Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Wednesday Afternoon 5-14-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

XRP Lawyer Warns Stablecoin Bill Could Be Delayed Until 2029 — Here’s Why

John Deaton says the GENIUS Act, a key stablecoin bill, may not pass until 2029, potentially stalling U.S. crypto reforms and undermining the dollar’s global dominance.

The ongoing debate over U.S. stablecoin regulation has taken a new turn as prominent XRP lawyer John Deaton sounded the alarm about the potential delay of the GENIUS Act—a bipartisan bill aimed at regulating stablecoins. According to Deaton, the failure to pass this legislation could push broader crypto reforms back until 2029.

“If Congress can’t get the GENIUS Act passed, we won’t see a Market Structure Bill, which means we won’t see any long-lasting reform until 2029, depending on how the Presidential election goes,”
— John Deaton, via X (formerly Twitter)

Deaton’s warning echoes recent concerns expressed by Messari CEO Ryan Selkis, who argues that without foundational legislation like the GENIUS Act, the U.S. risks losing its leadership in digital finance innovation.

The Importance of the GENIUS Act

Deaton referred to the bill as a “no-brainer” and framed it as vital to maintaining U.S. dollar dominance on the global stage. He emphasized that as countries pursue de-dollarization, stablecoins offer the U.S. a strategic lever to drive global demand for U.S. Treasury securities (USTs).

“We’re in an era when other nations are attempting to de-dollarize the world. We MUST drive demand for UST and ensure the USD remains the world’s reserve currency. If politicians can’t get the GENIUS Act through, then there’s little chance more complex, long-lasting legislation will pass,”
— John Deaton

The GENIUS Act—short for “Guaranteed Essential Neutrality in United States Stablecoins”—has earned the nickname “Dollar Dominance Bill” among crypto advocates for its potential role in reinforcing the dollar’s status through regulated digital assets.

Political Roadblocks and Skepticism

Despite bipartisan backing from several lawmakers and the crypto industry, the bill faces strong resistance—most notably from Senator Elizabeth Warren, who has consistently criticized crypto legislation on grounds of national security and consumer protection.

“The Senate shouldn’t greenlight this corruption by passing the GENIUS Act without fixes,”
— Senator Elizabeth Warren

Warren’s opposition stems from concerns that stablecoins could be used to bypass traditional financial oversight and pose risks to the U.S. economy. Her resistance may stall the bill’s progress during an already contentious election year.

Why This Delay Matters

The crypto industry sees stablecoin legislation as a foundational step toward broader market regulation. Without the GENIUS Act, other key bills—such as the long-awaited Market Structure Bill—may never see a vote. This could leave U.S. companies behind as global competitors move ahead with clearer digital asset policies.

With the 2024 presidential election looming, Deaton and other advocates fear that partisan divides could stall legislative momentum for years, creating prolonged regulatory uncertainty for crypto businesses and investors alike.

@ Newshounds News™
📎 Source: CoinGape – Full article

~~~~~~~~~

🌍 BRICS Influence Grows as European Firms Shift Away From US Dollar

European financial institutions are increasingly receiving requests to use local currencies instead of the US dollar, signaling BRICS' growing global economic influence.

In a development that signals a major geopolitical and financial shift, several European banks, brokers, and financial institutions are reporting an uptick in client requests to conduct transactions in local currencies—not the US dollar. According to the Luxembourg Times, these requests involve hedging and cross-border transactions in currencies like the Chinese yuan, Hong Kong dollar, Emirati dirham, and the euro.

This marks a notable milestone: for the first time, foreign institutional funds are asking to bypass the US dollar altogether in transactions handled by European finance firms. The change reflects the influence of the BRICS alliance’s strategy to de-dollarize global trade by promoting local currency settlements.

From Dollar Hub to Direct Transfers

Traditionally, financial transactions—especially those crossing multiple borders—have relied heavily on the US dollar as an intermediary currency. For example, when a Japanese firm wants to send money to a Philippine-based fund, it would typically route the payment through the dollar, which would then be converted into pesos.

Now, corporate clients are pushing for new protocols that completely skip the US dollar, aiming to cut costs, reduce exposure to dollar volatility, and support regional economic partnerships. European firms are being asked to accommodate these demands with currency strategies that allow for direct transfers between non-dollar pairs.

BRICS Ideology Reaches Europe

The ideological push for local currency empowerment has long been championed by the BRICS bloc—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with recent expansions including the UAE, Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia. The alliance has openly advocated for reducing reliance on the US dollar in global trade and reserves.

Now, that de-dollarization strategy appears to be influencing European markets. The increasing preference for local currencies by institutional clients reflects growing confidence in non-dollar instruments and frustration with dollar-dominated systems, especially amid volatile geopolitics and trade tensions.

Technology and Liquidity as Key Drivers

Gene Ma, Head of China Research at the Institute of International Finance, noted that advancements in financial technology and liquidity are key enablers of this trend.

“The increase in transactions between non-US currencies is largely due to technological development and increased liquidity. The trading parties feel that the price may not be worse than using the US dollar, so transactions naturally pick up,” Ma explained.

Trade War Legacy and Uncertainty Under Trump

The movement also follows years of trade tensions and tariffs introduced during Donald Trump’s first term. Though President Trump has paused new tariffs for 90 days, uncertainty still looms large. The fear of sudden economic shifts and rising nationalism has made many businesses rethink their overreliance on the US financial system.

Analysts suggest that if BRICS and its partners fully transition to local currency settlements, it could reshape global trade flows and challenge the dollar’s reserve status. The growing demand for currency derivatives outside the dollar system may be a signal that this shift is already underway.

Conclusion

The shift toward local currencies in Europe, inspired by BRICS’ economic ideology, represents a potential inflection point in global finance. As more institutional players move away from the US dollar, traditional financial systems may need to adapt quickly to remain relevant in a multipolar currency environment.

@ Newshounds News™
📎 Source: Watcher.Guru

~~~~~~~~~

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Insiders Are Dumping Stocks; Get Ready For Market Meltdown | Chris Vermeulen

Insiders Are Dumping Stocks; Get Ready For Market Meltdown | Chris Vermeulen

Liberty and finance:  5-12-2025

Institutional investors appear to be quietly selling into recent market strength, a classic sign of distribution that often precedes a broader market selloff.

Despite a short-term rally driven by positive sentiment around tariff news, heavy overnight futures selling and high-volume unloading during regular trading hours suggest big money is exiting.

Technical indicators and behavioral metrics reveal that smart money is taking advantage of this bullish euphoria to offload risk. Meanwhile, analysts like Chris Vermeulen warn that this rally may be a setup for a larger correction, especially as macroeconomic conditions and cycle stages point toward a financial reset.

This stealthy institutional behavior is a red flag that the market may be approaching a major downturn.

The recent surge in market optimism, fueled by positive developments in tariff negotiations, might be masking a more concerning underlying trend: institutional investors quietly exiting their positions. While headlines tout the recovery and short-term gains, whispers on trading floors suggest that “smart money” is using this bullish sentiment as an opportunity to offload risk, potentially setting the stage for a much larger correction.

Several indicators point towards this stealthy distribution. Heavy overnight futures selling, often indicative of institutional activity, has been a recurring theme. This is further supported by high-volume unloading observed during regular trading hours, suggesting significant selling pressure from large players.

Technical indicators, often used by sophisticated traders, are flashing warning signs. Combined with behavioral metrics, these signals suggest that seasoned investors are not buying into the rally’s sustainability. They appear to be capitalizing on the wave of euphoria to reduce their exposure, betting that the market’s current exuberance is unsustainable.

As market analyst Chris Vermeulen points out, this recent uptick could be a well-orchestrated setup for a more significant market correction. Vermeulen highlights the confluence of macroeconomic conditions and cyclical patterns, suggesting that we are approaching a potential “financial reset.” This viewpoint aligns with the observed institutional behavior, further reinforcing the notion that the current rally is fragile and vulnerable.

The term “distribution” refers to a market condition where large, sophisticated investors strategically sell their assets while retail investors and less informed players are still buying. This creates the illusion of continued market strength while large players are quietly taking profits and reducing risk. It’s a classic hallmark of a market top, often preceding a broader and more significant selloff.

While predicting market timing with absolute certainty is impossible, the convergence of these factors – institutional selling, concerning technical indicators, and warnings from experienced analysts – paints a concerning picture. The apparent disconnect between the market’s short-term bullish sentiment and the underlying institutional activity should be a red flag for investors.

While the market may continue to enjoy short-term gains, the subtle but significant shift in institutional sentiment suggests that now is the time to proceed with caution and prepare for potential headwinds. The smart money may be exiting, and ignoring these signals could prove costly in the long run.

INTERVIEW TIMELINE:

 0:00 Intro

1:30 Gold & silver update

7:20 Stock market update

 12:10 Silver to drop, how much?

 13:30 Stock market crash

17:30 Holding cash

18:57 Gold/silver ratio

 19:40 Dollar Index

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF1IuIAJ080

Iraq Economic News And Points To Ponder Wednesday Morning 5-14-25

After Increasing Its Trade Transactions To Approximately $65 Billion, The Ministry Of Commerce Stated That Iraq Is A Major Economic Player In The Region.

economy | 11:39 - 05/13/2025   Mawazine News - Baghdad -  The Ministry of Trade confirmed, on Tuesday, that Iraq represents an important economic player in the region, as it is witnessing a remarkable development in the volume of trade exchange with Arab countries, and is working to strengthen its regional and international economic role.

The official spokesperson for the ministry, Mohammed Hanoun, stated in a statement received by Mawazine News that "the volume of trade exchange between Iraq and 11 countries amounted to approximately $65 billion in the first half of 2024, a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2023."

He added, "The volume of trade exchange between Iraq and Saudi Arabia reached $1.3 billion in 2024, reflecting a significant increase compared to previous years," noting that the volume of trade exchange between Iraq and Jordan exceeded $1 billion annually, after increasing by 45.6% over the previous year. The volume of trade exchange with the United Arab Emirates in 2023 reached $22 billion in Emirati exports to Iraq.

Regarding Iraq's economic role, Hanoun explained that Iraq's economic role in the region and the world has begun to grow and increase, as it ranked 51st globally and fourth in the Arab world on the list of the largest economies in the world for the year 2025, according to a report issued by the American magazine "CEO World."

Hanoun affirmed that the "Development Road" project, estimated to cost $17 billion, aims to make Iraq a regional transportation hub by linking its southern hinterland to the Turkish border in the north, strengthening its role as an economic hub in the region.

 He emphasized that Iraq's move is to strengthen its economic position by developing trade relations with Arab countries, reviewing all previous agreements, and implementing strategic projects aimed at diversifying its economy and reducing its dependence on oil.

He added that Iraq's commitment to hosting the Arab Summit reflects its commitment to leading Arab efforts towards achieving economic and development integration, having called for the establishment of an Arab economic bloc that invests in the human and geographical resources of Arab countries, with the aim of achieving effective economic integration, providing job opportunities, and achieving social justice.

The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Trade continued, "By hosting the Arab Summit, Iraq seeks to focus on food security and sustainable development, and developing an Arab strategy for food security, in addition to supporting initiatives related to artificial intelligence, energy, water, and education, with the aim of achieving sustainable development in the region."

He concluded by saying that "Iraq had proposed in previous meetings the establishment of an Arab Council comprising trade ministers under the umbrella of the League of Arab States, to enhance coordination and integration in trade policies among member states." https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=261376

The Dollar Continues To Rise Against The Dinar In Baghdad.

Stock Exchange  Economy News – Baghdad  The exchange rate of the US dollar rose against the Iraqi dinar on Tuesday morning in Baghdad markets.

The dollar exchange rate rose slightly on the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya stock exchanges, reaching 142,850 Iraqi dinars per $100, compared to 142,750 dinars per $100 on Monday.

Selling prices at exchange offices in Baghdad's local markets remained stable, with the selling price reaching 143,750 dinars per $100, and the buying price reaching 141,750 dinars per $100. https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=55415

Iraqi Oil Prices Recover To $66 Per Barrel.

economy | 09:26 - 05/13/2025  Mawazine News - Follow-up:  Iraqi oil prices recorded a significant increase during daily trading on the global market on Tuesday.

According to data reviewed by Mawazine News, Basra Medium crude oil recorded $66.00 per barrel, while heavy crude oil recorded $62.85 per barrel, with a change rate of +1.69% for both.

The data also showed a slight decrease in global oil prices, with British Brent crude recording $64.85 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude oil recorded $61.88 per barrel, with changes rates of -0.15% and -0.11%, respectively.   https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=261371

Gold Prices Rebound From Their Lowest Levels In More Than A Week.

Time: 2025/05/13 08:52:42 Read: 1,485 times  {Economic: Al Furat News} Gold prices rose on Tuesday from their lowest levels in more than a week, reached in the previous session, following a temporary agreement between the United States and China to reduce mutual tariffs.

Spot gold rose 0.7% to $3,259.39 per ounce, after falling 2.7% in the previous session. US gold futures also rose 0.8% to $3,256.40 per ounce.

Following two days of negotiations in Geneva, the United States and China announced mutual tariff reductions over the next three months. The United States reduced tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, while China reduced tariffs on US imports from 125% to 10%, boosting global stocks.

The two sides exchanged tariffs last month, fueling trade tensions between the world's two largest economies.   LINK

As Part Of Preparations For The Baghdad Summit, The Economic Council Holds Its Ministerial Meeting.

Political | 04:47 - 05/13/2025  Mawazine News - Baghdad -  The Economic Council held its ministerial meeting today, Tuesday, in preparation for the Arab Summit to be held in Baghdad.

Trade Ministry spokesman Mohammed Hanoun told Mawazine News that "the Council discussed the summit agenda, which included 27 items covering a range of economic, social, and developmental issues that are a priority for joint Arab action."

He added that "one of the most prominent points of the meeting was enhancing Arab economic integration, with a focus on completing the Greater Arab Free Trade Area project and promoting electrical interconnection and transportation projects between Arab countries.

" Hanoun continued, "The topic of food and water security also included: The meeting discussed initiatives to achieve food and water security in the region, including supporting sustainable agriculture and developing water resources."

Regarding the Arab Artificial Intelligence Initiative, Hanoun explained that "the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States' initiative entitled 'The Arab Artificial Intelligence Initiative: Towards Technological Leadership and Sustainable Development' was reviewed, which aims to enhance the use of modern technologies in development."

He pointed out that "the meeting addressed the issue of supporting and sheltering displaced families from the Palestinian territories: The meeting discussed the project to support and shelter displaced families from the Palestinian territories, and to confront attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land."

The Ministry of Commerce spokesperson indicated that "the empowerment of youth and women was discussed: the files of empowering youth and women, developing technical education, digital transformation, and building cyber capabilities were discussed, with an emphasis on protecting Arab cultural heritage."

He concluded by saying that "the 'Baghdad Declaration' document was issued: The summit is scheduled to conclude with the issuance of the 'Baghdad Declaration' document, which is expected to embody the unified Arab position on the political, economic, and security issues on the agenda." https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=261388

The Arab Summit In Baghdad And Joint Arab Economic Cooperation

Samir Al-Nusairi   The 34th Arab Summit will be held in Baghdad soon, amidst the economic, political and security challenges and crises sweeping the world, the Arab region and the geographical region, at a time when most countries are suffering from the current trade war between America and China,

which has disrupted international trade and complicated ways to facilitate the economic and financial process, in addition to the effects of wars, conflicts and disputes in the region and the world on the current economic situation and expectations of slowing economic growth and inflationary stagnation and the suffering of countries that depend primarily on oil as the main resource for the country, as well as the accumulated suffering of poor countries from the food and energy crises.

All of the above factors make Iraq, which is witnessing security and economic stability, enjoys balanced foreign relations with countries of the world, and strong and open relations with Arab countries.

This is supported by the success of the current government in achieving fundamental stages of comprehensive economic, financial, and banking reform, which will be reflected in building a solid national economy and a solid financial and banking sector, as economic indicators indicate in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025.

Foreign exchange reserves and gold reserves exceed $100 billion, with a sufficiency rate of 140% to cover the local currency in cash circulation and to cover imports, the recovery of the Iraqi dinar, and the relative stability of the exchange rate against the US dollar. 

The annual inflation rate reached 2.8% and the core inflation rate 2.5%, which means maintaining the general level of prices despite the food crisis and the repercussions of the current global trade war. What strengthens the Iraqi economy are the giant economic and investment projects and joint projects with Arab and friendly countries, such as the Development Road Project, gas investment, regulating foreign trade financing, building solid financial and banking relations with the world's correspondent banks, complying with international standards, and combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

Therefore, holding the Arab Summit in Baghdad is an important step towards Iraq's return to its Arab fold and its openness to building balanced political, economic and security relations with sister nations. This will enable Iraq to launch an initiative for a joint Arab strategic cooperation project, similar to the one currently implemented by global economic blocs.

This initiative aims to formulate a strategy for Arab economic integration, unify joint policies and programs to support and enhance Arab development work and confront potential risks.

The experience of previous successful coordination relations with Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Gulf states has established important pillars for Arab economic cooperation, which supports Iraq's position in calling for the establishment of an Arab economic bloc that serves the supreme interests of the Arab peoples in all fields, especially cooperation, communication and strengthening financial and banking relations among them, particularly in foreign banking transactions.

Motivating and encouraging investment companies to invest in Iraq will lead to strengthening the financing and investment sectors, especially economic infrastructure projects. https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=55431

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

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Wednesday Morning 5-14-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

🇺🇸 SENATORS URGE TREASURY TO RETHINK TAX ON UNREALIZED CRYPTO GAINS

Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) are calling on the U.S. Treasury to exempt unrealized cryptocurrency gains from a tax rule they argue unfairly penalizes American firms and stifles innovation.

In a letter sent Tuesday to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the senators criticized how the 2022 Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (CAMT), when combined with new FASB accounting rules, may result in companies owing taxes on crypto assets they haven’t sold. They claim this approach leaves U.S. businesses at a competitive disadvantage globally.

“Our edge in digital finance is at risk if U.S. companies are taxed more than foreign competitors,” Lummis tweeted, sharing the letter on X.

🔍 Background: What’s the Issue?

The CAMT, enacted under the Inflation Reduction Act, imposes a 15% minimum tax on corporations with $1 billion+ in average annual earnings, based on adjusted financial statement income (AFSI)—not traditional taxable income.

In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) adopted ASU 2023-08, requiring companies to use mark-to-market (fair value) accounting for crypto assets. This means firms must report unrealized gains from unsold crypto on financial statements.

Now, under CAMT rules, these unrealized gains could be treated as taxable income, even though the companies haven’t liquidated the assets.

“Neither Congress nor FASB planned this outcome,” the senators wrote. “It’s the unintended result of basing tax liability on decisions by a private organization… not principles of taxation.”

⚠️ Potential Fallout

Lummis and Moreno warned this tax interpretation could:

• Force companies to sell crypto assets just to cover tax bills.

• Discourage innovation and crypto adoption in the U.S.

• Give foreign competitors an edge, as many follow different accounting standards.

They urged the Treasury to:

• Exclude unrealized crypto gains from CAMT calculations.

• Issue interim guidance immediately, before long-term damage is done.

 Political and Regulatory Context

This challenge follows recent moves by President Trump’s administration to roll back Biden-era crypto regulations:

• In April, Trump signed a law repealing the controversial DeFi broker rule.

• In March, the Senate overturned the IRS requirement that decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols report user activity like banks.

Senator Lummis, a longtime crypto advocate, has led several legislative efforts including:

• The Lummis-Gillibrand Responsible Financial Innovation Act (2022).

• The BITCOIN Act (2025), reintroduced in March, to codify Trump’s executive order on establishing a national Bitcoin reserve.

🔮 What’s Next?

While the Treasury has yet to respond publicly, the pressure is mounting. The senators stressed the urgency, writing:

“Failure to provide this clarity… will disincentivize entities from maintaining large holdings of digital assets.”

If the current policy stands, the U.S. risks losing ground in the global race for digital finance leadership. Lummis and Moreno said they are willing to work directly with Treasury officials to resolve the issue.

📌 The battle over how crypto is taxed—especially unrealized gains—could shape the future of digital asset adoption in the U.S.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Decrypt

~~~~~~~~~

South Korea Makes Crypto a Key Election Battleground

As South Korea gears up for its June 3 presidential election, the Democratic Party has launched a Digital Asset Committee to centralize crypto policymaking under the president’s office. The move signals crypto's rise as a major political and economic issue.

🔹 Key Points:

• New Digital Asset Committee formed on May 13 to shape national crypto policy.

• Focus areas: regulatory reform, stablecoins, exchange laws, and centralized oversight.

• The committee is drafting the “Stage 2 Bill” to modernize outdated digital asset laws.

🔹 Stablecoins in Spotlight:

• Won-pegged stablecoins are a priority, but debate continues over licensing vs. registration.

• Bank of Korea (BOK) demands final authority over KRW-linked stablecoins to protect monetary policy.

🔹 Political Stakes:

• Lee Jae-myung (Democratic Party) supports crypto innovation and a won-linked stablecoin.

• Kim Moon-soo (opposition) supports crypto adoption through public fund investment and legal clarity.

• With 16M+ South Koreans using crypto, digital assets have become a top campaign issue.

👉 Crypto is no longer niche in Korea—it’s a vote-winner.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Coinpedia

~~~~~~~~~

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Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

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Taboola the same on the Bottom of Posts

“Tidbits From TNT” Wednesday Morning 5-14-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  Al-Sudani steps up preparations for the "important event" in Baghdad.

Al-Sudani steps up preparations for the "important event" in Baghdad.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani chaired a meeting to follow up on the final arrangements for the Arab Summit and the Economic and Development Summit, scheduled to be held in the capital, Baghdad, next Saturday.

According to a statement issued by his office during the meeting, al-Sudani was briefed on the security, administrative, and logistical plans for securing the summit, in addition to reviewing the organizational and technical aspects to ensure a good reception and optimal organization of the conference activities.

The Prime Minister directed all state institutions and departments to enhance work and coordination efforts, each according to their jurisdiction, to ensure the success of the summit, stressing that this event represents an important milestone that reflects Iraq's status and its pivotal and active role in the Arab and regional arenas.

In this context, the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Security Committee for the Arab Summit, Abdul Amir al-Shammari, earlier chaired an expanded meeting that included the ministry's undersecretaries and a number of commanders and officers, to review the final touches of the security plans and procedures for the upcoming Arab Summit in the capital, Baghdad.

During the meeting, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, a comprehensive discussion was held on coordination between various security formations to ensure the highest levels of protection and organization, reflecting a positive image of Iraq.

The Minister of Interior emphasized the importance of high commitment and discipline in implementing tasks and plans, emphasizing that the success of the summit represents a shared national responsibility that requires the highest levels of preparedness and professionalism. He directed the continuation of security practices, the scrutiny of all requirements, and the unification of efforts on a single path. link

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

Tishwash:  The Minister of Finance affirms Iraq's keenness to strengthen its relations with the World Bank.

Finance Minister Taif Sami affirmed on Tuesday Iraq's keenness to strengthen relations with the World Bank and benefit from its expertise.

The ministry said in a statement, seen by Al-Eqtisad News, that "Finance Minister Taif Sami received today the World Bank Representative to Iraq, Emmanuel Salinas Muñoz," indicating that "during the meeting, areas of joint cooperation between the two sides were discussed, especially with regard to supporting economic programs and financing development projects."

He continued, "The two parties discussed prospects for strengthening the partnership in vital sectors, including energy, education and health, and the importance of continuing coordination to implement financial and administrative reforms, in line with the priorities of the Iraqi government and its plans for sustainable development.

 The Minister of Finance stressed "Iraq's keenness to strengthen its relations with the World Bank and benefit from its technical and financial expertise."

The World Bank representative reiterated "the institution's commitment to supporting the Iraqi government's efforts in implementing reform programs and achieving economic stability."  link

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

Tishwash:  The Arab Summit in Baghdad and Joint Arab Economic Cooperation

Samir Al-Nusairi

The  34th Arab Summit will be held in Baghdad soon, amidst the economic, political and security challenges and crises sweeping the world, the Arab region and the geographical region, at a time when most countries are suffering from the current trade war between America and China, which has disrupted international trade and complicated ways to facilitate the economic and financial process, in addition to the effects of wars, conflicts and disputes in the region and the world on the current economic situation and expectations of slowing economic growth and inflationary stagnation and the suffering of countries that depend primarily on oil as the main resource for the country, as well as the accumulated suffering of poor countries from the food and energy crises.

All of the above factors make Iraq, which is witnessing security and economic stability, enjoys balanced foreign relations with countries of the world, and strong and open relations with Arab countries. This is supported by the success of the current government in achieving fundamental stages of comprehensive economic, financial, and banking reform, which will be reflected in building a solid national economy and a solid financial and banking sector, as economic indicators indicate in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025.

Foreign exchange reserves and gold reserves exceed $100 billion, with a sufficiency rate of 140% to cover the local currency in cash circulation and to cover imports, the recovery of the Iraqi dinar, and the relative stability of the exchange rate against the US dollar. The annual inflation rate reached 2.8% and the core inflation rate 2.5%, which means maintaining the general level of prices despite the food crisis and the repercussions of the current global trade war.

What strengthens the Iraqi economy are the giant economic and investment projects and joint projects with Arab and friendly countries, such as the Development Road Project, gas investment, regulating foreign trade financing, building solid financial and banking relations with the world's correspondent banks, complying with international standards, and combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

Therefore, holding the Arab Summit in Baghdad is an important step towards Iraq's return to its Arab fold and its openness to building balanced political, economic and security relations with sister nations. This will enable Iraq to launch an initiative for a joint Arab strategic cooperation project, similar to the one currently implemented by global economic blocs. This initiative aims to formulate a strategy for Arab economic integration, unify joint policies and programs to support and enhance Arab development work and confront potential risks.

The experience of previous successful coordination relations with Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Gulf states has established important pillars for Arab economic cooperation, which supports Iraq's position in calling for the establishment of an Arab economic bloc that serves the supreme interests of the Arab peoples in all fields, especially cooperation, communication and strengthening financial and banking relations among them, particularly in foreign banking transactions.

 Motivating and encouraging investment companies to invest in Iraq will lead to strengthening the financing and investment sectors, especially economic infrastructure projects. link

Mot:  Life is Getting Really tough fir dis Young Man!!!  

Mot: . Ya Knows -- Lately it Seems ~~~~

News, Rumors and Opinions Wednesday AM 5-14-2025

Ariel: What Day is Iraq Hosting the Arab Summit?

5-12-2025

You Missed The Other One:

Many people do not realize that when China & US reduced their tariffs they created parity in current value. Only paying 10% on both sides.

Guess what?

That’s your revaluation in the pharmaceutical announcement.

D. Trump said we will not be paying more than others right?

Did you check out the indices? Isn’t everything green?

That was the market reacting.

And did Drop 75 say once D. Trump returns from the Middle East the world would be a different place?

On your mark people.

Well did you go read the Transition Post from D. Trump?

What did it say?

When I return from the Middle East, where great things will happen for America right?

We should all know by now when D. Trump makes announcements they have double or triple meaning.

I covered one aspect of this yesterday on my other channel.

Many people were dismayed. Others were in the middle. But you never draw a broad conclusion when dealing with D. Trump. So many examples as to why.

Did he tell you in that announcement that he was going for a total reset correct?

Well what do you think all of these trade deals are for?

Didn’t Iran just announce they are removing 4 zeros?

Helloooooooooooooooo…

People need to stop acting out & missing out. Because you only close yourself off to what you never gave yourself a chance to see.

Are you tired of winning yet?

May 26 is coming up fast. And I like to think D. Trump wants many things done by then.

We didn’t even cover Iraq. But for the sake of brevity.

You simply do not host 22 Arab states in Iraq unless you’re ready to change the trade narrative and prepare for the international markets.

Are you all even watching the trade talks? Go read it. Look at what language they are using. Something you been waiting to hear for the past ten years.

You can not tell me things are not ready to go at any moment now. And what day is Iraq hosting the Arab Summit? May 17th.

People have become so jaded. You all are witnesses the very thing that brought you to the dance.

I can say more but you get the point right?

Source(s):  https://x.com/Prolotario1/status/1922043587761516578

https://dinarchronicles.com/2025/05/13/ariel-prolotario1-what-day-is-iraq-hosting-the-arab-summit/

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

Frank26   [Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]   FIREFLY:
Mr. Sammy says, think about the importance of this weekend, all the meeting that are being held between Alaq and our President of Iraq.  It is at the palace...Alaq is the trigger man for the rate and he ain't just talking to him about a program rate of 1310...We know the majority of the meeting was held on the monetary reform success.  FRANK:  This meeting was very significant...The fact that Alaq and Sudani are also at this meeting with the IMF...The IMF gives central banks permission to lift the value or change the value for their currency.  These are exciting meetings that lead to only one conclusion...

5-13-2025   Newshound Guru Militia Man  Article quote: "Iran...Removing 4 zeros from the national currency is one of the key measures included in the action plan."  Now watch, you're going to have numbers different people on the internet saying, 'it's a LOP.'  If you believe the United States Treasury and the World Bank and the Bank of International Settlements have worked for 21 years to erase the value of the currency?  You have to be kidding me...Lopping a currency isn't part of a current reform program.  It's destroying value. That's not what we're talking about here.  We have two really rich countries ...The toman/rial is far less valued than the Iraq dinar...I think this is good.

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

$2.5 Trillion Dollar Avalanche: Asia's Great Exit from U.S. Dollar to Gold

Taylor Kenny:  5-13-2025

$2.5 trillion in silent dollar holdings could be dumped—and no one’s paying attention. Everyone’s watching central banks, but the real danger to the dollar lies elsewhere.

A quiet sell-off from Asia could spark a rapid collapse in confidence, inflation, and your standard of living. This video breaks down how close we are to the edge—and what you can do now to protect your wealth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiXFs6q_BoU

Iraq Economic News And Points To Ponder Tuesday Evening 5-13-25

SWIFT And The US Federal Reserve Put Iraq At The Mercy Of The Global Economy.
 
 Information/Special..Economist Hassan Al-Sheikh warned on Tuesday that Iraq has become more vulnerable to global economic shocks due to its increasing connection to the international financial system, particularly after joining the SWIFT global financial system and engaging directly with the US Federal Reserve.
 
In a statement to Al-Maalouma News Agency, Al-Sheikh said,  "Over the past two years, Iraq has entered the global economy with a strong push through international bank transfers, subjecting banks to strict oversight, and opening channels with international banks.

This has made it vulnerable to any external economic change, whether in oil prices or financial and monetary policies." 

He pointed out that  Iraq, which prior to 2020 was virtually isolated from the global financial system, is now severely restricted, negatively impacting its general budget, which already suffers from a widening financial deficit. 

The sheikh added that  this interdependence not only threatens the stability of oil prices,
but also makes any global economic or customs decision directly impact the state's finances.
 
He warned of worsening crises if steps are not taken to strengthen the independence of the Iraqi economy.  He pointed out that any breakthrough in the US-Iranian negotiations could open the door for Iraq to overcome some of the obstacles, particularly those related to sanctions imposed on the Central Bank.
 
This could allow Baghdad to freely withdraw its funds, provide better access to dollars,
and perhaps even restore the exchange rate to 120,000 dinars to $100. 

He pointed out that this would allow Iraq to import Iranian gas more smoothly, which would contribute to improving the performance of the electricity sector. https://almaalomah.me/news/98623/economy/سويفت-والفيدرالي-الأميركي-يضعان-العراق-تحت-رحمة-الاقتصاد-الع  

Minister Of Finance Affirms Iraq's Keenness To Strengthen Relations With World Bank

Economy     Yesterday, 21:15  Baghdad – INA  Finance Minister Taif Sami affirmed, on Tuesday, Iraq's keenness to strengthen relations with the World Bank and benefit from its expertise.
 
The ministry said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA):   "Minister of Finance Taif Sami received today the World Bank Representative to Iraq, Emmanuel Salinas Muñoz," indicating that
 
"during the meeting, areas of joint cooperation between the two sides were discussed,
especially with regard to supporting economic programs and financing development projects."

He continued,  "The two parties discussed  prospects for strengthening partnership in vital sectors, including energy, education, and health,  and the importance of  continuing coordination to implement financial and administrative reforms, in line with the Iraqi government's priorities and plans for sustainable development."

The Minister of Finance affirmed "Iraq's keenness to strengthen its relations with the World Bank
and benefit from its technical and financial expertise."
 
The World Bank representative reiterated the institution's commitment to supporting the Iraqi government's efforts to implement reform programs and achieve economic stability.      https://www.ina.iq/234152--.html 

Economist: Iraq Has Export Resources To Mitigate The Damage Caused By The Drop In Oil Prices.
 
    May 11, 10:54 AM  Information/Baghdad...Economic researcher Diaa Abdul Karim explained on Sunday that  Iraq possesses numerous resources that could be exported abroad and their revenues utilized, particularly petroleum derivatives. 

Abdul Karim told Al-Maalouma, "There is an urgent need to develop oil refineries 
     to ensure that gas is not burned or wasted and that
     all derivatives are utilized to
          achieve self-sufficiency and
          export the remainder abroad." 

He added, "The rise and fall in the price of a barrel of oil is the most prominent concern for
Iraqi citizens and employees, as everyone is waiting and hoping for a rise in the price of oil, while the government should be more inclined to export derivatives." 

He explained that "Iraq has   minerals,  natural resources, and  petroleum derivatives that can be leveraged to  boost budget revenues and  reduce reliance on oil as the primary source of funding for the budget, in order to avoid the fluctuations and occasional shocks of the global market."   https://almaalomah.me/news/98371/economy/اقتصادي:-العراق-يمتلك-موارد-للتصدير-لتلافي-اضرار-انخفاض-أسعا  

Trade: Iraq To Be The Fourth Largest Arab Economy By 2025
 
Economy     Yesterday, 11:18  Baghdad – INA  The Ministry of Trade announced today, Tuesday, that Iraq will be the fourth largest Arab economy by 2025, noting that the volume of trade with 11 countries rose to $65 billion in the first half of 2024.
 
Ministry spokesman Mohammed Hanoun told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): 
"Iraq is an important economic player in the region, witnessing a remarkable development in the volume of trade with Arab countries, and working to strengthen its regional and international economic role."

He indicated that "the volume of trade between Iraq and 11 countries rose to $65 billion in the first half of 2024,   a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2023."

He added that  "the volume of trade between Iraq and Saudi Arabia reached $1.3 billion in 2024,
reflecting a significant increase compared to previous years," noting that "the volume of trade with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan exceeded $1 billion annually,after increasing by 45.6 percent in 2024."

He stated that  "the United Arab Emirates exported goods to Iraq worth $22 billion in 2024," noting that "Iraq's economic role in the region and the world has begun to grow and expand,  ranking 51st  globally and   fourth in the Arab world on the list of the world's largest economies for 2025, according to a report issued by the American magazine "CEO World."

He continued,  "The development road project, estimated to cost $17 billion, aims to make Iraq a regional transportation hub by linking its southern hinterland to the Turkish border in the north, enhancing its role as an economic hub in the region."

He emphasized that "Iraq's move is to strengthen its economic position by developing trade relations with Arab countries,  reviewing all previous agreements, and  implementing strategic projects aimed at diversifying its economy and reducing its dependence on oil."

He pointed out that "Iraq's commitment to hosting the Arab Summit reflects its commitment to leading Arab efforts toward achieving economic and development integration, having called for the establishment of an Arab economic bloc that would invest in the human and geographical resources of Arab countries,
 
with the goal of
     achieving effective economic integration,
     providing job opportunities, and
     achieving social justice."

He noted that  "By hosting the Arab Summit, Iraq seeks to focus on food security and sustainable development, and to develop an Arab strategy for food security, in addition to supporting initiatives related to artificial intelligence, energy, water, and education, with the goal of achieving sustainable development in the region."
 
It's worth noting that Iraq has proposed, in previous meetings, the most recent of which was the preparatory meeting for the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit held in Baghdad yesterday, the establishment of an Arab Council comprising trade ministers under the umbrella of the League of Arab States, to enhance coordination and integration in trade policies among member states.     https://www.ina.iq/234111--2025.html   

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

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Tuesday Evening 5-13-25

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

US BANKING AUTHORITY CLEARS PATH FOR CRYPTO SERVICES AT NATIONAL BANKS

OCC and Fed's synchronized policy shift opens doors for national banks to enter crypto markets amid rising customer demand.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) confirmed on May 13 that national banks are now authorized to engage in a wide range of crypto-asset activities, removing long-standing regulatory ambiguities that had kept many financial institutions on the sidelines.

In tandem with recent moves by the Federal Reserve, the policy shift opens the door for national banks to offer crypto custody, execute trades at customer direction, and outsource digital asset services under established third-party risk guidelines.

OCC announcements and letters

The OCC’s announcement, delivered via a statement and supported by Interpretive Letters 1183 and 1184, marks a coordinated rollback of prior restrictions.

• Letter 1183, issued March 7, formally rescinds the 2021 supervisory “non-objection” process set out in Letter 1179.

• Letter 1184, issued May 7, extends authority by permitting banks to buy and sell cryptocurrencies held in custody when directed by clients.

These policy updates align with the Federal Reserve’s April 24 decision to retract its pre-approval guidance for crypto activities.

Together, these actions dissolve the primary regulatory hurdles that had delayed widespread adoption of crypto services by traditional financial institutions.

“The U.S. banking system is now deemed well-positioned to support digital asset activity,” the OCC stated.

Future of crypto within US TradFi Sector

With the global crypto market cap around $3.33 trillion as of May 13, the scale of the opportunity is no longer viewed as speculative. National banks now have the opportunity to compete for custody fees and customer retention in a space once dominated by fintech firms.

“More than 50 million Americans hold some form of cryptocurrency,” said Acting Comptroller Rodney E. Hood.
“The digitalization of financial services is not a trend; it is a transformation.”

The shift is framed as a structural evolution, supporting integration within banking models, not experimentation.

Next steps

Letters 1183 and 1184 emphasize AML compliance, yet omit guidance on private key management and capital adequacy.

• Integration of AML systems, wallet infrastructure, and third-party contracts may take 6–12 months.

• Ongoing jurisdictional questions between the SEC and CFTC create regulatory gray zones for some tokens.

FDIC does not insure digital asset holdings, a vital point for customer awareness.

Still, this represents the most pronounced shift in U.S. banking crypto policy since 2020’s Letter 1170.

The policy aligns U.S. oversight with Europe and Asia, where regulated crypto services are already common. Political pressure to counter alleged efforts like “Operation Chokepoint 2.0” has influenced this evolution.

As Letters 1183 and 1184 take effect, competition is expected to intensify. Traditional banks may quickly gain ground if they can translate permission into readiness—leveraging trust and regulatory infrastructure as advantages.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  CryptoSlate

~~~~~~~~~

CARDANO’S BIG NEWS: BRAVE WALLET INTEGRATION

Brave Wallet integration allows over 70 million users to send and receive Cardano’s ADA tokens.

Charles Hoskinson teases major updates, linked to the Midnight upgrade, for Cardano's future growth.

ADA has broken past key levels, suggesting potential price surge toward $0.86 and $1.

After jumping 20% last week, Cardano (ADA) has now dropped 5%, but there’s more behind it. With the Brave Wallet now supporting ADA and Cardano’s founder teasing more surprises, the stage is set for ADA price to hit a monthly high.

So, is ADA on its way to $1?

Cardano’s Brave Wallet Integration
The Brave browser, which has over 70 million users, has officially added support for ADA in its built-in crypto wallet. Reacting to the news, Cardano’s founder Charles Hoskinson hinted that this is just the beginning.

He suggested that several more big updates will roll out through the Summer and Fall of 2025.

Hoskinson even joked that VPN and advertising companies might be in for a shock once these integrations go live.

His message was clear: Cardano is entering a new phase of real-world adoption, and the Midnight upgrade is just the start.

ADA Eyeing $1 Mark – Key Levels To Watch
This Brave integration has brought back fresh hopes in the Cardano community, especially after ADA’s recent dip.

As of now, ADA price is currently trading around $0.79, down 4% today. Still, many traders see this as a healthy correction, not a warning sign.

Looking at the chart, ADA has already broken past the $0.72 and $0.75 levels, which is a good sign. It is now sitting close to the $0.786 level, which is an important zone.

If it can break through this and hold, the next targets could be around $0.86 and even higher, like $1.00.

Bullish Momentum Isn’t Over Yet
One more positive sign is that the trading volume is strong—currently at $1.88 billion, reflecting a surge of 65% seen in the last 24 hours. This means a lot of people are buying and selling ADA right now.

Technical signs like RSI also hint at a bullish momentum as it is still at 61.

However, if it fails to move higher, the price might fall back down to support near $0.72 or $0.67.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  CoinPedia

~~~~~~~~~

Isaac Update

5/13/2025

Isaac will post in his Telegram Room tomorrow after his appointment.

Isaac's Telegram Room Link

@ Newshounds News™

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Iraq Economic News And Points To Ponder Tuesday Afternoon 5-13-25

Al-Nusairi: Our Dinar Continues To Recover Until It Reaches The Official Price
 
Money and Business  Economy News – Baghdad  Economic and banking advisor Samir Al-Nusairi confirmed on Sunday that the Iraqi dinar has been gradually recovering for several weeks due to internal and external reasons that have directly impacted controlling fluctuations in the US dollar exchange rate,  regardless of the many reasons that led to its decline and its reaching 10 cents, after the difference between the official and parallel rates had been 20 cents for a long period.

Al-Nusairi pointed out that the main reason for the recovery is the reform policies of the Central Bank and the government in reforming the
 
     processes of regulating foreign trade financing,
     compliance with international standards, and
     regularity in the global financial system, as well as the
     new mechanisms for foreign transfers to secure imports and
     cover them in US dollars and other currencies by
     dealing directly with correspondent banks through more than 20 Iraqi banks that have opened accounts and banking relationships with these banks.
 
The Central Bank also succeeded in
 
     securing and providing 95% of the demand for the dollar at the official price and
     covering the needs of citizens for cash dollars and
     distributing it with transparency, fairness, and strict monitoring,
 
which contributed to reducing the practices of speculators in the informal market.

He added to the important role of the government in implementing its strategy in financial and banking reform, especially the implementation of paragraphs (1-7) included in the government program,
 
in addition to removing opportunities for speculators to manipulate the exchange rate according to administrative, supervisory, and economic policies.
 
Al-Nusairi bet on the Iraqi dinar's continued recovery through 2025, following the completion of the banking reform project's objectives and the Central Bank of Iraq's third strategy.
 
He also noted that the government will continue implementing its reform and investment programs,
 
     attracting more foreign and Arab investments to the country, which have exceeded $88 billion,
     completing the development path,
     investing in gas,
     developing oil projects, and
     supporting the private industrial sector.
 
Al-Nusairi concluded his remarks by praising the programmes and measures adopted by the Central Bank,  which contributed to  reducing inflation to 2.8% and  maintaining the general price level, which is one of the objectives of monetary policy.  https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=55333

Iraq To Recover Half A Billion Dollars In Smuggled Funds By 2024
 
 May 10, 13:35  Information/Baghdad... The Federal Integrity Commission revealed on Saturday that
Iraq had successfully recovered more than half a billion dollars in smuggled funds during 2024.
 
"The government has placed anti-corruption efforts at the top of its agenda," said the commission's chairman, Mohammed Ali al-Lami, in a statement followed by Al-Maalouma News Agency.  He added that "the efforts of the government and the judiciary have contributed to the recovery of smuggled funds."

  Al-Lami confirmed that "Iraq succeeded in recovering more than half a billion dollars in smuggled funds during 2024," indicating that "we provided privileges and protection to those who cooperated in uncovering corruption cases."  End/25     
  
https://almaalomah.me/news/98296/economy/العراق-يستعيد-نصف-مليار-دولار-من-الأموال-المهربة-خلال-2024  

A Dangerous Financial Maneuver... Will Employee Salaries Survive The Liquidity Crunch?
 
May 13, 2025  Baghdad/Iraq Observer  Iraq is facing a liquidity crisis in the local dinar, coupled with a continued decline in the dollar exchange rate in local markets.
 
This is increasing citizens' and employees' concerns about the government's ability to meet its financial obligations, most notably securing the salaries of employees and retirees on time.
 
The government has resorted to withdrawing cash from tax deposits,
previously linked to the so-called "theft of the century,"
 in an attempt to cover the liquidity deficit
and ensure continued funding for essential obligations, most notably salaries.
 
Experts believe the crisis is  not related to the availability of hard currency, as the government has a substantial dollar reserve thanks to oil exports.
 
Rather, it stems from a scarcity of Iraqi dinar liquidity, which is forcing it to implement swift financial maneuvers, such as using tax deposits, to secure employee salaries and avoid any delays in disbursing them.
 

Dinar withdrawal is “weak”
 
In turn, economic expert Abdul Rahman Al-Mashhadani confirmed that "Iraq exports more than 3.1 million barrels of oil per day, and oil revenues last month amounted to approximately $7.7 billion, 
an amount sufficient to cover salaries and a portion of operating and investment expenses."
 
He explained to the Iraq Observer that "the government needs approximately 7 trillion and 850 billion Iraqi dinars per month to secure salaries for employees and retirees and social security benefits,
 
adding that oil revenues, when transferred, are supposed to cover this amount and exceed it,
 
but the problem lies in the weak withdrawal of the Iraqi dinar from the market."  

He stressed that "approximately 90% of the issued currency is not returning to the banking system as quickly as required,
 
making it difficult for the Central Bank to supply the government with cash liquidity in a timely manner,
 
despite the latter having parliamentary authorization to borrow from the Central Bank under the 2024 budget law, a process also included in the 2023 budget." 

He added, "The government has not yet resorted to direct borrowing from the Central Bank this year, with the exception of the latter's rediscounting of treasury bonds sold to government and private banks worth approximately 3 trillion dinars." 

Al-Mashhadani noted that "the liquidity provision mechanism is still suffering from bottlenecks, 
which has prompted the government to resort to using tax deposits to compensate for this shortfall at the present time."
 
On April 15, the Council of Ministers decided to authorize the Minister of Finance to withdraw tax deposits less than five years old to secure funding for state employee salaries for April and subsequent months.
 
This move has faced legal criticism, as experts have asserted that tax deposits are not considered public revenue until five years have passed without claims, making their early withdrawal illegal and reflecting the fragility of the state's financial situation.

Government employees, along with social security beneficiaries and retirees, are hoping to receive their salaries before Eid al-Adha,  amidst uncertainty over the government's ability to provide the necessary liquidity in a timely manner.    https://observeriraq.net/مناورة-مالية-خطيرة-هل-تنجو-رواتب-الموظ/

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

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Tuesday Afternoon 5-13-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

COINBASE BECOMES FIRST BITCOIN AND CRYPTO COMPANY TO JOIN THE S&P 500

Coinbase joins the S&P 500, marking a milestone for Bitcoin, further highlighting Bitcoin’s strong performance, outperforming gold and the S&P 500 over the years.

Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ: COIN) is officially joining the S&P 500 starting May 19. It will replace Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS), which is being acquired by Capital One Financial (NYSE: COF), an existing member of the index.

This is a big move for Coinbase and an even bigger signal for Bitcoin. For a crypto company to be added to one of the most important indexes in the U.S. shows how far this industry has come. It’s not just hype anymore—it’s becoming a real part of the traditional financial system.

“Thank you to everyone who made it possible for a crypto company to join the S&P 500 for the first time in history,” Coinbase posted on their X account.

To get into the S&P 500, a company needs to meet a few strict requirements. They need a market cap of at least $18 billion, have most of their shares held by the public, be profitable over the last four quarters, and be listed on a U.S. exchange. Coinbase checks all of those boxes, with a market cap over $40 billion and solid recent earnings.

Once Coinbase is added, every fund that tracks the S&P 500 will need to include it in their portfolios. That means more demand for the stock, which could push the price up in the short term. But even more important, it brings more exposure and credibility to the entire crypto space.

“Congratulations Brian Armstrong on $COIN being added to the S&P 500 Index,” said Strategy Executive Chairman Michael Saylor. “A major milestone for Coinbase and for Bitcoin.”

Now let’s talk about Bitcoin. Coinbase is one of the top platforms people use to buy and sell Bitcoin. Having it in the S&P 500 makes Bitcoin exposure more accessible to traditional investors. It also helps reduce the idea that Bitcoin and crypto are just some risky gamble.

And the numbers speak for themselves. Over the past 14 years, Bitcoin has outperformed the S&P 500 and gold by a huge margin. Since 2010, Bitcoin has surged a staggering 7,200,000%, compared to the S&P 500’s 306% and gold’s 116%. Even when looking at shorter timeframes, Bitcoin consistently beats both. For instance:

• In the past year:

• Bitcoin: +27%

• Gold: +37%

• S&P 500: +5%

• In the last five years:

• Bitcoin: +1,138%

• Gold: +85%

• S&P 500: +92%

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Bitcoin Magazine

~~~~~~~~~

SAUDI ARABIA DROPS BRICS, INKS $600B STRATEGIC DEAL WITH US IN 2025

A new agreement has been signed, and it is poised to have major geopolitical ramifications as Saudi Arabia has seemingly dropped BRICS, inking a new deal with the US in 2025. Indeed, Riyadh has agreed to a “strategic economic partnership” with the United States amid a visit from President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

Both Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman have reached the landmark agreement that will increase cooperation in energy, mining, defense, and other ventures. Indeed, the memorandum was reached in what is the US president’s first major foreign trip since his return to the White House.

Saudi Arabia & US Reach New Deal Despite BRICS Standoff
Since his return to the Oval Office, Donald Trump has not been shy about his feelings toward the BRICS economic alliance. Earlier this year, he threatened 150% tariffs on the bloc. Specifically, he warned of repercussions for its continued de-dollarization efforts.

His stance only complicated the relationship between the collective and the recent expansion nation, Saudi Arabia. With tensions rising during Trump’s second term, Riyadh was seemingly caught in the middle. Now, it appears to have made its choice, as Saudi Arabia has turned from BRICS, signing a new strategic deal with the US in 2025.

The memorandum and agreement encompassed a host of sectors, including energy, defense, health, and the arts. Additionally, the letter of intent will see the US aid Saudi Arabia in the development of its armed forces. Moreover, they have plans for the Saudi Ministry of Interior and FBI to cooperate in one of many partnership aspects.

Abdulaziz Alghashian, Director of Research at Riyadh’s Observe Research Foundation Middle East, recently discussed the agreement. He noted that the deal’s reach “speaks to the depth” of the two nations' relationship. With the US and BRICS standing so opposed, it questions Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its cause.

However, that may not be the case. Alghashian noted that the deal “won’t come at the cost of relations with others.” Yet, only time will tell if that is the case. Just weeks ago, the US and China were on the doorstep of a trade war. Moreover, those tensions don’t appear to be entirely resolved.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Watcher Guru

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

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Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Iraq Economic News And Points To Ponder Tuesday Morning 5-13-25

Monetary Policy Raises The Value Of The Dinar And Reduces Reliance On The Parallel Market.
  
Economic 2025/05/11  Baghdad: Hussein Thaghab   The Iraqi dinar has recently recorded strong performance against the dollar, driven by a series of monetary measures adopted by the Central Bank,
which have contributed to  reducing demand for hard currency in the parallel  market and  enhancing the confidence of traders in official channels.
 
This improvement comes amid ongoing government efforts to   consolidate financial stability and
 stimulate business activity through  effective monetary instruments and transparent and direct financing mechanisms.

Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, Dr. Ammar Hamad, confirmed to Al-Sabah that  
this increase reflects the success of the monetary policy pursued by the bank in reducing reliance on the parallel market and providing safe and transparent sources of financing for foreign trade.

 He explained that this policy has enabled the commercial family to obtain dollars through official channels that adhere to international standards, without having to resort to the unregulated market. 

Hamad noted that the Central Bank continues to work toward consolidating the local banking system and raising its operational efficiency to levels consistent with international banking standards, making it a fundamental pillar in driving economic development in Iraq.

He added that the bank is adopting advanced mechanisms that enable banks to offer diverse banking products that support various economic sectors and facilitate financing and cash flow operations.
 
For his part, the Prime Minister's Advisor for Financial Affairs, Dr. Mazhar Mohammed Salih, explained that a number of factors contributed to strengthening the value of the dinar, most notably the weak demand for the dollar in the parallel market, as a result of the Central Bank's policies regarding financing foreign trade for the private sector.

He explained that the bank strengthens Iraqi banks' dollar balances through their correspondents abroad, especially banks with a high credit rating (AAA), which speeds up the execution of international transfers and reduces the need for dollars in the local market.

 He also indicated that the move towards using alternative currencies such as the euro, yuan, dirham, and lira in banking transactions has helped reduce excessive reliance on the dollar. 

Saleh also noted that enabling small businesses to access financing sources directly through Iraqi banks,
without costly intermediaries, has  helped reduce operating costs and improved commercial efficiency,
 
as this segment represents approximately 60% of private sector trade.

He added that  travelers can now easily obtain their foreign currency dues via payment cards at a subsidized exchange rate of 1,320 dinars to the dollar, in addition to the ability to receive dollars in cash at Iraqi airports, which has eased pressure on the parallel market.

In the same context, economic expert Nazir Al-Saadi emphasized that the money transfer services provided by the Central Bank have become safer and more effective,which has prompted business families to move away from the parallel market,
which is characterized by significant risks and high costs.

He explained that relying on official transfers not only ensures the safety of transactions,but also reduces the final cost of imports,which is positively reflected in the prices offered to consumers.

 He added that random transfers from the parallel market often caused losses to importers due to failure to implement them or due to price fluctuations, while the Central Bank mechanism provides a  stable financial system that  preserves the value of the currency and  reduces Opportunities for manipulation.    https://alsabaah.iq/114242-.html

Arab Countries On The Gray List For Money Laundering... What About Iraq?
 
Economy   2025-05-12 | 2,734 views Asharq Al-Awsat revealed on Monday that seven Arab countries are on the gray list.  The report emphasized that this does not mean they are directly involved in financial corruption, but rather serves as an international warning about the existence of systemic loopholes that could weaken the economy and threaten investor and market confidence.
 
This places the country under scrutiny, considering it an environment that could be exploited for money laundering or terrorist financing unless it swiftly implements strict legal and institutional reforms.
 
In the Arab region, several countries have entered this list, some of which have already left, while others remain for reasons ranging from weak legislation, weak banking oversight, and political instability.
 
This makes the issue more complex and impactful for the region's economies, which are highly dependent on cross-border financial flows.
 
The grey list refers to countries placed on the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) "enhanced monitoring list."
 
The list includes countries with "strategic deficiencies" in their anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and proliferation regimes, but which have demonstrated a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF to implement a clear reform plan within a specific timeframe.
 
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental body established in 1989at the initiative of  the Group of Seven industrialized nations and headquartered in Paris.
 
It is concerned with setting standards and promoting the implementation of legal, regulatory, and practical measures to combat money laundering, the financing of terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction at the national and international levels.

*Arab countries on the list
 
As of the latest official update issued by the Financial Action Task Force in February 2025, the following countries from the Arab region are included on the “grey list”:
 
1. Algeria
Algeria was listed in October 2024 following a joint assessment with the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), due to weak risk oversight, the absence of an effective beneficial ownership framework, and a lack of suspicious transaction reports.
 
Algeria is implementing an action plan that includes strengthening financial oversight, developing a suspicious transaction reporting system, and updating the legal framework for targeted financial sanctions.
 
2. Lebanon
Lebanon was added to the list in October 2024 due to the collapse of its banking system and its increasing reliance on cash transactions, which reflects a lack of confidence in the banking system and makes it difficult to track cash flows, in addition to the lack of judicial independence and concerns about terrorist financing.
 
authorities are seeking The Lebanese to implement a comprehensive reform plan to strengthen the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing system.
 
3. Syria
Syria has been on the list since February 2010 due to strategic deficiencies in combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Despite some improvements, Syria continues to cooperate with the Financial Action Task Force to address these deficiencies .
 
4. Yemen
Yemen was listed in February 2014 due to its inability to implement reforms due to the security situation, despite completing the agreed-upon action plan. However, Yemen continues its efforts to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime.
 
*Arab countries removed from the list
 
Three Arab countries have been removed from the "grey list" after implementing comprehensive
reforms to their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems.
 
These countries are: the UAE, Morocco, and Jordan.

1. UAE
The UAE was placed on the "grey list" in March 2022 due to "strategic deficiencies" in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regime, such as poor understanding of risks, limited use of financial information, and challenges in implementing sanctions.
 
The UAE was removed from the grey list on February 23, 2024, after implementing a series of institutional and legislative reforms, including the establishment of the Executive Office for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing to enhance national coordination, the establishment of a specialized court for financial crimes, and the updating of criminal laws and the imposition of stricter penalties.
 
The country also increased the pace of investigations and prosecutions and activated a system for reporting suspicious transactions.
 
FATF commended this progress, considering it sufficient to remove the UAE from the list.
 
2. Morocco
Morocco was placed on the “grey list” due to weak risk-based oversight, insufficient accuracy of beneficial ownership information for legal entities, limited diversity of suspicious transaction reports, and limited effectiveness of investigations and prosecutions.
 
Morocco was removed from the grey list in February 2023 after implementing a series of substantive reforms within the framework of the action plan agreed upon with the Financial Action Task Force.
 
The measures included strengthening the legal and regulatory framework for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, improving the effectiveness of investigations and prosecutions, updating the suspicious transaction reporting system, and enhancing international cooperation and the exchange of financial information.
 
3. Jordan
Gaps such as weak risk-based oversight, insufficient beneficial ownership data, inadequate prosecutions, and an ineffective financial sanctions regime have placed Jordan under enhanced FATF scrutiny.
 
After the country adopted reforms that included improving transparency in beneficial ownership data, strengthening investigations and prosecutions in money laundering cases, tightening oversight of non-profit organizations, and improving its targeted financial sanctions regime, Jordan was removed from the gray list in October 2023.

Listing: Punishment or Regulatory Measure?
 
Gray listing is not a penalty in the legal sense; rather, it is an international regulatory measure that indicates strategic deficiencies in a country's

anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) systems.
 
However, despite its regulatory nature, it has quasi-punitive consequences, such as diminished investor confidence, tightened international banking supervision, and increased costs for financial transactions.
 
Listing obliges a country to implement an action plan within a specified period under FATF supervision and serves as an international warning requiring urgent reforms.
 
*What about Iraq ?
 
On August 20, 2024, Iraq's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Office announced that the country was no longer on the gray list for money laundering, following the establishment of updated, comprehensive, and confidential databases that meet international requirements.
 
, Hussein Al-Maqram, reported The office's representative at the Central Bank of Iraq the
completion of the international mutual evaluation conducted by a team of international experts on Iraq.
 
The 14-month evaluation aimed to assess Iraq's technical compliance with the legal framework,
regulations, instructions, and controls for combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
 
In a statement to the media, Muqrin explained that  the international expert team evaluated the effectiveness of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems by providing statistics and practical cases to demonstrate the extent to which the legislative framework is being implemented, in addition to conducting field visits."

He added that "the evaluation report was discussed and approved by the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) last May," noting that
 
"the initial results confirmed that the Republic of Iraq has moved away from inclusion on the gray list, and an action plan and recommendations were formulated by international evaluators to ensure compliance with international standards."

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