Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Saturday Afternoon 8-2-25

Among Them Is The Economic Contraction.. An Expert Reveals The Reasons Behind The Decline In The Exchange Rate.
 
July 31, 2025  Baghdad/Iraq Observer  Economic expert Munar Al-Obaidi confirmed that the exchange rate of the US dollar against the Iraqi dinar has witnessed a significant decline recently.
 
This decline is due to a group of intertwined economic and procedural factors,  which vary in their level of influence but have collectively contributed to strengthening the dinar.

Al-Obaidi told the Iraq Observer that “the reasons for the dollar’s decline include the   economic contraction and   declining consumer confidence.
 
The state of uncertainty in the Iraqi market, as a result of the economic slowdown, has  led to a decline in the confidence of individuals and institutions in spending, which has negatively impacted the volume of public demand, thus  reducing the need for the dollar as a stimulus for trade.
 
In addition, the halt in government investment spending has led to the government focusing on operational spending rather than investment spending, leading to a decline in economic activity.” 

He added that "the general budget is the primary driver of economic activity, and reducing investment spending has reduced aggregate demand,   including demand for the dollar."

He noted that "other reasons include  :
     tightening controls at border crossings and
     government measures to  curb smuggling and  regulate relations with the Kurdistan Region, which have contributed to  reducing the phenomenon of inflated invoices,  which has reduced the unreal demand for dollars in the parallel market."
 
Regarding the shift of traders to the formal banking system, Al-Abidi explained that “the markets have witnessed the  entry of a large segment of traders into the formal banking system, and  their reliance on the official dollar exchange rate through approved platforms, which has  reduced the  volume of trading in the parallel market and  reduced pressure on the dollar, in addition to a  decline in re-export operations.
 
The decline in the re-export of goods to neighboring countries has led to a reduction in demand for imported goods, which has  directly reflected in a decline in the need for dollars to finance these commercial operations.” 

 He emphasized that   "settling major companies' dues in oil products instead of cash also had an impact on depreciating the dollar, as the government settled a portion of foreign companies' dues  in black oil and naphtha   instead of cash,   reducing reliance on dollars sold by the Central Bank and   increasing their supply in the market." 

He pointed out that “preparations for the electoral process also play a role.
 
With the start of the election season, the volume of    spending related to the electoral campaigns increased, and this spending is often financed from cash reserves stored in dollars,  which necessitated converting large amounts of them into dinars to cover campaign expenses,  thus increasing the supply of dollars and  increasing the number of foreign visitors and arrivals.

The increasing number of arrivals to Iraq contributed to the introduction of quantities of foreign currencies into the local market, which provided an additional source of hard currency   outside the framework of central bank sales, and  contributed to strengthening the availability of dollars.”  He continued, saying,
 
"The halt to illicit trade as a result of the closure of the border with Syria played  a significant role in the decline of the dollar.
 
The closure of border crossings with Syria contributed to the  reduction of smuggling and illegal trade, which had been heavily dependent on the dollar in the parallel market,  leading to a further decline in demand for the dollar." 

He concluded by saying, "The   decline in the issued currency and the withdrawal of a portion of it from the market  is another reason behind the decline in the dollar price.
 
The Central Bank of Iraq withdrew a portion of the dinar money supply from the market,  creating a double demand for the Iraqi dinar against the dollar.
 
This balance in demand levels between the two currencies helped boost the value of the dinar and  raise its exchange rate against the dollar on the parallel market."   https://observeriraq.net/بينها-الانكماش-الاقتصادي-خبير-يكشف-ال/  

"Development Road" Opens The Way For A New Energy Agreement Between Iraq And Turkey.
 

Economy News - Follow-up  Researchers and experts confirmed on Friday that the"Development Road" project between Iraq and Turkey is no longer just a strategic corridor for transporting goods,
 
but rather a  gateway to a comprehensive energy agreement between the two countries  that could redraw the map of regional economic cooperation.
 
Turkish researcher Sercan Caliskan, who specializes in Iraqi affairs, explained, as reported by Anadolu Agency, that "relations between Ankara and Baghdad have witnessed a strategic development in the energy sector," noting that
 
"this path is directly linked to the 'Development Road' project, which extends 1,200 kilometers within Iraqi territory and aims to connect the Arabian Gulf to Europe via Turkish territory."
 
"The project is not limited to transportation and infrastructure, but  opens new horizons for regional cooperation,   especially in the energy sector,"explained Çalışkan, a researcher at the Turkish Center for Middle Eastern Studies. 

He continued: "The development path represents an opportunity to
     establish a long-term partnership that prevents legal disputes and
     builds the foundations for comprehensive cooperation on the oil and energy front."
 
For his part, Yasser Al-Maliki, an expert on Arabian Gulf affairs at the Middle East Economic Survey (MEES), said that
 
"the project falls within Ankara and Baghdad's plans to enhance their economic cooperation," stressing that  "the Iraq-Turkey oil pipeline could be used in the future to transport crude oil from other countries,  strengthening Turkey's position as a regional hub for energy transit between Asia and Europe."

Al-Maliki pointed out that  "re-exporting Kirkuk oil to Mediterranean refineries via Türkiye would be of great importance to Baghdad, as it seeks  to increase revenues and  reduce supply-related crises."
 
Turkish sources had previously revealed that negotiations had begun between Ankara and Baghdad to reach a new, more comprehensive oil transport agreement.
 
A Turkish presidential decree was published in the Official Gazette on July 21,
indicating that the current agreement signed between the two countries in 1973 would expire on July 27, 2026. views 96   08/01/2025 - https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=58198  

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

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Saturday Afternoon 8-2-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps

$24,000 Guaranteed Income Coming to Young Adults in Georgia Under New Pilot Program

A new guaranteed income initiative in Georgia will provide selected participants with up to $24,000 in no-strings-attached cash over four years, as part of a pilot program aimed at economic resilience and wealth-building for young adults.

The program is spearheaded by the Georgia Resilience & Opportunity (GRO) Fund, a nonprofit focused on equitable economic development.

Program Overview

The Freedom Futures guaranteed income pilot will provide:

• $500 per month for 48 months

• Totaling $24,000 per participant

Funds can be used freely, with no restrictions on spending.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be 18 to 25 years old

• Be enrolled in high school or a partner college/university

• Live in a household with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level

Additional Wealth-Building Capital Offered

In addition to monthly income, participants may qualify for an investment sum of over $20,000, designated for:

• Homeownership

• Entrepreneurship

• Higher education

• Retirement savings

This capital will be distributed beginning in year three of the program. To access these funds, recipients must complete a financial education curriculum provided by the program.

Key Dates and Application Process

• Application deadline: August 27, 2025

• Required documents include: proof of identity, enrollment, and household income

• Notification: Applicants will be informed of selection within weeks after the deadline

• First payments: Begin in September 2025

For more information and to apply, visit the Freedom Futures application portal.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Daily Hodl

~~~~~~~~~

India Leaving BRICS? U.S.-India Tensions Escalate Amid Tariffs, Oil Deals, and De-Dollarization Dispute

Speculation is mounting over whether India may exit the BRICS economic bloc amid its growing tensions with the United States. The diplomatic fallout has intensified following President Donald Trump’s imposition of sweeping tariffs on Indian goods and critical remarks from Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding India’s continued energy partnership with Russia.

With relations between New Delhi and Washington reportedly at their lowest point since 1998, the geopolitical and economic stakes are rising fast. Key flashpoints include U.S. opposition to India’s Russian oil purchases, India’s refusal to support BRICS de-dollarization efforts, and growing speculation that India may reorient toward the West.

Trump’s Tariff Ultimatum Raises Stakes

On August 1, President Trump announced a 25% tariff on all Indian imports, citing persistent trade imbalances and India’s continued military and energy deals with Russia.

In a Truth Social post, Trump stated:

“India, Russia can take their dead economies down together.”

He went on to criticize India’s high tariffs, non-monetary trade barriers, and reliance on Russian military equipment and energy:

“India… has the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country… they are Russia’s largest buyer of ENERGY… at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE.”

The move is widely interpreted as an economic ultimatum meant to pressure India to sever deeper ties with Moscow—and potentially push it out of BRICS.

Rubio Condemns India’s Russia Oil Purchases

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added fuel to the controversy during an interview with Fox Radio, targeting India’s continued energy imports from Russia.

Rubio stated:

“India… buys [energy] from Russia… because Russian oil is sanctioned and cheap… That, unfortunately, is helping to sustain the Russian war effort.”

He noted that India’s purchases undermine Western sanctions and prolong the Ukraine conflict, making energy policy a central issue in broader diplomatic tensions.

India Rejects BRICS Currency, Signals Western Alignment

At the recent BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, India officially rejected the proposed joint currency initiative intended to reduce global dependence on the U.S. dollar. The move was confirmed by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and it has caused friction within the BRICS bloc.

India’s refusal comes as Prime Minister Modi pursues deeper economic ties with the U.S., including negotiations on trade agreements reportedly worth $500 billion. Analysts see this as a strategic realignment toward the West—at the expense of BRICS unity.

Diplomatic Breakdown: Worst India-U.S. Crisis in 25 Years

National security expert Derek J. Grossman called the current standoff the worst diplomatic moment in U.S.-India relations since 1998.

India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry responded to Trump’s tariff announcement with a carefully worded statement:

“The Government will take all steps necessary to secure our national interest.”

Whether this crisis leads to India formally exiting BRICS remains uncertain, but the current trajectory suggests New Delhi is increasingly aligned with Western economic frameworks, leaving its future in BRICS in question.

@ Newshounds News™
Source: Watcher.Guru

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Saturday Morning 8-2-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

SEC Chair Atkins Urges Crypto Firms to Return to the U.S. Amid Regulatory Shift

A growing number of global crypto companies are expanding or returning to the United States as the Trump administration signals a policy pivot toward digital asset growth and onshoring.

SEC Endorses ‘Reshoring’ Strategy

In a speech delivered at the America First Policy Institute, SEC Chair Paul Atkins urged the U.S. to “reshore the crypto businesses that fled,” calling for a renewed effort to bring blockchain innovation back under U.S. jurisdiction. His remarks aligned with a broader push by the Trump administration to make the U.S. a leading global hub for digital assets.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed the sentiment, declaring that the U.S. has entered a “golden age of crypto” and encouraging entrepreneurs to “start your companies here, launch your protocols here, and hire your workers here.”

Policy Shift Spurs Return of International Firms

Backed by political support and clearer regulatory frameworks, several international firms are re-entering or expanding within the U.S. market:

• Nexo (Bulgaria): Returned to the U.S. in April after a multi-year absence, citing improved regulatory clarity.

• Deribit (Netherlands): Exploring a U.S. entry as of early May.

• Wintermute (UK): Opened a New York office in May to increase U.S. market presence.

• OKX (Seychelles): Relaunched U.S. operations in June, establishing a new headquarters in San Jose, California.

• Bitmain (China): Announced plans to open its first U.S.-based ASIC production facility by 2026 and select a U.S. headquarters location by Q3 2025.

These moves come amid reports that other major ASIC manufacturers, including Canaan and MicroBT, are also shifting production to the United States.

U.S. Crypto Firms Expand Domestic Operations

Domestic firms are scaling up in response to state-level support and expanding regulatory certainty:

• Kraken: Relocated its global headquarters to Cheyenne, Wyoming, in June, citing the state’s crypto-friendly policies.

• MoonPay: Opened a new headquarters in New York in April and secured regulatory licenses to operate in all 50 states by June.

Conclusion

As pro-crypto reforms continue to take shape under the Trump administration, the return of global players and expansion of domestic firms suggest that the U.S. is regaining ground as a competitive destination for digital asset innovation.

@ Newshounds News™
Source: Cointelegraph    

~~~~~~~~~

SEC Expands Crypto Roundtables Nationwide, Begins August 4 in Berkeley

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is taking its crypto policy outreach on the road, launching a nationwide series of roundtables aimed at early-stage blockchain developers and startups. The initiative, titled “Crypto on the Road,” builds on spring engagements that began in Washington and marks a significant expansion of the SEC’s public engagement with the digital asset industry.

Targeting Startups Outside Washington

According to the SEC’s August 1 announcement, the roadshow is designed to connect with smaller crypto teams—specifically those with 10 or fewer employees and less than two years in operation. The outreach aims to offer direct access to SEC representatives for developers and founders operating outside the Beltway.

Hester Peirce, head of the SEC’s Crypto Task Force, emphasized the importance of hearing from a broad cross-section of stakeholders:

“The Crypto Task Force is acutely aware that any regulatory framework will have far-reaching effects, and we want to ensure that our outreach is as comprehensive as possible.”

How to Participate

Teams interested in participating can request a meeting slot by emailing crypto@sec.gov with the subject line “Crypto on the Road.” Applicants should include the city of interest, the names of one or two attendees, and a brief description of their project and team.

The SEC also plans to publish a list of participating projects to maintain transparency throughout the process.

Nationwide Schedule Runs Through December

The initial roadshow calendar includes ten stops across the country, running from August through December:

• Berkeley, CA – August 4

• Boston, MA – August 19

• Dallas, TX – September 4

• Chicago, IL – September 15

• New York, NY – September 25

• Irvine, CA – October 3

• Cleveland, OH – October 24

• Scottsdale, AZ – October 29

• New York, NY (2nd stop) – November 12

• Ann Arbor, MI – December 5

Dates are subject to change as logistics are finalized.

Building on Spring Engagements

The roadshow follows the SEC’s first Crypto Task Force roundtable, held on March 21 in Washington, D.C. That session brought together a wide spectrum of voices, from blockchain advocates to policy skeptics. The dialogue highlighted shared concerns around the lack of regulatory clarity, even as participants diverged on how best to define oversight for decentralized platforms.

Key areas of debate included:

• The relevance and limitations of the Howey Test for evaluating digital assets

• Whether token decentralization should exempt projects from securities classification

• How regulation can encourage innovation without overreach

Following the inaugural session, the SEC hosted four additional events focusing on key regulatory issues, including the role of decentralized finance (DeFi) and consumer protection.

Seeking Ground-Level Insights

By moving discussions into key regional innovation hubs, the SEC is seeking more grounded insights from smart contract developers, tokenization teams, and early-stage consumer application builders. The insights gathered during this tour will help shape future SEC guidance and rulemaking on how digital assets and blockchain-based projects are treated under federal securities law.

@ Newshounds News™
Source: CryptoSlate

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

“Tidbits From TNT” Saturday Morning 8-2-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  International oil companies return to operations in Kurdistan fields

A responsible source in the Kurdistan Regional Government revealed on Saturday that a number of international oil companies have resumed operations in the Kurdistan Region's oil fields.

The source explained that "the vital oil facilities in the Kurdistan Region were subjected to more than 22 drone attacks in various parts of the region," noting that "the investigative committee has not yet submitted its final report to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani."

He added, "The region will bear the responsibility of compensating companies for the quantities allocated for local consumption."

He continued, "The region is preparing to deliver the ready quantities of crude oil produced by foreign companies that have gradually returned to operating in the region to the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) for export via the Turkish port of Ceyhan, stressing that this step reflects the regional government's commitment to a joint understanding with the federal government to regulate the export file and protect oil investments." link

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

Tishwash:  China Petroleum Engineering wins bid for massive offshore pipeline project in Iraq

China Petroleum Engineering Corporation (CPEC), a subsidiary of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), announced it has won a bid for a major offshore pipeline project in Iraq. The project is expected to be worth approximately $2.5 billion.

This project represents an important step towards strengthening Iraq's oil export infrastructure, particularly its offshore component, which will contribute to increasing the country's capacity to pump and export crude oil.

According to economic websites, a Chinese company's winning of this massive bid confirms the growing role of Chinese companies in the global oil and energy sector, particularly in the Middle East and Iraq.

This major investment reflects China's commitment to securing and diversifying its energy sources, as Iraq is one of the world's largest oil producers and a major supplier to China.

The project is expected to contribute to the creation of significant job opportunities, both directly and indirectly, during the construction and operation phases.

This pipeline could also contribute to increasing Iraq's oil export revenues, which is vital for the country's economy, which is heavily dependent on oil revenues.

This project is another example of the growing economic cooperation between Iraq and China, which includes many sectors, particularly energy and infrastructure.  link

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

Tishwash:  Iraqis do not trust banks. More than 90% of the money supply is outside the banking system.

The relationship between Iraqi citizens and banks, both governmental and private, remains isolated or nearly severed, especially when it comes to depositing money with these banks. Citizens view these banks as deep wells that hide their money beneath the routine of lengthy transactions, while they see the rooms and closets of their homes as the safest places for their cash. 

Citizen Wajdan Saleh is one of those people. She is afraid to deposit her money in Iraqi banks and prefers to keep it at home, citing her fear that the banks will not easily return her money if she needs it. 

"I once deposited 5 million dinars in a government bank, and when I went to withdraw it after a long period of time, they asked me to follow impossible procedures that took more than a week," Wajdan told Shafaq News Agency.

Wajdan added that since then she has not deposited any money, even the remittances she receives from relatives outside Iraq, which she receives immediately upon arrival.

"The lack of trust between citizens and banks has led to citizens hoarding their money at home and not depositing it in banks, which has significantly impacted the monetary aggregate," MP Mustafa Al-Karawi asserted. He added, "The issue of developing the banking sector and merging banks has been raised repeatedly in parliament, and the primary reason behind this is the loss of confidence citizens have had in the banking system in Iraq."

Speaking to Shafaq News, Al-Karawi explained that this problem stems from long-standing issues related to weak electronic and banking accounting systems, which has made citizens reluctant to use them and prefer to withdraw their full salaries as soon as they are deposited into the card, leaving no balance.

He points out that the absence of modern banking systems has led people to refrain from depositing and saving in banks, which prompts many to hoard their money at home, which in turn leads to economic stagnation and reduces the amount of liquidity circulating in the market.

Al-Karawi calls for raising citizens' awareness and banking culture, as well as for government and commercial institutions and the private sector to adopt e-commerce transactions, as a key path to stimulating economic activity.

He concluded by saying that deposits in banks not only provide financial security for citizens, but also enable banks to provide development services such as loans and advances, which contribute to stimulating the market and achieving the desired economic growth.

Economist Dr. Ali Daadoush told Shafaq News Agency, "The phenomenon of hoarding money amounts to 92% of the monetary mass outside the banking system. It represents a fundamental challenge to the monetary and financial structure in Iraq and is one of the most prominent manifestations of the structural fragility of the monetary economy." He emphasized that "this phenomenon is complex and has behavioral, institutional, and economic dimensions."

He adds, "The culture of hoarding is not a new phenomenon. It is an extension of decades of political and economic instability, from blockades to sanctions, from a lack of security to fragile institutions. During these periods, the idea that paper money in your pocket is better than money in the bank became ingrained in the Iraqi mindset. However, this culture did not remain within the framework of individual behavior alone, but rather transformed into a general phenomenon, stifling the economic cycle and weakening the ability of banks to perform their vital functions, from financing to investment, from oversight to the activation of monetary instruments."

Daadoush points out that "the majority of those who hoard cash are individuals, particularly in small towns, rural areas, and areas not covered by banking services. This is due to a lack of trust in banks, a result of past experiences of bankruptcy, seizure, or corruption, and the absence of a culture of financial inclusion in the educational and media systems."

Daadoush points to "the difficulty of banking procedures, the lack of widespread branch presence, and the decline in digital banking services, which push people to cling to cash as an easier means of payment."

According to experts, this phenomenon has many negative aspects, including the central bank losing effective control over the money supply, and its tools, such as interest rates and rediscounting, becoming less effective. Meanwhile, banks suffer from a liquidity crunch, which weakens their ability to finance projects and pushes investors toward informal financing. Furthermore, managing inflation due to the unofficial money supply negatively impacts the central bank's decisions in achieving its primary objective of controlling the general price level and achieving stability.

Citizen Abdul Ali Alwan told Shafaq News Agency, "The procedures for opening a bank account require official identification documents and an amount not exceeding $100. This is normal, but the problem becomes more complicated if we are asked to withdraw part of the deposited amount."

He added, "Routine procedures hinder the withdrawal process and take more than a week."

Due to the instability and the closure of some private banks due to external sanctions, some people refuse to deposit money in these banks.

Contractor Abdul Zahra Fadel explains, "There are often times when there is a quick and urgent need for money, but banking procedures stand in the way. Some private banks are subject to sanctions that require them to shut down for a period of time, and then we face numerous problems."

He pointed out in an interview with Shafaq News Agency: "When a citizen opens a bank account in hard currency, the money transferred to him through the bank is not disbursed in the same currency," noting that "the money transfer is also not delivered at the parallel rate under the pretext that the account opened with the bank is in hard currency, and another account must be opened in local currency in order to withdraw the transfer."

He asserts that "banks in Baghdad adopt complex and often unreasonable procedures that place customers in prolonged suffering. This is completely different from the banks in the region, which enjoy ease and transparency in all their banking transactions."

Ultimately, the Iraqi government must improve the administrative performance of banks and increase citizen confidence in the banking system by facilitating the procedures for withdrawing and depositing funds.  link

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

Mot:  UH OH !! ~~~ signs you might be ....

Mot:   Why of Course -- Here Ya Go!!!: 

De-Dollarization is Real, Brazil Just Proved it

De-Dollarization is Real, Brazil Just Proved it

Lena Petrova:   8-1-2025

Recent tensions between the United States and Brazil, marked by U.S. tariffs on Brazilian imports and visa bans on Brazilian judges, are not merely trade disputes. They are symptomatic of a deeper struggle over global financial dominance, at the heart of which lies Brazil’s innovative digital payment system, Pix.

This conflict underscores a significant geopolitical and economic shift centered around the long-standing reign of the U.S. dollar.

Launched in 2020, Pix has rapidly transformed Brazil’s financial landscape. This government-run digital payment system offers a fast, free, and accessible platform that has reached over 76% of the population.

 It has revolutionized how millions of Brazilians, particularly those previously excluded from formal banking, participate in the digital economy. Crucially, Pix bypasses the U.S. dollar as a settlement currency, allowing transactions to occur without relying on traditional U.S. financial infrastructure.

This innovation aligns perfectly with Brazilian President Lula da Silva’s broader vision of reducing dependence on the U.S. dollar, a trend reflecting the global shift towards currency multipolarity. This growing movement challenges the longstanding dominance of the dollar in global trade and finance.

Washington, however, views the ascent of Pix, and similar initiatives like BRICS Pay, as a direct threat to American economic leverage. Concerned about the implications for U.S. financial giants like Visa and Mastercard, the U.S. has responded with trade investigations and policy measures, including the imposition of tariffs and visa bans.

Yet, these retaliatory measures risk unintended consequences. By attempting to protect the status quo, the U.S. may inadvertently push Brazil and other emerging economies closer to alternative financial networks, bypassing U.S.-controlled systems like the SWIFT messaging network.

Pix’s success isn’t solely about challenging the dollar; it’s a testament to how local currency systems can drive financial inclusion and economic growth.

 Rather than simply being an “anti-dollar” or “anti-American” tool, it serves as a powerful engine for domestic development.

The U.S. dollar’s long-standing dominance, built on global consent and trust, is now being questioned as countries like China, India, Russia, and Brazil actively develop new mechanisms for cross-border transactions independent of the dollar.

While a complete dethroning of the dollar will undoubtedly take time due to existing economic ties, the trend toward financial diversification is undeniable. Innovations like Pix are significant contributors to this erosion of U.S. financial hegemony, and ironically, U.S. policy responses could accelerate this very shift rather than prevent it.

The ongoing conflict surrounding Brazil’s Pix system is more than a bilateral dispute; it’s a microcosm of a larger battle over the future of global finance and geopolitical power.

 It underscores how digital payment innovations in emerging economies can have profound implications beyond their borders, challenging established norms and redefining economic sovereignty in an increasingly multipolar world.

 The U.S. pursuit of preserving dollar hegemony, though understandable, might ultimately serve to hasten the very transition towards a more diversified and distributed global financial system.

https://youtu.be/64-FpTWPONQ

Fiat Currency Corrupts Society

Fiat Currency Corrupts Society

Liberty and Finance:   7-31-2025

We often discuss the economic implications of fiat currency – inflation, debt, and market fluctuations. But what if its impact runs far deeper, eroding the very fabric of society’s moral foundation?

This is the provocative argument put forth by financial analyst David Morgan in a recent discussion with Liberty and Finance. Morgan contends that the insidious nature of manipulated money extends beyond the balance sheet, subtly corrupting our collective values and diverting us from true purpose.

Morgan’s central thesis is chillingly simple: when individuals and societies place their faith in a currency that can be arbitrarily created and devalued, rather than in enduring principles or a higher power, a profound moral distortion takes hold.

This misplaced trust in manipulated money, he argues, overshadows our understanding of value itself. Integrity, honesty, and genuine achievement are gradually overshadowed by a pursuit of superficial gain facilitated by an ever-expanding money supply.

The consequence, according to Morgan, is a society increasingly driven by consumerism and deceit.

 Fiat currency, untethered from tangible assets or intrinsic worth, fosters an illusion of prosperity that encourages insatiable consumption.

This insatiable desire, in turn, can breed dishonesty, as the pursuit of more becomes paramount, often at the expense of ethical conduct.

Trust, the bedrock of any healthy society, is replaced by a system based on control and an increasingly pervasive illusion of wealth. Authenticity gives way to a culture where appearances and perceived affluence dictate status.

As society collectively accepts this “false money as truth,” Morgan warns, broader distortions inevitably emerge. These aren’t merely economic in scope; they permeate spiritual, cultural, and political landscapes.

 The spiritual void created by a focus on material accumulation can lead to a loss of meaning and purpose. Culturally, a short-term, instant-gratification mindset replaces long-term planning and intergenerational responsibility. Economically, the cycle of boom and bust becomes more pronounced, enriching a few while destabilizing the many.

David Morgan’s message is not merely a critique; it’s a poignant call to action. He advocates for a fundamental shift back to the principles of sound money – currency rooted in real value and not subject to political manipulation.

 More importantly, he urges a return to inner values – principles of integrity, truth, and genuine worth that transcend mere financial metrics. Only by reclaiming these foundational elements, Morgan asserts, can society truly reclaim genuine freedom, purpose, and a robust moral compass.

His insights serve as a potent reminder that the health of our financial system is inextricably linked to the health of our collective soul.

For a deeper dive into these profound assertions and to fully grasp the nuances of David Morgan’s argument, viewers are encouraged to watch the full video from Liberty and Finance.

https://youtu.be/BKf42BZInPg

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Friday Evening 8-1-25

US SEC Rolls Out ‘Project Crypto’ to Rewrite Rules for Digital Assets

In a landmark shift for U.S. financial regulation, Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins has launched “Project Crypto,” a forward-looking initiative designed to overhaul how digital assets are governed in America. The project follows major policy recommendations released in a recent White House report on digital finance.

Atkins said the initiative aims to modernize the SEC for 21st-century capital markets, streamline regulation for crypto innovators, and ensure the U.S. maintains global leadership in digital finance.

A Response to the White House’s Digital Finance Blueprint

The new initiative was formed directly in response to the Biden-era President’s Working Group report, titled “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology.” The report urged federal agencies to build a coherent market structure for digital assets while eliminating fragmented oversight.

Under Project Crypto, Atkins proposed:

• Unified licensing rules to allow brokerages to offer multiple digital instruments under a single registration;

• Regulatory grace periods for early-stage crypto startups, including ICOs and decentralized software projects, to encourage innovation without immediate legal exposure;

• Legal protections for self-custody, ensuring individuals and institutions retain the right to manage digital assets without custodial intermediaries;

• A clear separation between commodities and securities, aligning crypto assets more accurately with the CFTC and SEC’s respective mandates.

“Many of the Commission’s legacy rules and regulations do not make sense in the twenty-first century — let alone for on-chain markets,” Atkins wrote. “The Commission must revamp its rulebook so that regulatory moats do not hinder progress and competition.”

A Regulatory Reset: Ending ‘Enforcement-First’ Tactics

Atkins’ leadership marks a dramatic reversal of the SEC’s prior posture, which was widely criticized for regulating crypto by enforcement rather than by policy. Since his appointment, the agency has:

• Ended regulation-by-enforcement as a default approach to the crypto sector;

• Approved multiple crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs);

• Clarified staking income guidance, affirming that rewards earned from proof-of-stake validation do not constitute securities transactions;

• Authorized in-kind redemptions for crypto ETFs, a key functionality for institutional investors managing large-scale inflows and outflows.

These reforms reflect a deeper institutional commitment to integrating crypto into the mainstream financial system, rather than pushing it to the regulatory margins.

Joint Oversight with CFTC and a Focus on Stablecoins

In line with the White House report’s recommendations, joint jurisdiction between the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) will now define federal oversight of the crypto sector:

• The CFTC will assume primary responsibility over spot crypto markets, affirming its role as the chief regulator for crypto commodities like Bitcoin.

• The SEC will focus on security tokens, tokenized investment contracts, and digital asset platforms that function more like exchanges or broker-dealers.

The report also laid out a framework for stablecoin policy, interagency coordination, and banking integration — areas that will be built out as Project Crypto progresses.

The Path Ahead: Toward American Crypto Leadership

Project Crypto signals more than regulatory reform — it marks a strategic repositioning of the United States in the global digital economy. By creating legal clarity and reducing uncertainty, the initiative is designed to attract builders, protect consumers, and ensure that digital asset innovation remains anchored on American soil.

“Outfitting the SEC for internet capital markets and onchain finance is no longer optional — it’s essential for economic competitiveness,” Atkins said.

As Washington realigns its crypto policies, Project Crypto could become a cornerstone in defining the next era of financial innovation — one that balances open markets, strong protections, and global leadership.

@ Newshounds News™
Source: Cointelegraph

~~~~~~~~~

Senator Lummis Proposes Law Requiring Fannie and Freddie to Count Crypto in Mortgage Risk Evaluations

In a significant step toward integrating digital assets into U.S. housing finance, Senator Cynthia Lummis (R‑Wyo.) has introduced the 21st Century Mortgage Act, which would compel Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to consider cryptocurrency holdings when evaluating risk in single-family mortgage applications.

The legislation follows recent action by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), whose director Bill Pulte ordered that crypto reserves be counted as eligible assets in underwriting models. The new measure would formalize and expand that shift, positioning the U.S. mortgage industry to better reflect a digital-first financial reality.

From Cold Storage to Homeownership: A Modernization of Risk Assessment

Under current practices, government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) like Fannie and Freddie typically assess loan risk based on traditional assets such as cash, retirement accounts, and securities. Cryptocurrency, despite being a growing source of wealth—especially among younger Americans—has largely been excluded due to volatility concerns and regulatory ambiguity.

The 21st Century Mortgage Act changes that by:

• Mandating recognition of digital assets recorded on cryptographically secure ledgers;

• Barring lenders from requiring borrowers to liquidate crypto holdings into fiat currency simply to qualify for consideration in mortgage risk evaluations;

• Aligning GSE underwriting with financial realities in which digital savings play an increasingly central role.

Senator Lummis emphasized that this measure is a response to declining homeownership rates among younger Americans and the widespread adoption of crypto.

“Rather than punishing innovation, government agencies must evolve to meet the needs of a modern, forward‑thinking generation,” Lummis stated.

Backed by FHFA Policy and Market Momentum

The legislation would codify a recent directive by FHFA Director Bill Pulte, who in June instructed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to:

• Treat cryptocurrency reserves as eligible assets in risk assessments for single-family loans;

• Develop processes to recognize those balances without requiring conversion into U.S. dollars;

• Review how broader digital asset holdings—especially Bitcoin—can be safely integrated into mortgage underwriting models.

This marks a break from legacy practices, where underwriters excluded crypto entirely, citing market unpredictability and lack of clear guidance.

Pulte’s move signals a regulatory rethinking of digital asset legitimacy, especially as the FHFA—tasked with overseeing Fannie, Freddie, and the Federal Home Loan Banks—seeks to modernize the housing finance ecosystem.

Policy Clarity Without Crypto Mortgages (Yet)

It’s important to note: the bill does not permit mortgage repayments in cryptocurrency. Instead, it allows verified crypto holdings to be counted in:

• Asset verification, used to determine borrower capacity;

• Risk modeling, used by GSEs to assess portfolio strength and loan eligibility.

By expanding the asset base eligible for consideration, the law aims to give crypto-native borrowers access to the same mortgage pathways as traditional savers.

A Generational Shift in Homeownership Strategy

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows homeownership rates for Americans under 35 at just 36.6%, even as 21% of U.S. adults report holding crypto—with two-thirds under age 45. These figures highlight a generational mismatch between how financial stability is measured and how wealth is now built.

The bill also arrives as part of a broader shift in regulatory tone under the current administration, which has begun addressing crypto policy more comprehensively—particularly in areas of banking, taxation, stablecoins, and capital markets.

Bridging Digital Assets and Traditional Finance

Senator Lummis, a long-time crypto policy advocate, is leveraging bipartisan concern over declining homeownership and outdated underwriting models to push for practical integration of digital finance into federal housing policy.

If passed, the 21st Century Mortgage Act could become a template for future crypto-inclusive reforms, enabling financial institutions to recognize digital savings without compromising risk standards or requiring unnecessary fiat conversions.

As Lummis frames it: modernization isn’t about abandoning oversight — it’s about updating the rules to reflect financial reality.

@ Newshounds News™

Source: CryptoSlate

~~~~~~~~~

Coinbase Launches XRP Perpetual Futures to Expand Institutional Access

Coinbase is set to launch XRP U.S. Perpetual-Style Nano Futures on August 18, marking a significant expansion in its derivatives lineup and providing institutional investors with a capital-efficient, margin-enabled vehicle to gain exposure to one of crypto’s most liquid assets.

Announced via Coinbase Institutional on July 29, this new offering represents a regulated and long-duration alternative to traditional spot trading, enhancing access to XRP through Coinbase Derivatives LLC, a CFTC-registered designated contract market.

XRP Futures Designed for Institutional Utility and Spot-Price Alignment

The nano XRP perpetual-style contract—listed under the symbol XPP—is structured to mirror the XRP spot price through a dynamic funding rate mechanism, which credits or debits open positions based on market movements.

Each contract will represent 500 XRP, offering a 5-year, cash-settled duration, rebalancing weekly via clearing adjustments. Trading will occur from Friday evening through the following Friday afternoon, with a short weekly pause, and contracts will auto-roll through December 2030.

“The Coinbase Derivatives, LLC nano XRP Perp Style Futures Contract is a 5-year cash-settled futures contract that tracks closely to spot price by using a funding rate to debit/credit open positions via a clearing cash adjustment,” the company’s product documentation explains.

This format enables institutions to hedge XRP exposure, speculate on future price trends, or leverage margin trading strategies, all within a regulated U.S. derivatives framework.

Building on a Regulated Futures Framework

Coinbase’s August launch builds on groundwork laid earlier this year:

• In April 2025, Coinbase filed with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to self-certify XRP futures.

• That same month, the exchange launched two monthly XRP futures products: a nano contract (500 XRP) and a larger XRL contract (10,000 XRP)—both cash-settled and monthly expiring.

The upcoming perpetual-style XRP futures mark a clear evolution from those products by eliminating expiration and extending visibility for long-term strategies.

This move aligns with Coinbase’s broader initiative to reshape U.S. market access for digital assets through regulated derivatives offerings that mirror traditional financial instruments but leverage the liquidity and innovation of crypto markets.

Why It Matters: Institutional Crypto Derivatives Come of Age

As the digital asset sector matures, demand is increasing for compliant, capital-efficient tools that offer reliable price tracking, risk management, and regulatory clarity. Coinbase’s latest XRP futures offering addresses this need, particularly at a time when:

• Institutional participation in crypto is rising;

• CFTC-registered exchanges are gaining favor over offshore alternatives;

• And digital asset derivatives are becoming central to portfolio construction and hedging strategies.

This development further legitimizes XRP as a viable component of institutional portfolios, especially in light of growing clarity around its legal and regulatory standing in the U.S.

Outlook: Coinbase Pushes for Derivatives Dominance

With Coinbase Derivatives LLC at the helm and XRP nano perpetuals leading the charge, the exchange is cementing itself as a frontrunner in regulated crypto futures, aiming to provide U.S. investors with alternatives that are:

• Lower in capital requirements than full spot holdings;

• More flexible in exposure timeframes;

• And compliant with evolving CFTC oversight.

This launch not only expands investor access to XRP but also signals Coinbase’s broader intent to bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets—one futures contract at a time.

@ Newshounds News™

Source: Bitcoin.com

~~~~~~~~~

Visa Expands Stablecoin Settlement Platform With PYUSD, USDG, EURC and Adds Stellar, Avalanche Support

Visa has announced the addition of three new stablecoins and two additional blockchains to its digital asset settlement platform, further reinforcing its commitment to a multi-chain, multi-currency future in global payments.

The move is part of a strategic collaboration with Paxos, the blockchain infrastructure provider behind PayPal’s digital asset products, and comes amid growing institutional demand for regulated stablecoins following the recent passage of the GENIUS Act in the United States.

Visa Adds PYUSD, USDG, and EURC to Stablecoin Settlement Suite

The newly supported stablecoins include:

• PayPal USD (PYUSD) – a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin issued by Paxos.

• Global USD (USDG) – another USD-backed token structured for institutional settlement.

• EURC – a euro-backed stablecoin issued by Circle.

These stablecoins join USDC, which Visa first integrated in 2021. With the latest additions, Visa now supports four fiat-backed stablecoins and allows settlement across 25+ fiat currencies, enabling partners to conduct multi-currency settlements with greater capital efficiency.

Stellar and Avalanche Join Ethereum and Solana on Visa’s Blockchain Roster

In addition to expanding its stablecoin lineup, Visa has also extended blockchain compatibility to include:

• Stellar (XLM)

• Avalanche (AVAX)

These new networks join Ethereum and Solana, which were previously integrated into Visa’s pilot and settlement infrastructure. This multi-chain expansion is part of Visa’s effort to build a scalable, flexible architecture for programmable money.

“When stablecoins are scalable, interoperable, and trusted, they can fundamentally transform how money moves globally,” said Rubail Birwadker, Visa’s Global Head of Growth Products and Partnerships.

Visa’s updated platform positions it as a neutral settlement layer for Web3 applications and enterprise payment solutions alike, offering compatibility across token types and blockchain ecosystems.

GENIUS Act Fuels Stablecoin Momentum Across Finance Sector

Visa’s latest move follows a surge of interest in stablecoins across the financial sector, spurred by the GENIUS Act, now U.S. law, which formally regulates fiat-backed digital currencies under federal banking oversight.

Since the law’s passage:

• Citibank, Bank of America, and other major institutions have signaled plans to issue or custody stablecoins.

• Global transaction volumes involving stablecoins have continued to rise.

• Analysts project the stablecoin market will expand from $275 billion to $2 trillion by 2030.

Visa’s stablecoin expansion comes at a pivotal moment for the industry, as tokenized money begins to intersect with traditional finance on a global scale.

Strategic Positioning for the Future of Money

Visa’s continued investment in blockchain infrastructure and regulated stablecoins reflects a deliberate effort to future-proof its payment network, offering partners a toolkit that spans currencies, jurisdictions, and blockchain rails.

With support for:

• 4 stablecoins (USDC, PYUSD, USDG, EURC)

• 4 blockchains (Ethereum, Solana, Stellar, Avalanche)

…Visa is poised to serve as a critical bridge between the traditional financial system and the decentralized internet of value.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  TheCryptoBasic

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Friday Afternoon 8-1-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

India Lets 30 Countries Trade With Rupee in New BRICS Strategy

As tensions escalate between Washington and the BRICS alliance, India has taken a bold step to internationalize the rupee, allowing nearly 30 countries to settle cross-border transactions directly in its national currency. The move comes just as U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep 25% tariffs on Indian goods, citing what he described as anti-American activities, including New Delhi’s ongoing energy and defense partnerships with Russia.

The development represents a clear advance in the BRICS bloc’s de-dollarization strategy, with India now positioning the rupee as an alternative settlement currency for international trade — a direct challenge to U.S. dollar dominance.

Rupee Push Gains Momentum Through Vostro Accounts

At the heart of India’s effort is the use of Vostro bank accounts, a mechanism enabling foreign countries to settle transactions with India in rupees rather than relying on the U.S. dollar or other reserve currencies. These accounts are maintained by Indian banks on behalf of overseas banks, allowing direct rupee remittances without conversion losses.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently removed caps on investments made via these accounts, signaling a major policy shift toward facilitating rupee-based trade.

So far, 22 of the 30 countries have already executed trades using the rupee, including both BRICS members and key economic partners:

• BRICS/Partners: Russia, Belarus, Malaysia, Uganda

• Others: Bangladesh, Botswana, Fiji, Germany, Guyana, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, United Kingdom

Trump Responds with Tariffs and Penalties

While India moves ahead with its rupee trade initiative, President Trump has responded forcefully. In addition to the 25% tariffs on Indian imports, the U.S. has penalized India for purchasing Russian crude oil and military hardware, defying American sanctions on Moscow.

Trump’s latest actions are part of a broader strategy to confront BRICS countries that seek to undermine the dollar’s global role. India’s growing rupee diplomacy is being interpreted in Washington as a key piece of this puzzle.

Trump, in his public remarks, has warned that nations benefiting from U.S. trade ties must not simultaneously support alternative financial systems that weaken American influence. His administration appears to view India’s Vostro-driven settlement system as a strategic provocation.

India Advances, BRICS Realigns

India’s rupee trade policy is not just about currency—it is a geopolitical signal of intent. By reducing reliance on the dollar for trade settlements, New Delhi is asserting economic sovereignty, while also reinforcing BRICS goals of multipolar finance and reduced Western dependency.

According to sources familiar with the RBI’s strategy, the goal is long-term: to position the rupee as a viable medium of exchange within Asia, Africa, and the broader Global South.

In this new financial architecture, BRICS-aligned economies are working together to design non-dollar payment rails, and India is becoming a central player in that effort.

Outlook: Rupee Trade Meets Washington Resistance

While India’s Vostro framework is gaining traction globally, its future viability will depend on how the U.S. reacts in the coming months. The Trump administration’s tariffs are just one layer of pressure. Additional sanctions or financial restrictions on countries using rupee settlements could emerge, potentially complicating India's push.

Still, India’s currency diplomacy signals a deeper BRICS realignment, one where national currencies replace dollar hegemony — at least in targeted sectors of bilateral trade. What comes next may reshape global commerce and force emerging economies to choose between U.S. alignment or BRICS autonomy.

@ Newshounds News™
Source: Watcher.Guru

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

“Tidbits From TNT” Friday 8-1-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  The dinar rises and trade falls... a monetary paradox that confuses markets and curbs consumption.

Amid an atmosphere of cautious anxiety, Iraqi markets are gripped by a deep recession, with economic indicators intersecting with political variables, creating a stagnation-ridden business environment characterized by stagnation and low expectations. The sharp decline in purchasing power, the chronic volatility of the dinar's exchange rate against the dollar, and the government's shrinking spending are all symptoms of a complex problem that extends beyond the market to touch upon the very structure of Iraq's rentier economy.

The manifestations of this stagnation are manifested in a state of "passive waiting" prevalent among consumers and traders. Despite its relative recovery, the dollar has become a source of suspicion rather than a catalyst for activity. The more the price declines, the more markets freeze, and citizens withdraw from the trading scene in hopes of further declines. This turns purchasing into a financial bet. An Iraqi economist summed it up by saying, "Demand in Iraq no longer follows need, but rather monetary sentiment."

The statements of Rashid Al-Saadi, a representative of the Baghdad Chamber of Commerce, are an indication of the growing entanglement between economics and politics. He clearly pointed to the impact of the Central Bank's decisions, the budget delays, and the reduced reliance on the parallel market. These observations reinforce the conviction that the issue goes beyond market fluctuations to the declining effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policy tools, given the absence of a proactive state role that can absorb shocks.

The repercussions extend to a darker landscape as experts speak of business losses, a shrinking real estate market, a decline in investment, and a weakening confidence in the effectiveness of monetary policy. These indicators reveal a flaw in the Iraqi economy's equation, which is based on government spending that is only achieved through the approval of a budget, oil revenues that are slowly translated into projects, and a legislative structure that hinders market flexibility rather than protecting it.

It appears that the state, as the economic center of gravity, has become a bystander or a deferent, which has pushed the market toward a horizontal recession across various sectors, from real estate to automobiles, from tourism to trade, without the decline in inflation having any significant revival effect.

In contrast to this bleak landscape, some sectors, such as agriculture, the food industry, and e-commerce, appear less affected. However, they remain exceptions that do not alter the nature of the dilemma. The problem is structural, requiring urgent monetary and legislative reforms to restore investor confidence, curb market volatility, and recalibrate the relationship between the state and the private sector, moving away from improvisation and persecution rather than partnership.  link

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

Tishwash:  Oil is not another reason delaying the submission of budget tables to Parliament, and a warning against entering 2026 without them.

Economic expert Safwan Qusay revealed non-oil reasons behind the delay in submitting the budget schedules to parliament, warning of the repercussions of entering 2026 without actual approval, which could disrupt public spending and impact economic stability.

Qusay told Al Furat News: "The delay in sending it is not only related to fluctuating oil prices, but also to a government attempt to audit the numbers of employees, retirees, and those covered by welfare and the ration card, which may reveal exaggerations and inaccurate funding in some items over the past years."

He added, "Financial and economic stability requires sustaining spending rates at levels similar to those recorded in the 2024 budget, which amounted to approximately 360 trillion dinars," noting that "a decline in public spending could lead to an economic contraction, particularly in items related to new projects and job opportunities."

Qusay explained that "the government continues to spend on salaries, pensions, welfare, and the food basket, as these are governed by laws. However, investment agreements and development projects require financial schedules to ensure sustainable funding and reduce unemployment rates."

He pointed out that "budget tables represent an important reference for the private sector, which relies on them to plan imports and investments," noting that "the absence of these tables will lead to economic confusion, requiring urgent intervention from Parliament to avoid entering the next year without a legal basis for spending."

In a related context, Qusay noted that "oil prices during the first half of 2025 reached approximately $70 per barrel," stressing that "the future outlook for the markets indicates the possibility of prices rising due to increased demand from China and the United States and improved understandings between the European Union and the United States, which could push the price to $73."

Regarding production policy, the expert concluded by saying, "The Ministry of Oil is determined to increase production capacity to nearly 6.5 million barrels per day over the coming years, while Iraq's OPEC quota is gradually increasing by 50,000 barrels per month in preparation for returning to the production capacity approved in November 2023."   link

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

Tishwash:  Industry: The first locally manufactured portable thermal imaging system has been completed and security authorities have been notified.

The Ministry of Industry announced on Friday the completion of the first locally manufactured portable thermal imaging camera system, while noting that it had approached security and military agencies to discuss the use of this national system.

Ministry spokeswoman Duha al-Jubouri said in a press statement that "the ministry has completed the first portable thermal camera system, manufactured locally at the Al-Kindi factory affiliated with the General Company for Communications and Capacity in Nineveh Governorate.

" She added that "the new system is used for field surveillance and covers an area of up to 360 degrees, with a range of 6 to 30 kilometers, depending on the required specifications. It operates on solar energy and batteries to provide the necessary energy for long periods."

She confirmed that "the ministry has approached security and military agencies, such as the Ministries of Defense and Interior, to benefit from this national system," noting that "it will work to develop it later."  link

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

Mot:  Don't Knows bout U!! -- But When the RV Happens - I'm Gunna 

Mot:  .... I’ve never slipped on sunshine, just sayin’

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Friday Morning 8-1-25

Good morning Dinar Recaps,

‘Crypto, Welcome Home’: White House Report Signals Major Shift in U.S. Policy Toward Digital Assets

Industry leaders praise Trump administration’s pro-crypto stance and SEC’s move to rethink token classification.

In a landmark move that could reshape the future of digital asset policy in the United States, the White House on Wednesday released a 168-page report outlining a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto. The report includes key proposals covering banking access, stablecoins, taxation, illicit finance, and a federal crypto stockpile.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in prepared remarks, took direct aim at the previous administration, calling the Biden-era approach to crypto “hostile.” In a striking departure from past rhetoric, Bessent posted on social media:

“Crypto, welcome home.”

He elaborated in his speech:

“So start your companies here. Launch your protocols here. And hire your workers here. You’ll be glad you did.”

Industry Praises New White House Approach

The report’s release was met with strong approval from across the digital asset sector. Advocates hailed the move as a long-overdue acknowledgment of crypto’s economic potential.

“We commend this Administration, the Presidential Working Group, and all the agencies involved for producing a comprehensive, forward-looking report,” said Ji Hun Kim, CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation. “It reflects a serious commitment of U.S. leadership in the digital asset space and the continued adoption of blockchain technology.”

Several leaders highlighted how this report builds on previous congressional efforts—especially the passage of the GENIUS Act, which federally regulates stablecoins and laid groundwork for broader crypto market structure legislation.

“This moment is a reminder that groundbreaking legislation like GENIUS becomes law because of advocates who demand progress,” said Mason Lynaugh, community director at Stand With Crypto. “Now, not only do we have a voice in the national conversation, but we also have momentum on our side. Let’s keep going.”

U.S. Signaling Global Crypto Leadership

Roshan Robert, CEO of OKX US, framed the report as a pivot toward practical adoption:

“From Ethereum-based treasuries to compliant stablecoins and regulated exchanges, Washington is signaling a shift toward real-world utility over ideology.”

Robert added that the United States is finally “stepping up to lead” in the digital asset space—a sentiment echoed by others who see the report as a potential turning point.

SEC to Lead Secondary Market Regulation

The report also clarifies the roles of various agencies, naming the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as the “primary federal regulator of secondary digital asset markets.” On Thursday, SEC Chair Paul Atkins acted on the recommendations by launching a new agency initiative called “Project Crypto.”

Atkins said that Commissioner Hester Peirce and her task force will begin developing proposals in line with the White House’s framework. He also committed agency staff to draft new rules around crypto distributions, custody, and trading, subject to public comment.

“The biggest headline is that most tokens are not considered securities,” said Nic Puckrin, founder of Coin Bureau. “That’s a huge shift from the SEC’s previous stance.”

Regulatory Philosophy: Support Innovation, Protect Rights

Atkins emphasized a regulatory posture that distinguishes between centralized schemes and onchain software systems, including DeFi protocols. He pledged that developers and users will not be burdened by "duplicative or unnecessary regulation."

“At DeFi Education Fund, we sincerely appreciate his acknowledgment of the American right to self-custody,” said Amanda Tuminelli, the group’s executive director. “He understands that regulating DeFi requires a nuanced approach—and that’s exactly what we need.”

A New Chapter in U.S. Crypto Policy?

This week’s announcements from both the White House and the SEC appear to mark the beginning of a major realignment in U.S. crypto regulation. Once viewed primarily through the lens of enforcement and national security, digital assets are now being positioned as strategic infrastructure—with the government encouraging builders to innovate on American soil.

While the details of future rulemaking remain to be seen, the tone has unmistakably shifted. In the words of the Treasury Secretary, crypto is finally being invited home.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  The Block

~~~~~~~~~

Powell Blames Trump: Interest Rates Frozen by His Tariff Policy

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell made headlines this week by placing responsibility for stalled rate cuts squarely on the shoulders of President Donald Trump, whose tariff policies are injecting instability into the global economy. While markets were bracing for a policy pivot in 2025, Powell made clear that any such move remains on hold — not due to inflation, but due to Trump’s economic tactics.

“I think that’s true,” Powell stated bluntly when asked whether interest rates would already be lower without Trump’s recent trade measures.

That single sentence landed like a thunderclap across Wall Street. The implication: Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy is forcing the Fed into a holding pattern. In the Fed Chair’s words and tone, a deeper confrontation is brewing — not just between economics and politics, but between institutional independence and presidential volatility.

Trump’s Tariff Gambit Blocks Fed Action

Powell’s remarks confirm what investors have suspected: the Fed is delaying rate cuts due to the uncertainty created by the White House. While inflation has eased and the broader economy shows signs of fatigue, the central bank refuses to budge, citing Trump’s aggressive trade posture with key global partners.

“They’ve made abrupt decisions,” Powell alluded, adding that these create “a climate of instability.”

The renewed economic nationalism — dubbed by some as the Return of Trumpian Tariffism — carries high costs. From Beijing to Brussels, retaliatory whispers are already echoing across trade ministries, and central banks globally are watching to see whether the U.S. Fed can maintain autonomy under executive pressure.

Powell vs. Trump: Personal History, Policy Collision

The drama isn’t just institutional — it’s personal. Trump appointed Powell in 2019, but their relationship quickly soured. Trump has since publicly criticized Powell, most recently calling him a “stubborn mule” and “a stupid person.”

Despite the attacks, Powell remains publicly composed. But make no mistake: the Fed Chair is quietly reasserting his role as guardian of monetary stability, refusing to be rushed into rate cuts that could unleash unintended consequences in a politically charged environment.

Crypto in the Crossfire: Bitcoin and Stablecoins React

The standoff has spilled into the digital asset space. Bitcoin fell 1.3% on Tuesday, as Powell’s comments — and Trump’s unpredictability — weighed on market sentiment.

“As long as rates remain high, liquidity becomes scarcer, and cryptocurrencies suffer,” analysts warn.

In a telling shift, Powell also acknowledged that the Fed is supporting stablecoin legislation, suggesting that while it holds the line on rates, it is not opposed to financial innovation. He noted a “significant change in tone” on Wall Street toward crypto, indicating the sector’s growing legitimacy in monetary policy discussions.

Balancing Act: The Fed’s Independence Under Fire

Trump’s tariff policies aren’t just economic tools — they’re electoral levers. His administration is using trade threats to rally domestic support, even at the cost of global stability. The Fed, in contrast, is forced into cautious restraint, maintaining high rates not because it wants to, but because it must wait for clarity.

“This isn’t just about rates,” one economist noted. “It’s about whether U.S. institutions can withstand politicization during an election year.”

As Powell plays for time and Trump reshapes trade policy with a campaign lens, the fate of interest rates — and by extension, the economy and digital asset markets — remains tethered to political turbulence.

Outlook: One Name, One Variable

Whether in bond markets or Bitcoin forums, one name dominates every discussion: Trump. His influence on trade, rates, and digital asset regulation has become the single most important variable in economic forecasting.

“For Trump, Bitcoin doesn’t compete with the dollar — it becomes a safety valve,” one strategist observed.

This is no longer a theoretical debate. It is a live test of how America’s monetary framework navigates the crosswinds of politics, innovation, and global realignment. The coming months will decide whether the Fed can hold its ground — or whether the Trump doctrine forces a structural shift in U.S. monetary independence.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Cointribune

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

MilitiaMan and Crew: Iraq Dinar News- The Future of Iraq's Economy

MilitiaMan and Crew:  Iraq Dinar News- The Future of Iraq's Economy

7-31-2025

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

Welcome back to our channel!

In today's video, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of Iraq's economy, exploring key developments that are set to shape the nation’s financial future.

 What We Cover:

 Iraqi Dinar Insights: Understand the current status of the Iraqi dinar, its significance in the regional economy, and the strategies being implemented to stabilize and strengthen its value.

 Strategic Transportation Projects (TIR): Discover the ambitious transportation initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting trade throughout Iraq and beyond.

Parliament's Support for Kurdistan: Gain insights into the recent parliamentary decisions welcoming Kurdistan's oil exports through SOMO (State Oil Marketing Organization), and what this means for Iraq's overall oil strategy.

Dollar Sales and Currency Control: Learn how Iraq is managing foreign currency through official platforms, including efforts to control currency prices amidst economic fluctuations. All that and corruption will wain.

Water as a Trading Card: Explore the innovative concept of utilizing water as a strategic asset in trade negotiations and economic planning. Bargaining card in Turkey's hand. They owe big money!

Increased Oil Production Plans: Find out how Iraq and OPEC+ intends to ramp up oil production capacity and the implications this has for local, regional and global oil markets.

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

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Thursday Evening 7-31-25

Among Them Is The Economic Contraction.. An Expert Reveals The Reasons Behind The Decline In The Exchange Rate.
 
July 31, 2025  Baghdad/Iraq Observer  Economic expert Munar Al-Obaidi confirmed that the exchange rate of the US dollar against the Iraqi dinar has witnessed a significant decline recently.
 
This decline is due to a group of intertwined economic and procedural factors, which vary in their level of influence  but have collectively contributed to strengthening the dinar.

Al-Obaidi told the Iraq Observer that “the reasons for the dollar’s decline include the  economic contraction and  declining consumer confidence.
 
The state of uncertainty in the Iraqi market, as a result of the economic slowdown, has led to a decline in the confidence of individuals and institutions in spending, which has  negatively impacted the volume of public demand, thus   reducing the need for the dollar as a stimulus for trade.
 
In addition, the halt in government investment spending has led to the government focusing on operational spending rather than investment spending,  leading to a decline in economic activity.” 

He added that "the general budget is the primary driver of economic activity, and reducing investment spending has reduced aggregate demand,  including demand for the dollar."

He noted that "other reasons include  tightening controls at border crossings and government measures to  curb smuggling and  regulate relations with the Kurdistan Region, which have contributed to reducing the phenomenon of inflated invoices,  which has reduced the unreal demand for dollars in the parallel market."
  
Regarding the shift of traders to the formal banking system, Al-Abidi explained that  “the markets have witnessed the  entry of a large segment of traders into the formal banking system, and  their reliance on the official dollar exchange rate through approved platforms, which has  reduced the volume of trading in the parallel market and reduced pressure on the dollar, in addition to a decline in re-export operations.
 
The decline in the re-export of goods to neighboring countries has led to a reduction in demand for imported goods, which has directly reflected in a decline in the need for dollars to finance these commercial operations.” 

He emphasized that settling major companies' dues in oil products instead of cash also had an impact on depreciating the dollar, as the government settled a portion of foreign companies' dues  in black oil and naphtha  instead of cash, reducing reliance on dollars sold by the Central Bank and  increasing their supply in the market." 

 He pointed out that  “preparations for the electoral process also play a role.
 
With the start of the election season, the volume of spending related to the electoral campaigns increased, and this spending is often financed from cash reserves stored in dollars,  which necessitated converting large amounts of them into dinars to cover campaign expenses,  thus increasing the supply of dollars and  increasing the number of foreign visitors and arrivals.

The increasing number of arrivals to Iraq contributed to the introduction of quantities of foreign currencies into the local market, which provided an additional source of hard currency  outside the framework of central bank sales, and  contributed to strengthening the availability of dollars.” 

He continued, saying, "The halt to illicit trade as a result of the closure of the border with Syria played
     a significant role in the decline of the dollar.
 
The closure of border crossings with Syria contributed to the  reduction of smuggling and illegal trade,  which had been heavily dependent on the dollar in the parallel market,   leading to a further decline in demand for the dollar." 

He concluded by saying, "The  decline in the issued currency and the  withdrawal of a portion of it from the market  is another reason behind the decline in the dollar price.
 
The Central Bank of Iraq withdrew a portion of the dinar money supply from the market,
     creating a double demand for the Iraqi dinar against the dollar.
 
This balance in demand levels between the two currencies  helped boost the value of the dinar and  raise its exchange rate against the dollar on the parallel market."   https://observeriraq.net/بينها-الانكماش-الاقتصادي-خبير-يكشف-ال/  

"They Wasted Two Years Between Transactions." This Is How An Iraqi Investor Left His Country.
 
Economy Yesterday, | Baghdad Today – Baghdad  The Iraqi investor's decision  to establish a modern water treatment plant in Jordan instead of Iraq was not a purely economic one,  but rather a concrete embodiment of the idea of   "escaping from a land of stagnant opportunities to a land of clear rules."
 
The factory, which is scheduled to begin production in March 2026, will produce glass products including probiotics, sparkling water, and vitamin-enriched water.
 
Most of the products will be destined for the Gulf and European markets,
while Iraq, the country of origin, remains an unfeasible prospect, according to the project owner.
 
Economist Nabil Al-Marsoumi, who reported this experience in a blog post followed by Baghdad Today, did not merely present a story, but pointed to a deeper structural flaw, saying:
 
“An Iraqi businessman has begun establishing a modern factory in Jordan to produce various types of healthy and mineral water, using glass containers.
 
These include probiotics, multivitamins, sparkling and still water, and fruit-flavored water.
 
Production is scheduled to begin in March 2026, and most of the production is reserved for export to the Gulf and Europe.”
 
According to what Al-Marsoumi quoted from the investor,   the decision not to implement the project in Iraq was due
to what he described as an "investment-repelling environment."

 He explained, "My decision not to implement the project in Iraq stems from industry constraints, licensing, and bureaucratic complications, in addition to the lack of confidence in Iraqi products in foreign markets,  which I consider a decisive factor in making the decision." 

The investor added, "I previously tried to add a production line to a water factory in Iraq,
and I've been working on the process for exactly two years.
 
They made me regret the day I thought of investing in Iraq."
 
Independent economic studies show that  Iraq is one of the countries in the region richest in untapped investment opportunities: a  large consumer market, a  pivotal geographic location,  vast natural esources, and a  promising private sector.
 
However, these potentials rarely translate into actual projects,due to what is known as the "trust gap"—
the gap between investors and the system supposed to protect and empower them.
 
In an environment  where the powers of the central government and the governorates overlap,  where the authorities of official bodies intersect, and  where regulatory bodies proliferate without clear legal basis, any productive project becomes a daily battle, one  that has nothing to do with the product or its feasibility, but rather with the cumbersomeness of procedures.
 
Data from the Iraqi Ministry of Planning indicate that the
private sector's contribution to GDP rose from 32.4% in 2020 to approximately 39.5% in 2024.
 
However, this percentage, while encouraging on paper,
does not reflect a real shift in the state's investment philosophy.
 
Rather, it demonstrates the pressures on the state itself, given recurring financial crises and the shrinking capacity of the public sector to absorb additional employment.
 
In contrast, neighboring countries—such as Jordan, Turkey, and the UAE—  continue to attract Iraqi projects,   not through exceptional financial privileges,  but rather through  clear procedures,  consistent policies, and  global market confidence in their legal and regulatory systems —something Iraq still lacks today.
 
This investor's experience, as reported by Al-Marsoumi, is not an exception. Rather, it embodies a recurring pattern, according to observers of Iraqi investment affairs, spanning sectors  from agriculture to industry,  from technology to services.  Cumbersome procedures, a lack of transparency, the   absence of commercial arbitration, and conflicting jurisdictions   all constitute what can be termed a "soft repellent environment,"
 
one that doesn't expel investors by administrative order,  but rather exhausts them until they withdraw voluntarily,  burdened with disappointment and hesitation.
 
Some researchers argue that the question is not "Why did he choose Jordan?"   but "Why did he not find in his country an incentive to stay?"
 
When neighboring countries become more attractive to Iraqi projects than Iraq itself, the   fault lies not in the capital,   but in the infrastructure that is supposed to accommodate it.
 
When an Iraqi-funded water plant is built in Amman, the irony lies not in the location,  but in the deep gap in trust it reveals in the state, not the project.   https://baghdadtoday.news/279861-.html    

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

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Thursday Evening 7-31-25

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

Trump’s Tariff Deadline Hits: Who Has a Deal—and Who’s on the Brink of Trade War?

With hours to go before the U.S. imposes sweeping new global tariffs, the world is holding its breath. On Friday, August 1, President Donald Trump’s long-threatened reciprocal tariffs will take effect, reshaping global trade with abrupt force.

A Trade Flashpoint Years in the Making

More than 120 days after declaring “Liberation Day” in April, Trump’s administration is now set to begin enforcing tariffs ranging from 15% to 50%, or more, on countries that failed to finalize new deals with Washington. Sectors like steel, copper, pharmaceuticals, and electronics will bear the brunt.

Trump remains unyielding:

“THE AUGUST FIRST DEADLINE IS THE AUGUST FIRST DEADLINE – IT STANDS STRONG, AND WILL NOT BE EXTENDED,” he posted on Truth Social.

Winners: Countries That Secured Deals

A handful of U.S. partners have locked in agreements, accepting tariff increases in exchange for continued market access, U.S. investment, or exemptions on key goods:

• European Union: Accepted 15% tariffs on most exports, including cars and pharmaceuticals, plus energy and investment pledges.

• Japan: Secured 15% tariff (down from 25%) with a $550B investment pledge to the U.S.

• United Kingdom: Agreed to a 10% general tariff, with a 25% sectoral tariff on metals.

• South Korea: Accepted 15% tariff in exchange for U.S. export exemptions and $350B in pledged investments.

• Indonesia: Negotiated a 19% rate by committing to Boeing aircraft purchases and trade liberalization.

• Vietnam: Settled on a 20% base tariff and 40% for transshipped goods, in return for zero tariffs on U.S. cars.

• Philippines: Accepted 19% tariffs, plus full U.S. export access and enhanced military cooperation.

• Pakistan: Agreed to a joint oil development project; specific tariff terms remain undisclosed.

Still No Deal: Trump’s Top Three Trade Partners

• Mexico: The largest U.S. trade partner ($840B/year) faces ongoing 25% tariffs. USMCA exemptions offer limited protection.

• Canada: With $700B in bilateral trade, Canada risks a 35% tariff for goods not USMCA-compliant.

• China: Trades over $530B with the U.S.; a 30% tariff is set to apply August 12 following a brief extension. Earlier rates had escalated to 145%.

On the Edge: India, Taiwan, Pakistan

• India: Faces a 25% blanket tariff, plus penalties for energy ties with Russia. Trump criticized India’s high tariffs and minimal bilateral trade.

• Taiwan: Facing a proposed 32% tariff (excluding semiconductors), final terms are still pending intense negotiations in Washington.

Little Hope: Brazil’s Breakdown

Brazil has drawn the harshest penalties: a 50% reciprocal tariff. Trump has directly linked the tariff to Brazil’s prosecution of former President Bolsonaro, calling it “economic blackmail.” Lula has called the move “an international disgrace.” Negotiations are stalled.

Wider Implications: Economic Blowback and Supply Disruptions

The Yale Budget Lab estimates that the tariffs could cost U.S. households an average of $2,400 in 2025, as prices rise across imported goods. Key industries such as electronics, clothing, and pharmaceuticals are expected to face disruptions as costs climb and supply chains reconfigure.

The IMF Weighs In

IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas warned that the tariff war risks undermining global stability:

“Restoring stability in trade policy is essential. We urge all parties to agree on clear and predictable frameworks,” he said, in what was seen as a veiled criticism of Washington’s aggressive stance.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Al Jazeera

~~~~~~~~~

Trump’s 25% Tariff on India Puts BRICS Unity to the Test

U.S. tariff escalation deepens BRICS economic tensions as India faces mounting pressure over stalled trade talks.

As the August 1 deadline approaches for sweeping new U.S. tariffs, the economic standoff between Washington and New Delhi has taken a dramatic turn. President Donald Trump confirmed Tuesday that a 25% tariff on Indian imports is imminent, sending shockwaves through both bilateral relations and the broader BRICS alliance.

Despite months of negotiation, the India-U.S. trade deal remains unresolved, threatening to ignite a full-scale trade war between the world’s largest and most populous democracies. And now, with India at the epicenter of escalating BRICS economic tensions, the bloc’s cohesion is facing one of its most significant tests to date.

Trump Escalates India Tariff Threats

Speaking at a press conference Tuesday, President Trump offered no ambiguity about his position:

“They are going to pay 25%.”

When asked directly whether Indian goods would face 20–25% tariffs, Trump reiterated:

“Yeah, I think so. India has been—they’re my friends.”

But the friendship appears strained. According to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the path to a trade agreement remains murky:

“They [India] have expressed strong interest in opening portions of their market. We, of course, are willing to continue talking to them. But I think we need some more negotiations with our Indian friends to see how ambitious they want to be.”

Trade Deficits and Discontent

The tariff threats stem in part from a widening trade imbalance. In 2024, the United States imported $87 billion worth of goods from India while exporting only $42 billion, a deficit that has more than doubled over the past decade.

Trump has long voiced frustration over India's tariff policies, calling them among the highest in the world:

“They charge more tariffs than any other country.”

During recent talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump reportedly said:

“You’re not treating us right.”

A Crucial Moment for BRICS Solidarity

India’s rising friction with the United States comes at a time when the BRICS alliance is under increased external pressure. Trump’s tariff campaign—part of a broader strategy that includes threats against China, Brazil, and others—has placed the bloc’s unity in the spotlight.

Earlier this year, Trump briefly imposed 26% tariffs on Indian goods before suspending them amid trade talks. Now, with new tariffs back on the table, India's response may shape the BRICS bloc’s credibility in resisting Western economic coercion.

India’s reaction has been reserved but pointed. Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar rejected any suggestion that a trade deal was near completion:

“The announcement was premature. Negotiations are complicated and intricate.”

High-Stakes Sectors at Risk

Key Indian exports to the U.S.—including pharmaceuticals, apparel, and telecommunications equipment—stand to be hit hard by the proposed tariffs. U.S. negotiators have also raised concerns over India's digital services tax and what they call “uniquely burdensome” testing standards for imports.

With time running out, the standoff poses a serious challenge not only to India-U.S. trade ties but also to BRICS’ long-term resilience. Other members of the bloc are closely watching how India navigates Washington’s pressure.What Comes Next?

The outcome of the U.S.-India tariff dispute could have lasting consequences for BRICS. Will India compromise to secure a bilateral deal? Or will it hold firm, testing the alliance’s resolve to stand up to U.S. economic dominance?

As Trump’s August 1 tariff deadline looms, BRICS unity may be redefined not by declarations, but by decisions—and India’s next move may determine the future of the alliance’s economic architecture.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Watcher Guru

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps