• At the same time, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been pursuing measures intended to influence the long end of the Treasury market, including expanded Treasury buybacks.

The result is a much larger question than whether the Fed cuts rates in September:

Who ultimately determines the price of money — the Federal Reserve, the Treasury market, or the government's growing financing requirements?

Key Developments

1. Warsh's Jackson Hole speech could redefine the Fed's policy message

Markets have been looking for greater clarity from Warsh since he became Fed chair. His decision to provide relatively little forward guidance has contributed to uncertainty over the path of monetary policy.

Today's speech gives him an opportunity to clarify how the Fed intends to respond if inflation remains above its 2% target.

Several Fed officials have supported the possibility of additional rate increases, while investors have been trying to determine whether the central bank will ultimately prioritize inflation control or respond to signs of economic weakness.

The distinction is critical.

If the Fed keeps policy restrictive, government borrowing costs could remain elevated.

If it moves toward lower rates while inflation remains persistent, markets could question whether inflation is being given sufficient priority.

2. The Treasury has a different problem: the cost of financing $40 trillion of debt

The United States has now crossed the $40 trillion public-debt threshold, dramatically increasing the importance of interest rates to federal finances.

Treasury Secretary Bessent has been pursuing a strategy that includes larger buybacks of longer-dated Treasury securities, designed in part to improve market liquidity and potentially reduce pressure at the long end of the yield curve. Treasury has said its first expanded bond buyback is scheduled for September 10.

That creates an unusual policy dynamic.

The Treasury wants to manage its financing costs and maintain orderly demand for government debt.

The Fed, meanwhile, must remain focused on inflation and monetary conditions.

Those goals can overlap — but they can also conflict.

3. The bond market is becoming the referee

This may ultimately be the most important part of the story.

Even if policymakers want lower borrowing costs, investors still determine the yields at which Treasury securities are ultimately financed.

Reuters has noted that long-term Treasury yields have come under pressure amid uncertainty over Fed policy, while the Treasury's efforts to influence the long end of the curve have added another layer to the market's debate.

That means the bond market is increasingly acting as a constraint on both fiscal and monetary policy.

If investors demand higher yields because of inflation, debt supply or concerns about fiscal sustainability, policymakers cannot simply declare borrowing costs lower.

The market has to agree.

Why It Matters

The U.S. financial system has historically relied on a relatively clear division of responsibilities:

The Fed controls monetary policy. The Treasury manages government financing. The bond market prices the risk.

That division becomes more complicated when the government carries enormous debt and changes in interest rates have increasingly significant consequences for federal finances.

• Higher rates help the Fed fight inflation, but they also increase the government's interest expense.

• Lower rates can reduce financing costs, but if inflation remains elevated,they can weaken confidence in the Fed's commitment to price stability.

This creates a difficult balancing act.

The larger the debt becomes, the more important the relationship between monetary policy and the Treasury market becomes.

Why This Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For foreign-currency holders, this is particularly important because U.S. interest rates remain one of the most powerful forces influencing global currencies and capital flows.

Normally, higher U.S. yields can make dollar-denominated assets more attractive and support the dollar.

But that relationship becomes less straightforward if yields rise because investors are demanding compensation for inflation, debt and fiscal risk.

The distinction is crucial.

A higher yield generated by strong economic growth is very different from a higher yield generated by concerns about the government's ability to finance its obligations.

If markets increasingly view Treasury yields through the second lens, the traditional relationship between higher yields and a stronger dollar could become less reliable.

That would be a significant development for the international monetary system.

Implications for the Global Financial Reset

The emerging tension between the Fed, Treasury and bond market is another indication that the next phase of the global financial system may be shaped as much by sovereign debt as by currencies themselves.

The United States does not need to lose its reserve-currency position for the financial system to change.

Instead, the transition could occur gradually as governments and investors respond to:

• Record sovereign debt

• Higher long-term borrowing costs

• Persistent inflation

• Central-bank policy uncertainty

• Greater use of gold as a reserve asset

• Expansion of local-currency trade

• Alternative cross-border payment systems

The critical question is whether the dollar's strength continues to rest primarily on the size and liquidity of U.S. financial markets — or whether the growing U.S. debt burden eventually becomes a larger consideration in how global investors allocate reserves.

The Bigger Picture

Today's Jackson Hole speech is important because it comes at the intersection of three powerful forces: inflation, government debt and monetary policy.

The Fed wants to preserve price stability.

The Treasury wants to manage an enormous financing requirement.

And the bond market wants to be compensated for the risks it sees.

Those three forces do not always move together.

The outcome could determine much more than the next interest-rate decision.

It could influence Treasury yields, the dollar, gold, global capital flows and the willingness of foreign investors to continue absorbing U.S. government debt at current prices.

The deeper story is therefore not simply whether the Fed cuts or raises rates.

It is whether the United States can maintain monetary credibility while simultaneously managing an unprecedented debt burden and a bond market that is demanding a larger voice in the price of money.

The next phase of the global financial reset may be shaped by the answer to one question: Can monetary policy, fiscal policy and the bond market remain aligned when the cost of U.S. debt becomes too large to ignore?

This is not simply a Fed story — it is a story about who ultimately sets the price of money in a highly indebted global financial system.

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters — Will Warsh's Jackson Hole speech be a course correction or detour?

• Reuters — Treasury to stick to debt auction schedule despite bigger buybacks, Bessent says

~~~~~~~~~~

🌱 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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Seeds of Wisdom Team™Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Friday Morning 8-28-26

CBI Deposits Slide 5.6% In H1 2026

2026-08-27 Shafaq News- BaghdadIraq’s total bank deposits fell by 6.19 trillion Iraqi dinars ($4.03B) in the first half of 2026, extending a decline that has taken deposits to their lowest level in recent years, Central Bank (CBI) data showed on Thursday.

Total deposits stood at 104.875 trillion Iraqi dinars ($68.30B) at the end of June, down 5.6% from 111.065 trillion dinars ($72.33B) at the end of 2025.

The decline followed a broader downward trend. Total deposits stood at 123.327 trillion dinars ($80.32B) at the end of 2024 and 133.499 trillion dinars ($86.94B) at the end of 2023.

Private-sector deposits made up the largest share at 49.964 trillion dinars ($32.54B) at the end of June 2026. Central government deposits reached 31.426 trillion dinars ($20.47B), while public institutions held 23.485 trillion dinars ($15.29B).

Cash credit contracted by 4.073 trillion dinars ($2.65B), falling 5.4% to 71.511 trillion dinars ($46.57B) at the end of June from 75.584 trillion dinars ($49.22B) at the end of 2025.

Credit extended to the private sector totaled 46.687 trillion dinars ($30.41B), while lending to the central government reached 22.419 trillion dinars ($14.60B). Public institutions received 2.405 trillion dinars ($1.57B) in credit.

Read more: Iraq’s private banks: Capital Growth and the structural credit gap

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/CBI-deposits-slide-5-6-in-H1-2026

Iran Reports Continued Oil Sales Despite US Blockade

2026-08-27 Shafaq News- Tehran/ Doha   Iran continues to sell and deliver oil despite the US naval blockade, Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad told reporters on Thursday, acknowledging that sales had declined while deliveries continue in international waters beyond Iran’s territorial limits.

He declined to disclose operational details, saying the information “could be used by [Iran’s] adversaries.”

Kpler estimates that Iranian crude shipments to China, Tehran’s largest oil buyer, fell to about 534,000 barrels per day in August from 823,000 bpd in July, compared with an average of 1.4 million bpd in 2025.

Earlier today, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces had redirected 75 commercial vessels, disabled three, and boarded two during the current enforcement phase of the naval blockade on Iran. Washington has also expanded sanctions targeting Iranian oil revenues, shipping, financial networks, and companies “helping Tehran maintain external trade.”

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani that the US economic blockade would fail and called on Washington to fulfill commitments Tehran says were included in the June ceasefire memorandum, including lifting the blockade and oil sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian assets and ending military operations on all fronts.

Talks between the two sides also focused on a proposed temporary Iran-Oman shipping corridor and a joint mine-clearing project in the Strait of Hormuz, where Kpler data showed 10 visible commodity-vessel transits on Wednesday, below the 10-day moving average of 15. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iran-reports-continued-oil-sales-despite-US-blockade

Oil Prices Ease After Two Weeks Of Gains

2026-08-28 Shafaq News   Oil prices fell on Friday and are on track to snap a two-week winning streak, despite settling ​higher in the previous session following a report that U.S. ‌President Donald Trump is not interested in returning to previous deal terms with Iran.

Brent crude futures were down 25 cents, or 0.3%, to $89.45 a ​barrel by 0035 GMT. West Texas Intermediate crude futures ​fell 22 cents, also 0.3%, to $83.31.

Both benchmarks were ⁠poised to end the week lower, with Brent down 5.3% ​and WTI falling 4.3%.

Citing people familiar with the matter, the ​Wall Street Journal report said the Trump administration has repeatedly told mediators it has no interest in reviving the June memorandum of understanding, ​complicating diplomatic efforts to restart talks.

Earlier on Thursday, Washington ​said it was not in talks with Iran despite diplomatic efforts by other ‌countries ⁠to re-engage the two sides.

On Monday, the U.S. announced what it called the "toughest sanctions in history" on Iran. Tehran said the sanctions were an "inhumane and hostile act" that had lost ​their effectiveness.

Elsewhere, geopolitical ​tensions escalated ⁠after Moscow warned it could strike British military targets inside and outside Ukraine in response to ​Kyiv's attacks on Russian territory using British-supplied long-range ​cruise ⁠missiles.

Trump, however, said Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attack a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) country, and he downplayed media reports that ⁠CIA ​Director John Ratcliffe this week had ​warned Russian officials against such an attack. Britain is one of the founding ​members of NATO.  (REUTERS)

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Oil-prices-ease-after-two-weeks-of-gains

Gold Slips Ahead Of Fed Chair’s Jackson Hole Speech

2026-08-28 Shafaq News  Gold slipped on Friday as market participants awaited ​closely watched remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh at the Jackson ‌Hole symposium.

Spot gold fell 0.5% to $4,580.19 per ounce by 0438 GMT. It touched a more than three-month high of $4,696.18 on Tuesday, following the U.S. Treasury's announcement of support measures for long-duration bonds.

U.S. ​gold futures eased 0.7% to $4,632.40.

The case for Warsh to lean hawkish is ​greater than the case for him not to, and that could see ⁠gold retreat further from its cycle highs in the near term, said Matt ​Simpson, a senior analyst at StoneX.

"But I suspect any such dip will be viewed favourably ​by bulls who missed out on the first phase of the rally - and are keen to have another crack at $5,000," he said.

Fed officials shared their concerns about the U.S. inflation landscape on Thursday, ​as central bankers gathered in Jackson Hole. Their comments came a day after data ​showed that the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index, the Fed's main inflation gauge, stood at 3.7% in ‌the ⁠12 months through July.

Fed Chair Warsh is scheduled to speak later in the day.

Traders see a 33.7% chance of a U.S. rate hike in September and a 74.2% chance by December, according to the CME FedWatch tool.

Despite its role as an inflation hedge, gold ​tends to lose ​appeal in a high ⁠interest rate environment as it offers no yield.

Gold remains supported by improving participation in exchange-traded funds and futures, along with concerns ​over U.S. fiscal credibility and continued official-sector buying, though risks ​of a ⁠consolidation persist, OCBC precious metals strategist Christopher Wong said in a note.

"We remain constructive (on silver), though a cleaner extension higher likely requires renewed weakness in yields, U.S. dollar and a ⁠decisive ​break above the $70.60-$72 resistance area," he said.

Spot silver fell ​0.6% to $68.85 per ounce and palladium declined 0.2% to $1,349.44. Platinum was down 0.3% at $1,840.78, on track for ​a weekly loss.   (REUTERS)

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-slips-ahead-of-Fed-Chair-s-Jackson-Hole-speech

Friday Iraq News Posted by Tishwash at TNT 8-28-2026

TNT:

Tishwash:  Voting on 9 ministries next week... Will the deadlock over the security ministries be resolved?

MP Mohammed Hadi revealed on Thursday that the Parliament is expected to vote on nine ministerial posts next week, noting that some minor disagreements remain regarding several ministries, particularly the security ministries.

Hadi told the Information Agency, "The Parliament will vote next week on nine ministries as part of the process of completing the cabinet," adding that "political negotiations are ongoing to resolve the remaining differences."

He further stated that "the existing disagreements regarding some ministries, including the security ministries, are still minor and can be overcome through dialogue and understanding among the political forces," emphasizing that there is a move to finalize the process and not leave the ministries vacant for an extended period.

He pointed out that "completing the cabinet is essential for the government to proceed with its work and implement its program, especially given the issues and challenges that require qualified ministers at the helm of the relevant ministries," adding that "the anticipated vote will be an important step towards finalizing the government formation process."   link

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

Tishwash: The Popular Mobilization Forces call for celebrations to mark the withdrawal of US forces at the end of next month.

The media director of the Popular Mobilization Forces, Muhannad al-Aqabi, called on Thursday for celebrations of the withdrawal of US forces at the end of the month, considering it a "great achievement" for the government, while noting the continuation of disengagement procedures, especially with Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Saraya al-Sham.

Al-Aqabi said during a press conference, which was attended by a correspondent from Shafaq News Agency, that "the government has accomplished a great feat in achieving Iraqi Sovereignty Day on September 30," adding, "The withdrawal of American forces should be celebrated at the end of September."

He added that the Popular Mobilization Forces continue to perform their duties, noting the implementation of several activities in the Karbala and Najaf deserts, which included dismantling remnants of the "ISIS" organization in the Makhoul Mountains.

Al-Aqabi stressed that the Popular Mobilization Forces are performing their duties "to the fullest extent".

Regarding the disengagement procedures, Al-Aqabi said that they are still ongoing, "especially with Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq and Saraya al-Sham."

This comes as part of a process launched by the Iraqi government to restrict weapons to the state and end the connection of armed formations with political parties and entities, after Muqtada al-Sadr announced the disassociation of the “Peace Brigades” from the Shiite national movement and their integration into state institutions, before “Asaib Ahl al-Haq” and “Kataib al-Imam Ali” announced similar steps that included forming committees to inventory individuals, weapons and vehicles and regulate their connection with official institutions.

The file still faces reservations from other factions, most notably Kataib Hezbollah, which refuses to hand over its weapons under American pressure.  link

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

Tishwash:  American newspaper: The economic battle between Washington and Tehran has moved to Baghdad

 The American newspaper, The Christian Science Monitor, announced today, Thursday (August 27, 2026), that the economic battle between the United States and Iran has effectively moved to Iraq after the UAE halted all its economic dealings with Iran.

The newspaper, as translated by (Baghdad Today), said that the UAE’s suspension of its financial dealings with Iran as a result of the recent US sanctions “has moved the economic battle between the United States and Iran to Iraq,” as it described it.

She continued, "Iraq now represents the only remaining economic lifeline for Iran, as the United States has detected entities within Iraq 'converting millions of dollars into digital currency in preparation for transferring it to Iran,' stressing that Washington will have to deal with the money smuggling network from within Iraq to Iran in order to fully impose its economic blockade on Tehran."

The newspaper concluded its report by noting that the United States is aware that economic sanctions it might impose on Iraq to try to curb the influence of Iranian-affiliated economic networks within Iraq "will not achieve the desired result given the reluctance of Iraqis to use the banking system," as it described it  link

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

Tishwash:  How will the decline in foreign currency reserves affect the financial and economic situation in Iraq?

The US-Iran war and the repercussions of closing the Strait of Hormuz caused a decline in Iraq’s cash reserves, which decreased by about 30% due to the decline in Iraqi financial revenues after most oil exports stopped .

The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Nizar Nasser, announced that Iraq’s cash reserves have decreased by about 30 billion US dollars as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the economic consequences of the US-Iranian war .

Nasser said during a meeting with the parliamentary finance committee: “Iraq’s cash reserves at the Central Bank have decreased since the beginning of this year from $109 billion to only about $77.5 billion, a loss of $31.5 billion.” He pointed out that “most of the reserves that were spent were directed towards paying employee salaries.”

The decline in cash reserves has raised concerns among broad segments of Iraqis, especially employees, who fear that their salaries and financial entitlements will be affected by this decline .

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Mahmoud Al-Shammari warned of a severe financial crisis that the country may face as a result of the decline in the level of Iraqi cash reserves .

Al-Shammari said in a press statement followed by “Al-Sa’a”: “The decrease in the percentage of cash reserves will have dire economic consequences for the country’s economy,” indicating that “the continuation of current economic policies without real solutions may increase the financial pressures facing the state.”

He pointed out that "the heavy reliance on oil has made the Iraqi economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global markets and crude oil prices," stressing "the need for the state to diversify the sources of the economy and not rely on oil as the main source of revenues ."

Economists are divided on the impact of the decline in Iraq’s monetary reserves on the overall financial and economic situation in the country. Some believe that this decline is normal and will not affect the financial situation, while others see it as a dangerous precedent, as it will severely deplete the monetary cover structure .

Financial and banking expert Mustafa Hantoush confirmed that the current state of cash reserves at the Central Bank of Iraq does not raise major concerns, despite the difficult conditions Iraq is facing due to declining financial revenues .

Hantoush told Al-Sa’a Network: “The Iraqi cash reserve was around $95 billion at the start of the crisis and war in the region, but it has declined to $79 billion at the present time,” explaining that “this decline is due to the Iraqi Central Bank adopting the coverage of financial transfers related to foreign trade on the one hand, and securing the salaries of employees that are provided to the government in the form of debt on the other hand .”

Hantoush pointed out that "this decline in reserves in itself does not pose a threat to the financial and economic situation, despite the seriousness of the general conditions resulting from the decline in oil exports and the decline in financial revenues," noting that "the current financial policy is good and is proceeding correctly in overcoming the crisis that the country is facing economically ."

Economic expert Abdul Rahman Al-Mashhadani asserts that the decline or rise of monetary reserves is unrelated to the strength of countries' economies, noting that the decline in Iraqi reserves does not mean entering a major financial crisis or the collapse of the value of the local currency .

Al-Mashhadani told Al-Sa’a Network: “The decline in the Iraqi Central Bank’s reserves is normal and has been expected for some time, due to the Central Bank’s commitment to financing the private sector’s foreign imports, which range between 4-5 billion dollars per month .”

He added that "this decline is expected because the Central Bank of Iraq receives small amounts of dollars, perhaps no more than one billion dollars per month, due to the decline in financial revenues," noting that "there is a deficit between what the Central Bank provides in amounts to cover foreign trade and what it receives in revenues, and this deficit is estimated at 3 billion dollars per month, and therefore it is natural for reserves to decrease from 98 billion dollars to 78 billion dollars during the past five months ."

Al-Mashhadani predicted "the continued decline in cash reserves as long as the current crisis continues and financial revenues decline, and as long as the Central Bank finances foreign trade, which is important to continue considering that the Iraqi market depends on imports from abroad by 80% ."

Al-Mashhadani praised the performance of the Central Bank of Iraq in dealing with the current crisis, stressing that the current situation and the decline in reserves does not mean entering into a serious financial and economic crisis, and that this decline will not affect the economic strength or the value of the Iraqi currency. He explained that the main objective of the Central Bank's reserves is to address the imbalance in the balance of payments related to foreign trade, defend the exchange rate, and achieve economic stability .

Al-Mashhadani noted that “the problem that caused the decline in the cash reserve is not limited to financing salaries or covering foreign trade, but includes Iraq’s almost complete dependence on imports to secure its needs, and its lack of dependence on Iraqi industrial or agricultural products, which it is forced to import, and thus pay sums of money from the reserve to secure them,” pointing out that “the difference in this area between Iraq and Iran, which is facing a siege and sanctions, but at the same time depends by 90% on its agricultural and industrial products, unlike Iraq, which depends on it by importing from abroad .”

On the other hand, economic analyst Omar Al-Halbousi believes that the decline in cash reserves indicates a serious financial and monetary situation, especially since it did not come suddenly, but rather as a result of the accumulation of major economic problems, including the disruption of productive sectors such as agriculture and industry, and the dependence on oil, whose export outlets have not been diversified by successive governments .

Al-Halbousi told Al-Sa’a Network: “The 30% decline in the cash reserve indicates a severe structural depletion of the cash cover and confirms the existence of an imbalance between oil revenues and government spending.” He explained that “this imbalance is due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which led to a decline in oil imports, prompting the government to increase financial withdrawals to finance operational expenses and salaries, which led to the depletion of the cash reserve .”

He noted that “many specialists confirmed two years ago that Iraq would reach a stage of erosion of its cash reserves due to the flawed structural framework of the economy and the lack of diversification of economic sources in an environment witnessing influential conflicts that put rentier states in a predicament that pushes them towards eroding their reserves and entering a dangerous tunnel of collapse .”

Al-Halbousi continued: “The decline poses a serious and direct threat to economic and financial stability and weakens the country’s ability to cope with external shocks, in addition to the negative impact and limitation of the Central Bank’s ability to intervene to maintain monetary balance .”

He explained that "this decline puts pressure on the value of the Iraqi dinar against the dollar. When the size of the cash reserve decreases, the Central Bank's ability to inject sufficient dollar liquidity to control supply and demand weakens. This opens the door to widening the gap between the official price and the parallel price, which exacerbates the crisis and creates sharp upward pressures that push towards reducing the value of the dinar to avoid depleting what remains of the cash reserves, which will be followed by a wave of inflation that affects the purchasing power of citizens ."

Data from the Central Bank of Iraq showed that Iraq’s foreign reserves fell to $86 billion at the end of last June, a decrease of $11 billion, or 11.6%, compared to the end of 2025, when they stood at $97.432 billion .

According to the data, foreign reserves declined during the first months of 2026, after rising to $101.082 billion in January, then rising to $102.131 billion in February, then declining to $100.341 billion in March, then $97.809 billion in April, $93.673 billion in May, reaching $86.175 billion at the end of June .

This decline was also reflected in the value of foreign reserves in Iraqi dinars, as they decreased from 126.661 trillion dinars at the end of 2025 to 112.027 trillion dinars at the end of June 2026, a decrease of 14.634 trillion dinars, or 11.6 %.

Regarding gold, the data showed a decrease in its value from 31.488 trillion dinars at the end of 2025 to 29.415 trillion dinars at the end of June 2026, a decrease of 2.073 trillion dinars, or 6.6 %.

Investments within reserves also declined from 93.266 trillion dinars at the end of 2025 to 81.998 trillion dinars at the end of June 2026, a decrease of 11.268 trillion dinars, or 12.1 %.

As for the cash reserves in the vaults of the Central Bank of Iraq, they decreased from 1.907 trillion dinars at the end of 2025 to 614 billion dinars at the end of June 2026, a decrease of 1.293 trillion dinars, or about 67.8  link

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Thursday Evening 8-27-26

Al-Zaydi And Al-Hakim Discuss Completing The Government Formation And Unifying Positions To Support Reform And Development - 8/27/2026

Baghdad - One News - 8/27/2026   Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi met on Thursday with Ammar al-Hakim, head of the National Wisdom Movement, to discuss developments in the country and the challenges facing Iraq at the present time. Both sides stressed the importance of unifying positions among political forces and completing the formation of the government.  

The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated that Al-Zaydi received Al-Hakim, and during the meeting they discussed the overall political situation and current challenges, and ways to enhance cooperation between national forces in a way that supports stability.  

Both sides stressed the need to unify positions and coordinate between the various political forces, in order to consolidate stability and move forward with reform and development.  

The meeting also witnessed an emphasis on the importance of unifying visions and positions on key issues, and agreeing on completing the government formation, in order to enable the government to implement its program and development plans.  

The meeting stressed that completing the cabinet is a crucial step to enhance the government's ability to implement its priorities and fulfill citizens' aspirations.   https://1news-iq.net/الزيدي-والحكيم-يبحثان-استكمال-التشكي/

Expected US Sanctions On Iraqi Companies And Banks For Dealing With Iran

US sanctions are looming over Iraq... Banks and companies are on the list!

August 27, 2026Last updated: August 27, 2026   The Independent - In the coming days, attention will turn to new American moves that may target Iraqi companies, individuals, and financial institutions, against the backdrop of dealings linked to Iran, at a time when Washington is escalating its economic campaign to isolate Tehran from the global financial system.

According to recent reports, the US administration has warned countries and companies that continue to do business with Iran that they could face secondary sanctions, including the risk of losing access to the US financial system. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bisnett confirmed that Washington is moving to expand pressure on Iran's trading partners, including Iraq.

Why is Iraq in danger?

Iraq is considered one of the most sensitive countries to these measures due to the size of its economic relations with Iran, as the volume of trade between the two countries exceeded $10 billion during 2025, while Iraq pays billions of dollars annually for Iranian energy imports.

Concerns are growing for the banking sector, especially since the United States has already imposed sanctions on Iraqi banks for transactions linked to Iran, while Washington continues to monitor the movement of dollars and Iraqi financial transfers.

Who might be targeted by the sanctions?

If Washington moves from the warning phase to implementation, the focus may be on:

• Companies or businessmen who are proven to have direct dealings with Iranian entities subject to sanctions.

• Banks or financial institutions that facilitate transfers to sanctioned Iranian entities.

• Companies linked to the oil trade or Iranian oil smuggling operations under Iraqi cover.

• Shipping and transport companies are used to conceal the source of goods or money.

• Individuals suspected of involvement in money laundering networks or sanctions evasion.

This is not a new scenario; the US Treasury has previously targeted networks operating from Iraq in smuggling Iranian oil and imposed sanctions on companies and individuals it said helped Tehran circumvent sanctions.

The biggest danger: the dollar

Iraqi concerns are not only about the sanctions on specific individuals, but also about their repercussions on the ability of banks and companies to access the international financial system.

Iraq is heavily dependent on the US financial system for managing a key portion of its oil revenues and foreign reserves, so the inclusion of an Iraqi bank or company on sanctions lists could lead to difficulties in conducting dollar transfers, higher trade costs, and stricter banking audit procedures.

Reuters notes that more than $100 billion of Iraq’s reserves are in the United States, making Baghdad extremely sensitive to any US financial escalation.

Will Baghdad be punished in its entirety?

So far, there is no confirmed information about the issuance of a new American list of specific Iraqi names in the coming days, and therefore a distinction must be made between American warnings and expectations and the sanctions that have actually been issued.

However, current indicators suggest that Washington wants to put pressure on networks dealing with Iran without necessarily resorting to measures that would lead to the collapse of the Iraqi financial sector or completely disrupt the Iraqi economy.

On August 24, the US Treasury launched Operation Economic Outcast to tighten the economic noose around Iran and its networks, targeting dozens of entities, individuals and ships, and warning that those who help Iran could face US action.

What does this mean for the Iraqi market?

If the sanctions are expanded to include Iraqi institutions or companies, several consequences may arise:

First: Tightening control over foreign transfers and dollar purchases.

Second: Increased risks of dealing with companies and individuals linked to Iran.

Third: The possibility of increased demand for the dollar in the parallel market if concerns about banking restrictions increase.

Fourth: The high cost of imports and financial transfers for some traders.

Fifth: Increase pressure on the government and the central bank to prove Iraq’s commitment to anti-money laundering and sanctions financing rules. https://mustaqila.com/عقوبات-أمريكية-مرتقبة-على-شركات-ومصار/

 Al-Fariji: Iraq Is Facing A Liquidity Crisis, And The Proposed Solutions Are “Emergency” Measures

Information/Baghdad...  Crisis management expert Ali al-Fariji explained on Thursday that Iraq is facing a genuine liquidity crisis following the recent events in the region, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. He added that the solutions currently being proposed are merely stopgap measures.

Al-Fariji told Al-Maalouma, "The delay in paying state employees' salaries should not be viewed as simply an administrative delay in funding procedures, because the problem is much deeper. Iraq is facing a real liquidity crisis directly linked to the decline in oil revenues, especially after the repercussions of the Strait of Hormuz crisis and the decrease in the amount of oil that Iraq can export and convert into cash revenues."

He added, "The government is not without solutions, but the problem is that most of the solutions currently being proposed are stopgap measures.

Salaries can be secured through liquidity management, reprioritizing spending, making limited and carefully considered use of domestic borrowing, and postponing some unnecessary expenditures. However, these measures only address the current month's problem and do not address the root cause if the decline in oil revenues continues."

He explained that "the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has caused a significant decrease in oil exports and cash revenues since March. In some months, oil revenues have fallen to approximately $2-2.5 billion per month, compared to levels exceeding $6 billion under normal circumstances.

This means that Iraq has lost billions of dollars monthly in cash flow, and with the continuation of the crisis, the accumulated losses have reached tens of billions compared to normal export levels."

He pointed out that "the salary crisis is a consequence, not the root cause of the problem, and a quick solution is possible. The government can, within a week, put in place an emergency liquidity plan that guarantees salaries and basic services, halts or postpones unnecessary spending, and reorders government obligations according to priority.

However, within a month, we must move from managing the crisis to addressing its source by increasing the quantities of oil that can be exported through outlets and routes that do not depend on the Strait of Hormuz, and expediting export alternatives, in parallel with concrete measures to increase non-oil revenues." End 25N

https://almaalomah-me.translate.goog/news/142413/economy/الفريجي:-العراق-يواجه-ازمة-سيولة-والحلول-المطروحة-اسعافية?_x_tr_sl=ar&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc

Al-Zaydi Before The Integrity Committee: Corruption Is The Most Serious Threat Facing The State, And We Are Waging A Fierce Battle To Dry Up Its Sources - 8/27/2026

Baghdad - One News - 8/27/2026   Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi affirmed on Thursday that corruption represents the most serious threat facing the state at the present stage, stressing that the government is waging a “fierce battle” to combat it and dry up its sources, while calling for a review of government contracts and an audit of project costs to reduce waste and protect public funds.  

This came during Al-Zaydi’s reception of the head of the Parliamentary Integrity Committee, Taha Hatif Al-Difai, and members of the committee, where the meeting discussed strengthening cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities in the files of combating corruption and prosecuting those involved in it.  

Al-Zaydi said that the state is based on two fundamental pillars: law and integrity, stressing the need to unify the efforts of state institutions and enhance coordination between them to confront corruption and prevent the depletion of public funds.  

He pointed out that one of the most prominent avenues for corruption is the exaggeration of project costs, explaining that the government is working on adopting pre- and post-audit of government contracts, according to the principle of “prevention is better than cure,” with the aim of uncovering cost exaggerations before they turn into actual waste of public money.  

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of the oversight role played by the Parliamentary Integrity Committee in following up on corruption cases and supporting government measures aimed at reducing its manifestations and addressing its causes.  

For their part, the chairman and members of the Parliamentary Integrity Committee affirmed their support for efforts to combat corruption and prosecute corrupt individuals, stressing the importance of passing the Internal Control Authority Law, the first reading of which has been completed in the House of Representatives.  

The committee members called for a review of previous government contracts suspected of corruption or involving inflated costs, as well as for ministries and state institutions to expedite their response to the committee's requests and provide it with the necessary documents and information regarding priority contracts and files.  

https://1news-iq.net/الزيدي-أمام-لجنة-النزاهة-الفساد-أخطر-م/

Pot, Meet Kettle: China Is Lecturing America About Debt

Pot, Meet Kettle: China Is Lecturing America About Debt

Notes From the Field By James Hickmasn (Simon Black / Sovereign Man)  August 27, 2026

Several days ago, just as America’s national debt topped $40 trillion for the first time, China's official propaganda outlets took the opportunity to mock the United States over this ominous milestone.

Xinhua is the Chinese government's official news agency, and they published a scathing commentary comparing the US national debt to Frankenstein and his monster. They noted both were "destroyed by the forces they had set in motion," and that America "risks a similar end."

Another Xinhua social media account mocked the US government for borrowing new debt to pay back old debt, joking, "sounds like a perfect plan."

And a different Xinhua piece warned that US Treasuries were transforming from a rock-solid “risk-free” safe haven asset into a source of volatility.

Xinhua’s comments are not wrong. $40 trillion an insane amount of debt, and if you include state and local debt across the United States— New York, California, Chicago, etc., the total gross debt grows to $44 trillion.

The worst part is that few politicians are serious about cutting the debt, or even slowing down the borrowing. Congress can't even cut hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of obvious fraud.

But the criticism is pretty rich coming from the Chinese Communist Party.

America's federal debt is roughly 125% of GDP. Even including state and local debt it’s 135% of GDP.

But China's is 107% of GDP— so it’s not like the CCP is some paragon of spending restraint! And that 107% number is just what they publicly acknowledge.

Here's one example of an accounting trick China uses to keep its full debt off the books.

For decades, Chinese cities weren't allowed to borrow directly. So as an alternative they set up government-owned companies to do the borrowing for them.

These government-owned companies built the subways, the industrial parks, and the apartment towers, but the debt sat on the companies' books instead of the government's.

In November 2024 China's government finally admitted to trillions of dollars worth of this hidden debt. And they announced a five-year plan to move it onto their official balance sheet.

America's debt has been growing steadily: a horribly grotesque, absurdly wasteful $2 trillion per year since 2020. But China's debt takes a quantum leap every time the CCP tells a little more truth.

And by the IMF's count, China's real government debt comes to 135% of GDP this year... dead even with America's.

But Chinese debt pulls way ahead of the US when you factor in actual private debt held by companies and citizens.

Chinese corporate debt, for example, sits at 143% of GDP. US company debt is about HALF of that level. And let’s not forget that the biggest Chinese borrowers are state-owned enterprises where the politicians are ultimately in charge. So I’m suuuuure those company audits are totally above board...

The real question is HOW is this money going to be paid back. And by WHOM?

In January, China's statistics bureau reported that just 7.9 million babies were born in 2025, down from 9.5 million the year before... and the fewest in modern China's history. China’s fertility rate is 0.96, not even half of what it takes to keep a population steady. And China’s population shrank for the fourth year in a row.

America's debt will land on the next generation, which is bad. But at least America HAS a next generation.

Decades of the idiotic one-child policy left China with families with (hopefully) one worker supporting two parents and four grandparents. That same worker will now inherit his share of China’s debt at 135%+ of GDP.

America's fiscal challenges are immense. But they can be solved with common sense solutions— eliminating obvious fraud, making government more efficient, scaling back regulations that hamstring small business growth, reforming the immigration system, reforming Social Security.

China, on the other hand, needs a time machine to solve its problems. And since no such time machine exists, they just cook the books.

Seriously. A shrinking population is deadly for a nation’s economy. China can’t go back in time to reverse its one-child policy. And they can’t fix it with immigration either— because few people want to move to China!

This is why so many Chinese companies are developing robotics— it’s an absolute necessity there. But even this comes with a major social cost, i.e. higher unemployment.

And China cooks the books on those numbers as well.

When youth unemployment hit 21.3% in June 2023, the bureau suddenly decided that its methods of calculating unemployment needed immediate changes.

Plus any criticism or complaining leads to imprisonment... or worse.

In October 2020, Jack Ma, Alibaba's founder and then the richest man in China, gave a speech in Shanghai saying China's banks ran on a "pawnshop mentality" and its regulators were out of date.

Two weeks later the Chinese government killed his payments company's stock listing, which would have been the biggest in history, and Ma disappeared for three months.

This method of control is why no one can really trust anything from the Chinese government.

That includes their attitude that they will some day rule the world.

When President Trump visited Beijing earlier this year, Xi Jinping asked whether China and the United States could "overcome the so-called Thucydides Trap," the theory that a rising power and the one it threatens end up at war.

China's government has spent years telling anyone who'll listen that America is finished and China's time has come.

America does have challenges. And there is still some time left to get its house in order to avoid serious consequences.

But China is not its replacement.

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

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/trends/pot-meet-kettle-china-is-lecturing-america-about-debt-155725/?inf_contact_key=eb1da73d8ce85b2d02f50ae082ab6b5845f52772a67910d275469a1ff0808c0a