A 50% NASDAQ Crash Is Coming After This Last Great Rally | Jean Josse & Michelle Makori

A 50% NASDAQ Crash Is Coming After This Last Great Rally | Jean Josse & Michelle Makori

Miles Franklin Media:  8-2-2026

Michelle Makori, President and Editor-in-Chief of Miles Franklin Media, speaks with Jean Josse, Chief Investment Officer of GlassBead Capital Management, who says investors may be entering the final – and potentially most profitable – phase of the AI-driven bull market.

Josse predicts the Federal Reserve could eventually raise rates four, five or even six times in the first half of 2027, potentially taking the federal funds rate as high as 6%, while stocks continue climbing.

But he warns that the boom will ultimately end when tighter financial conditions expose excessive borrowing, leverage and overspending across the AI industry.

Josse says the IPO cycle, including potential public listings from Anthropic and OpenAI, could signal that the market is approaching its peak, after which the NASDAQ could lose as much as 50% in a “cataclysmic” collapse.

Josse also explains what could trigger the bust, why the resulting bear market could last one to two years, how the Fed may respond and what the entire cycle could mean for gold. In this episode of The Real Story with Michelle Makori:

Why the Fed may wait until December to raise rates

How rates could eventually climb as high as 6%

Why stocks may continue rallying through several Fed hikes

The final and potentially most explosive phase of the AI boom

Why Anthropic and OpenAI IPOs could signal the market top

What could trigger an AI debt or credit crisis

Why the NASDAQ could ultimately fall 50%

How long the coming bear market and recession could last

When gold could begin to outperform again

00:00 Coming Up

01:30 Introduction

04:22 Markets React and Rebound

06:29 Letting Bonds Tighten

07:44 No Pause Message

09:19 Hike Timing and Inflation Drivers

13:18 Fed Credibility and Talk

15:39 Oil War and Supply Shocks

18:06 AI CapEx Inflation Debate

21:48 Politics and Midterms Trap

25:38 Debt Doom Loop Debate

30:50 OpenAI IPO Top Signal

35:39 IPO Wave and Endgame

37:36 OpenAI IPO Liquidity

41:02 Three AI Stock Buckets

42:31 What Pops the Bubble

46:00 Aftermath Bear Market

50:36 Fed Response and Wildcards

52:43 Gold in This Cycle

58:19 AI Trading and Greed Phase

01:00:56 What Could Derail It

01:04:53 History Rhymes and Robots

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

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Monday Afternoon 8-3-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

Federal Reserve Outlook and Rising Treasury Yields Continue to Pressure Families and Global Markets

Uncertainty surrounding future Federal Reserve policy and rising Treasury yields are keeping financial markets on edge, influencing borrowing costs, investment decisions, and the broader outlook for the global economy.

Overview

• Federal Reserve officials remain divided over the next interest rate move, with some policymakers arguing inflation may require tighter monetary policy.

• Treasury yields have continued to rise, reflecting expectations that interest rates could remain elevated for longer than previously anticipated.

• Higher borrowing costs continue affecting households, businesses, governments, and global financial markets, making Federal Reserve policy one of the most closely watched drivers of the world economy.

Key Developments

1. Fed Officials Signal Inflation Remains a Concern

Several Federal Reserve officials continue to emphasize that inflation remains above the central bank's long-term 2% target, leading some policymakers to advocate for maintaining a restrictive policy stance. While no immediate rate increase has been announced, markets continue evaluating whether additional tightening could become necessary if inflation proves more persistent.

2. Treasury Yields Reflect Expectations for Higher Rates

U.S. Treasury yields have remained elevated as investors reassess the outlook for monetary policy. Rising yields generally signal expectations that interest rates may stay higher for longer, increasing financing costs throughout the economy while influencing bond markets, mortgage rates, and corporate borrowing.

3. Families Continue Feeling the Impact

For many Americans, elevated interest rates continue to translate into higher mortgage payments, more expensive auto loans, increased credit card interest, and higher costs for personal borrowing. Businesses also face higher financing expenses, often leading companies to delay expansion plans, reduce investment, or pass increased costs along to consumers.

4. Global Markets Closely Watch Every Fed Signal

Because the U.S. dollar remains the world's primary reserve currency, Federal Reserve decisions extend well beyond the United States. Changes in U.S. interest rates influence global capital flows, government borrowing costs, currency valuations, commodity prices, and international investment decisions, making every Fed communication significant for financial markets worldwide.

Why It Matters

Federal Reserve policy determines the price of money throughout much of the global economy. When borrowing costs remain elevated, economic activity often slows as consumers spend less, businesses invest more cautiously, and governments devote larger portions of their budgets to servicing debt.

Although inflation has moderated from previous highs, many families continue waiting for meaningful relief in the cost of housing, food, transportation, and everyday living expenses. Lower inflation alone does not immediately reduce prices; rather, it slows the pace at which prices continue rising.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Foreign currency holders closely monitor Federal Reserve policy because U.S. interest rates influence the strength of the dollar and global liquidity. Decisions made in Washington frequently affect currency markets worldwide, shaping investment flows and the relative value of many international currencies.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Debt

Higher interest rates increase borrowing costs for households, businesses, and governments, placing greater pressure on debt sustainability while reinforcing the importance of sound fiscal management.

• Pillar 3: Assets

Treasury yields influence the pricing of stocks, bonds, gold, cryptocurrencies, and other financial assets. Shifting expectations for future Federal Reserve policy continue to drive capital flows across global markets.

This is about much more than the next Federal Reserve meeting—it highlights how the cost of money influences every level of the global economy, from family budgets to government finances, and remains a central force shaping the evolution of the international financial system.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• CryptoBriefing — Treasury Yields Rise as Fed Officials Back Rate Hike

• CryptoBriefing — Fed Dissenters Push for Rate Hike Amid Inflation Concerns: MarketWatch

~~~~~~~~~~

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Monday Afternoon 8-3-26

Sulfur Shortage Pushes Global Prices Up 134%

2026-08-02  Shafaq News- Baghdad  Sulfur prices surged 134% since the outbreak of the US-Iran war in February 28, driving up global food production costs due to sulfur's key role in fertilizer manufacturing, Bull Theory media outlet reported on Sunday.  The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for global seaborne sulfur trade, handling about half of worldwide shipments.

During three and a half months of conflict, only 80,000 metric tons of sulfur passed through the strait, compared with 640,000 metric tons after a de-escalation agreement was reached, according to Reuters.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Sulfur-shortage-pushes-global-prices-up-134

Oil Prices Drop On US-Iran Deal Talks

2026-08-03 01:16   Shafaq News  Oil prices tumbled more than $4 a barrel on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump held off on a fresh attack on Iran, seeking to reach a quick deal that would halt Tehran's nuclear ambitions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude futures slid $4.49, or 5.11%, to $83.44 by 0408 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $79.77 a barrel, down $4.90, or 5.79%.

Both contracts jumped ⁠more than 20% last month after fighting between the U.S. and Iran resumed and as attacks on several tankers around Oman heightened security concerns, deterring shippers from entering the Gulf to load oil.

In a sign of de-escalation, Trump said late on Saturday on his Truth Social platform that Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had asked for time to complete a deal that would lead to "the Immediate, Complete and Total" reopening of the vital strait and "an end to Iran's nuclear threat".

"The bigger focus is whether this week turns into a rinse and repeat of last week — with hopes ⁠of a deal collapsing as Iran digs in its heels and continues to leverage its control over the Strait, potentially through an attack on a U.S. base or a tanker transiting the waterway," IG market analyst Tony Sycamore said.

Two tankers laden with Saudi oil crossed the Bab el-Mandeb Strait out of the Red Sea over ⁠the weekend while traffic in the Strait of Hormuz slowed following reports of vessel attacks, shipping data showed on Monday.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations has reported three more tanker attacks since Saturday.

On Sunday, OPEC+ approved an oil production ⁠quota increase of around 188,000 barrels per day from September, the producer group said, in a move that completes the unwinding of a layer of voluntary output cuts.

Due to export disruptions ⁠from the Gulf, Russia and Kazakhstan caused by the Iran and Ukraine wars, successive monthly OPEC+ hikes over most of this year have remained largely on paper with little impact on the market.   (Reuters)

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Oil-prices-drop-on-US-Iran-deal-talks

Iraq’s Public Borrowing Climbs To $78B In May

2026-08-03 Shafaq News- Baghdad   Iraq’s domestic public debt rose above 103 trillion Iraqi dinars ($78.8B) by the end of May 2026, extending its upward trend from the previous month, according to data from the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI).

Domestic public debt reached 103.179 trillion dinars ($78.8B), up from 95.679 trillion dinars ($73.0B) at the end of April and 90.515 trillion dinars ($69.1B) at the close of 2025.

The total included 63.199 trillion dinars ($48.2B) in Ministry of Finance claims held by the CBI, 20.270 trillion dinars ($15.5B) in loans, 10.868 trillion dinars ($8.3B) in bonds, and 8.842 trillion dinars ($6.7B) in treasury bills, which remained unchanged from the previous month.

The data also showed a continued decline in Iraq’s external debt, which fell to $54.101B in 2025 from $54.601B in 2024 and $56.207B in 2023, marking a reduction of more than $2.1B over two years.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-s-public-borrowing-climbs-to-78B-in-May

Dollar Slips In Erbil As Baghdad Exchanges Halt

2026-08-03 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   The US dollar edged lower in Erbil as trading opened on Monday, while Baghdad's Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya currency exchanges were closed due to the Arbaeen holiday.

According to Shafaq News market survey, some exchange shops in Baghdad sold the US dollar at 152,250 dinars per 100 dollars and bought it at 151,250 dinars.

In Erbil, the dollar sold for 152,100 dinars per 100 dollars and bought for 152,000 dinars.

The official exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Iraq stands at 132,000 dinars per 100 dollars.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Dollar-slips-in-Erbil-as-Baghdad-exchanges-halt

Gold Trading Slows In Baghdad, Rises In Erbil

2026-08-03   Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   Gold trading was limited in Baghdad on Monday during the Arbaeen holiday, while 21-carat gold reached 869,000 Iraqi dinars per mithqal (about five grams) in Erbil, according to a Shafaq News survey.

In Baghdad gold shops that remained open, imported 21-carat gold from the Gulf ranged from 870,000 to 880,000 dinars per mithqal, while Iraqi gold traded between 840,000 and 850,000 dinars.

In Erbil, where markets operated normally, 22-carat gold sold for 910,000 dinars per mithqal, 21-carat gold for 869,000 dinars, and 18-carat gold for 745,000 dinars.

* Observed this year on Aug. 4, Arbaeen marks the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the third Shia Imam and grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and draws millions of Shiite Muslims to Karbala annually, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-trading-slows-in-Baghdad-rises-in-Erbil

New Najaf Depot Adds 3K M³ To Iraq LPG Storage

2026-08-03 Shafaq News- Najaf   Iraq on Monday began trial operations at a liquefied petroleum gas depot in Najaf province with 3,000 cubic meters of storage capacity, aiming to strengthen strategic reserves and stabilize supplies across central and other provinces.

Oil Ministry Undersecretary for Gas Affairs Izzat Saber Ismail explained that the depot will receive LPG through pipelines instead of tanker trucks, improving safety and supporting stable deliveries to production and service facilities.

The project is part of wider plans to expand Iraq’s LPG storage, transportation, and distribution network, with technical procedures for full operation expected to be completed “within days.”

The trial was completed successfully under approved technical and operating requirements, Director General of the State Company for Gas Filling and Services Anmar Ali Hussein said, adding that the company is developing additional depots across Iraq to increase storage capacity and meet rising demand.

Iraq produces about 4,500 tons of LPG per day against consumption of roughly 4,700 tons, while strategic reserves stand at around 50,000 tons, according to Oil Ministry figures. Nearly 95,000 vehicles across Iraq were operating on LPG by July, up from more than 70,000 in March, further increasing demand for storage and distribution infrastructure.

Read more: Iraq's energy vulnerability: When a petro-state has no buffer

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/New-Najaf-depot-adds-3K-m-to-Iraq-LPG-storage

Rob Cunningham: The World’s Reusable Bridge

Rob Cunningham: The World’s Reusable Bridge

8-3-2026

The World’s Reusable Bridge

The easiest way to understand XRP is to stop thinking of it as money that gets “spent.”

Instead, think of it as the world’s most efficient reusable liquidity tool.

Imagine there are only 100 billion bridges on Earth.

Those bridges can never be duplicated.

No one can build Bridge #100,000,000,001.

At first glance, that sounds like an enormous limitation.

It isn’t.

Because the bridges aren’t consumed when someone crosses them.

Millions of people can cross the same bridge every day.

The bridge simply becomes available for the next traveler seconds later.

That’s fundamentally how XRP works.

A single XRP can facilitate one transaction, become available again moments later, facilitate another transaction, and repeat that process continuously.

The same finite supply can therefore support an enormous – and theoretically ever-growing – amount of economic activity.

The network doesn’t scale by creating more XRP.

It scales by making each XRP increasingly productive.

This is a subtle but profound distinction.

In traditional finance, expanding commerce often requires expanding the money supply.

With XRP, expanding commerce can increasingly be accommodated by:

• higher token value
• faster circulation
• deeper liquidity
• larger institutional order books
• and more efficient markets

Think about an international airport.

It doesn’t become more valuable because it adds billions of airplanes.

It becomes more valuable because it moves more passengers through the same runways every hour.

Capacity comes from efficiency, not endless physical expansion.

Likewise, the Internet never needed billions of new IP addresses every day to support exponential growth in information exchange.

Its protocols became more efficient, hardware became faster, bandwidth expanded, and infrastructure improved.

The protocol scaled.

XRP follows a similar economic principle.

Its supply is fixed.

Its usefulness is not.

As global finance becomes tokenized, XRP’s capacity is determined by far more than the number of tokens in existence.

It depends on:

• transaction speed
• liquidity depth
• market capitalization
• exchange connectivity
• interoperability
• institutional participation, and
• how frequently each XRP can be redeployed.

Each of those variables can improve dramatically without minting a single new XRP.

That is why a finite asset can support an economy that continues expanding for decades.

The constraint is not the number of tokens.

The constraint is the amount of value each token can efficiently intermediate.

One way to summarize it is this:

Gold stores value because it is scarce.

XRP can facilitate value because it is scarce, reusable, divisible, and rapidly recyclable.

Or even more simply:

XRP doesn’t scale by creating more coins. It scales by allowing every existing coin to do more work.

That does not mean its capacity is literally infinite. In practice, throughput is bounded by factors such as network performance, market liquidity, adoption, and infrastructure. But unlike systems that require continual expansion of the asset supply, a fixed-supply bridge asset can support vastly greater economic activity over time as those supporting factors improve.

XRP is Better. Faster. Cheaper.
XRP is Built to Decentralize.
XRP Returns Power to People.

Source(s):
• https://x.com/KuwlShow/status/2084006707319935432

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/08/03/rob-cunningham-the-worlds-reusable-bridge/

News, Rumors and Opinions Monday 8-3-2026

RV Excerpts from the Restored Republic via a GCR Update as of Mon. 3 Aug. 2026

Compiled Mon. 3 Aug. 2026 12:01 am EST by Judy Byington

Sun. 2 Aug. 2026 THE QUANTUM FINANCIAL SYSTEM …Nesara Gesara Connected on Telegram

NESARA (National Economic Security and Recovery Act) and its global counterpart GESARA were never canceled. They were classified, delayed, and buried under successive layers of legal and media suppression.

The core mechanisms inside NESARA/GESARA include the restoration of constitutional money, the elimination of the Federal Reserve’s private control over currency, the forgiveness of certain categories of public and private debt, and the return to an asset-backed monetary standard. These mechanisms were designed to operate in sequence with a new technological layer: the Quantum Financial System (QFS).

QFS is not a public blockchain. It is a secured, multi-layered settlement architecture that has been tested and partially activated in the background for years. Its purpose is to replace the legacy SWIFT–central bank clearing system with instantaneous, transparent, and auditable settlement that cannot be manipulated by the same institutions that currently sit at the top of the old hierarchy. STELLAR was selected as one of the visible public rails that would interface with QFS once the transition order is given.

The reason is structural: STELLAR already provides fast, low-cost settlement and has been quietly integrated into pilot corridors involving major financial institutions and certain sovereign entities.

THE FLIP is the operational name for the final coordinated switch. It is not a single button. It is a sequenced series of actions: the freezing of selected cabal-linked accounts, the simultaneous activation of QFS settlement nodes, the public announcement of NESARA/GESARA provisions, and the migration of value onto the new rails, including Stellar.

The delay that has frustrated observers is deliberate. Premature disclosure would have triggered capital flight and institutional collapse before the new architecture was fully ready. The current phase is the controlled exposure of the old system’s insolvency while the new one is held in readiness.

Those who understand the sequence are not waiting for a single “event.” They are tracking liquidity movements, legal filings, military financial task forces, and the quiet repositioning of physical assets. The cabal still controls the narrative machinery, which is why the public conversation remains focused on distractions. The underlying architecture, however, has already moved past the point of reversal.

Read full post here:  https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/08/03/restored-republic-via-a-gcr-update-as-of-august-3-2026/

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

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

Jeff Going back to the 60's the value of Iraq's currency has always been $3+ and slightly above Kuwait's currency...Kuwait's currency value today is at $3.22...Historically Iraq has always been above Kuwait slightly.  

Stephen   Everything is hinging on the Central Bank of Iraq changing the rate.  That's what we're all speculating and hoping for.  If there are deadlines or compliance deadlines they are trying to get finalized that's a big tell for something coming in the near future.  Article:  "Iraqi banks accelerate US compliance measures"  The US Treasury and Central Bank are working in accordance with each other to get these compliance measures finalized...It's reported that Iraqi bank employees are working 12 hours days to meet certain deadlines. Quote: "Iraq private banks are in an all out sprint to meet new compliance requirements set by the Central Bank of Iraq and the US Treasury."  Iraqi banks are up against tight deadlines which is good for us...I'm excited from everything I'm seeing.

Ariel   The WTO accession timeline is critical. Iraq’s Working Party at the WTO...has been finalizing tariff schedules and trade facilitation agreements through 2026... When Iraq enters the WTO as a full member with ASYCUDA operational its trade settlements need a currency that functions at international par value.  You cannot settle WTO-compliant trade with a currency carrying three phantom zeros. The redenomination is a prerequisite for accession not a reward after it.

Japan and U.S. Just ORDERED the DUMPING of the DOLLAR!

Steven Van Metre:  8-3-2026

Japan and the U.S. just started dumping dollars! In today's show, we reveal the real reason for this historic move—something not even Wall Street saw coming.

 As the US Treasury and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York intervene in the yen market for the first time in nearly 30 years, the global financial landscape is shifting overnight.

 This signals a historic dollar collapse is imminent, one that could send tech stocks crashing. If you have a retirement account or money in the stock market, you cannot afford to miss this update on the Great Dollar Reset.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HeI4SeaAFA

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Monday Morning 8-3-26

Shafaq News Investigates: The Government Is Moving Towards Borrowing 3 Trillion And The Internal Debt Is "Exploding"

2026-08-02 03:26   Shafaq News - Baghdad    The Iraqi government is entering a financial phase that is considered one of the most sensitive in years, after the salaries of millions of employees and retirees turned into the biggest challenge facing the public treasury.

With shrinking liquidity and declining oil revenues, pressure on public finances has increased, and the government is increasingly resorting to exceptional financing tools to provide the necessary liquidity to cover its monthly obligations, primarily salaries, which account for the largest share of public spending.

These indicators come at a time when financial pressures are expected to increase in the coming months, with the expansion of government obligations and a decline in the margin of financial maneuvering, due to the disruption of oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz to global markets, which in turn is witnessing military tensions that may extend for months to come.

Crisis Figures

Shafaq News Agency learned from three high-ranking sources in the Ministry of Finance, and a source close to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, that the Iraqi government is facing increasing financial pressures that may prevent it from securing the salaries of state employees for the month of August from the currently available liquidity.

According to the sources, the government is moving towards resorting to internal borrowing during this month from a number of private banks, confirming that it will borrow more than three trillion dinars, with the aim of providing the necessary funds to pay the salaries of employees during this month.

She pointed out that the annual interest rate on government borrowing instruments is 5.25%, indicating that the size of the internal debt owed by the government currently ranges between 106 trillion and 125 trillion dinars.

The sources added that Iraq lost $30 billion during the past five months as a result of the disruption of oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, which directly affected public revenue flows and the liquidity available to finance operating expenses.

This comes at a time when Iraqi economic researcher Ziad al-Hashemi has warned that Iraq has entered a phase of "financial hardship," with the government acknowledging a shortage of liquidity after months of denying the existence of a crisis.

Al-Hashemi said in a post on the “X” platform that the current crisis is not only related to the decline in oil revenues, but reflects years of mismanagement of resources and uncontrolled spending, noting that revenues are depleted before they reach the state treasury due to corruption, waste and accumulated financial obligations.

He also explained that overcoming the crisis requires radical financial reforms that include reducing waste, combating corruption, controlling the payroll, and developing non-oil revenues, warning that financial reserves will not be able to protect the state from recurring crises if current policies continue.

Government Vision

Regarding how Iraq reached this stage, and the urgent measures required to reduce the effects of the liquidity crisis on citizens and the economy, the Iraqi Prime Minister’s economic advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, said that what Iraq is going through does not represent a sudden financial crisis, but rather is the result of accumulated structural imbalances in public finances that became clearly apparent with any disruption to the oil market or export activity.

Speaking to Shafaq News Agency, Saleh said that the Iraqi budget’s reliance on oil revenues by more than 90% has made public finances extremely sensitive to any decrease in prices or exports, at a time when current spending has expanded over the past years, especially in the area of salaries, wages and social assistance, compared to the limited contribution of non-oil sectors to financing the state.

According to the government advisor, weak economic diversification, low efficiency in tax and customs collection, delays in financial and administrative reforms, as well as high fixed budget obligations, have all reduced the government's ability to maneuver when revenues decline.

He added that the solution should not be limited to overcoming the current crisis, but should turn into an opportunity to restructure the economy by rationalizing public spending, postponing unnecessary projects, and improving the efficiency of the use of funds, while maintaining salaries, basic services, and social safety nets.

Saleh also warned that borrowing, although a tool available when needed, must remain within carefully considered limits and not become a permanent means of financing operating expenses, as this could increase debt burdens and affect the private sector’s ability to obtain financing.

These statements coincide with the admission by the Iraqi Minister of Health, Abdul Hussein Al-Moussawi, last Thursday, that the government is facing a liquidity crisis that has made securing salaries its priority, while he confirmed that the General Company for Marketing Drugs and Medical Supplies (Kimadia) has received only 15% of its budget, which has led to its bankruptcy, the disruption of new contracts, and the threat to drug supplies.

Following the statements of the Minister of Health, the Minister of Finance, Faleh Al-Sari, made another statement confirming the existence of a real financial deficit that hinders the completion of the disbursement of salaries for employees, retirees and social welfare beneficiaries, noting that the total monthly obligations for salaries amount to about 7 trillion and 800 billion dinars.

Loan To Guarantee Salaries

In contrast, Samir Al-Nassiri, an advisor to the Association of Iraqi Private Banks, believes that the government has managed to provide liquidity through internal borrowing over the past months, stressing that employee salaries are still secured and will not be interrupted.

Al-Nassiri explained to Shafaq News Agency that the borrowing mechanism involves the Ministry of Finance issuing treasury bills, which the Central Bank then rediscounts, thereby bolstering bank reserves and providing the government with necessary liquidity. He emphasized that this process does not entail using citizens' deposits or withdrawing depositors' funds, but rather represents a financial tool used by the state to cover its temporary needs.

He added that the decline in oil revenues has led to a widening fiscal deficit, prompting the government to rely on domestic borrowing tools to ensure continued funding of spending, primarily salaries. He explained that the ability to borrow domestically may continue until the end of the year if the current conditions remain unchanged.

Al-Nassiri concluded by saying that the government may have to take additional measures, including rationalizing spending, resorting to other financing options, passing legislation related to loans and grants, as well as working to increase oil exports through alternative outlets to the Strait of Hormuz.

But economic researcher Ahmed Eid believes that private banks cannot be the main solution to the liquidity crisis, pointing out that they already suffer from a weak deposit base due to low public confidence in the banking sector and the reliance of a large segment on keeping money outside the banking system.

Eid told Shafaq News Agency that the banks' ability to finance the economy or expand lending remains limited unless deposits increase and financial inclusion and electronic payment tools expand.

He warned that increasing the government’s reliance on borrowing from banks could deplete the liquidity available to the banking system and reduce its ability to finance the private sector and productive projects, which would raise the cost of financing and weaken economic activity. He indicated that the priority should be to build a banking sector that is more capable of mobilizing savings, enhancing confidence in banks, and diverting their resources from financing the government deficit to supporting development and investment.

Iraqi government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi had previously confirmed that Iraq is facing "severe" financial challenges, noting that the government needs about 10.8 trillion dinars per month to cover employee salaries and public expenditures, while the country's oil revenues do not exceed 2.5 trillion dinars.

Al-Aboudi acknowledged in a televised statement that this financial crisis directly affected the salary distribution schedule, leading to delays and irregularities in their disbursement as was the practice.

The Fragility Of The Oil Model

Professor of International Economics, Nawar Al-Saadi, believes that the current crisis has revealed the fragility of the Iraqi economic model in an unprecedented way.

Al-Saadi confirmed in his interview with Shafaq News Agency that Iraq relies on oil to secure the largest part of its budget revenues, while a large percentage of its oil exports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which means that any disruption in this route directly affects the state’s ability to finance its obligations.

He pointed out that the monthly operating expenses exceeding ten trillion dinars, most of which goes to salaries, pensions and social welfare, created a financial gap that quickly appeared in the form of delays in salary payments, adding that the current crisis is not just an oil price crisis, but a cash flow and revenue crisis.

Al-Saadi pointed out the need to move along three parallel tracks:

First, ensure the continued payment of salaries by reprioritizing spending and postponing unnecessary expenses.

Secondly, to expedite the activation of alternative export outlets through Türkiye, Syria and others to reduce dependence on a single outlet.

Third, providing temporary liquidity through domestic debt instruments and managing reserves prudently, while avoiding any financing that could lead to increased inflation and harm the purchasing power of citizens.

The Economic Affairs Observatory “Eco Iraq” announced on July 19 that Iraq extracted about 440.3 million barrels of oil during the first half of 2026, while the loss in production amounted to about 302.8 million barrels compared to the normal rate, as a result of the repercussions of security and military tensions in the region.

It is worth noting that analysts in the energy and geopolitics sectors have warned that Iraq will be among the countries most affected if the disruption to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz continues, given that oil flows from the Gulf remain at about 50% of pre-war levels, equivalent to a decrease of at least 10 million barrels per day from regional supplies.  

https://www.shafaq.com/ar/ارير-وتحليلات/شفق-نيوز-تتقصى-الحكومة-تتجه-لاقتراض-3-تريليونات-والدين-الداخلي-ينفجر

An Economist Reveals The Real Reasons Behind The Financial Deficit And The Shortage Of Cash Liquidity.

Information / Baghdad      On Sunday, economist Faleh al-Zubaidi revealed the real reasons behind the financial deficit and cash shortage facing the Iraqi government, while issuing a strong warning against resorting to external borrowing.

Al-Zubaidi told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “the government is currently suffering from a clear shortage of financial liquidity as a result of the sharp decline in oil revenues, which came as a direct consequence of the closure of the Strategic Strait of Hormuz.”

He added that “85% of Iraq’s oil exports depend entirely on passing through the Strait of Hormuz, while the remaining percentage flows through the Turkish port of Ceyhan,” explaining that “this stoppage has temporarily paralyzed the government’s ability to provide the necessary cash liquidity,” noting that “this shortage will not last long in light of the indicators of political and security calm in the region, especially after Iran’s agreement to a ceasefire, which means that financial revenues will return to normal as soon as the strait is reopened.”

Al-Zubaidi explained that “the government has effective local solutions, which are the issuance of bonds and discounting of remittances through the Central Bank, through the Ministry of Finance issuing short-term bonds and selling them to the Central Bank of Iraq.”

He warned of the "dangers of Baghdad resorting to external borrowing from international entities," stressing that "these entities will impose unfair and harsh conditions, including a strict repayment schedule, exorbitant interest rates, and a dangerous clause allowing them to seize and confiscate some Iraqi state assets in case of default." End/25m

https://almaalomah-me.translate.goog/news/140049/economy/اقتصادي-يكشف-عن-الأسباب-الحقيقية-وراء-العجز-المالي-وشح-السيو?_x_tr_sl=ar&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc

Al-Mashhadani: The Increase In Employee Salaries To 100 Trillion Dinars Annually Puts The Government In A Predicament.

Information/Special...  Financial expert Abdul Rahman Al-Mashhadani ruled out on Sunday the government resorting to austerity measures and salary cuts for employees and retirees, stressing that the only solution to confront this crisis is external borrowing.

Al-Mashhadani explained to the Information Agency that "the size of employee salaries has worsened in recent years, with social welfare and retiree payments reaching approximately 28 trillion dinars annually, while employee salaries amount to around $67 billion annually,

equivalent to 96 trillion dinars annually." He emphasized that "the Ministry of Finance is obligated to provide 8 trillion dinars monthly to pay salaries to the beneficiaries."

He continued, “The government has no option to confront this crisis other than external borrowing, which necessitates Parliament enacting a law on external borrowing and grants as quickly as possible to provide the government with the necessary liquidity.”

He clarified that Iraq needs 10.5 trillion dinars monthly, distributed between salaries, payments to oil companies, and support for the food ration program.

He pointed out that "austerity measures such as cutting employee salaries or even abolishing or merging some ministries and government institutions are no longer effective in the current circumstances, as they are merely stopgap measures that offer nothing." End 25

https://almaalomah-me.translate.goog/news/140096/economy/المشهداني:-تفاقم-حجم-رواتب-الموظفين-إلى-100-تريليون-دينار-سن?_x_tr_sl=ar&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Monday Morning 8-3-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Iran–Oman Shipping Agreement Raises Hope for Lower Energy Costs and a New Era in Global Trade

Diplomatic progress between Iran and Oman, combined with renewed U.S.–Iran negotiations, is easing pressure on global energy markets while highlighting how trade routes and payment systems may be evolving as part of the next generation of the international financial system.

Overview

• Iran and Oman are reportedly nearing an agreement to jointly manage commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy corridors.

• President Donald Trump confirmed that U.S.–Iran negotiations are scheduled to begin Monday, helping calm markets and contributing to a sharp decline in oil prices.

• The combination of diplomatic progress and improved maritime security could reduce inflationary pressures while supporting more stable global trade and energy markets.

Key Developments

1. Strait of Hormuz Agreement Moves Closer

Iranian officials reported that negotiations with Oman are in the final stages of establishing a cooperative framework for managing commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries approximately 20% of the world's daily oil supply. While details are still being finalized, the agreement is intended to improve navigation and reduce tensions in one of the world's most strategically important maritime corridors.

2. Diplomacy Replaces Immediate Military Escalation

President Donald Trump confirmed that formal negotiations with Iran are expected to begin Monday, emphasizing that he would prefer reaching an agreement rather than expanding military operations. According to Trump's public remarks, discussions are expected to address both the future of the Strait of Hormuz and broader issues surrounding Iran's nuclear program.

Although reports have circulated suggesting possible military contingency plans remain available if diplomacy fails, today's developments indicate that negotiations—not military action—are currently the primary focus.

3. Oil Prices Fall as Markets Respond

Financial markets reacted quickly to the diplomatic developments. Oil prices fell more than 6%, dropping below $80 per barrel, while U.S. stock futures advanced as investors reduced expectations of a prolonged disruption to Middle East energy supplies.

Lower oil prices have the potential to ease inflation pressures throughout the global economy by reducing transportation, manufacturing, and energy costs.

4. Alternative Payment Systems Remain Under Discussion

Earlier drafts of the Iran–Oman shipping proposal reportedly included provisions that could allow digital assets or yuan-denominated payment mechanisms for certain shipping-related transactions. Although no final agreement has confirmed these payment methods, the discussions reflect a broader global trend toward exploring alternatives to traditional dollar-based settlement for international commerce.

Why It Matters

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important gateways for global energy supplies. Progress toward greater stability not only supports energy security but may also reduce inflation pressures that affect families, businesses, corporations, and governments worldwide.

For consumers, sustained lower oil prices can gradually reduce gasoline prices, transportation expenses, and some supply-chain costs. While grocery prices and many household expenses typically adjust more slowly, continued stability in energy markets often helps ease inflation over time.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Foreign currency holders continue watching developments that strengthen international trade and financial stability. Although the U.S. dollar remains the world's primary reserve currency, discussions surrounding alternative payment mechanisms demonstrate that countries continue exploring more diversified methods of settling cross-border trade.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 2: Trade

Greater stability in the Strait of Hormuz would improve the flow of global commerce, reduce shipping risks, and support more efficient international trade.

• Pillar 3: Assets

Ongoing discussions surrounding digital asset and alternative payment mechanisms illustrate the continued modernization of international financial infrastructure, even though no final payment framework has yet been adopted.

This is about far more than easing Middle East tensions—it reflects how diplomacy, secure trade routes, and evolving payment systems can work together to strengthen the global economy while gradually reshaping the future of international finance.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• CoinGape — Oil Prices Drop Sharply Below $80 as Trump Confirms US-Iran Talks to Begin Monday

• CryptoBriefing — Iran Nears Shipping Management Deal with Oman for the Strait of Hormuz, With Crypto Tolls on the Table

~~~~~~~~~~

🌱 A Message to Our Currency Holders🌱

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

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

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

That is not your failure.

Our mission here is different:   • No dates • No rates • No hype • No gurus  

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

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

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

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

You deserve truth — not timelines.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News

~~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

RV Facts with Proof Links Link

RV Updates Proof links - Facts Link

Start Here room with Most Asked Questions Link

Follow the Gold/Silver Rate COMEX

Follow Fast Facts

Seeds of Wisdom Team™Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Rob Cunningham: The 2026 Cambrian Explosion Awaits

Rob Cunningham: The 2026 Cambrian Explosion Awaits

8-1-2026

The 2026 Cambrian Explosion Awaits – Understanding Chris Larsen’s Profound Vision

Before the 1950s…

The world already had ships.

It already had ports.

It already had railroads.

It already had trucks.

So why did global commerce reportedly explode after one deceptively simple invention?

It wasn’t because humanity suddenly built more cargo.

It was because humanity finally agreed on one standard way to move it.

That single steel container quietly removed billions of points of friction from global trade.

Now ask yourself…

What if the world’s greatest bottleneck today isn’t moving goods…

…but moving value?

Every nation has payment systems.

Every bank has ledgers.

Every blockchain has its own rules.

Every business has accounting software.

Every wallet speaks a slightly different language.

The result?

The digital equivalent of unloading every shipping container by hand at every border.

Now imagine something different.

Not one global bank.

Not one global blockchain.

Not one global currency.

One open protocol allowing all of them to communicate while remaining completely independent.

Sound familiar?

It should.

It’s exactly what standardized shipping containers did for physical commerce.

The Interledger Protocol (ILP) aims to do something remarkably similar for value.

Not by replacing financial systems…

But by connecting them.

Now take one more step.

What happens when billions of AI agents begin buying, selling, negotiating, investing, financing, insuring and settling transactions every second?

Will they wait until Monday morning?

Will they tolerate three-day settlement?

Will they navigate thousands of disconnected payment networks one integration at a time?

Or will they naturally gravitate toward the simplest, fastest and most interoperable path available?

History suggests the answer.

Technology almost always flows toward lower friction.

This raises a fascinating question almost nobody is asking…

If standardized shipping containers helped unlock an extraordinary expansion in global trade…

What might a freely adopted global interoperability protocol unlock for global value?

Not just larger transactions.

Millions…

Billions…

Eventually trillions of entirely new economic relationships that simply weren’t practical before.

Machine-to-machine commerce.

Streaming payments.

Tokenized real-world assets.

Autonomous supply chains.

Real-time global liquidity.

A true Internet of Value.

Perhaps the biggest story isn’t which blockchain wins.

Perhaps it’s the emergence of the protocol that allows all of them to work together.

That’s a very different conversation.

And one that could prove far more important than most investors realize.

I spent considerable time connecting the historical dots—from standardized shipping containers… to TCP/IP… to ILP… to tokenized real-world assets… to the coming age of agentic AI.

If you’ve ever wondered why some technologists call this the next Cambrian Explosion of Value, I think you’ll find the answer surprisingly elegant.

Goodbye SDR. Hello XRP.

The Positive ILP Network Flywheel

More tokenized assets
↓
More blockchain networks
↓
More ILP connectivity
↓
More AI agents
↓
More autonomous commerce
↓
More cross-network settlement
↓
Greater demand for efficient bridge liquidity
↓
Deeper liquidity
↓
Lower transaction costs
↓
Even greater adoption

This is a classic positive network effect.

Why Liquidity Becomes Increasingly Valuable

Historically, wealth has flowed toward scarce infrastructure.

Examples include:

railroads
shipping lanes
ports
telecommunications
Internet backbone providers
cloud infrastructure

In the new ILP World, liquidity itself becomes infrastructure.

Not money.

Not banks.

Liquidity.

The scarcer, deeper, and more globally connected that liquidity is, the more valuable it becomes to users seeking efficient cross-network settlement.

An Analogy to SDRs

Today’s IMF SDR is a synthetic reserve asset derived from a basket of major currencies.

Under ILP, XRP would not function as an IMF-issued SDR. Rather, it will resemble a market-discovered global bridge asset that participants voluntarily use because it minimizes friction between otherwise separate financial systems.

Its role will be closer to:

“The shortest path through the graph.”
rather than
“The world’s official reserve currency.”

That distinction matters. A lot.

Welcome to our New @Interledger Era where XRP will be voluntarily crowned Liquidity King of the World by mutual consent of sovereigns, not by force or mandates from centralized, godless control freaks.

Source(s):
• https://x.com/KuwlShow/status/2083544895004799262
• https://x.com/KuwlShow/status/2083562692762034199

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/08/01/rob-cunningham-the-2026-cambrian-explosion-awaits/

Andy Schectman: Every Signal Is Screaming Buy Gold

Andy Schectman: Every Signal Is Screaming Buy Gold

VRIC Media:  8-2-2026

Andy Schectman argues that rising bond yields, persistent inflation, and declining confidence in U.S. debt are creating a powerful long-term case for precious metals.

He explains why central banks and major buyers continue accumulating physical gold despite recent price weakness, how China is building the vaults, exchanges, and payment systems needed to challenge Western paper markets, and why the shift toward physical settlement could reshape global price discovery.

Andy also compares the outlook for gold, silver, and platinum, with gold remaining his preferred asset for a changing monetary system.

0:00 Is gold preparing for another major move?

1:49 Interest rates, bond yields, and America’s debt trap

8:38 The real inflation rate and gold’s performance

11:30 Central banks and major buyers accumulate physical gold

13:32 Stablecoins, Treasuries, and the future of interest rates

18:10 When will gold respond to money creation?

20:18 Who is taking delivery from COMEX?

23:38 Could higher gold prices weaken the dollar?

24:00 The Global South builds a new gold settlement system

28:15 Hong Kong’s vault expansion and China’s long strategy

32:33 How much gold is China really buying?

36:01 Falling mine supply and rising physical demand

40:01 Gold revaluation and the July 4 prediction

45:04 Paper markets versus physical price discovery

49:15 Gold, silver, or platinum?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqCZrt7YvR4

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Sunday Afternoon 8-2-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

Iran Pursues Strait of Hormuz Shipping Deal as Red Sea Tensions Keep Global Trade on Edge

New negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz and continued military tensions in the Red Sea highlight how energy security, shipping routes, and alternative payment systems are becoming increasingly important to the future of the global financial system.

Overview

• Iran and Oman are negotiating a new framework to manage commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy corridors.

• An earlier draft proposal reportedly included the possibility of crypto- or yuan-based toll payments, signaling continued efforts to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar in international trade.

• Meanwhile, rising U.S.–Iran tensions in the Red Sea continue to threaten maritime security, keeping global energy markets and supply chains on alert.

Key Developments

1. Iran Nears Shipping Management Agreement with Oman

Iran announced it is close to reaching an agreement with Oman on managing commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway that carries approximately 20% of the world's oil supply. Negotiations remain focused on how shipping lanes would be administered while balancing regional security concerns and maintaining the flow of international commerce.

2. Digital Payments Could Enter Global Maritime Trade

One of the most closely watched aspects of earlier negotiations is a reported proposal allowing crypto assets or yuan-based payment systems to be used for transit tolls. While no final agreement has been announced, such a framework would represent one of the first instances of digital assets being integrated into the operation of a major global trade corridor.

3. Red Sea Becomes the Latest Strategic Flashpoint

At the same time, U.S.–Iran tensions continue to shift toward the Red Sea, where Iran-backed Houthi activity has increased risks to commercial shipping. Continued instability near both the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz has reinforced concerns over the security of global maritime trade routes.

4. Markets Continue Watching Oil and Shipping Risks

Prediction markets continue to reflect uncertainty regarding when normal shipping traffic may fully resume through the Strait of Hormuz. Investors remain focused on the possibility that renewed military escalation—or successful diplomacy—could quickly influence oil prices, freight costs, and global inflation.

Why It Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints. Any changes to how shipping is managed—or how transit fees are paid—could influence global energy markets, international trade, payment systems, and geopolitical alliances well beyond the Middle East.

The reported discussion of digital asset or yuan-based toll payments also reflects the broader global trend toward exploring alternatives to traditional dollar-denominated settlement for cross-border commerce.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Foreign currency holders continue monitoring developments that could gradually reshape international payment systems. While the U.S. dollar remains the dominant global reserve currency, growing experimentation with alternative settlement mechanisms demonstrates how geopolitical events are increasingly influencing the evolution of global finance.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 2: Trade

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important trade corridors. Any changes to shipping management or maritime security could significantly affect global commerce, transportation costs, and supply chain resilience.

• Pillar 3: Assets

The reported consideration of digital assets and alternative payment mechanisms highlights the continuing evolution of financial infrastructure and the growing role that tokenized and digital settlement systems may play in future international trade.

This is not simply another Middle East geopolitical story—it illustrates how global trade routes, energy security, and evolving payment systems are becoming increasingly interconnected as the international financial system continues to modernize.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• CryptoBriefing — Iran Nears Shipping Management Deal with Oman for the Strait of Hormuz, With Crypto Tolls on the Table

• CryptoBriefing — US-Iran Tensions Rise as Red Sea Becomes Focal Point in Regional Conflict

~~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

RV Facts with Proof Links Link

RV Updates Proof links - Facts Link

Start Here room with Most Asked Questions Link

Follow the Gold/Silver Rate COMEX

Follow Fast Facts

Seeds of Wisdom Team™Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Sunday Afternoon 8-2-26

Iraq Faces ‘Cash-Flow’ Strain, Not Bankruptcy

2026-08-02 Shafaq News- Baghdad   Iraq’s financial situation reflects difficulties managing cash flows under exceptional uncertainty, rather than a lack of resources or risk of bankruptcy, Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s financial and economic adviser Mudher Mohammed Saleh told Shafaq News on Saturday.

Saleh stated that the government could continue paying salaries and meeting essential obligations if it managed its fiscal and monetary tools efficiently, but if the war continues into early next year and further affects oil exports, Baghdad may rely on domestic and external borrowing alongside reordered spending priorities.

Iraq’s foreign reserves are a “safeguard” for stable financial flows, he said, arguing that effective crisis management and faster economic reforms could preserve budget financing despite regional disruption.

The country relies heavily on crude exports to finance public spending, earning over $18 billion from the sale of 268.09 million barrels during the first half of 2026, according to the State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), less than the revenue reported for only four months of the same period last year. Shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz sharply reduced exports from Iraq’s southern terminals, tightening government liquidity while salaries and other recurrent obligations continued to fall due.

Finance Minister Faleh Al-Sari said monthly payments to public employees, pensioners, and social-welfare recipients total about 7.8 trillion dinars ($5.95B). The ministry had disbursed around 3 trillion dinars ($2.29B) and held about 1.5 trillion dinars ($1.15B) in available liquidity, leaving an estimated funding gap of 3.3 trillion dinars ($2.52B).

The shortage has also affected essential services, with Health Minister Abdul Hussein Al-Mousawi saying salaries had become the government’s priority.

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

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-faces-cash-flow-strain-not-bankruptcy

US Extends Streak Of Zero Iraqi Oil Imports

2026-08-02 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Washington   The United States imported no crude oil from Iraq for the fifth consecutive week, according to data released by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Canada remained the largest foreign supplier of crude to the United States during the week, exporting 3.62 million barrels per day (bpd), followed by Venezuela (673,000 bpd), Brazil (269,000 bpd), and Ecuador (230,000 bpd). The EIA data showed no crude imports from either Iraq or Saudi Arabia during the reporting period.

Iraq last exported crude to the United States during the week ending June 19, when shipments averaged 71,000 bpd.

The country lost an estimated 302.8 million barrels of oil production during the first half of 2026 as the US-Iran war disrupted extraction and exports through the Strait of Hormuz. As OPEC’s second-largest producer, Iraq relies on crude sales for about 90% of state revenue, leaving its economy highly vulnerable to disruptions in the Strait, which carries roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies.

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

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/US-extends-streak-of-zero-Iraqi-oil-imports

USD/IQD Exchange Rates Climb In Baghdad, Erbil

2026-08-02 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   The US dollar strengthened against the Iraqi dinar in Baghdad and Erbil on Sunday, hovering around 152,000 dinars per $100 across local currency markets.

According to Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded at 151,800 Iraqi dinars per $100 on Baghdad’s al-Kifah and al-Harithiya central exchanges, up from 150,850 dinars on Saturday.

In Baghdad’s retail market, exchange offices sold dollars at 152,250 dinars per $100 and bought them at 151,250 dinars.

In Erbil, the dollar sold at 152,200 dinars per $100 and was bought at 152,100 dinars.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/USD-IQD-exchange-rates-climb-in-Baghdad-Erbil-5-3

OPEC Eyes 185K+ Bpd Output Boost Before Year-End Freeze

2026-08-02   Shafaq News- Vienna   OPEC will raise its oil production targets by about 188,000 barrels per day (bpd) in September before pausing further output increases for the rest of the year, Reuters reported on Sunday.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, the outlet noted that the alliance is tying the adjustment to its plan to gradually return more supply to the market after years of production cuts designed to support oil prices.

At its meeting on Sunday, OPEC will also assess market conditions and discuss production quotas for 2027.

OPEC output climbed to 19.34 million bpd in June, rising by 3.3 million bpd from the previous month, as Gulf producers restored supplies following disruptions linked to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The strategic maritime gateway, which carries about 20% of global oil supplies, has remained largely closed since Feb. 28 after Iran restricted maritime traffic in response to the conflict involving Washington and Tehran.

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

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/OPEC-eyes-185K-bpd-output-boost-before-year-end-freeze

Gold Prices Inch Higher In Baghdad, Erbil

2026-08-02  Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   Gold prices rose in Baghdad and Erbil on Sunday, with 21-carat gold hovering around 870,000 Iraqi dinars per mithqal (about five grams) in local markets, according to Shafaq News survey.

In Baghdad’s wholesale market on Al-Nahr Street, imported 21-carat gold from the Gulf, Turkiye and Europe sold for 870,000 dinars per mithqal and was bought at 866,000 dinars, up from 866,000 dinars on Saturday.

Iraqi 21-carat gold sold for 842,000 dinars per mithqal and was bought at 836,000 dinars.

In jewellery shops, imported 21-carat gold ranged from 870,000 to 880,000 dinars per mithqal, while Iraqi gold traded between 840,000 and 850,000 dinars per mithqal.

In Erbil, 22-carat gold sold for 905,000 dinars per mithqal, 21-carat gold for 865,000 dinars, and 18-carat gold for 740,000 dinars. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-prices-inch-higher-in-Baghdad-Erbil-3-1

Weekly Trading Value On Iraq Bourse Plunges 63%

2026-08-02  Shafaq News- Baghdad   Trading activity on the Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX) slowed sharply, with the value of transactions falling more than 63% from the previous week to 17.46 billion Iraqi dinars ($13.3M).

According to the exchange's weekly report, trading took place over five sessions involving 69 listed companies. Shares of 26 companies were not trade because buy and sell orders failed to match, while eight companies remained suspended for failing to meet disclosure requirements.

The ISX15 index closed at 1,267.67 points, down 0.17% from the previous week, while the broader ISX60 index slipped 0.30% to 1,041.07 points.

Weekly trading volume dropped 67.90% from the previous week, and the total value of trades declined 63.62%. By contrast, the number of executed transactions rose 3.41%.

Foreign investors bought 65.596 million shares worth 55.461 million Iraqi dinars ($42.3K) in 102 transactions and sold 32.742 million shares valued at 282.051 million Iraqi dinars ($215.3K) through 150 transactions.

The Iraq Stock Exchange holds five trading sessions each week, from Sunday to Thursday, and includes 104 listed Iraqi joint-stock companies representing the banking, telecommunications, industry, agriculture, insurance, financial investment, tourism, hotel, and service sectors. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Weekly-trading-value-on-Iraq-bourse-plunges-63