“Tidbits From TNT” Monday Morning 4-28-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  Qubad Talabani: Our doors are open to all foreign companies for investment.

 joint contract signing ceremony took place in Sulaymaniyah between local and American companies to develop the Bazian power plant.

During the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Qubad Talabani, delivered a speech welcoming the attendees, company representatives, businessmen, and guests. He emphasized the importance of signing this contract, which will contribute to the development of the electricity sector.

He added, "This contract will strengthen the Kurdistan Region's infrastructure and send an important message to the world that the Kurdistan Region's doors are open to all foreign companies working towards a more developed Kurdistan."

He explained, "We in the Kurdistan Regional Government have open doors to all foreign companies to invest in the Kurdistan Region. It is important to make clear to all investors that our priority is to work on diversifying resources in the Kurdistan Region. I thank all the companies that have been operating in Sulaymaniyah for a long time and have implemented many important and necessary projects, making Sulaymaniyah a model of development and prosperity."

Talabani said, "Through this contract and the cooperation between the companies, we can provide a significant portion of the electricity supply to the Kurdistan Region and work to develop the electricity sector in general. Under this contract, many cadres and engineers will be trained according to international standards."

He continued, "This contract will provide opportunities for young people, as well as job and training opportunities for a large number of citizens, and will build a sophisticated electricity sector. We in the Kurdistan Regional Government provide all necessary facilities to foreign companies, and we must rely on clean energy and develop the gas sector as well."  link

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Tishwash:  General Electric: We have implemented strategic agreements on the ground in Iraq.

Rashid Al-Janabi, General Electric's Country Manager in Iraq, confirmed on Sunday that the unprecedented government support has strengthened the partnership with the Ministry of Electricity, while pointing to strategic agreements implemented on the ground that have contributed to raising the efficiency of the electricity grid.

Al-Janabi said, "The unprecedented government support the company has received is a key factor in strengthening the partnership between GE Vernova, the Ministry of Electricity, and the Iraqi government in general."

He added, "This partnership, which has spanned several decades, has witnessed significant deepening in the recent period, which has positively reflected on the development of the energy sector, both in terms of adding new production capacities and improving the efficiency of the transmission and production systems."

He pointed out that "these efforts have resulted in strategic agreements that have been implemented on the ground through major projects over the past two years, which have contributed to raising the efficiency of the electricity grid and meeting a significant portion of Iraq's energy needs, supporting future development plans and contributing to improving the environmental situation."

He continued, "We aspire to expand this partnership in the future, in a way that meets national ambitions and meets the growing need for energy in Iraq." link

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Tishwash:  Baghdad dollar declines due to exhibitions, real estate, or nuclear negotiations? 

Iraqi markets have recently witnessed a significant decline in the dollar exchange rate, reaching 1,440 dinars, after a period of highs and fluctuations amid Middle East tensions and US restrictions on Iraqi trade with sanctioned countries.

 The decline is contrary to expectations experienced by trading circles at the end of last year, which slightly disrupted the local economy. However, other experts who spoke to 964 Network attributed the almost sudden drop to a recession that has been looming for months in the Iraqi real estate and car markets, the largest domestic market for US currency trading.

This may mean a decline in large-scale money laundering operations led by influential parties, as discussed in political and economic circles. This is in addition to the decisions of US President Donald Trump, who imposed large customs tariffs on China, which led to higher commodity prices in the United States, increased inflation, and harmed the dollar's position globally.

Experts also noted that the return of Washington and Tehran to negotiations has contributed to reducing demand for the dollar in Iraq, as the exchange rate fluctuation is primarily due to informal trade between Iraq and Iran. However, successful negotiations and the easing of the pressure on the Iranian banking system will ease the pressure on the Iraqi dollar.

Experts do not rule out another factor: the Central Bank's recent restrictions on Visa and MasterCard cards, which have contributed to limiting the withdrawal of dollars at the official exchange rate and their subsequent sale on the black market.

Mustafa Akram Hantoush, financial expert:

The dollar exchange rate should not exceed 1,320, even on the parallel market. The central bank sells dollars daily at this rate, exceeding $250 million. However, there are discrepancies. Any requests outside the central bank's platform are not covered, most notably trade with Iran, small traders, and the smuggling of some goods through Kurdistan. This trade is not officially covered, and therefore traders buy them from the parallel market.

Iranian situation negotiations

There are now negotiations in Iran. If they succeed and the noose is lifted on its banking system, this will ease the pressure on the Iraqi dollar, thus lowering the parallel exchange rate.

The solution lies in creating a genuine platform for financial transactions with Iran. Small traders must be covered by specialized companies that handle their needs, while smuggling must be stopped and the sanctioned countries that travelers visit must be addressed.

Khaled Haidar - Academic:

The Iraqi economy is linked to the global economy and its revenues depend on oil, which is priced in US dollars.

Trump and the American market

The US economy is currently experiencing a decline in retail sales, particularly after tariffs on countries, particularly China. This has had a significant impact on the US economy, with imported goods prices rising, inflation rates doubling, confidence in the US economy weakening, and interest rates declining. This, in turn, has impacted growth prospects.

Today's global economy is gradually beginning to rely on other currencies, such as the BRICS blocs, creating new influential poles on the global map.

Today, there is a degree of confidence in the Central Bank's performance regarding the dollar, particularly since it has restricted electronic transactions using cards used by travelers to obtain dollars at a low rate, then withdraw them abroad at the parallel market rate, profiting from the difference upon their return to Iraq and reselling them. This measure has greatly reduced fraud and dollar withdrawals.

There's also a trend today toward trading in gold, and its prices continue to rise, as it has become a safe haven and a better alternative to the dollar. Many are choosing to keep their capital in the form of gold bullion, which has affected confidence in the dollar and impacted its value.

Nabil Jabbar Al-Tamimi, economic expert, to 964 Network :

There are no political reasons for this decline, and it is within the normal range of fluctuations, given that the dollar previously reached 1,400 and then rose to over 1,500. Furthermore, there is no major event currently affecting the price, and the central bank's measures remain unchanged.

Iraqi real estate and car market stagnant!

Iraq is currently experiencing a recession in the car and real estate markets. This is primarily due to the fact that car dealers deal exclusively in dollars, not dinars. Furthermore, companies importing electric cars have emerged, and these companies are enjoying great popularity among Iraqis, in addition to accepting dinars.

Neglecting the dollar-denominated side of the market, whether in the auto or real estate markets, has led to a decline in demand for the dollar. This decline is relative, not exceeding 2.5% or 3%.

The tariffs imposed by Trump have not affected Iraq, and there is no connection between them. Regarding the negotiations between Iran and the US, in the event of tensions, demand for the dollar is expected to increase, and the rise in the price in Tehran is expected to be reflected in the Iraqi dollar, given the presence of unofficial transfers, which we have not witnessed. Furthermore, the existence of measures related to MasterCard cards and withdrawal transactions is expected to raise the price, because restricting cards stifles the markets, thus raising trading prices on the black market, but the opposite has happened.

The decline is due to internal factors. About six months ago, a clear recession began in the dollar-denominated auto and real estate markets. This recession reduced demand for the currency.

Ammar Hamad, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, stated to the official newspaper, as monitored by 964 Network:

The improvement in the Iraqi dinar's exchange rate against the dollar in local markets is due to the Central Bank's recent policy and the country's substantial financial reserves.

The decline will continue in the coming periods.  link

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 Mot:  Just aRealized... the ""RV"" Theme Song it is!!!   https://youtu.be/5jRq19uqZRM

Mot...... May the Sun!!!

MilitiaMan & Crew Iraq Dinar News Update-World Bank Group-Central Bank of Iraq-IMF-VISA-MasterCard-International

MilitiaMan & Crew Iraq Dinar News Update-World Bank Group-Central Bank of Iraq-IMF-VISA-MasterCard-International

4-27-2025

The Crew:  Samson, PompeyPeter, Petra, Daytrader, Sunkissed, GIGI and Militia Man

Be sure to listen to full video for all the news……..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=482zqLNITI8

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Sunday Afternoon 4-27-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

FEDERAL TAXES TO BE 'SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED' ONCE TARIFFS SET IN: TRUMP

The US President previously floated the idea of eliminating the federal income tax altogether and replacing it with import duty revenues.

United States President Donald Trump recently said that federal income taxes would be "substantially reduced" or potentially eliminated once the tariff regime fully sets in.

In an April 27 Truth Social post, Trump added that the focus of the purported tax cuts would be on individuals making less than $200,000 per year.

The US President also said that the "External Revenue Service" — a reference to funding the federal government exclusively through import tariffs instead of the current model of collecting taxes through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — is materializing.

Eliminating the federal income tax would likely be a positive catalyst for asset prices, including cryptocurrencies, as the increase in disposable income should partially flow back into productive investments. However, this stimulative effect is not guaranteed.

Trump’s plan leaves analysts and markets doubting

Trump previously floated the idea of eliminating the federal income tax in an October 2024 appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, although Trump, who was on the campaign trail at the time, provided scant concrete details on the proposal.

The US President suggested that replacing the federal income tax with revenue from import duties would return the US to a time of prosperity seen during the Gilded Age, in the 19th century, when the US did not have a permanent federal income tax.

Research conducted by accounting automation company Dancing Numbers found that Trump's proposal could save the average American $134,809 in lifetime tax payments.

Dancing Numbers added that the tax savings could be as much as $325,561 per American if other wage-based income taxes are also eliminated.

On April 2, Trump signed an executive order imposing sweeping tariffs on all US trading partners, which included a 10% baseline tariff on all countries and different "reciprocal" tariff rates on countries with import duties on US goods.

However, since that time, the Trump administration walked back its tariff policies several times, flip-flopping on tariff rates and when the tariff regime would fully take effect.

The Trump administration's ever-changing rhetoric surrounding trade policies has heightened volatility in the US stock market, caused a rise in US bond yields, and has drawn widespread criticism from financial analysts who say the protectionist trade policies hurt capital markets while achieving little else.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Cointelegraph

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BRICS: US SANCTIONS FAIL AS RUSSIA’S ECONOMY GROWS 4.1%

The US pressed sanctions on Russia in February 2022 after they invaded and waged war on their neighboring country Ukraine. The sanctions were aimed at stalling Russia’s growth and bringing its overall economy and GDP down. Russia teamed up with the BRICS alliance and the bloc kick-started the de-dollarization agenda to counter the US sanctions.

The BRICS bloc rewrote trade deals allowing Russia to send and accept local currencies for trade and cross-border transactions. China, India, and Saudi Arabia made use of the US sanctions and procured Russian oil and discounted prices. Saudi Arabia even brought Russian crude oil for a concession and laundered it all over Europe earning bigger profits.

BRICS member India even saved $7 billion in foreign exchange by buying Russia’s crude oil at cheaper prices due to the sanctions. Therefore, the BRICS bloc mostly benefitted from the US sanctions saving and earning billions in development. They even pushed local currencies ahead for trade strengthening their businesses and overall GDP.

BRICS: Russia’s Economy Grows 4.1% Despite US Sanctions

Trade restrictions could not stop BRICS member Russia’s growth as it immediately kick-started the de-dollarization agenda. The move helped the country navigate through troubled times and simultaneously gained the support of developing countries. “Over the past two years, the Russian economy grew by 4.1%,” said Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu.

The latest data shows that BRICS member Russia’s economy comfortably sat above 4% despite the US sanctions.

2023: 4.1%
2024: 4.3%
2025 (Projection): 2.5%

Shoigu explained that BRICS member Russia’s banking system demonstrated remarkable resilience during the US sanctions. “Russia’s external and internal debt has diminished. Its financial and banking systems demonstrated resilience,” he said. 

The diplomat added, “The external trade also retained its positive dynamics. Despite sanctions, the past year’s trade grew by $3.8 billion, to over $716 billion. Proficit of the balance of foreign trade gained $7 billion, reaching approximately $146 billion.”

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Watcher Guru

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Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Sunday Morning 4-27-25

An Economist Reveals Three Hidden Reasons Behind The Market Recession.

Time: 2025/04/26 16:57:17 Read: 2,040 times  {Economic: Al Furat News} Economic expert Salah Nouri revealed today, Saturday, three reasons behind the current stagnation in Iraqi markets.

Nouri told Al Furat News, "The first reason is the rise in the prices of basic imported goods globally, which has had a direct impact on their prices in local markets when calculated in Iraqi dinars, making them beyond the reach of a wide segment of citizens."

He added, "The second reason relates to the fluctuations in the local dollar exchange rate, which has weakened the dinar's purchasing power and made low-income earners among the most affected groups due to their inability to keep up with rising prices."

Nouri pointed out that "the third reason is the decline in demand for basic commodities due to the decline in citizens' purchasing power, which has led to a general state of stagnation in markets, especially in areas with low incomes."  LINK

Central Bank: Visa And Mastercard Card Issue Abroad To Be Resolved Next Month

Central Bank Governor Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq  Banks  Economy News – Baghdad  Central Bank Governor Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq announced on Saturday that the issue of Visa and MasterCard cards abroad will be resolved within the next month.

Al-Alaq said in press statements, followed by "Al-Eqtisad News," that "the Central Bank has completed the two tasks related to cash sales and foreign transfers, but the card crisis witnessed a state of "misunderstanding."

He explained, "When we headed to organize this process, it required a set of procedures that must be worked on, so that we put it in its correct direction and according to acceptable standards, and therefore there were some stops and some changes in the paths."

Al-Alaq said, "An agreement was reached with all concerned parties - which include "Visa" and "MasterCard" in coordination with the Treasury, the Federal Reserve, and the auditing company - on "the formulas and paths for settling these cards," stressing that "the Central Bank has taken rapid steps in this regard, expecting to complete this task within the next month, i.e. before the scheduled date for this process, which is June 1."

Al-Alaq revealed that "work has begun on developing a plan to issue cards to small merchants, after completing consultations with companies," "to accommodate the requests of merchants—a large segment of Iraqis—to cover their foreign trade without passing through long routes, so that transfers can be made directly, which will create a major shift in accommodating merchants who do not use formal transfer methods."

Al-Alaq indicated that "the Central Bank, in agreement and consultation with the Treasury and the Federal Reserve, has completed the organization of cash sales of dollars, and is now 'in an ideal position, by their own testimony.'" He described foreign commercial transfers as "progressing very smoothly, as we have expanded the network of correspondent banks abroad in the US and elsewhere.

An agreement has also been reached to open another bank in the US to establish relationships with Iraqi banks in transfer operations."  https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=54852

A New Decline In The Dollar Exchange Rate Against The Dinar

Saturday, April 26, 2025 11:23 | Economic Number of readings: 120  Baghdad / NINA / The exchange rate of the dollar against the dinar decreased, Saturday morning in Baghdad and Erbil.

The exchange rate in the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya stock exchanges in Baghdad reached 144,400 dinars for every $100.

In the local markets in Baghdad, the selling price reached 145,500 dinars, and the purchase price was 143,500 dinars, for every $100.

In Erbil, the dollar price also decreased, with the selling price reaching 145,600 dinars for every $100, and the purchase price reaching 144,500 dinars for every $100. /End https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1210170

Basra Crude Suffers Weekly Losses Of More Than 1 Percent.

economy | 09:41 - 04/26/2025  Mawazine News - Follow-up   Basra Heavy and Medium crude oil prices recorded weekly losses of more than 1%. Prices were as follows:

Basra Heavy crude closed up 36 cents at $64.51 a barrel, but suffered a weekly loss of 80 cents, or 1.22%. Basra Medium crude closed up the same amount at $68.46, but also recorded a weekly loss of 80 cents, or 1.17%.   https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=260913

Prime Minister's Advisor: Government Bonds Are A Better Investment Option Than Gold

Buratha News Agency1862025-04-25    The Prime Minister's advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Saleh, confirmed on Friday that sovereign government bonds are available for investment through banking institutions, calling for diversifying investment portfolios by investing in government bonds instead of gold, as "local gold is one of the wealth havens most affected by external or international factors and their shocks, as it is a commodity imported from gold vaults outside the country,

as the global price of gold exceeded the $3,200 per ounce barrier in April 2025, affected by geopolitical tensions, especially between the United States and China, or the so-called trade war issue represented by the escalation of the mutual tariff war between various countries of the world and its direct and indirect effects on inflation trends and expectations in the global economy."

He added, "This coincided with indicators of the oil asset cycle, the downward trend in global oil prices, and the increasing demand for the yellow metal by central banks and investors seeking a safe haven for wealth around the world, as gold is undoubtedly the best store of value."

 He noted that "the price of gold, which has witnessed a significant and continuous rise, despite its fluctuations towards the decline, has maintained its high price. For example, the price of one ounce on April 17, 2025, reached approximately $3,321.89, after previously reaching a new record high of $3,357.40 per ounce."

Saleh explained that "the opening of the local gold market to the global market and the impact of the global price of gold on our country's supply has become an immediate reflexive issue. Until the local gold market stabilizes again, it may take a real period of time to adapt again."

He pointed out that "the short-term jumps in gold prices cast a shadow over the tendencies of individuals in our country and the behavior of some to hedge by investing in the yellow metal."

He continued: "Demand for gold in Iraq is a traditional means of preserving value, which leads to its purchase as a normal hedge, especially for those with cash surpluses, with the aim of profiting from the external price factors affecting the fluctuations in the international economy, and the impact of this on the level of global prices, and the repercussions of this on thinking about re-diversifying the wealth portfolios of some of them, or according to their beliefs and traditions in investing, preserving the value of their personal financial wealth, or speculating."

Saleh pointed out that "if the goal of importing is a safe investment, it is preferable to monitor global and local markets to make informed decisions, and to proceed with the proper diversification of their investment portfolios and not rely entirely on a single investment vehicle to preserve value, since gold is also subject to decline.

It is also preferable to consider other national investment options to diversify their investment portfolios, especially investing in interest-bearing sovereign government bonds currently offered to investors through the Iraqi banking system."  https://burathanews.com/arabic/economic/459247

 For current and reliable Iraqi news please visit:  https://www.bondladyscorner.com/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Sunday Morning 4-27-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

BREAKING NEWS: FIRST XRP ETF GOES LIVE IN BRAZIL, NOT U.S

▪️Brazil becomes the first country to launch an XRP ETF, beating the United States.

▪️The XRPH11 ETF will give investors safe, easy, and regulated access to XRP investments.

▪️Experts predict XRP-related products could attract up to $8 billion in future, with XRP price to hit $24 soon.

XRP has just reached a major milestone with the launch of its first-ever ETF in Brazil. This exciting move could bring more investors into XRP and open the door for bigger developments in the United States.

With experts predicting that billions of dollars could soon flow into XRP products. However, this could pump the XRP price by 1000%.

First XRP ETF Goes Live in Brazil

In a big win for the XRP community, Brazil’s B3 stock exchange has launched the world’s first XRP ETF. The fund, called XRPH11, is managed by Hashdex and Genial Investimentos.

It will track the Nasdaq XRP Reference Price Index, making it easier for investors to gain safe and regulated exposure to XRP.

According to Hashdex, the ETF will invest at least 95% of its assets directly in XRP or in other products like futures contracts that copy XRP’s price movements. This setup allows both regular and big investors to invest in XRP without needing to own or store the cryptocurrency themselves.

Brazil Moves Ahead, US Still Waiting

Interestingly, this major step happened in Brazil, not in the United States, where Ripple is based. In the US, companies like Grayscale and Franklin Templeton have already filed for XRP ETFs, but they are still waiting for approval from the SEC.

Meanwhile, the demand for XRP-related investment products is growing fast. As of April 18, XRP-focused ETPs had about $950 million in assets under management, according to CoinShares. Just last week, XRP funds saw $37.7 million in new money, leading all other crypto funds.

Even bigger things could be on the horizon. JPMorgan predicted earlier this year that XRP products could pull in up to $8 billion — almost eight times more than today.

XRP Price Outlook

Even after this big news, XRP’s price hasn’t moved much. It is still trading around $2.20, with only a small 0.8% rise in the last 24 hours. But many believe that if an XRP ETF gets approved in the US, the price could shoot up.

Although XRP has been moving slowly for some time, signs are starting to look more exciting. In the past, when gold slowed down after a strong rally, XRP went up by 1,000%.

Now, with gold pulling back again, some experts think XRP could rise sharply and even reach $24 this year.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Coinpedia

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US CRYPTO RULES LIKE 'FLOOR IS LAVA' GAME WITHOUT LIGHTS — HESTER PEIRCE

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce said that to engage in crypto activities, “SEC-registrants have had to hop from one poorly illuminated regulatory space to the next.”

SEC Commissioner and head of the crypto task force, Hester Peirce, says US financial firms are navigating crypto in a way that’s similar to playing the children’s game “the floor is lava,” but in the dark.

“It is time that we find a way to end this game. We need to turn on the lights and build some walkways over the lava pit,” Peirce said at the SEC “Know Your Custodian” roundtable event on April 25.

The lava is crypto, says Peirce

Peirce explained that SEC registrants are forced to approach crypto-related activities like “the floor is lava,” where the aim is to jump from one piece of furniture to the next without touching the ground, except here, touching crypto directly is the lava.

“A D.C. version of this game is our regulatory approach to crypto assets, and crypto asset custody in particular,” she said.

Peirce said that, much like in the game, firms wanting to engage with crypto must avoid directly holding it due to unclear regulatory rules. “To engage in crypto-related activities, SEC-registrants have had to hop from one poorly illuminated regulatory space to the next, all while ensuring that they never touch any crypto asset,” Peirce said.

Peirce said that investment advisers are often unsure which crypto assets qualify as securities, what entities count as qualified custodians, and whether “exercising staking or voting rights” could trigger custody violations.

“The twist in the regulatory version is that it is largely played in the dark: burning legal lava and no lamps to illuminate the way.”

Peirce also said that a broker or ATS that cannot custody or manage crypto assets will struggle to facilitate trading, making it unlikely for a “robust market” to develop.

Echoing a similar sentiment, SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda said at the event that as more SEC registrants work with crypto assets, it’s essential that they have access to custodial options that meet legal and regulatory requirements.

Uyeda said the agency should consider letting advisers use “state-chartered limited-purpose trust companies” with the authority to hold crypto assets as qualified custodians.

Meanwhile, the recently sworn-in chair of the SEC, Paul Atkins, said that he expected “huge benefits” from blockchain technology through efficiency, risk mitigation, transparency, and cutting costs.

He reiterated that among his goals at the SEC would be to facilitate “clear regulatory rules of the road” for digital assets, hinting that the agency under former chair Gary Gensler had contributed to market and regulatory uncertainty.

“I look forward to engaging with market participants and working with colleagues in President Trump’s administration and Congress to establish a rational fit-for-purpose framework for crypto assets,” said Atkins.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Cointelegraph

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“Tidbits From TNT” Sunday Morning 4-27-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  Fitch Ratings: Iraqi banks will not be harmed by the decline in oil prices.

Fitch Ratings confirmed on Saturday that the Iraqi banking sector is not affected by the decline in oil prices due to its lower credit rating.

The agency said in a report seen by Shafaq News Agency that "the indirect effects resulting from the decline in oil prices and weak global growth may lead to a decline in government spending, severely impacting banking operating conditions in most Gulf and Middle Eastern countries."

She added, "The banking sector in Iraq has low credit ratings, with most banks classified as CCC. These ratings are unlikely to be affected by the negative impact of lower oil prices, especially given the central bank's strong ability to support government spending."

The agency noted that "credit conditions in Gulf banks could also deteriorate if profitability and cash flows decline for companies operating in affected sectors. However, they are well-positioned to absorb any deterioration in the operating environment, thanks to the strengthening of their financial reserves in recent years."

Fitch Ratings is one of the largest global rating agencies. Founded in 1914 and headquartered in New York and London, its mission is to assess the creditworthiness of countries and companies and provide reports that help investors determine the risks of loans and investments.

Fitch is one of the world's top three rating agencies, along with Standard & Poor's and Moody' link

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Tishwash:  Al-Sudani succeeded in transforming trade relations with Türkiye into investment opportunities.. His advisor

"A transition that is happening for the first time"

The Prime Minister's Advisor for Investment Affairs, Mohammed al-Najjar, affirmed on Saturday that Iraq has become an attractive environment for Turkish investments, noting that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has succeeded in transforming trade relations with Türkiye into investment opportunities.

Iraq is the first country in which Turkey will invest,” Al-Najjar said in a statement to the official agency, followed by 964 Network. “It is well known that Turkey is the one looking for investment opportunities and requesting investments, but we have succeeded, through government measures, in attracting investment environments in Iraq.” He pointed out that “the opportunities created by the Prime Minister have made Iraq an attractive country for Turkish companies, which constitutes an important platform for a large number of countries to enter and invest in the opportunities available in Iraq.”

He added that "the entry of Turkish investments into Iraq represents a turning point in relations between the two countries. This is the first time that relations have shifted from a commercial aspect to an investment aspect." He pointed out that "there are multiple areas for Turkey to invest in Iraq, including infrastructure, roads, energy, and communications, all of which represent significant opportunities for Turkish companies that have begun to invest, not just in contracting or commercial operations."

Al-Najjar explained that "Iraq has worked to transform its relationship with Türkiye into an investment relationship, including a path to development, which will constitute a fundamental pillar for Turkey as a starting point for investment."  link

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Tishwash:  Al-Alaq: We are working to solve the problem of Visa and MasterCard cards abroad.

Central Bank Governor Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq announced on Saturday that the issue of Visa and MasterCard cards abroad will be resolved within the next month.

Al-Alaq said in press statements: “The Central Bank has completed the two tasks related to cash sales and foreign transfers, but the card crisis witnessed a state of “misunderstanding.” 

He explained, “When we moved to organize this process, it required a set of measures that must be worked on, so that we put it on the right path and according to acceptable standards. Therefore, there were some pauses and some changes in the paths.”

Al-Alaq said: “An agreement was reached with all concerned parties - which include Visa and MasterCard, in coordination with the Treasury, the Federal Reserve, and the auditing company - on the “formulas and paths for settling these cards,” stressing that “the Central Bank has taken rapid steps in this regard, expecting to complete this task within the next month, i.e. before the scheduled date for this process, which is June 1.”

Al-Alaq revealed that “work has begun on a plan to issue cards to small merchants, after completing consultations with companies,” “to accommodate the requests of merchants—a large segment of Iraqi society—to cover their foreign trade without going through long routes, so that transfers can be made directly, which will create a major shift in accommodating merchants who do not use formal transfer methods.”

Al-Alaq noted that “the Central Bank, in agreement and consultation with the Treasury and the Federal Reserve, has completed the organization of cash dollar sales operations, and is now in an “ideal position, by their own testimony.”

He described foreign commercial transfers as “progressing very smoothly, as we have expanded the network of correspondent banks abroad in the US and elsewhere. An agreement has also been reached to open another bank in the US to establish relationships with Iraqi banks in transfer operations.”  link

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Mot:  da Southern Approach to a Tornado!!!! 

Mot: ..... Bestest List Ever!!!!

The Planned Economic Reset: Greg Mannarino

The Planned Economic Reset

Liberty and Finance:  4-27-2025

In a recent interview with Liberty and Finance, renowned trading coach Gregory Mannarino delivered a stark and unsettling assessment of the current economic landscape, painting a picture of deliberate market manipulation, government incoherence, and the insidious control exerted by global elites.

Mannarino’s analysis, both alarming and galvanizing, serves as a stark warning about the future and a call to action for individuals seeking to reclaim their sovereignty.

Mannarino pulls no punches in his critique, suggesting that even seemingly populist leaders like President Trump are ultimately beholden to the whims of the stock market, a market itself heavily influenced by unseen powers.

He points to Trump’s often-conflicting economic messaging and policy reversals, particularly around tariffs and interest rates, as evidence of a system driven by stock market pressures and orchestrated by forces beyond the purview of everyday citizens.

The core of Mannarino’s argument rests on the conviction that the global financial system is teetering on the brink of collapse, fueled by an unsustainable mountain of debt, artificially suppressed interest rates, and a looming shift towards centralized digital control.

He describes the current system as a deliberate “wrecking machine,” intentionally designed to cripple the middle class and small businesses, paving the way for a new, more easily controlled global order.

He highlights the deceptive nature of “prosperity” metrics, arguing that the apparent economic gains are built on a foundation of sand, propped up by unsustainable debt and manipulated numbers.

He warns that the inherent fragility of this system makes it vulnerable to a sudden and catastrophic collapse, the consequences of which will be far-reaching and devastating for ordinary people.

In the face of this grim outlook, Mannarino advises viewers to take proactive steps to protect themselves. He strongly advocates for holding real assets, particularly gold and silver, as a hedge against the inevitable devaluation of fiat currencies. He emphasizes that tangible wealth, insulated from the digital machinations of the financial system, offers a vital pathway to security in times of crisis.

However, Mannarino’s message extends far beyond mere financial preparedness. He calls for a profound shift in consciousness and a concerted effort to reclaim individual sovereignty. He urges listeners to resist the narratives pushed by main stream media and to seek out independent sources of truth.

He believes that the key to dismantling the control of global elites lies in awakening to their agenda and refusing to participate in their system of manipulation.

Beyond resistance, Mannarino emphasizes the importance of unity, spiritual reconnection, and grassroots organizing. He believes that by coming together, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other, individuals can build alternative systems and communities that are resilient to the coming changes. He sees a renewed connection to spirituality as a source of strength and guidance in navigating the complex and challenging times ahead.

Ultimately, Gregory Mannarino’s message is one of both warning and hope. While he paints a sobering picture of the forces arrayed against individual freedom and economic stability, he also offers a powerful call to action.

He believes that by awakening to the truth, reclaiming our sovereignty, and uniting in purpose, we can not only survive the coming storm but also build a more just and equitable future.

His call to arms is one of informed resistance, spiritual awakening, and collective action, a path towards reclaiming our lives and shaping our destiny.

https://youtu.be/G6QkVQAlht4

Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Saturday Morning 4-26-25

Washington Affirms Its Support For Iraq's Sovereignty During The Meeting Between Rubio And Fuad Hussein

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated his country's support for Iraq's sovereignty on Saturday, which promotes stability in the Middle East.

In a post on Twitter following his meeting with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Rubio said, "A strong, stable, and sovereign Iraq, free from malign influence, is vital to regional stability and the preservation of US interests and opportunities."

He added that he had a "valuable conversation with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein," praising Iraq's efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote constructive dialogue in the region.   https://www.radionawa.com/all-detail.aspx?jimare=41703

US Secretary Of State: A Strong And Stable Iraq Is Vital To The Stability Of The Region.

Saturday, April 26, 2025 | Politics Number of reads: 183  Baghdad / NINA / US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed: "A strong, stable, and sovereign Iraq, free from malign influence, is vital to the stability of the region and the preservation of US interests and opportunities therein.

" Rubio said in a post on the "X" website: "I had a valuable dialogue with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein. I commend his efforts to calm tensions and promote constructive dialogue in the region." / End  https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?Key=1210180

The Minister Of Finance Participates In The Annual Spring Meetings Of The World Bank Group And The International Monetary Fund.

Saturday, April 26, 2025, 10:39 AM | Economic Number of readings: 147  Baghdad / NINA / Minister of Finance Taif Sami Mohammed, Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq Ali Al-Alaq, and the accompanying delegation participated in the annual spring meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, held from April 20 to 23, 2025 in Washington, to discuss global economic challenges, economic development, financial stability and other related issues, in addition to plenary sessions, seminars and side consultations.

A statement by the Ministry of Finance said: "The Minister began her participation in the first meeting with the Executive Director of the World Bank, Abdulaziz Al-Mulla, and discussed the economic situation in Iraq and the role of the World Bank in supporting Iraq in its reform programs, especially in the issues of maximizing revenues, reducing expenditures, digitization, electronic systems, infrastructure projects, energy and the environment."

She also met with Hella Sheikh Rouho, Regional Vice President of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and her accompanying delegation, and discussed with her the most important obstacles to investment in Iraq and ways to address them, as well as the most important projects supervised by this institution in Iraq in the transportation, energy and international trade financing sectors.

She explained that the institution can support projects of the Iraq Development Fund. The Deputy Chairman of the Foundation also emphasized the support of the private sector and its projects, as well as the agricultural and industrial sectors in Iraq.

The delegation, headed by her, held a high-level meeting with the World Bank Vice President for the Middle East, Othman Dawani. The meeting discussed the portfolio of projects funded by the World Bank, particularly the railway project in Iraq.

 It was agreed to review this portfolio to follow up on project implementation, identify work obstacles, and find solutions for their implementation and completion within the specified timeframe. The meeting also discussed the government's priorities for future projects, which the World Bank can support, with regard to renewable energy, waste management, and transportation projects, especially the metro, airports, and railways.

The meeting also discussed the issue of human development in Iraq, which is a government priority, to be included in the World Bank's plans to allocate support and launch future projects in the education, health, employment, and social protection sectors.

The statement added: "The Minister, along with the Governor of the Central Bank, attended the ministerial meeting chaired by the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Gurevichi, and attended by the Ministers of Finance and Governors of the IMF member countries.

 The discussions focused on the global economic situation, the increasing uncertainty and its economic impacts at the local and global levels, addressing challenges and measures to enhance resilience, identifying strategies to maintain the macroeconomy and manage debt sustainability, in addition to focusing on exchanging visions and experiences regarding economic reforms, enhancing the performance of government institutions, supporting and strengthening the private sector, and opening the way for them to be at the forefront of sustaining the economic resilience of the countries of the region.

The Iraqi delegation's agenda also included participation in the meeting held with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Dr. Mohamed Maait, during which the spotlight was placed on specific reforms to improve the performance of the financial sector in Iraq, and sharing updates between the two sides through activating areas of partnership with the Fund.

During the meetings, the Minister of Finance, Taif Sami, held a coordination meeting with the Head of the IMF Mission to Iraq, Jean-Quillaume.

 The meeting included discussions on the prospects for growth of the Iraqi economy through the government's reform program aimed at strengthening the oil and non-oil sectors, and how to maintain economic stability in Iraq in light of the global economic conditions."

She also met with the Director of Technical and Financial Affairs and her technical team at the IMF, responsible for providing technical support and expertise to the Ministry of Finance. The meeting discussed steps to provide technical support to the General Tax Authority and the General Customs Authority regarding the electronic automation of their systems and reviewing amendments to their laws. Sami expressed her readiness to provide technical support and training on these systems for customs and tax employees.

The meeting also discussed completing the requirements for the single treasury account and reviewing the procedures implemented by the Ministry of Finance in relation to this program.

In a related context, the delegation held a meeting with Jihad Azour, Director of the IMF's Middle East and Asia Department, where they discussed a range of economic issues and the most prominent financial policy forecasts.

For his part, the Regional Representative stressed the Fund's commitment to supporting all financial, banking, and monetary reform programs adopted by the Iraqi government. / End https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1209156

Al-Sudani's Advisor: Iraq Has Become An Attractive Environment For Turkish Investments.

Money and Business  Economy News – Baghdad  The Prime Minister's Advisor for Investment Affairs, Mohammed al-Najjar, affirmed on Saturday that Iraq has become an attractive environment for Turkish investments, noting that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has succeeded in transforming trade relations with Türkiye into investment opportunities.

Al-Najjar said, "Iraq is the first country in which Turkey will invest. It is well known that Turkey is the one seeking investment opportunities and requesting investments. However, we have succeeded, through government measures, in attracting investment environments in Iraq." He pointed out that "the opportunities created by the Prime Minister have made Iraq an attractive country for Turkish companies, which constitutes an important platform for a large number of countries to enter and invest in the opportunities available in Iraq."

He added that "the entry of Turkish investments into Iraq represents a turning point in relations between the two countries. This is the first time that relations have shifted from the commercial aspect to the investment aspect." He pointed out that "there are multiple areas for Turkey to invest in Iraq, including infrastructure, roads, energy, and communications, all of which represent significant opportunities for Turkish companies that have begun to turn to investment, not just contracting or commercial operations."

Al-Najjar explained that "Iraq has worked to transform its relationship with Türkiye into an investment relationship, including a development path, which will constitute a fundamental pillar for Turkey as a starting point for investment."  https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=54838

Economic expert Ikram Abdel Aziz: The tourism sector is no less important than oil...and its resources are inexhaustible.
 
Friday, April 25, 2025 21:48 | Economic     Number of readings: 264  Baghdad/ NINA / Economic expert Ikram Abdel Aziz called for better investment in the tourism sector and benefiting from its large financial returns.
 
She told the Iraqi National News Agency ( NINA ):
 
"The tourism sector provides an
 
     inexhaustible income and is an
     important source no less important than oil, as
 
it adds quick revenues that are 
free from the risks of falling and rising prices. In addition,
 
it does not take a long time to bear fruit, 
as in the trend towards the industrial and agricultural sectors.
 
Its revenues come when the infrastructure is available for it, and the
 
factors supporting the visitors are available, as
 
it will achieve support for the national economy."  She explained:
 
"The public financial revenues of the tourism sector in Iraq constitute 3% of the gross domestic product, which is small and does not match the investment opportunities available for this vital and pioneering sector."  The economic expert added:
 
"The tourism sector previously wasn't at the level it had hoped for,
 
but it's now experiencing a major renaissance, particularly religious tourism, which could contribute to boosting federal budget funding with revenues beyond the unilateral developmental cycle of oil."  She pointed out that,
 
according to statistics, the most visited Iraqi governorates are Karbala and Najaf in first place, followed by Baghdad, Erbil, Basra and Dhi Qar, respectively, and the tourists who visited these cities came from about 80 countries during the past year,
 
calling for  attention to other types of tourism such as medical and cultural tourism, and the
     preparation of tourist guides with a high level of culture and knowledge. 

She continued:  "Among the things that support the development of the Iraqi tourism sector are
 
     providing safe means of transportation,
     providing electrical supplies to hotels and other places, and
     improving the quality of communications for visitors, as  these represent an effective element in attracting tourists."
 
Economic expert Dr. Ikram Abdel Aziz concluded her speech by saying:
 
“When we put in place the infrastructure to support the reception of large numbers of delegations, 
Iraq will have succeeded in attracting financial revenues by developing such an activity, 
which makes it occupy a distinguished position in terms of revenues, and this trend represents one of the goals of economic and social development.” / End T    
  
https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1200130  

 For current and reliable Iraqi news please visit:  https://www.bondladyscorner.com/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Saturday Afternoon 4-26-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

FEDERAL RESERVE RELAXES STANCE ON BANK CRYPTO ACTIVITIES

The Federal Reserve has withdrawn four crypto-asset related advisories, including ones that required banks to inform the Fed of planned activities in advance or receive a non objection letter. The two other main federal banking regulators, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) had already cancelled the requirements to get permission.

It follows a letter from Republican members of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee earlier this month requesting the withdrawal of the letters. They characterized the supervisory non objection process as a method to “stonewall financial institutions” and prevent them from engaging with distributed ledger technology (DLT).

The FDIC’s responses to freedom of information requests, combined with the lack of services launched by banks, largely support this assertion.

Oversight will now happen through the normal Fed supervisory process. The Federal Reserve statement says, “the Board will work with the agencies (FDIC, OCC) to consider whether additional guidance to support innovation, including crypto-asset activities, is appropriate.”

“Today’s announcement from the Fed and FDIC is a welcome and important step toward achieving that goal and ensuring consumers can access these products and services through their trusted bank relationships,” said American Bankers Association President and CEO Rob Nichols. “We look forward to working with the Fed and FDIC in this fast-evolving marketplace.”

The withdrawn letters

The first withdrawn letter was issued in 2022 and required Board supervised banking organizations to notify the Federal Reserve prior to engaging in digital asset activities. The 2023 letter, SR 23-8 established a supervisory non objection process for state member banks involved with tokens using distributed ledger technology.

The withdrawal also included two joint 2023 letters issued by the Fed, FDIC and OCC that were more cautionary in nature. In fairness, their timing made sense. The crypto crash that followed the 2022 collapse of the Terra algorithmic stablecoin, resulted in the mass withdrawal of funds at Silvergate Bank, which alarmed the regulators.

Shortly after these letters, Silicon Valley Bank collapsed, which was unrelated to crypto. However, there were assertions that the collapse of Signature Bank around the same time was partly related to crypto, an issue that bank executives disputed.

In addition to the banking regulators, the CFTC and SEC have also adopted different approaches to crypto under the new Trump administration. While the SEC took an extreme stance under the Biden administration, it remains to be seen whether the pendulum swings too far the other way.

For example, the SEC washed its hands of supervising most meme coins. But some critics, including popular podcaster Joe Rogan, have expressed shock that meme coin pump and dump scams remain largely unregulated

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Ledger Insights

~~~~~~~~~

CARDANO FOUNDER CONFIRMS XRP INTEGRATION, FRUSTRATED BY CHAINLINK DELAYS

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson used the closing minutes of a wide-ranging “ask-me-anything” session on Wednesday to give the community a granular look at two long-running alliance talks that have often generated more speculation than substance:

▪️a multisided collaboration with Ripple’s XRP ecosystem
▪️an oracle integration with Chainlink.

Hoskinson, responding to a viewer who asked, “Charles, are partnerships of Ripple and Chainlink still being discussed?”, made it clear that progress has been uneven. “Ripple, yes. Chainlink we’re working hard on that,” he said.

XRP Integration Makes Progress

On Ripple, Hoskinson sounded decidedly upbeat, describing a concrete roadmap that reaches from native wallet support to token distribution and a new role for Ripple’s forthcoming RLUSD stablecoin. He confirmed that “we’re going to add XRP support for Lace, so if you’re an XRP user you can hold your XRP in the Lace wallet,” referring to IOG’s flagship light wallet launched last year.

He went further, noting that “XRP is going to be part of the Midnight airdrop,” the privacy-focused sidechain announced by Input Output Global. Even the stablecoin is on the table: “we’re in talks with RLUSD so I mean, uh, that’s as good as it gets,” he said, hinting that Cardano infrastructure might natively support Ripple’s fiat-pegged asset.

Hoskinson attributed the new momentum partly to personal rapport inside Ripple’s technical brain-trust. “David Schwarz just invited me to speak at one of their conferences and we’re on very good terms,” he disclosed.

The founder also revealed that “the Flare [Network] people want to come to Cardano and do oracles with us,” underscoring that the partnership has broadened beyond Ripple and broadens to the entire XRP Ledger ecosystem.

Chainlink Progress Remains Trapped

The conversation took a different turn when Hoskinson addressed Chainlink. Although he stressed that relations remain cordial—“I have [Sergey] Nazarov’s private number… we meet and we’re like ‘Yeah, we need to work together’”—the substance of the collaboration still hangs in limbo.

Chainlink, he explained, “has us on the list for integration” and is migrating to “some new framework that’s kind of like Rosetta with Coinbase to do these integrations.” The result is a moving target: “for some reason it’s just always like three to six months off.”

Hoskinson dismissed any notion that the delay stems from politics or money. “There’s no component of it where there’s an interpersonal issue… there’s no component where there’s an economic issue,” he insisted. Instead, he pointed to Chainlink’s bifurcated codebase—“they have like a legacy way of doing it [and] they’re moving towards a new way”—which makes it “hard to predict… what the integration’s going to take.”

Even staffing up the effort has not forced the process across the finish line. “No matter how many people I throw at it… it just, for some reason, doesn’t get over the line,” he admitted, conceding that Cardano is “kind of in this no man’s land” while it waits for Chainlink’s next-generation tooling to stabilize.

Despite the frustration, Hoskinson reiterated his desire for Chainlink to become a premier oracle on Cardano, though he added that “there’s also Pyth [Network] and then there’s Flare and others” in play. He softened the critique with an anecdote about the two founders’ similarities, quipping that “Sergey and I… have the same fashion style, we have the same beard, we’re the same body mass… there’s no bad blood.”

At press time, ADA traded at $0.72.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Bitcoinist

~~~~~~~~~

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“Tidbits From TNT” Saturday 4-26-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  Automation, economic reforms, and waste management top the agenda at Iraq's meeting with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

A high-level Iraqi delegation held talks with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C.,  on automation, economic reforms, and waste management.

A statement from the Ministry of Finance received by ( IQ ) stated that "Minister of Finance Taif Sami Mohammed, Governor of the Central Bank Ali Al-Alaq, and the accompanying delegation participated in the annual spring meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund held in the US capital, Washington, to discuss global economic challenges, economic development, financial stability, and other related issues, in addition to plenary sessions, seminars, and side consultations ." 

The statement added that "the Minister of Finance began her participation in the first meeting with the Executive Director of the World Bank, Abdulaziz Al-Mulla, where the economic situation in Iraq and the role of the World Bank in supporting Iraq in its reform programs were discussed, particularly in the areas of maximizing revenues, reducing expenditures, digitization, electronic systems, and infrastructure, energy, and environmental projects ."

He added, "The Minister also met with the Regional Vice President of the International Finance Corporation  (IFC),  Hela Sheikh Rouhou, and discussed with her the most important obstacles to investment in Iraq, ways to address them, and the most important projects that the corporation is supervising in Iraq in the transportation, energy, and international trade finance sectors . "  She explained that "the corporation can support projects of the Iraq Development Fund ."

The Foundation's Deputy Chairman emphasized "supporting the private sector and its projects, and supporting the agricultural and industrial sectors in Iraq ."

The delegation, headed by the Minister of Finance, held a high-level meeting with the World Bank's Vice President for the Middle East, Othman Dawani. The meeting discussed the portfolio of projects funded by the World Bank, particularly the railway project in Iraq. It was also agreed to review this portfolio to monitor the implementation of these projects, identify any obstacles to their implementation, and find solutions to implement and complete these projects within the specified timeframe .

The meeting, according to the statement, discussed "the government's priorities for future projects, for which the World Bank can provide support, including renewable energy, waste management, and transportation projects, particularly the metro, airports, and railways. The minister also discussed with Al-Dawani the issue of human development in Iraq, which is a government priority to be included in the World Bank's plans to allocate support and launch future projects in the education, health, employment, and social protection sectors ."

According to the statement, the Minister and the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq attended "the ministerial meeting chaired by the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Gurevichi, and attended by the Ministers of Finance and Governors of the IMF countries. The discussions focused on the global economic situation, the increasing uncertainty and its economic impacts at the local and global levels, addressing the challenges and measures to be taken to enhance resilience, identifying strategies to maintain the macroeconomy, and managing debt sustainability.

The meeting also focused on exchanging visions and experiences regarding economic reforms, enhancing the performance of government institutions, supporting and strengthening the private sector, and opening them up to be at the forefront of sustaining the economic resilience of the countries of the region ."

For her part, Kristalina explained the Fund's humanitarian support for conflict-affected countries, and that the Fund is committed to supporting the people of Gaza, Yemen, Syria, and Sudan. She emphasized the need for countries to implement medium-term reforms, build economic buffers, and diversify their economies to strengthen their foundations for financial sustainability and macro-stability . 

The Iraqi delegation's agenda included "participation in a meeting with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Mohamed Maait, during which the spotlight was placed on specific reforms aimed at improving the performance of Iraq's financial sector, and the exchange of updates between the two sides on activating areas of partnership with the Fund ."

During the ongoing meetings, Finance Minister Taif Sami held a coordination meeting with the head of the International Monetary Fund's mission to Iraq, Jean-Claude. The meeting addressed discussions on the prospects for Iraqi economic growth through the government's reform program aimed at strengthening the oil and non-oil sectors, and how to maintain economic stability in Iraq in light of the global economic conditions . 

The Minister, along with the Director of Technical and Financial Affairs and her technical team at the International Monetary Fund, responsible for providing technical support and expertise to the Ministry of Finance, discussed "the steps taken to provide technical support to the General Tax Authority and the General Customs Authority regarding the automation of their electronic systems and reviewing amendments to their laws. The latter expressed its readiness to provide technical support and training on these systems for customs and tax employees ."

The meeting also discussed "completing the requirements for the unified treasury account, reviewing the procedures implemented by the Ministry of Finance regarding this program, and proposing the provision of technical support for retirement and social security. A report on reform proposals for this sector will be submitted to the Iraqi government ." 

The delegation discussed a range of economic issues and key financial policy forecasts during a meeting with Jihad Azour, Director of the IMF's Middle East and Asia Department .

For his part, the regional representative stressed "the Fund's commitment to supporting all financial, banking, and monetary reform programs adopted by the Iraqi government ."

It is worth noting that these annual meetings bring together central bank governors, ministers of finance and development, private sector executives, representatives of civil society organizations, and academics to discuss issues of global importance, including the global economic outlook, poverty eradication, economic development, and aid effectiveness . 

The event features workshops, regional briefings, press conferences, and other events focusing on the global economy, international development, and the global financial system . link

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

Tishwash:    Fuad Hussein holds meetings with US officials in Washington.

US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce announced that Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein will hold meetings with US officials in Washington, D.C., on Friday.

 Bruce added, during a press conference, that Fuad Hussein will be at the Foreign Ministry on Friday to "hold several meetings," noting that she will participate in one of them.

 She noted that she had "no details to provide" about those meetings, but explained that the ministry would issue "media summaries, and there will be some information about those meetings."

The Iraqi Foreign Minister announced, in a post on the X platform, his departure for the United States to hold "a series of bilateral meetings to strengthen Iraqi-American relations and coordinate efforts on regional and international issues."

The meetings will also discuss "ways to enhance common security and cooperation in various fields."

 A US congressional delegation visited Baghdad in mid-April, and during their meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, they emphasized "the importance of the relationship with Iraq as a key partner in the Middle East."

In its meeting with Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, the delegation reiterated its country's "commitment" to continuing to support Iraq and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two sides.

It also emphasized the US Congress's "keenness" to maintain effective communication with Iraqi leaders to work together for a better future for both countries. link

***********

Tishwash:  The Prime Minister's Financial Advisor talks about gold demand and prices.

The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, explained the reasons for the increased demand for gold in Iraq, as well as its impact on global prices.

Saleh stated that "local gold is one of the wealth havens most affected by external or international factors and shocks, as it is a commodity imported from gold vaults abroad. The global price of gold exceeded the $3,200 per ounce barrier in April 2025, affected by geopolitical tensions, especially between the United States and China, or the so-called trade war issue represented by the escalation of the mutual tariff war between various countries of the world and its direct and indirect effects on inflation trends and expectations in the global economy."

 He pointed out that "this coincided with indicators of the oil asset cycle, the downward trend in global oil prices, as well as the increasing demand for the yellow metal by central banks and investors seeking a safe haven for wealth around the world, as gold is undoubtedly the best store of value." He explained that "the price of gold, which has witnessed a significant and continuous rise, despite its fluctuations towards the decline, has maintained its high price. For example, the price of one ounce on April 17, 2025, reached approximately $3,321.89, after previously reaching a new record high of $3,357.40 per ounce."

Saleh said, "The opening of the local gold market to the global market and the impact of global gold prices on our country's supply has become an immediate reflexive issue. Until the local gold market stabilizes again, it may take a long time to adapt again." He pointed out that "the short-term jumps in gold prices cast a shadow over the tendencies of individuals in our country and the behavior of some to hedge their investments in the yellow metal."

He pointed out that "the demand for gold in Iraq is a traditional means of preserving value, which leads to its purchase as a normal hedge, especially for those with cash surpluses, with the aim of profiting from the external price factors affecting the fluctuations in the international economy, and the impact of this on the level of global prices, and the repercussions of this on thinking about re-diversifying the wealth portfolios of some of them, or according to their beliefs and traditions in investing, preserving the value of their personal financial wealth, or speculating."

He explained that "if the goal of importing is a safe investment, it is preferable to monitor global and local markets to make informed decisions, and to properly diversify their investment portfolios and not rely entirely on a single investment vehicle to preserve value, as gold is also subject to decline.

 It is also preferable to consider other national investment options to diversify their investment portfolios, especially investing in interest-bearing sovereign government bonds currently offered to investors through the Iraqi banking system." link

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

Mot: Has She EVER Given YOU -- ""The Look""

Mot: How Close Are YOU  

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Saturday Morning 4-26-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

RIPPLE PRESIDENT MONICA LONG STUNS XRP ARMY WITH PRODUCT ADVANCEMENT UPDATES

President Monica Long confirmed Ripple Labs’ $1.25 billion Hidden Road purchase, emphasizing XRP and RLUSD enterprise integration.

Ripple’s acquisition of prime brokerage firm Hidden Road for $1.25 billion is back in the spotlight.

XRP eyes bullish breakout with price holding above key levels.

Derivatives marketplace CME Group is to launch XRP futures on May 19, boosting institutional interest.

Monica Long, the President of American blockchain payments firm Ripple Labs Inc, has spurred fresh excitement within the XRP community. She recently stunned the community with updates on the company’s ongoing expansion and its latest acquisition. These developments come as the Ripple Labs-linked cryptocurrency XRP shows steady price gains amidst increasing institutional adoption.

Ripple Strengthens Infrastructure with Hidden Road Deal

In a recent CNBC interview, Monica Long confirmed Ripple’s acquisition of Hidden Road, a global prime brokerage firm that processes over $3 trillion in transactions annually.

In the interview, Long disclosed that the deal, which cost Ripple $1.25 billion, is considered a strategic move. This acquisition is aimed at strengthening the company’s financial infrastructure services, which include global payments, token custody, and asset tokenization, all of which are tailored for enterprise use.

According to the update, Long shared that Ripple Labs has expanded its payments network. She highlighted the company’s strong liquidity management, regulatory compliance with over 60 licenses, and complete control over payment flows.

Long also mentioned that purchasing Hidden Road supports Ripple’s core mission and enhances the integration of XRP, RLUSD (Ripple’s stablecoin), and other digital assets into enterprise-level solutions.

It is essential to add that this development follows Ripple Labs’ decision to delay going public. Long explained that the company remains financially strong, holding billions in cash reserves, and does not need an IPO for capital or visibility.

Commenting on the development, CEO Brad Garlinghouse echoed these remarks, confirming that Ripple will focus on building through acquisitions rather than listing on the stock market.

XRP Holds Key Levels

CoinMarketCap data shows that the fourth-largest cryptocurrency XRP is currently trading at $2.19, up 1.80% in the last 24 hours.

It is worth noting that the price has shown signs of consolidation. Market data shows that it is holding support above $2.11 and pushing through key levels following a mid-week high of $2.30.

Analysts are watching a possible 25% breakout toward $2.74, backed by a bullish inverse head-and-shoulders pattern. According to experts, a move above $2.22, which stands as the short-term resistance, is expected to open the path toward $2.50 and beyond.

It is worth mentioning that Derivatives exchange CME Group’s announcement of XRP futures set to launch on May 19 has only added to the market optimism. As detailed in its announcement, the futures will offer micro and larger contracts targeting institutional and retail investors.

Coinspeaker noted earlier that Coinbase submitted a filing with the CFTC to introduce XRP futures trading. This shows the rising appeal of XRP among Institutional and professional traders.

Reports also show that XRP technical indicators are pointing toward mixed signals. For context, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is hovering around 55 but trending down toward the midline, indicating a potential shift in sentiment. Meanwhile, long liquidations are outpacing short ones, hinting at growing sell-side pressure. Despite this, XRP remains above the 100-day EMA, keeping the current bullish setup intact.

With continued attention on support at $2.15 and resistance at $2.22, market participants are closely watching Ripple’s next steps.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  CoinSpeaker

~~~~~~~~~

BRICS: GOLDMAN SACHS ANALYST PREDICTS THE US DOLLAR’S FUTURE

Goldman Sachs analyst has provided a gloomy prediction for the US dollar as BRICS aims to topple the US dollar from the world’s reserve currency. The US dollar is the worst-performing currency in the forex markets as the DXY index dipped below the 100 mark.

 It hit a low of 98.06 after falling from a high of 109.40 early this year. The greenback has dipped nearly 9% year-to-date and eight out of nine leading currencies outperformed it in 2025.

BRICS: Goldman Sachs on The US Dollar’s Future: ‘Weakness Is Here To Stay,’ Says Analyst

Kamakshya Trivedi, Head of Global FX at Goldman Sachs said that the US dollar’s weakness is here to stay. Trivedi explained that the geopolitical winds have changed as emerging economies are now looking at their own benefits similar to how the US does on foreign policies. 

The Goldman Sachs analyst remains bearish on the US dollar as BRICS and other countries are diversifying their reserves.

“The US dollar weakness is here to stay. It’s going to persist, and it’s going to deepen,” said the analyst. He added, “I think the dollar weakness has further to run.” However, the Goldman Sachs analyst explained that the local currencies of BRICS countries do not pose a threat to the US dollar.

He stressed that the euro and Japanese yen could rise as the greenback declines in the charts. “It’s going to be the euro o+r the yen in the lead. That’s your typical ultra-safe haven. And I think that we could be getting back to the low 130s in quick time if the labor market data in the US start to crack.” While BRICS currencies might not pull the US dollar down, the euro and yen could, said the Goldman Sachs analyst.

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Source:  Watcher Guru

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MilitiaMan & Crew: Iraq Dinar News-IQD update-Iraqi-American relations-Non Oil Revenues-Oil Exports-Global Investment

MilitiaMan & Crew: Iraq Dinar News-IQD update-Iraqi-American relations-Non Oil Revenues-Oil Exports-Global Investment

4-25-2025

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Be sure to listen to full video for all the news……..

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Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Friday Morning 4-25-25

The Central Bank Of Iraq Clarifies: There Is No Truth To The Claim That The Dollar Quota For Travelers Has Been Raised To 5,000.

Banks  Economy News – Baghdad  The Central Bank of Iraq denied on Friday that it had raised the dollar quota for travelers.

The Central Bank told the official news agency, as reported by Al-Eqtisad News, that "the circulating letter attributed to the Central Bank is fake and there is no truth to the claim that the traveler's dollar quota has been raised to 5,000."  He added, "The traveler's share is only $3,000, and he receives it at the airport on the day of travel."   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=54820

Prime Minister's Advisor: Government Bonds Are A Better Investment Option Than Gold

Buratha News Agency1862025-04-25  The Prime Minister's advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Saleh, confirmed on Friday that sovereign government bonds are available for investment through banking institutions, calling for diversifying investment portfolios by investing in government bonds instead of gold, as "local gold is one of the wealth havens most affected by external or international factors and their shocks, as it is a commodity imported from gold vaults outside the country,

as the global price of gold exceeded the $3,200 per ounce barrier in April 2025, affected by geopolitical tensions, especially between the United States and China, or the so-called trade war issue represented by the escalation of the mutual tariff war between various countries of the world and its direct and indirect effects on inflation trends and expectations in the global economy."

He added, "This coincided with indicators of the oil asset cycle, the downward trend in global oil prices, and the increasing demand for the yellow metal by central banks and investors seeking a safe haven for wealth around the world, as gold is undoubtedly the best store of value.

" He noted that "the price of gold, which has witnessed a significant and continuous rise, despite its fluctuations towards the decline, has maintained its high price. For example, the price of one ounce on April 17, 2025, reached approximately $3,321.89, after previously reaching a new record high of $3,357.40 per ounce."

Saleh explained that "the opening of the local gold market to the global market and the impact of the global price of gold on our country's supply has become an immediate reflexive issue. Until the local gold market stabilizes again,

 it may take a real period of time to adapt again." He pointed out that "the short-term jumps in gold prices cast a shadow over the tendencies of individuals in our country and the behavior of some to hedge by investing in the yellow metal."

He continued: "Demand for gold in Iraq is a traditional means of preserving value, which leads to its purchase as a normal hedge, especially for those with cash surpluses, with the aim of profiting from the external price factors affecting the fluctuations in the international economy, and the impact of this on the level of global prices, and the repercussions of this on thinking about re-diversifying the wealth portfolios of some of them, or according to their beliefs and traditions in investing, preserving the value of their personal financial wealth, or speculating."

Saleh pointed out that "if the goal of importing is a safe investment, it is preferable to monitor global and local markets to make informed decisions, and to proceed with the proper diversification of their investment portfolios and not rely entirely on a single investment vehicle to preserve value, since gold is also subject to decline.

It is also preferable to consider other national investment options to diversify their investment portfolios, especially investing in interest-bearing sovereign government bonds currently offered to investors through the Iraqi banking system." https://burathanews.com/arabic/economic/459247

An Economist Warns Of The Repercussions Of Not Approving The Budget And Its Impact On The Markets.

Time: 2025/04/25 14:05:46 Read: 1,065 times  {Economic: Al Furat News} Economic expert Bassem Jamil Antoine warned of the serious repercussions of the country's failure to pass its general budget yet, stressing that this has led to a clear contraction in Iraqi markets.

In a statement to Al Furat News Agency, Antoine described the current situation as a "major catastrophe," noting that the country's financial crisis is huge, with the budget deficit reaching nearly 64 trillion dinars due to what he described as a "speculative deficit."

The economic expert explained that the recent increase in customs duties has significantly impacted citizens' spending behavior, pointing out that these factors have pushed many to adopt a policy of saving and thrift, which has increased the state of deflation in the markets.

Antoine stressed the need to expedite the approval of the budget and address the causes that led to this deficit, warning against the continuation of the current situation and its negative impact on the national economy and the lives of citizens.  LINK

Foreign Minister Arrives In Washington

Friday, April 25, 2025 05:12 | Politics Number of reads: 461  Baghdad / NINA / Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein arrived in the US capital, Washington, on an official visit.

A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "the Minister of Foreign Affairs arrived in the US capital, Washington, on an official visit during which he will hold a series of bilateral meetings with a number of senior officials in the US administration." The statement

added that "this visit comes within the framework of strengthening bilateral relations between the Republic of Iraq and the United States of America, and discussing ways to develop joint cooperation in the political, security and economic fields, as well as discussing regional and international issues of common interest."

The statement continued, "During his visit, the Minister is scheduled to meet a number of officials in the US State Department, most notably Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State, in addition to holding meetings with prominent political and economic figures." /End https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?Key=1200022

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