Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Tuesday Morning 12-24-24

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

RIPPLE CEO REVEALS GROWING REAL ESTATE DEMAND FOR XRP TESTING

▪️Brad Garlinghouse revealed that there has been an increase in demand for XRP not only as a payment solution within the real estate sector but also in the trade finance and insurance sectors.

▪️With the financial landscape shifting towards more efficient and secure solutions, Ripple stands at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging the advantages of XRP to enhance cross-border payment systems securely.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has revealed that there is an increase in demand for XRP as a preferred payment solution within the real estate sector. Ripple is proactively working to boost the asset’s adoption, recognizing its potential in transforming transaction methodologies.

This growing interest is not only a testament to the efficacy of blockchain technology in facilitating seamless transactions but also highlights the evolving landscape of property sales and investments.

The real estate market has traditionally been bogged down by lengthy processes, high transaction costs, and a lack of transparency, making it a prime candidate for disruption. 

The founder identified other industries ripe for innovation, including insurance, trade finance, and identity management, in the interview shared on X by RippleLord, a Ripple enthusiast.

Ripple’s Payment Network in Real Estate

Ripple and the real estate sector stand to mutually benefit from each other, particularly as there is a growing demand from customers for Ripple’s deeper involvement in trade finance.

Ripple’s solutions have the potential to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency, particularly in areas like global payments and title management, where inefficiencies have long hindered the real estate industry.

At the core of Ripple’s offerings is Ripple Payments, which was previously named RippleNet and utilizes advanced blockchain technology to facilitate efficient fund transfers for institutions around the world. Brad Garlinghouse emphasized that businesses are keen to explore how Ripple’s cutting-edge solutions can improve cross-border payments and minimize transaction friction. 

This need for modernization is particularly relevant today, as existing payment systems often leave users waiting weeks for transactions and facing high fees.

Ripple Payments provides a decentralized network for banks and financial institutions globally, utilizing products built on the XRP blockchain, such as xCurrent for cross-border payments and xRapid for cheap and fast transactions. 

Ripple seeks to collaborate with traditional financial institutions and real estate companies rather than replace them. Garlinghouse compares Ripple’s transformative potential to the internet’s evolution, noting its ability to change various sectors, including real estate, fundamentally.

As revealed in a CNF article, XRP’s permissionless nature and its On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) feature are particularly advantageous for real estate transactions. ODL enables international payments by using XRP to facilitate more efficient cross-border transactions.

This feature also provides instantaneous settlement, enhanced reliability, and reduced transaction costs, critical elements for real estate deals that often involve multiple currencies.

Currently, Ripple Payments supports over 55 countries and connects to more than 120 fiat currencies, simplifying the management of international transactions for real estate professionals. 

As XRP continues to gain recognition in the payments landscape, each unit is trading at $2.21, with a notable decrease of 2.94% in the last 24 hours. XRP’s trading volume of $ 11 billion has decreased by 9.30%, signaling a recent fall in market activity.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Crypto News Flash

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HOW MOONPAY PLANS TO REVOLUTIONIZE CRYPTO PAYMENTS

MoonPay, a fintech company has become a major player in crypto since its launch in 2018. Led by CEO Ivan Soto Wright, the platform helps investors buy and sell cryptos as well as NFTs easily. It is like a PayPal but for cryptocurrencies. The project is capturing the spotlight as there are news about them acquiring Helio pay, a crypto payment gateway.

MoonPay Role in Crypto Space

MoonPay has launched innovative crypto payment solutions like MoonPay Balance. This is a fiat to crypto transfer tool that works seamlessly with wallets like MetaMask. Rolled out in 27 European countries last month, this feature gives users a straightforward way to interact with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. But the company isn’t stopping there. A potential acquisition of Helio Pay, rumored to cost $150 million, might be their next big leap.

Helio Pay Acquisition News

Helio Pay is no small name in the crypto world. The platform is like Coinbase Commerce, helping over 6,000 merchants and creators accept payments in Bitcoin, Ether, and other digital currencies. It even integrates Solana Pay into Shopify, a platform with millions of users globally. This is going to be an amazing combo as MoonPay already serves more than 20 million users in over 160 countries.

According to Eleanor Terrett from Fox Business, MoonPay is in in talks to acquire helio for about $150 million.

If this acquisition goes through, this is going to be a big thing for crypto space especially for e-commerce merchants and their users. MoonPay will get to expand its reach and e-commerce will get enhancement with its services. How great would it be if you could use crypto to buy stuff online just like using a credit card — easy and simple.

Why This Matters

This potential deal highlights MoonPay’s ambitions of making crypto transactions easier for individuals. This will reshape how businesses and users interact with cryptocurrencies. Adding Helio Pay to their portfolio would strengthen their infrastructure. This would finally bring crypto payments into the mainstream. As crypto adoption grows globally, this is the perfect time to bring such enhancements to crypto payments.

What to Expect Next

If the Helio acquisition deal is closed, this will likely spark even more innovations in the crypto payment space. The company already has a bright name because of its focus on easing the crypto payments, the new takeover will shine the name even more. It’s just a matter of time before the actual confirmation comes out.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Coinpedia

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MilitiaMan & Crew-Iraq Dinar News-Electronic Payment for Economic Activities-No Cash-JP Morgan support-And more

MilitiaMan & Crew-Iraq Dinar News-Electronic Payment for Economic Activities-No Cash-JP Morgan support-And more

12-23-2024

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

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

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

Iraq News Highlights and Points to Ponder Monday Evening 12-23-24

Expected Rise In The Dollar... "Temporary Shock" Awaits The Iraqi Market

Economy |Today  Baghdad Today – Baghdad  The "Iraq Al-Mustaqbal" Foundation for Economic Studies and Consultations expected, today, Monday, December 23, 2024, an increase in the dollar exchange rate during the next few days, following the announcement by the Central Bank of Iraq to stop the currency transfer window platform.

The head of the institution, Manar Al-Obaidi, said in a statement to "Baghdad Today", that "the suspension of the Central Bank's currency transfer platform, which was officially announced on 12/23/2024, will lead to a temporary rise in the dollar exchange rate in the market as a result of the prevailing state of fear, but things will return to normal with the beginning of the new year."

Al-Obaidi added, "This decision had been previously announced by the Central Bank, but such measures, when implemented, cause a shock to the market, leading to a temporary rise in the exchange rate, before the shock is gradually absorbed."

He explained that "the difference between the official and parallel markets will remain, but it will shrink as the situation stabilizes."

Economic expert Nasser Al-Tamimi warned, on Tuesday (December 17, 2024), of a rise in the dollar exchange rate in Iraq in the coming days.

Al-Tamimi told Baghdad Today, "There are real fears in the Iraqi market of the continued rise in the dollar exchange rate after the Central Bank of Iraq stopped working on the platform," indicating that "this matter will constitute a shock, especially at the beginning of implementing the decision and will lead to a rise in the dollar, to increase demand for it in the parallel market."

He added that "after the platform is stopped, most traders, especially small ones, will depend on the parallel market to finance their foreign trade, while continuing to finance trade with Iran and Turkey in dollars, through illegal means," noting that "this is what will lead to the rise, and therefore practical steps must be taken to prevent this by the country's monetary authority, and urgently."

The Central Bank of Iraq revealed on Wednesday (September 4, 2024) the mechanism for ending the electronic platform for foreign transfers, while indicating that the placement of foreign transfer operations and meeting requests for the dollar are on sound paths and consistent with international practices and standards.  LINK

Parliamentary Committee: Iraq Is Heading Towards A Major Investment And Economic Boom

Economy |Today,  Baghdad Today – Baghdad  The Parliamentary Investment and Development Committee confirmed, today, Monday, December 23, 2024, that Iraq is heading towards a major investment and economic boom during the next stage.                                                                                                                                   

Mohammed Radhi told Baghdad Today, "The stability achieved at the political, security and governmental levels will lead to important and large investment opportunities during the next phase, and this will generate great prosperity at the economic level, and this will lead to an important construction leap in various infrastructures."

Radhi added, "The Iraqi government has achieved successes in the investment file and strengthening the economic and financial conditions, and these successes have been positively reflected in the services, reconstruction and development file, and the next stage will show these successes more clearly through investment and economic prosperity at various levels."

In April 2024, the International Monetary Fund expected the Iraqi economy to grow by 1.4% in 2024 and 5.3% in 2025, and urged structural reforms and debt stabilization.

The Iraqi government also announced a decrease in unemployment from (16.5%) to (14.4%), a reduction in the poverty rate from (23%) to (17%), a decrease in the inflation rate from (6.1%) in 2021 to (2.5%), and an increase in non-oil revenues to (14%), after representing (7%) of the budget.  LINK

Europe 'Displeased' With Trade Volume With Iraq

Money and business  Economy News – Baghdad  The European Union renewed its confidence in Iraq's calm and successful diplomatic steps in light of the tensions witnessed in the region and the world, stressing that the partnership with Iraq is intensive and built on trust.

While he indicated that he is following up and discussing with the government of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani the best ways to implement the vital "Development Road" project for the region and the world, he announced that the (27) member states of the Union, in light of the improvement witnessed by Iraq, are discussing how to facilitate the entry of Iraqis into it, especially for the sake of the economy and academic exchange. 

The EU Ambassador to Iraq, Thomas Seiler, said: “The partnership between the EU and Iraq is intense and built on trust, and there is cooperation in many areas, especially with regard to modernizing the state and democracy, and reintegrating Iraq into the international system in terms of international rules and standards, such as the World Trade Organization.”

 Trade and investment

Sayler expressed his hope for increasing trade and investment exchange with Iraq.[/rtl]

He pointed out that "the volume of trade exchange between the European Union and Iraq is not sufficient yet, it is not even half the volume of Iraq's trade balance with China," stressing that "increasing bilateral trade and European investments in Iraq is one of our main policy goals in 2025."

 Iraq's diplomacy

Regarding regional and global developments, he explained that "the European Union is in continuous consultations with the Iraqi government on regional developments, and we exchange views and try to work together to face challenges, especially the situation in Syria now," expressing "the European Union's great appreciation for the successful position of the Iraqi government to calm tensions."

He also noted that "it is certain that the Iraqi consultations with Iran regarding the security situation in the region have a positive impact," stressing that "no issue in the region can be resolved through violence, but only through diplomacy and dialogue."

European visas

Regarding entry visas for Iraqis to the European Union, Sailer explained that "this is the responsibility of the twenty-seven member states of the European Union," stressing that "the European Union is aware of the increasing positive development of the security situation in Iraq."

We are working with member states to find out how to facilitate the entry of Iraqis, especially for economic and academic exchange," he added.

 Development path

The EU ambassador concluded his remarks to Al-Sabah by saying: “For the European Union, the (Iraqi Development Road) project is a major infrastructure project for the entire region,” indicating that “the Union is actively participating with the Iraqi government and with Turkey to find out the best ways to implement the project, as well as with the participation of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq,” and he stressed that “European companies are working in (the Grand Faw Port) and we want to expand our cooperation.”  139 views  12/23/2024 - https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=51192

During 2025.. Cautious Anticipation Of The Economic And Financial Reality In Iraq

Baghdad Today – Baghdad  WEconomic expert Ahmed Al-Tamimi confirmed today, Sunday (December 22, 2024), that Iraq is heading towards a cautious situation regarding its economic and financial situation during the year 2025.

Al-Tamimi told Baghdad Today: “Expectations and data confirm that Iraq is facing hot events at the beginning of the new year, and these events will have repercussions and reflections on the country’s financial and economic reality, especially with the imminent assumption of the presidency of the White House by US President-elect Donald Trump, and the fear of imposing some sanctions and financial tightening on Iraq in order to limit the smuggling of the dollar as well as limiting the Iranian role through these economic pressures.”

He added, "There is extreme caution regarding the financial and economic reality of Iraq at the beginning of the new year, especially since the Iraqi economic situation is greatly affected by any security or political event, and for this reason everyone is anticipating the coming days, and this matter has led to a decline in the buying and selling of real estate and other valuable items, for fear of any expected economic and financial shock."

The Parliamentary Finance Committee confirmed last Monday that the situation in Syria does not affect the Iraqi economy or the dollar exchange rate in the local market, noting that “the government and the Central Bank have taken several important measures to confront the security and economic challenges in the country, especially in light of the deteriorating situation in Syria.”  LINK

Licensed Counterfeiter? Fed’s Role in America’s Economic Crisis | Peter St Onge

Licensed Counterfeiter? Fed’s Role in America’s Economic Crisis | Peter St Onge

Kitco News:  12-23-2024

What if ending the Federal Reserve was not just a wild idea but a clear path to economic freedom? Economist Peter St. Onge of the Heritage Foundation laid out his bold vision for a world without the Fed in an interview with Jeremy Szafron, Anchor at Kitco News.

St Onge explained how dismantling the central bank could bring an end to inflation, eliminate recessions, and reinvigorate the U.S. economy.

Drawing on history, St. Onge highlighted that America thrived for 140 years without a central bank and argued that returning to a gold-backed currency is not just possible, but essential.

St. Onge also tackled the broader implications of de-dollarization, the rise of Bitcoin as "digital gold," and the impact of Trump-era policies on monetary stability.

With predictions for 2025, he explored whether the U.S. is already in a recession and how alternative financial systems like Bitcoin could reshape global economies.

This interview delivers deep insights into the Fed's role in modern economics and presents a radical alternative to the status quo.

00:00 Introduction

01:03 FOMC Policy Meeting Insights

01:45 Inflation and Economic Concerns

03:21 Trump's Economic Policies and Their Impact

 06:14 Recession Fears and Economic Outlook

 09:40 The Argument for Ending the Fed

 15:30 Legal and Practical Steps to End the Fed

17:46 The Future of the U.S. Dollar

 19:27 Global Government Spending Post-COVID

19:43 The Future of the U.S. Dollar and Fiat Currencies

20:39 Gold Reserves and Fort Knox Mysteries

 22:27 The Gold Standard and Historical Context

 23:54 Potential Changes to the Federal Reserve

26:45 Bitcoin and Gold as Strategic Reserves

27:48 The Role of Elon Musk and DOGE in Government

 29:47 Mainstream Media and Political Dynamics

 34:15 Gold and Bitcoin Market Predictions

37:46 General Market Outlook and Investment Advice

 39:08 Conclusion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UCD8M_Uhv0

Iraq Economic News And Points To Ponder Late Monday Afternoon 12-23-24

Central Bank Policy In Light Of Banking Compliance With International Standards Between The Controversy Of Expectations And Requirements

Dr. Haitham Hamid Mutlaq Al Mansour

The debate is raging about the steps taken by the Central Bank of Iraq towards the US Federal Reserve and the US Treasury, and doubts are raised that they are incorrect steps in managing monetary policy.

Other opinions even went so far as to warn of a banking collapse as a result of these agreements and what will result from them at the beginning of next year in terms of the connection of Iraqi/Arab banks with correspondent American banks. These opinions described it as confusion and error in following monetary policies that are not appropriate for the current economic situation.

Therefore, we say in this regard and warn against the incorrectness of these opinions if we take them in good faith, as the aforementioned steps and procedures are nothing but a reflection of the Central Bank's policy to support the national economy in its orientation towards establishing relations with Arab and international correspondent banks and the gradual transition to operations to enhance the advance balance of the accounts of these banks.

This is consistent with what the Central Bank of Iraq announced in 2023 in its plan to gradually reduce reliance on the electronic platform until it ends its work during 2024 and limit it to the operations of recording financial transfers for the purposes of control, auditing and analysis.

The Governor of the Central Bank has confirmed in many places that the Central Bank is determined to support Iraqi banks, enhance their capabilities and prepare them to work in accordance with international practices and agreements that aim to build and enhance the capabilities of our banks internationally.

The monetary policy measures to link the six Iraqi and Arab banks with prestigious, capable and capable international banks is exactly right and consistent with the reality of international activity and practice in import operations, currency transfer and money movement through prestigious international banks. This is because the implementation of this measure is expected to contribute to the following:

Controlling money transfer operations and identifying the final destinations to which they will reach, and thus it will be a control joint in the pre-transfer stage instead of the post-control joint.

The aforementioned linkage supports a number of our qualified banks towards raising their banking status and increasing their acceptance and global penetration, especially since most Iraqi banks suffer from administrative and organizational problems at the operational and investment levels.

Reducing the number of banks that are on the blacklists that practice informal activities that revolve around smuggling or selling dollars at the parallel price, at the expense of practicing banking activity within the limits of lending and investment. And encouraging them to rebuild their activities within the limits of real banking work.

Based on the achievement of the above points and in light of the improvement in the international position of Iraqi banks after they adopted the policy of linkage and compliance and the resulting control and reduction of dollar smuggling and money laundering operations, it is expected to be the nucleus for attracting new financial investments that can work on the development paths of leading economic sectors, and stability will be generated in the cycle of demand for the dollar and from it, stability of price levels on the medium or long-term level.

There will inevitably be a price gap that will raise inflation levels, but it will soon disappear, provided that the procedures for linking and international transfer are scientifically implemented within the terms and instructions of compliance with international standards and the necessity of achieving the above points.

Therefore, in this context, we propose several requirements to raise the ability of Iraqi banks to adhere to compliance standards, stimulate their relations with correspondent banks, and enhance confidence in their performance, including:

Adherence to modern international compliance laws and legislations issued by international regulatory institutions and authorities, including the Basel Committee and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which issued its forty recommendations to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

In addition, the US decisions and laws issued by the Treasury Department represent basic conditions for compliance and constitute an ongoing state for the banking sector in the world, not just the Iraqi and Arab banking sector.

Our banks must invest in the necessary infrastructure for mega development projects such as the Development Road, and apply advanced technology that supports reaching international compliance levels.

Supporting everything that leads to deepening the effective contribution of our banks to development through issuing legal facilities and financial facilitation to support the cycle of banking capital towards foreign trade, industry and investment.

The principle of transparency in banking operations and financial reporting must be adopted to build sustainable trust with the international community, and a comprehensive national plan must be prepared to develop capabilities, training and qualification in the field of banking compliance by establishing a specialized administrative unit for this purpose.

Therefore, this linkage step is a strategic step for the monetary policy of the Central Bank of Iraq, as the size of the Iraqi banking sector’s deposits exceeds $100 billion, which is an incentive to activate the work of banks.

 In the same context, if we know that Iraq imports $70 billion worth of money, it would be more economically feasible to cover this money through a solid banking sector that opens credits and is linked to the global financial system and international institutions with efficiency and transparency.

It is concluded from the above and according to the importance of the linkage and compliance step, that the private sector must be ready to start developing and financing the national economy and achieving the desired growth. Especially after the American bank (JP Morgan) recently expressed its readiness to support Iraqi trade financing operations, which is the largest in size and solidity among global banks, and has a major role in correspondence operations between banks worldwide.

290 views   12/23/2024 - https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=51190

The Central Bank Sets New Conditions For Buying And Selling Foreign Currencies

Monday 23 December 2024 21:05 | Economic Number of readings: 57  Baghdad/ NINA /The Central Bank of Iraq set new conditions for buying and selling foreign currencies today, Monday.  https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1176343

Globally.. Gold Prices Rise After The Dollar Declines

Time: 2024/12/23 09:20:40 Read: 1,729 times  {Economic: Al Furat News} Gold rose in spot transactions on Monday, after the dollar fell and because of the Federal Reserve’s cautious stance on cutting interest rates next year.

Spot gold rose 0.2 percent to $2,626.44 per ounce by 0313 GMT. U.S. gold futures fell 0.1 percent to $2,642.10.

The US Federal Reserve's 25 basis point interest rate cut on December 18, its dovish economic outlook note and its expectation of smaller cuts in 2025 pushed gold to its lowest since November 18 last week.

Gold rose on Friday as the US dollar and US Treasury yields fell when US economic data pointed to slowing inflation.

Spot silver rose 0.7 percent to $29.72 an ounce, platinum rose 1 percent to $935.47 and palladium added 0.2 percent to $922.31.  LINK

Central Bank's Harvest In 2024 And Its Strategic Axes In 2025

Samir Al-Nusairi  As the year 2024 draws to a close, it is clear beyond doubt that the Central Bank’s measures and efforts since the beginning of 2023 until now, with the support and cooperation of the government, have borne fruit and are beginning to yield positive results according to what was planned.

This is what was explained in detailed procedures and administrative, technical and negotiating steps with the US Federal Reserve and the US Treasury Department and understandings to regulate foreign trade financing with Arab and international banks by approving the opening of accounts for Iraqi banks in American, Chinese, European, Emirati, Indian and Turkish correspondent banks to deal directly with them for foreign transfers in the currencies of these countries, which are the dollar, euro, Chinese yuan, Indian rupee, Emirati dirham, Turkish lira, Jordanian dinar and Saudi riyal,

and leaving the electronic platform in 2024 and allowing banks to supply dollars and foreign currencies into Iraq from their accounts with correspondent banks or abroad according to specific controls issued by the Central Bank, as well as reaching the opening of about 40 accounts for our banks in correspondent banks.

The Central Bank's strategy implemented in 2024 to reform the banking sector depends on restructuring, developing and classifying banks and increasing their capital to the ceiling set by the Central Bank according to the specified timeframes.

This will lead to raising the capabilities of our banks to provide the best banking products and services to customers, the economy, investment and development, and moving towards comprehensive digital transformation and compliance with international standards, and helps lift the restrictions imposed on our banks.

Therefore, it can be said that one of the most prominent achievements in the banking reform process in 2024 is that 97% of foreign transfers are made at the official exchange rate, and work is underway to facilitate foreign transfers for small traders and to identify speculators' plans to harm the Iraqi economy.

An annual inflation rate of 3.7% has also been maintained, while controlling the general price level and maintaining a foreign exchange reserve and 153 tons of gold at a rate of 140% to cover imports and local currency in circulation and provide the necessary liquidity to meet the needs of the Ministry of Finance to implement the government's operating budget.

In addition to the developmental measures for the technical, technological and administrative infrastructure of the Central Bank. This confirms that the Central Bank is accurately and comprehensively implementing its banking reform strategy in all its axes.

 It is an embodiment of what it has specified in the roadmap that it clarified in cooperation with the government according to what is stated in the government program in Axis 12 (Financial and Banking Reform) and Paragraph 7 thereof, which is concerned with developing and enabling banks to contribute to development and investment.

Here we can summarize the Central Bank’s plan in 2025 to complete its procedures, which it will work to implement with great precision, as follows:

Firstly, one of the Central Bank’s priorities is to achieve a stable financial system that is accompanied by electronic financial systems.

Second: Commitment to establishing the rules of compliance, risk management, transparency and integrity of financial operations.

Third: The transition from a cash economy to a digital economy and the accompanying cooperation and coordination measures have achieved a qualitative shift between the Iraqi government and the Central Bank of Iraq.

Fourth: Implementing the Central Bank’s plan for financial and banking reform by continuing cooperation with international consulting and auditing companies that are characterised by compliance with international standards that keep pace with global developments in the field of the financial digital economy.

Fifth: Working to strengthen international relations, including expanding the establishment of a network of relations with foreign correspondent banks and helping our banks to apply the standard criteria required of correspondent banks.

Sixth: Establishing the Riyada Bank and redirecting work in initiatives to finance small and medium enterprises according to new standards, and banks contribute to its capital and management, in line with the initiative of the Prime Minister (Riyada).

Seventh: Launching a financial inclusion strategy and putting it into effect in coordination with relevant authorities. Eighth: Implementing what is stated in the national strategy for bank lending by relying on the financial capabilities of banks and other entities in cooperation with GIZ in attracting and investing deposits and in providing the best banking products to customers and contributing to sustainable development.  Views 292  12/23/2024 - https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=51187

Head Of The Security Committee In Nineveh: The Iraqi Border With Syria Is Fully Secured

Buratha News Agency1052024-12-23   The head of the security committee in Nineveh Governorate, Abdul Qader Al-Dakhil, confirmed that the Iraqi border with Syria is fully secured thanks to the precautionary measures and the strengthening of security measures.

Al-Dakhil said in a press statement that "the borders with the Syrian side in Nineveh are completely secure thanks to the great cooperation between the citizens and the security forces, stressing that Nineveh is 100 percent safe."   https://burathanews.com/arabic/news/454214

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

The Fed’s Tightrope, Debt, Real Estate, and the Case for Gold

The Fed’s Tightrope, Debt, Real Estate, and the Case for Gold

APMEX:  12-22-2-24

In a rapidly shifting economic landscape, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) finds itself walking a precarious tightrope. As it navigates the dual pressures of stubborn inflation and mounting national debt, the implications of its monetary policy decisions are echoing throughout the economy.

 With a staggering $36 trillion national debt and interest expenses that are climbing, the Fed’s actions are poised to have far-reaching consequences, particularly in the realm of commercial real estate.

Despite the Fed’s best efforts to rein in inflation, which has remained stubbornly above its target, interest rates have risen sharply in response. These elevated rates are intended to cool off the economy and temper inflationary pressures.

 However, the result has been a cascade of challenges that threaten the financial stability of various sectors. The burden of high interest rates is particularly acute for small and mid-sized banks, which are already feeling the heat from an escalating commercial real estate crisis.

The commercial real estate sector has become a focal point of concern as rising interest rates lead to higher borrowing costs. Property owners who previously benefited from low-interest loans are now facing a stark reality of ballooning debt expenses. Many are unable to refinance, leading to rising defaults and increasing vacancies. This scenario has created a ripple effect, pushing small and mid-sized banks to the brink as they grapple with rising non-performing loans and a tightening credit environment.

Analysts warn that this crisis could exacerbate existing economic vulnerabilities, particularly as many of these banks are heavily invested in commercial real estate. As defaults increase, confidence in the banking sector erodes, potentially leading to a more significant financial downturn.

With the national debt now exceeding $36 trillion, the U.S. government faces a daunting challenge. Interest payments alone are consuming a significant portion of the federal budget, leaving less room for investment in critical areas such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. As interest rates remain elevated, these expenses will continue to rise, further straining the government’s financial resources.

Moreover, the ever-increasing debt poses a risk of eroding confidence in U.S. Treasury securities, traditionally viewed as a safe haven for investors. If investors begin to question the sustainability of the U.S. debt, it could trigger a more severe economic fallout, including a potential crisis of confidence in the dollar itself.

As the financial system teeters on the brink of uncertainty, many investors are revisiting the historical role of gold and silver as safe havens. Gold has long been viewed as a store of value, particularly in times of economic distress. Its appeal stems from its ability to maintain value even when fiat currencies face volatility and inflation.

The current economic climate, marked by high inflation and rising interest rates, creates a fertile ground for gold and silver to shine. Investors looking for stability amid the chaos are increasingly turning to these precious metals as a hedge against currency devaluation and economic downturns.

Silver, too, offers a dual advantage as both an industrial metal and a precious metal. With the green energy transition and technological advancements driving demand for silver, its value is expected to remain resilient, even in a turbulent economic environment.

The Federal Reserve is indeed walking a tightrope as it attempts to balance inflation control with the mounting pressures of national debt and a commercial real estate crisis. The consequences of its monetary policy decisions are reverberating across the economy, creating a landscape fraught with uncertainty.

In this climate of financial instability, gold and silver emerge as critical players. As traditional safe havens, they offer a refuge for investors seeking to preserve their wealth amidst rising inflation and potential economic turmoil.

As the Fed continues to navigate these choppy waters, the case for gold and silver becomes ever more compelling, reminding us of their enduring value in uncertain times.

https://youtu.be/zGEgxudc0Rc

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Monday Morning 12-23-24

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

TRUMP TAPS PRO-CRYPTO ECONOMIST STEPHEN MIRAN TO LEAD COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS

Miran will advise Trump on policy and help shape the administration's economic agenda to achieve its goals.

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Stephen Miran, a former Treasury official from his first administration, to lead the Council of Economic Advisers. By selecting Miran, Trump is bringing experienced leadership back to Washington to help shape economic policy.

“Steve will work with the rest of my Economic Team to deliver a Great Economic Boom that lifts up all Americans,” Trump said in a Truth Social post on Sunday.

Miran has openly criticized the Biden administration, specifically targeting Fed Chair Jerome Powell. He condemned Powell for calling for more aggressive fiscal and monetary stimulus in Oct. 2020, just a month before the election, to boost the economic recovery during the pandemic.

Stephen Miran to Help Craft Trump’s Vision for a Booming Economy

The White House Council of Economic Advisers is a three-member team. It advises the president on economic policy. Miran will guide Trump on policy matters and be a key spokesperson to promote those decisions. He will provide insights and recommendations to shape the administration’s economic agenda. His work will help achieve its broader goals.

Currently a senior strategist at hedge fund Hudson Bay Capital Management, Miran said he was honored to be chosen. “I look forward to working to help implement the President’s policy agenda to create a booming, noninflationary economy that brings prosperity to all Americans!” he posted on X.

Miran’s appointment requires Senate confirmation. Last month, Trump named Kevin Hassett as chair of the National Economic Council. And he nominated Paul Atkins to replace Gary Gensler as SEC Chair.

Miran Sees Crypto as Catalyst for Prosperity Under Trump’s Agenda

The crypto community has shown strong support for Miran, including Michael Saylor, executive chairman of MicroStrategy. In a recent interview with The Bitcoin Layer, Miran criticized the current financial regulatory framework, calling it overly restrictive and a barrier to financial institutions.

He also pointed out the importance of innovation for economic growth, highlighting cryptocurrency’s potential role.

“I think crypto will have a big role in innovation and ushering in a Trump administration economic boom,” he said in the interview.

Milan said on X on Sunday that he looks forward “to working to help implement the President’s policy agenda to create a booming, noninflationary economy that brings prosperity to all Americans.”

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CryptoNews

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TRUMP APPOINTS FORMER COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYER, GOP HOUSE NOMINEE BO HINES TO HEAD CRYPTO COUNCIL

President-elect Donald Trump announced that Bo Hines, a former college football player who ran unsuccessfully for the House of Representatives in 2022, to lead his “Crypto Council” as the Executive Director of the Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets.

“In his new role, Bo will work with David [Sacks] to foster innovation and growth in the digital assets space, while ensuring industry leaders have the resources they need to succeed,” Trump wrote.

Trump also earlier appointed Stephen Miran to head his Council of Economic Advisers. Miran has previously stated that regulations inhibit innovation in the crypto sector.

In posts on Truth Social Sunday, Donald Trump appointed two new figures as advisers on economic issues.

Foremost of concern to crypto investors, Trump announced on Sunday that Bo Hines, a former college football player who secured the Republican nomination for North Carolina's 13th congressional district before succumbing to his Democratic opponent in the general election, will serve as the Executive Director of the Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, which Trump refers to as the "Crypto Council."

Trump had previously appointed David Sacks to spearhead crypto and A.I. issues at the White House, and refers to Hines working alongside Sacks in his announcement.
"In his new role, Bo will work with David to foster innovation and growth in the digital assets space, while ensuring industry leaders have the resources they need to succeed," Trump wrote. "Together, they will create an environment where this industry can flourish, and remain a cornerstone of our Nation's technological advancement."

Hines received funding in his 2022 Congressional race from pro-crypto PACs, The Block previously reported. Some of the money came from FTX executive Ryan Salame, according to Business Insider, who is currently serving a seven-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty to charges including conspiring to make unlawful political contributions.

Hines ran in the same district in 2024, but failed to secure the Republican nomination, coming in fourth place with 14.4% of the vote. Republican Addison McDowell later won the district in the general election with 69.2% of the overall vote.

Earlier on Sunday, Trump appointed former Treasury Department official Stephen Miran to chair his Council of Economic Advisers.

"I think financial regulation is excessively burdensome and prevents banks from...lending into the economy as much as they as much as they would. And I think sometimes [that] can really inhibit innovation in areas like the crypto-economy," Miran told podcast The Bitcoin Layer earlier this month.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  The Block

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🎄 Holiday Announcement from the Seeds of Wisdom Team 🎄

As the holiday season approaches, we want to ensure everyone has time to enjoy their families and count their blessings. We will be closing our rooms for a few days during Christmas and New Year's to celebrate and recharge.

Telegram Holiday Hours:
Rooms will remain open for READ Only

Closed: December 23rd - December 25th
Open: December 26th
Closed for New Year's: December 30th
Reopen: January 2nd

Newshounds will continue to post in the Morning Newsletter during the Holidays except on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. 

Wishing all of you a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. Enjoy your holidays and see you in the New Year! 

@ Newshounds News™

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

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Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Q & A Classroom Link  

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Subscribe to Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Newsletter

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“Tidbits From TNT” Monday Morning 12-23-2023

TNT:

Tishwsh Al-Sudani: Iraq has regained its leading role in the region and has become an influential and effective country

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed today, Sunday, that Iraq has regained its leading role in the region and has become an influential and effective country in its surroundings.

Al-Sudani's office stated in a statement received by "Mil" that "Al-Sudani met in the city of Mosul, today, Sunday, with a group of tribal sheikhs and representatives of the various components and spectrums in Nineveh Governorate . "

Al-Sudani stressed his keenness to "meet the sheikhs, dignitaries, religious men and elite of the province's people," indicating that "his visit to Nineveh comes within the government's work methodology to follow up on the affairs of citizens in the various provinces, lay the foundation stone for a number of projects, follow up on work at Mosul International Airport, and set the tenth of next June as the date for its opening . "

The statement continued, "All the projects that were launched today in Nineveh were destroyed by terrorism, and in the days of celebrating Victory Day over the terrorist gangs, we are rebuilding the ruins of the dark era of ISIS and working to launch new projects . "

Al-Sudani confirmed that "a series of infrastructure projects will be launched in the governorate within 30 days, and the second phase of the ring road project will begin to alleviate traffic congestion in the city," stressing that "the wheel of construction and reconstruction in the governorate continues with the solidarity of its people."

The statement explained that "the true image of the Iraqi people triumphed over what terrorism wanted in targeting security and peaceful coexistence among all components and sects," explaining that "the strife of terrorism and the foreign agenda harmed society in Nineveh, and tried to drive a wedge of division among Iraqis."

He pointed out that "Iraq today is on the right track in building a state that respects the citizen, adheres to the constitution, and builds its institutions in a way that meets the aspirations of the citizens," stressing that "Iraq has regained its leading role in the region and has become an influential and effective country in its surroundings . "

The statement pointed out that "Iraq today is putting forward initiatives, solutions and positions that are consistent with the challenges in the region . "

The statement concluded: "We took the initiative to make contacts and visits with sister countries, and launched an initiative to establish security in Syria. We presented an Iraqi paper at the Aqaba Conference in Jordan regarding Syria, and it was welcomed by all brothers . "link

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Tishwash:  2025.. The year of cautious optimism in Iraq

The international economics specialist, Nawar Al-Saadi, revealed, on Saturday, the future financial and economic expectations for Iraq at the beginning of the new year 2025 .

Al-Saadi told Shafaq News Agency, "The future economic and financial expectations for Iraq at the beginning of the new year carry a mixture of optimism and caution, as they depend largely on a set of economic, political and regional factors that directly affect the country's financial and economic stability ."

He added that "international estimates indicate an improvement in Iraq's economic growth rates, according to reports from the International Monetary Fund, which expected the Iraqi economy to grow by 1.4% next year, with an expected increase of 5.3% in 2025. This growth reflects the recovery of the economy after the challenges it faced in the past years, especially after the economic contraction of 2.2% in 2022, and economic growth will be mainly driven by the stability of oil prices and increased investments in non-oil sectors ."

Al-Saadi pointed out that “there are fears of a deterioration in the financial situation due to the expected deficit in the state’s general budget, as the deficit is expected to widen to 7.6% of GDP during the coming year, compared to 1.3% this year. This deficit is attributed to fluctuations in oil prices, which are the main source of government revenues, and the economic situation is further complicated by the heavy dependence on oil, which constitutes about 90% of Iraq’s revenues. Any decline in its global prices could lead to severe financial pressures on the government .”

“Other challenges relate to inflation rates, which are expected to rise slightly to 3.5% in 2025. This rise reflects the effects of financial pressures and internal economic challenges, including higher prices for goods and services as a result of increased production and import costs. In terms of oil production, Iraq is expected to continue to maintain a high level of production, with plans to boost its production capacity to around 4 million barrels per day by the first quarter of 2025. However, the success of these efforts will remain linked to political stability and relations with OPEC, in addition to achieving long-term investments in energy infrastructure, ” he added.

Al-Saadi continued: “With regard to the banking sector, the government seeks to implement structural reforms to improve the efficiency of the banking system and increase transparency. These reforms come within a larger vision to develop the Iraqi economy and diversify sources of income away from excessive dependence on oil .”

The international economics expert concluded his speech by referring to all the aforementioned data, saying that “Iraq may be facing hot economic and financial events at the beginning of the new year, and the main challenge lies in the government’s ability to manage these challenges effectively through balanced financial and economic policies that aim to enhance economic stability and diversify the economy to achieve sustainable growth  link

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Tishwash:  Politician: Iraq has no fear of Trump reaching the White House

Independent politician Wael al-Rikabi confirmed on Sunday that Iraq will not be negatively affected by the arrival of US President Donald Trump to power in the United States, pointing out that there is an Iraqi desire to arm from new sources other than the United States. 

Al-Rikabi said in an interview with Al-Maalouma Agency, “Iraq has nothing to worry about Trump coming to power in the White House or Biden staying, as it is committed to all international agreements and controls in a way that made it a pivotal state, and the visits that the country has witnessed recently are evidence of that," indicating that "Iraq is the focus of attention of all countries for what it possesses of capabilities and energies, and the state of chaos cannot be returned to it, and it has not broken "any official international agreement." 

He added, "The process of changing power in America concerns the United States, and there are agreements between us and them, although the United States violated these agreements," noting that "the Americans did not provide Iraq with the sufficient weapons required, such as air defenses, and Washington did not cooperate with successful Iraqi governments in this file.” 

He pointed out that "there is a desire in Iraq to arm itself with countries other than the United States after the recent events in the region, and Iraq is currently able to overcome this issue, and the existing weapons make the situation reassuring," noting that "everyone knows the extent of the United States' defense and support for the Zionist entity at the expense of the countries of the region." 

It is noteworthy that several representatives and political forces warned of the danger of the Iraqi army's weak armament in light of the events taking place in the region, the latest of which was the control of terrorist groups over Syria and the threat of the Zionist entity to target Iraq.  link

Mot .... and now a Christmas - oooooh oooooooh oooooooh 

Mot:  .. Sum just can't Take a Joke --- LOL 

MilitiaMan & Crew-Iraq Dinar News-Trading Partners-Investment-Trade Bank Iraq-Suspension of Cash Transfers today

MilitiaMan & Crew-Iraq Dinar News-Trading Partners-Investment-Trade Bank Iraq-Suspension of Cash Transfers today

12-22-2024

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

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1GltPkVg0M

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Sunday Afternoon 12-22-24

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

WHAT ARE COMPRESSED NFTS AND MINTING CNFTS

Understanding compressed NFTs

Compressed NFTs are a type of non-fungible token (NFT) designed to reduce the cost of storing and transacting with NFTs on the Solana blockchain.

With the increasing adoption of NFTs, developers face difficulties maximizing storage and lowering minting costs for these digital assets. The Solana blockchain introduced compressed NFTs (cNFTs) to overcome such challenges.

CNFTs are a newer type of non-fungible token that leverages state compression technology to store data more efficiently on Solana. Unlike traditional NFTs, which store all the token’s metadata directly onchain or via external links (like IPFS), cNFTs use Merkle trees to optimize data storage.

In simpler terms, while regular NFTs store individual ownership and metadata records for each token onchain, cNFTs group these records in a highly compressed format. This significantly reduces storage costs and improves transaction speeds.

Although the technology is still in its infancy, it accounts for most NFTs minted on Solana.

Did you know? In March 2023, Crossmint produced the first large-scale mint of compressed NFTs on Solana. Minting 300,000 NFTs the traditional way would cost over $74,000, but with state compression technology, Crossmint reduced this cost to less than $200!

Key features of compressed NFTs

With cNFTs, artists and developers can mint thousands, even millions, of tokens at a fraction of the cost of traditional NFTs, boosting innovation.

Let’s look at some key features and benefits of cNFTs:

Cost efficiency: Minting thousands of compressed NFTs costs only a fraction of what it would for regular NFTs. For instance, as per Solana’s report, about 24,000 SOL are needed to create and mint 1 million traditional NFTs utilizing the traditional metadata route. It is possible to organize cNFTs so that the same setup and mint cost 10 SOL or less. This implies that anyone utilizing NFTs on a large scale may use cNFTs instead of standard NFTs to reduce expenses by more than 1000x. Research by Helius shows cost comparison with and without compression NFTs, as seen below:

Scalability: Designed for high-volume use cases like gaming, social media and metaverse assets, where thousands or millions of tokens might be needed.

Onchain and offchain flexibility: While ownership is tracked onchain, much of the metadata can be stored offchain, further reducing costs without sacrificing utility.

Compressed NFTs offer several key benefits that stand out in the blockchain ecosystem. Their affordability significantly lowers minting and storage costs, enabling creators and businesses to access blockchain technology without financial barriers.

Additionally, cNFTs contribute to greener blockchain practices by reducing storage requirements and, consequently, energy usage. These attributes position cNFTs as a potential game-changer for scalable, eco-friendly and innovative applications.

Did you know? DRiP on Solana has distributed over 4 million free compressed NFTs, making it one of the most accessible NFT platforms for onboarding new users. This innovative approach allows artists to create and share digital art with minimal costs, reshaping how people experience NFTs.

Compressed NFTs vs regular NFTs

While both cNFTs and traditional NFTs aim to tokenize digital assets, their design and use cases differ significantly.

Traditional NFTs are known for their uniqueness and exclusivity, but their minting and storage costs can be prohibitively high for large-scale applications.

Compressed NFTs solve this problem by utilizing state compression, drastically reducing costs and enabling affordable mass production of tokens.

Unlike traditional NFTs, which often store all data onchain, cNFTs offload metadata to offchain systems, maintaining utility while minimizing blockchain storage needs.

Some key differences include:

Regular NFTs are best suited for high-value, one-of-a-kind digital art or collectibles.

Compressed NFTs, on the other hand, excel in scenarios that require high scalability, such as distributing gaming assets or digital collectibles to millions of users.

How to mint cNFTs: A step-by-step guide

CNFTs use state compression and Merkle trees to store data in a compact format.

Minting cNFTs may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and knowledge, it’s a straightforward process to mint and distribute. While each platform will have its own instructions, here is a general guide to get started on cNFTs:

Step 1: Set up a wallet: Use a Solana-compatible wallet like Phantom or Solflare to manage your funds and interact with blockchain tools.

Step 2: Fund your wallet: Add SOL (Solana’s native cryptocurrency) to cover the cost of minting. CNFTs are highly cost-efficient, so even small amounts are sufficient.

Step 3: Select a minting platform: Platforms like Crossmint, Metaplex and Candy Machine (on Solana) support cNFTs. Based on your project’s scale and features, choose one.

Step 4: Prepare metadata: Define the details of your NFT collection, including artwork, descriptions, attributes and other metadata. Use offchain storage solutions like IPFS if needed.

Step 5: Mint your cNFTs and set up a Merkle tree: CNFTs use Merkle trees to organize data. Most minting platforms automate this process. Follow the platform’s interface to mint your compressed NFTs. Confirm transactions through your wallet, and voila — your cNFTs are live!

Where are compressed NFTs stored?

Unlike ordinary NFTs, in cNFTs, the Merkle root is stored onchain, and the Merkle leaves are stored offchain.

CNFTs leverage a hybrid storage model that balances onchain and offchain storage, ensuring cost efficiency and scalability. Ownership of cNFTs is always tracked onchain, ensuring the authenticity and provenance of the asset.

Still, much of the asset’s metadata, including images or detailed information, is typically stored offchain. This decentralized offchain storage often uses protocols like IPFS to ensure that the data is distributed and can be accessed by anyone.

This combination of onchain ownership with offchain metadata helps to reduce costs significantly, as storing large amounts of data directly on the blockchain can be expensive and inefficient.

In the case of Solana’s cNFTs, the metadata is compressed and stored in a way that drastically reduces the blockchain’s storage needs while maintaining the integrity of the asset’s information.
@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTelegraph

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Someone asked in our Living room 'how will we know when the RV will happen?'

Here was the response:

If you have not signed up for the 64 Group I urge you to do so.  Salty Toes will try to get everyone signed up into the group so you will receive an email from them when the RV happens. No promises but she does have some contacts. Read her post above.  

More about the group in the Seeds of Wisdom Team Newsletter here.  And you can go directly to the website to sign up for 64 Group and dont forget to check the box to allow the group to send you an email.  

Also Salty Toes will be sending out a Newsletter as well with all the information she has when the time comes.  You can subscribe to the Seeds of Wisdom Team Newsletter here:   Newsletter

Have a blessed Christmas.❤️

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

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Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Q & A Classroom Link  

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Subscribe to Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Newsletter

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Some Iraq News Posted by Clare at KTFA 12-22-2024

KTFA:

Clare:  Kirkuk Governorate suspends official working hours next Wednesday

12/22/2024

Kirkuk Governor Ribwar Taha Mustafa decided to suspend official work in all Kirkuk departments and all schools next Wednesday, coinciding with the birth of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him).

A statement from his office, a copy of which was received by {Euphrates News}, stated: “The Governor of Kirkuk decided to suspend official work in all Kirkuk departments and all schools next Wednesday, coinciding with the birth of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him), while universities and colleges will continue to conduct semester exams based on the request of university presidents in all government institutions.”  LINK

Clare:  Trade Bank of Iraq: Temporarily suspending cash transfers

12/22/2024 Baghdad

Today, Sunday, the Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) announced the suspension of all cash transfers to TBI.

The bank stated in a statement that: All cash transfers to TBI Bank have been suspended as of today until January 7, 2025, due to the annual inventory procedures and the end of the fiscal year.  LINK

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Clare:  Al-Sudani visits London in the middle of next month to discuss bilateral relations and attract British investments

12/22/2024  Baghdad - Economy News

An informed source told Al-Eqtisad News that Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani will visit the British capital, London, during the period from January 13 to 16, 2025. 

The source said that the visit will be at the head of a high-level government delegation, and aims to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries, and enhance opportunities for attracting British companies to invest and work in Iraq.

He added that the visit schedule includes Al-Sudani meeting with the Iraqi community in Britain, as well as meetings with a number of British officials, most notably Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This comes within the framework of the Iraqi government's efforts to consolidate international relations and open new horizons for investment and joint projects.  LINK

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Clare:  Al-Sudani returns to Baghdad after concluding his visit to Nineveh Governorate

12/22/2024

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani returned to the capital, Baghdad, after concluding his visit to Nineveh Governorate.

According to a statement from his office, a copy of which was received by {Euphrates News}, “Al-Sudani’s visit to Nineveh included the following:  

- Launching the executive work on the North Thermal Power Plant Project/Phase One, with a capacity of (700 megawatts), out of the total project capacity of (1400 megawatts).

- Launching the executive work on the (local administration) stadium and indoor sports hall project, and directing to increase the stadium’s capacity. 

- Launching the executive works of the project to organize and rehabilitate the riverfront of the old city in the right side of Mosul.

- Field follow-up of the Mosul International Airport reconstruction project, which has reached more than 80% completion, and directing its opening in the coming month of June.

- Follow up on the ongoing work on the rehabilitation project of the ancient Nineveh Wall.

- Opening of the new Nineveh Governorate building.

- Announcing the launch of a series of new projects in Nineveh Governorate, including those related to infrastructure, the second phase of the ring road project, and the project to transform the military base in Qayyarah into a model base.

- Chairing a meeting of the leaders of the security and military services in the governorate.

- Meeting of tribal sheikhs and representatives of various components and nationalities in Nineveh LINK

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Clare:  Al-Sudani directs the opening of Mosul International Airport on June 10

12/22/2024

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani directed the opening of Mosul International Airport on June 10.

This came during his field follow-up of the progress of work at Mosul International Airport, during his visit to Nineveh Governorate, which he arrived at this morning, according to a statement issued by Al-Sudani's media office.

The statement said that Al-Sudani was briefed on the work related to the construction of the airport runway and its various halls, the current completion rate of which is more than 80%. He also listened to the officials of the implementing company, and directed the removal of all obstacles that hinder their current work.

The statement added that Al-Sudani directed that the airport be opened on June 10, which marks the anniversary of the occupation of Mosul, to be a message of defiance in the face of terrorism.

Mosul Airport is one of the most important airports at the governorate level after Baghdad and Basra airports, and it was destroyed by ISIS in a systematic manner and at a rate of 100%.

According to a statement from Al-Sudani's office, the project encountered many technical and administrative problems, which were overcome with direct support from the Prime Minister.

The completion rate of the project, which is part of the regional development projects, did not exceed (30%) last March, and work progressed during the past eight months, reaching more than (80%), and all the conditions approved by the Civil Aviation Authority and the Air Navigation Company were implemented.  LINK

Clare:  The dollar market is on “one leg”.. A ​​new mechanism and the exchange rate is threatened!

12/22/2024

The Central Bank of Iraq is preparing to stop dealing with the electronic platform for dollar transfers abroad, at a time when experts have warned against raising the exchange rate to a higher level in light of the news circulating about this.

The electronic platform was launched in early 2023, and it represents a system for auditing dollar transfers before they are executed, instead of the audit that the US Federal Reserve used to conduct after execution.

Banks, companies and merchants in Iraq faced some challenges before adapting to the new method, but they finally underwent a series of trainings that the employees of these banks received before fully adapting to the platform’s work.

 Exchange rate hike

In light of these moves, news has been raised about a move towards a new adjustment to the exchange rate, which has raised economists’ concerns about the potential impact of this move on the economic process in general.

Experts stressed that sudden changes in monetary policy could create additional confusion in the markets and undermine confidence in the financial system.

Economic expert Mustafa Akram Hantoush said, “Changing the exchange rate in the current situation is useless, because the problem is not in purchasing power, but in the demand for the dollar outside the platform due to small traders, trade with Iran, and some materials that are imported outside the platform due to high customs duties or their ban, in addition to the citizens’ desire to save the dollar.”

Hantoush added to Al Jarida that “it is better to find solutions to the increasing demand for the dollar outside the platform instead of resorting to changing the exchange rate, because that will complicate the monetary situation even more than it is now.”

clear policy

According to an official at the Central Bank of Iraq, dealing with the dollar file was based on various opinions built on a series of studies and field research.

The official, who preferred to remain anonymous, explained to Al Jarida that “the bank adopted two main approaches to address the crisis. The first is to expand the use of international currencies such as the Chinese yuan, the Indian rupee, the UAE dirham, and finally the Saudi riyal, with the aim of reducing dependence on the dollar. The second approach focuses on developing the operational capabilities of local banks to become more qualified to participate in transfer operations.”

For his part, banking researcher Mahmoud Dagher explained that “the fluctuation of the Iraqi dinar exchange rate came as a result of two decisions to reduce the value of the dinar in 2020 and then raise it in 2023, which represents a clear intervention in the fixed exchange rate system, which created ongoing economic confusion.”

Dagher told Al Jarida that “any new change in the exchange rate reflects the absence of benefit from previous mistakes, as wrong interventions in monetary policy lead to adverse results that increase the instability of the financial market.”

As for the economic expert, Adi Al-Alawi, he confirmed that “the biggest mistake that the government can make is to manipulate the dollar exchange rate through sudden decisions, because that has a direct impact on the national economy and shakes investors’ confidence in the financial system.”

Al-Alawi added to Al-Jarida that “the government’s continued taking of ill-considered decisions regarding the exchange rate will lead to the erosion of international and local confidence in the Iraqi economy, which will weaken the ability to attract the investments necessary to improve the economic reality.”  LINK