“Tidbits From TNT” Saturday 10-18-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  From Washington: A new banking and economic reform package for Iraq

The Iraqi delegation participating in the banking reform conference in Washington, D.C., on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings, announced a new package of banking and economic reforms on Saturday aimed at strengthening the stability of the financial system and attracting investment.

"The government has implemented a series of steps as part of the economic and financial reform program, most notably the implementation of comprehensive strategic banking reforms in cooperation with the Central Bank of Iraq and international consulting firms, as well as the preparation of a three-year budget for the first time in Iraq's history to ensure stable financial planning that attracts investment," said Saleh Mahoud Salman, an advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, according to a statement received by Shafaq News Agency.

He added that "automating the customs system through the implementation of the United Nations ASYCUDA program has led to a significant increase in customs and tax revenues, the restructuring of government banks (Rafidain, Rasheed, Industrial, and Agricultural) and increased their operational efficiency, as well as the expansion of electronic payment systems and increased financial inclusion from less than 10% to more than 40% within two years."

Salman continued, "Support programs have been launched for small and medium-sized enterprises to create job opportunities and stimulate the local economy," noting that "these steps represent a pivotal stage in the economic reform process, and that the government will continue to support the development of the banking sector in cooperation with international institutions."

Prior to this, the Central Bank of Iraq announced new instructions to all authorized banks in the country regarding money transfers and customs clearance procedures related to the requirements for the approval of special commercial invoices, with the aim of curbing currency smuggling.

This measure comes as part of the efforts of the Central Bank of Iraq and government agencies to develop the financial and administrative environment and improve the level of oversight and compliance with international standards in foreign trade.  link

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Tishwash: Highest since 2003: Confirmation of rising non-oil revenues and calls for economic reform

Representative Basem Naghmish expected, on Wednesday, that Washington would resort to imposing economic sanctions on Iraq, exploiting the pretext of "mismanagement" in the oil sector.

Naghmish told Al-Maalouma Agency, “The United States has become accustomed to using titles such as mismanagement or corruption as a cover to interfere in the affairs of countries, and there are indications that it is trying to follow the same approach with Iraq in the oil file.”

He added, "There is fear that these accusations will be exploited to impose sanctions that may affect oil exports," stressing that "their goal is to keep Iraq weak and influence its sovereign decision."

Earlier, Representative Intisar Al-Moussawi considered Trump's statement about Iraqi oil evidence of America's arrogant outlook, and Washington's treatment of Iraq as a source of wealth rather than a sovereign state.  link

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Tishwash:  Sudanese Advisor: Electronic financial inclusion has risen to more than 40%

Prime Minister Saleh Mahoud Salman's advisor confirmed on Friday that the government is continuing to implement comprehensive strategic banking reforms, noting that the government is committed to continuing to implement the economic and financial reform program

"The government is committed to continuing to implement the economic and financial reform program aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the banking system and supporting sustainable development in the country," Mahoud said in a speech he delivered during his participation as a government representative in the banking reform conference organized by the Central Bank of Iraq in cooperation with the international consulting firm (Oliver & Ayman) at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Washington, DC, on the sidelines of the meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

He stressed that "the banking sector represents a fundamental pillar in the economic reform process," indicating that "the government is continuing to implement comprehensive strategic banking reforms in cooperation with the Central Bank of Iraq, aimed at raising banking standards and enhancing the competitiveness of the financial system."

He explained that "the government has prepared a three-year general budget for the first time, which allows for long-term financial planning, achieving stability in resource management, and enhancing the confidence of local and international investors."

In the context of diversifying revenues and reducing dependence on oil, he explained that "the government has achieved tangible progress in automating the customs system by implementing the United Nations (ASYCUDA) system, which has led to a clear increase in customs revenues in addition to a significant improvement in tax revenues," noting that "the government has implemented a program to restructure government banks (Al-Rafidain, Al-Rasheed, Industrial, and Agricultural) in cooperation with international consulting companies, With the aim of raising its efficiency and enhancing its ability to provide modern financial services.

He pointed out that "the government launched programs to expand the use of electronic payment and partnerships with financial technology companies, which contributed to raising the financial inclusion rate to more than 40% after it was less than 10% two years ago, which was praised by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund," stressing "the government's support for small and medium enterprises by providing financing and resources to create new job opportunities and stimulate the local economy."

Salman stated that "the banking reforms currently being worked on constitute a turning point in the history of Iraq's economic development, and that the government is determined to support all local and international institutions working to develop the banking sector, as it is a pivotal part of the economic growth and financial stability plan."

He noted that "the government extended its appreciation to the Central Bank, banks, and international and local advisory teams working in this field  link

Mot: Just a Saying!!!! 

Mot:  Millions!!! -- They Spent Millions to Figure This out!!! 

MilitiaMan and Crew: IQD News Update-IQD-CBI-Global

MilitiaMan and Crew: IQD News Update-IQD-CBI-Global

10-18-2025

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

Follow MM on X == https://x.com/Slashn

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HczHZiwH6Z8

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Late Friday Evening 10-17-25

Dollar Alternative
 
The Government Is Out Of The Equation. Gold Swallows The Iraqi Dinar And Becomes A "Money Laundering" Currency.
 
Economy / Special Files 10-16-2025, 11:00 PM | 2135  Baghdad Today - Baghdad Iraq is witnessing   an unprecedented surge in gold prices, amid a   decline in the state's monetary instruments and growing indications of the  expanding influence of parallel financial  networks   exploiting   market and  legal  loopholes.   This crisis, which began in a market influenced by the    London and New York stock exchanges, has become a mirror of the  broader crisis of confidence plaguing the Iraqi economy.

Experts believe that the yellow metal   is no longer a commodity tied solely to supply and demand,   but rather a precise indicator of the deep imbalance    between   monetary policy and the  real economy, and of the    government's failure to protect the market from   waves of speculation and  currency smuggling.
 
Economic expert Nasser Al-Kanani explained to Baghdad Today that “the continuous rise in gold prices in the local market   is directly due to global price fluctuations.
 
Iraq does not possess the tools to   intervene or the   ability to control this market,      which is governed by global stock exchanges.” He pointed out that  “the absence of local gold production has   made the country hostage to fluctuations in foreign markets.
 
Every rise in London or New York is immediately reflected in   Baghdad, Najaf, and Basra,    without any government capacity to mitigate its severity.”
 
Economic observers confirm that the continuation of this situation  means that Iraqi monetary policy    is operating in a completely exposed environment, and that the Central Bank has lost the ability to  manage price balance  after markets began operating according to the logic of    global supply and    uncontrolled local demand. 

Al-Kanani adds, "Geopolitical factors andUS interest rate decisions, along withdollar movements in the markets,   are the main drivers of gold prices currently,while the Iraqi government   is limited to a regulatory role through the      Central Bank and the      Tax Authority,  without any real tools for control."
 
Financial researchers point out that   this reality reflects the fragility of the Iraqi economy,      which         relies entirely on imports and    lacks internal protection strategies or  monetary balancing policies    that allow it to absorb shocks.
 
This has forced the local market   to operate on the principle of absolute freedom of trade,  without a balance between    economic freedom and the   equirements of financial stability.  Amid this situation, citizens are increasingly turning to gold as a means of savings,as   confidence in the dinar declines and   its exchange rate fluctuates against the dollar. 

Al-Kanani warned that “random speculation on gold is exacerbating the crisis, as   it raises local demand to unrealistic levels and      increases pressure on prices,” adding that  the government has lost the ability to control this wave,  at a time when prices fluctuate daily   based on the general mood of speculators,    not on well-considered economic decisions.”
 
Financial market observers   confirm that citizens’ behavior toward gold      has become a direct reaction to the         weakness of  financial and    banking institutions, and that the loss of confidence in the national currency has   pushed the popular economy to seek alternatives that preserve value,      even if they are outside the control of the state.

On the other hand, the gold crisis intersects with what anti-corruption expert Yassin al-Taie calls the   "prestige economy,"      meaning the use of illicit funds to    build a new social image known as "reputation laundering," a phenomenon that has become   synonymous with money laundering in recent years. 

Al-Taie told Baghdad Today, "There is a close connection between   money laundering and   reputation laundering.
 
Both are part of a single strategy    pursued by influential actors in the black economy, aimed at   circumventing the law and   obtaining social cover      that allows them to expand in the  economic and  political spheres."

Observers point out that this shift in the behavior of those with illicit capital   reflects a change in the form of corruption itself, as its goal is no longer solely to gain unlawful enrichment,   but rather to build a network of influence      that fortifies corruption within societal institutions.  

Al-Taie explains that “these entities resort to   establishing commercial companies that appear legitimate,   or financing cultural and charitable events,    to gain the trust of society and      grant themselves moral immunity         that prevents them from being held accountable.”
 
Oversight experts say that these practices have   distorted the local economic environment and   eroded trust in public institutions, as      corruption is no longer hidden or      confined to government agencies,
 
but has permeated the public sphere under the banner of   charitable work and   civic investment. Al-Taie adds that “some entities are taking advantage of   loopholes in the laws and   their relationships with influential circles      to expand their activities without oversight,”
 
which observers see as a clear threat to the principles of   institutional justice and   equal economic opportunity.
 
Economists believe that the combination of   loss of monetary control,   money laundering, and   reputational damage      represents a dangerous example of what is known as the "dual economy,"where the formal economy operates according to state rules,   while the parallel economy operates according to private interests.

Observers assert that the gold market today   is the legal front for the parallel economy. Through it,  money is recycled and      its sources are concealed,   while all transactions appear legitimate on paper." They point out that this phenomenon   "keeps the state in the position of a bystander      while informal money circulates freely within institutions."
 
Economic researchers argue that addressing the crisis   requires rebuilding oversight mechanisms for gold trade and imports,    linking them to a unified financial tracking system    overseen by the   Central Bank and the   Anti-Money Laundering Authority,    similar to that implemented by European Union countries. 

Economists point out that "the existence of a national registry for gold traders   that requires them to disclose their sources of funding      will help block   smuggling and   money laundering networks," adding that "the absence of this type of transparency   makes the market an ideal place      to funnel illicit capital    under the guise of legitimate trade."
 
Observers agree that   continuing this path    will    deepen the loss of confidence in the national currency and     transform gold into an alternative currency    outside the banking system.

This will constrain the Central Bank's ability to manage liquidity and   increase the likelihood of          Iraq being exposed to new international financial pressures.
 
Economists believe that "the   country needs a   flexible and   integrated monetary policy     that links   financial stability with   security oversight of financial movements," while anti-corruption experts assert that   "any reform that does not address reputational damage    with the same seriousness as money laundering   will remain merely superficial."
 
According to economic observers, "the crisis has gone beyond the market stage   to become a national crisis of confidence," noting that gold today is no longer merely a measure of wealth,   but rather "an indicator of the state's vulnerability to unregulated money."
 
Researchers assert that regaining control of the gold market   is not simply a matter of price,  but rather a test of the government's ability to   restore discipline to its financial system and  prevent  wealth from becoming a means of influence and the    economy from becoming a vehicle for organized corruption.    https://baghdadtoday.news/285348-.html    

By 40%, The Central Bank Is Committed To Implementing Comprehensive Strategic Banking Reforms.
 
Economy |  12:59 - 17/10/2025   Mawazine News - Economy Prime Minister's Advisor Saleh Mahoud Salman affirmed on Friday that the   government is proceeding with comprehensive strategic banking reforms, noting that the   government is committed to continuing to implement the      economic and financial reform program.
 
In a speech delivered during his participation   as a representative of the government in the banking reform conference      organized by the Central Bank of Iraq   in cooperation with the international consulting firm Oliver Wyman   at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Washington, DC,   on the sidelines of the meetings of the   International Monetary Fund and the      World Bank, Mahoud said,
 
“The government is committed to continuing to implement the   economic and   financial      reform program aimed at    enhancing the efficiency of the banking system and     supporting sustainable development in the country.”

He stressed that “the banking sector represents a fundamental pillar in the economic reform process,” indicating that “the government is proceeding with implementing comprehensive strategic banking reforms   in cooperation with the Central Bank of Iraq,  aimed at    raising the standards of banking work and    enhancing the competitiveness of the financial system.

” ]He explained that “the government has prepared a three-year general budget for the first time,   which allows for      long-term financial planning,      achieving stability in resource management, and      enhancing the confidence of local and international investors.”

 Within the framework of     diversifying revenues and    reducing dependence on oil, he indicated that “the government has   achieved tangible progress in automating the customs system  through the implementation of the United Nations ASYCUDA system,  which has led to a   clear increase in customs revenues in addition to a  significant improvement in tax revenues,” noting that
 
"The government has implemented a program to restructure state-owned banks   (Rafidain, Rashid, Industrial, and Agricultural)      in cooperation with international consulting firms,  with the aim of   raising their efficiency and  enhancing their ability to provide modern financial services." 

He pointed out that "the government has launched programs   to expand the    use of electronic payments and    partnerships with financial technology companies,   which has contributed to raising the rate of financial inclusion      to more than 40%,  up from less than 10% two years ago.
 
This has been praised by the   World Bank and the   International Monetary Fund." He emphasized "the government's support for small and medium-sized enterprises   by providing financing and resources   to     create new job opportunities and      stimulate the local economy."

 Salman stated that "the banking reforms currently underway represent a   pivotal moment in Iraq's economic development history, and that the government is determined to support all local and international institutions   working to develop the banking sector,    considering it a pivotal part of the plan for  economic growth and  financial stability." He noted that "the government expressed its appreciation to the   Central Bank, the   banks, and the   international and local advisory teams working in this field."   https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=268633  

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

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Saturday Morning 10-18-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Balancing the Edge: Currency Calm Masks Deeper Market Tremors

When the dollar stands still, it often means the ground beneath it is shifting.

Global Markets Show Uneasy Balance

The global currency and commodity landscape entered a rare moment of balance this week, with the U.S. dollar holding steady even as geopolitical tensions escalated. Beneath that calm, traders are reading signals of strategic repositioning and subtle intervention.

The U.S. Treasury’s reported $200 million sale of Argentine pesos underscored Washington’s readiness to manage emerging-market stress. Meanwhile, silver and gold markets flashed early warning signs, as analysts at BCA Research cautioned that short squeezes in metals often precede liquidity shocks.

Signals Behind the Stability

In a world where currencies no longer simply reflect trade flows, they reveal political currents.

  ● Emerging-market currencies are increasingly vulnerable to sanctions, capital flight, and policy shocks.
  ● Commodity shifts, especially in gold and silver, now act as real-time sentiment barometers for systemic risk.
  ● Dollar steadiness may mask preparations for deeper financial decoupling between global blocs.

While the charts appear calm, the underlying movement suggests capital is seeking safe ground before the next round of monetary and geopolitical shifts.

Why This Matters

Currency stability often precedes structural change.
Behind today’s calm façade, the architecture of global finance is quietly evolving — away from interest-rate dominance and toward resource-backed value systems.

If this trajectory continues, the next era of global finance will not be defined by who sets rates — but by who controls tangible value: energy, metals, and strategic currencies.

Out with the old and in with the new — the signals are already in motion.

"This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes."

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources:

• Bloomberg – Argentine FX Traders Estimate U.S. Treasury Sold Over $200 Million

• InvestingLive – USD Little Changed Amid Geopolitical Risks

• Kitco – Silver Market Short Squeeze Warning

~~~~~~~~~

A Tunnel Through Time: The U.S.–Russia Meeting and Moscow’s New Diplomatic Blueprint

From political distance to physical connection, a quiet proposal could redefine global alignment.

A New Phase in U.S.–Russia Relations

Reports of an upcoming Trump–Putin meeting in Budapest have reignited speculation over a potential thaw between Washington and Moscow. Yet, beyond the headlines, an unexpected proposal is circulating — one that blends infrastructure, symbolism, and strategy.

According to a recent analysis from Modern Diplomacy, the Kremlin has advanced an “audacious bid” to create a physical tunnel link between the U.S. and Russia via the Bering Strait. The project, dubbed a “tunnel of diplomacy,” aims to symbolize a permanent channel of cooperation in trade, energy, and technology.

While the notion may seem ambitious, it fits within a larger narrative of economic realignment: building bridges — literally — as political alliances shift.

Strategic Implications

“In geopolitics, infrastructure is diplomacy made concrete.” — Modern Diplomacy, Oct 2025

  ● Such a project would bind energy and logistics networks across the Arctic, reducing reliance on Europe and Asia for trade routes.
  ● It could shift leverage from Western-controlled maritime channels to a joint Arctic corridor managed through bilateral agreements.
  ● For Washington, participation would signify a pragmatic, not ideological, shift — prioritizing resource access and stability over rivalry.

This concept reflects a subtle, post-sanction diplomacy: nations seeking economic interdependence as a tool for peace, not pressure.

Why This Matters

If realized, the “tunnel of diplomacy” would mark a physical manifestation of geopolitical restructuring.
It would connect not just two nations, but two financial systems — potentially linking Western capital flows with Eurasian resource frameworks.

In this sense, the bridge becomes the blueprint: a visible symbol of the emerging order where economic survival outweighs political division.

Out with the old, in with the new — diplomacy now runs through steel, not speeches.

"This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes."

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources:

• Modern Diplomacy – “A Tunnel of Diplomacy: Kremlin’s Audacious Bid to Physically Link U.S. and Russia”

• Meyka News – “Trump–Putin Budapest Meeting Fuels Geopolitical Tensions”

~~~~~~~~~

Shockwaves and Safe Havens: How Geopolitical Risk Is Repricing the World

When politics drives markets, currencies become the first casualty.

Markets Under Pressure

A surge in geopolitical tension across Europe and the Middle East has sent investors scrambling for stability. Gold briefly touched another record high, and major currencies — from the yen to the euro — are moving not on economics, but on fear.

Even as central banks signal caution, capital flight toward tangible assets is reshaping how markets interpret risk. Traders once gauged volatility through interest-rate moves; today, they track troop deployments, sanctions, and energy routes.

A New Era of Risk Pricing

“Geopolitical instability is now a leading indicator, not a lagging one.” — IMF Outlook, October 2025

  ● Safe-haven demand for gold, silver, and oil reflects declining confidence in fiat-based stability.
  ● Sovereign debt markets are fragmenting, with yields moving inversely to traditional logic.
  ● BRICS+ economies are doubling down on commodity-backed trade, insulating themselves from Western liquidity shocks.

This shift signals that the next financial reset may emerge not from policy — but from pressure.
The global economy is quietly repricing itself around security of value, not the promise of growth.

Why This Matters

The world is witnessing a structural rotation in capital confidence.
When gold outperforms currencies, it means the trust equation is changing — away from central banks and toward real assets.
If these trends persist, the next financial order may no longer pivot on the dollar or euro, but on resource control and bilateral trade guarantees.

Out with the old and in with the new — the markets are already writing the first chapter of that transition.

"This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes."

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources:

• Reuters – “Gold Hits Record as Middle East Tensions Deepen”

• Bloomberg – “BRICS Economies Seek Commodity-Backed Trade Expansion”

• IMF – “Global Financial Stability Report, October 2025”

~~~~~~~~~

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Late Friday Evening 10-17-25

Bondlady Site Admin & Member Comments

Does The Central Bank Intend To Remove Zeros From The Dinar?

Economy | 11:08 - 10/14/2025  Mawazine News - Baghdad -  The Central Bank of Iraq announced, on Tuesday, its gold reserves and its intention to remove zeros from the Iraqi currency. The Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Ammar Khalaf, said in a press statement, followed by Mawazine News, that: "The Central Bank of Iraq has increased its gold holdings from 90 tons to 170 tons at the present time."

Khalaf added that "this amount of gold now constitutes 20% of the total assets of the Central Bank, and Iraq currently ranks fourth in the Arab world in gold holdings and 29th globally."

The Deputy Governor of the Central Bank confirmed that "there is no intention to float the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar, so as not to affect the stability of the economy at the present time."

Khalaf revealed that "there is an intention to remove zeros from the Iraqi dinar in order to ease the burden of hoarding banknotes on the financial sector."  https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=268477

Central Bank: Gold Reserves Reach 170 Tons, With Intention To Remove Zeros From Dinar

Buratha News Agency1132025-10-15  The Central Bank of Iraq announced, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, its gold reserves and its intention to remove zeros from the Iraqi currency.

Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Ammar Khalaf, said in a press statement, "The Central Bank of Iraq has increased its gold holdings from 90 tons to 170 tons at the present time."

Khalaf added, "This amount of gold now constitutes 20% of the Central Bank's total assets, and Iraq currently ranks fourth in the Arab world in gold holdings and 29th globally."

The Deputy Governor of the Central Bank confirmed that "there is no intention to float the Iraqi dinar exchange rate, so as not to affect the stability of the economy at the present time."

Khalaf revealed that "there is an intention to remove zeros from the Iraqi dinar to ease the burden of banknote hoarding on the financial sector."   https://burathanews.com/arabic/economic/466485

Bondlady Site Member  calaciura:  I'm not sure if AI is accurate when we talk about deleting the zeros. My concern is will our notes in the United States will have those zeros dropped as well, which would mean it would lop the currency in the value. What are your thoughts

Bondlady Site Administrator tlm724:  Hey calaciura, we are in very interesting times for sure !! It's difficult to know exactly what is going to happen but I will try to shed some light on the subject. Most recently the Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih said on 10/10/2025 that

"Controlling inflation is the primary goal for maintaining price stability and the purchasing power of the Iraqi dinar."

and " Monetary policy also succeeded in maintaining the positive effects of the official exchange rate of 1,320 dinars per dollar and limiting the effects of the parallel exchange market on the stability of the pricing system."

lastly ""Iraq is witnessing a significant price boom, which is an indicator of the success of economic policy implementation. This is a remarkable development, unprecedented in the past ten years, as this stability is reflected in the country's cash income."

https://www.bondladyscorner.com/t227661-government-advisor-monetary-policy-has-achieved-stability-in-the-exchange-rate-and-inflation

Bondlady Site Administrator tlm724:  Saleh is also in Washington today meeting with officials from the US Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve

https://www.bondladyscorner.com/t227718-dr-saleh-mahoud-from-washington-we-are-committed-to-supporting-the-central-bank-s-efforts-in-banking-reform

Bondlady Site Administrator tlm724:  The above information is important because the CBI is trying and succeeding in controlling inflation and stabilizing the economy/exchange rate. These are critical to setting the stage for the possible removal of the 3 zero's. They would never attempt the removal without a stable environment. The fact that they are considering this is encouraging, something, WE as investors have never seen. On a side note :

" When a government drops three zeros from a currency, it is called redenomination. This is a symbolic change that makes large numbers easier to use and calculate, but it does not directly affect the currency's purchasing power or value. The change is intended to simplify transactions and can be a psychological tool to signal the end of high inflation, but its long-term success depends on accompanying economic policies"

"In monetary economics, redenomination is the process of changing the face value of banknotes and coins in circulation. It may be done because inflation has made the currency unit so small that only large denominations of the currency are in circulation."

Bondlady Site Administrator tlm724:  I wish I had a clear and definite idea of what comes next but I do not. It is times like these were I wish our Bondlady was here to guide us ! I think our best course of action is to stay the course and watch for forth coming changes. If the removal happens it will take time to print bank notes etc... and there will be transition period just as there was in 2003.There are many Dinar notes outside of Iraq that I think there would be a time frame for exchanging it but as far as the value that remains the question. What it means for us is yet to be seen but I promise we will be here for you and each other each step of the way !! Thank you

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

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Friday Afternoon 10-17-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

India Cuts Russian Oil Imports by Half After U.S. Talks — A Shift with Global Implications

Energy diplomacy, sanctions pressure, and BRICS realignment collide

The Strategic Pivot

India has reportedly slashed Russian oil imports by 50% following recent U.S.–India trade talks, according to Reuters.

The decision marks a potential shift in New Delhi’s careful balance between cheap Russian crude and strategic ties with Washington.

• Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, India became one of Moscow’s largest energy buyers, purchasing discounted oil despite Western sanctions.

• The U.S. has long urged India to diversify energy sources and align more closely with G7 sanctions policy.

• Indian refiners reportedly began cutting orders in September, though official data won’t confirm reductions until late 2025.

“This reduction follows constructive talks between our energy teams,” a White House spokesperson told Reuters. “We welcome India’s steps to support global stability.”

Why It Matters

The move underscores a realignment in global energy politics:

• India: Balances domestic affordability with growing Western diplomatic pressure.

• United States: Gains leverage in isolating Russian energy revenues without triggering global oil shocks.

• Russia: Faces shrinking Asian markets, further constraining revenues as Western sanctions deepen.

• China: May benefit from redirected Russian crude at deeper discounts, tightening Moscow–Beijing energy ties.

No formal Indian directive has been issued yet, and refiners are adjusting cautiously to avoid price instability.

Global Policy Implications

This quiet shift carries macro-financial consequences that tie directly into the broader “financial reset” narrative:

• Reduced Russian oil flows could tighten global liquidity in commodity trade, especially for nations transacting outside the dollar system.

• India’s move suggests deeper U.S. coordination to reassert the petrodollar framework, which BRICS nations — particularly Russia and China — have sought to challenge.

• As BRICS pushes for alternative settlement systems and gold-linked trade mechanisms, India’s participation becomes increasingly uncertain.

• This could fragment BRICS cohesion, weakening plans for a unified reserve asset or “BRICS currency.”

The Bigger Picture

If sustained, India’s pivot may accelerate two parallel dynamics:

• A Western-led tightening of global finance through sanctions and compliance systems.

• A BRICS-led counterstructure, forced to innovate faster — potentially via digital settlement rails, gold-backed trade credits, or regional clearinghouses.

Both trends feed into what analysts describe as the early stages of a financial system reset — one where energy flows dictate monetary architecture more than ever.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters – “India Slashes Russian Oil Imports by Half After U.S. Talks”

• Modern Diplomacy – “India Slashes Russian Oil Imports by Half After U.S. Talks – White House”

• Bloomberg – “India’s Energy Diplomacy Shifts as Pressure Mounts on Russian Crude”

• Financial Times – “BRICS Energy Trade Faces New Test as India Reconsiders Russian Oil”

~~~~~~~~~

30+ Countries Join BRICS Gold Rush

Central banks shift reserves from Treasuries to tangible assets — gold hits record highs amid global realignment.

Central Banks Lead the Shift

The global financial landscape is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation.
As gold prices surpassed $4,300 per ounce in mid-October 2025 — their highest level on record — more than 30 nations have accelerated gold purchases, signaling a decisive move away from dollar-denominated reserves.

According to the World Gold Council (WGC) and The Economic Times, central banks now hold approximately 36,344 metric tons of gold, valued around $4.5 trillion — exceeding their combined holdings of U.S. Treasury securities for the first time since 1996.
This symbolic milestone marks a historic rebalancing of global wealth.

“We are witnessing a structural realignment of reserve management,” notes the WGC’s latest quarterly report.

The BRICS Core and Beyond

The BRICS bloc — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — holds roughly 20% of global gold reserves, with Russia and China together accounting for nearly three-quarters of the group’s total.
These two nations alone control more than 4,600 tonnes, underscoring their central role in the de-dollarization movement.

Beyond the core bloc, more than 30 other countries have joined the gold accumulation trend:

Poland added nearly 90 tonnes in 2024, reaching over 500 tonnes in 2025, leading global central bank purchases.

China’s reserves rose to about 2,294 tonnes by April 2025 after 18 months of consecutive buying.

Kazakhstan reversed prior sales, adding nearly 25 tonnes in 2025.

Azerbaijan’s State Oil Fund (SOFAZ) expanded holdings by 18.7 tonnes in Q1 2025.


Smaller accumulators — Egypt, Kyrgyz Republic, Qatar, Oman — each added between 1–4 tonnes in 2025, diversifying beyond traditional assets.

Gold’s Record-Breaking Run

Gold’s rally has been one of the most dramatic since 1979.
The metal crossed $4,000 per ounce on October 8, and by October 17, hit an intraday high of $4,310, according to Reuters.

Year-to-date, gold has gained over 55%, outperforming equities, oil, and most sovereign debt indices.

Analysts link this momentum to a combination of:

• Lower real yields as the Federal Reserve signals rate cuts below 4%.

• Persistent inflation concerns and geopolitical fragmentation.

• Central bank diversification from “sanction-vulnerable” reserves to physical assets.

Strategic Motives: Security Over Liquidity

The BRICS gold accumulation accelerated after Western nations froze an estimated $300 billion in Russian reserves in 2022.
This event exposed the vulnerability of digital reserves and foreign-held assets.
Unlike currency reserves, gold stored domestically cannot be sanctioned or seized, making it an appealing hedge for emerging economies seeking monetary autonomy.

Meanwhile, China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) — an alternative to SWIFT — now includes 1,421 banks in 110 countries, supporting the idea of a multi-polar financial network and potentially paving the way for a gold-backed settlement mechanism within BRICS trade channels.

A Long-Term Structural Shift

The ongoing reserve restructuring signals a deep and likely irreversible trend:

• Central banks have purchased over 1,000 tonnes annually for three consecutive years — twice the decade average.

• The value of official gold holdings now exceeds the combined U.S. Treasury exposure in central bank portfolios.

• Gold-backed ETFs have added over 600 tonnes in 2025, with inflows exceeding $30 billion in Q1 alone.

Analysts describe this not as a temporary rally but a “structural realignment of global reserves.”

Implications: Toward a Parallel Monetary Order

This gold-driven reserve expansion dovetails with the BRICS agenda to build alternative financial frameworks independent of Western clearing systems.
While a full “gold-backed BRICS currency” remains speculative, the underlying behavior — sovereigns accumulating hard assets — demonstrates a gradual pivot from trust-based finance to asset-backed credibility.

The implications are sweeping:

• The U.S. dollar’s dominance in global settlements may gradually erode.

• Emerging economies gain stronger negotiating leverage within trade and credit systems.

• Gold re-emerges as both a political and monetary tool — not just a commodity hedge.

The Bottom Line

As the world’s monetary map redraws itself, the BRICS gold rush is less about speculation and more about sovereignty and control.
From Warsaw to Beijing, the signal is unmistakable: hard assets are once again the foundation of power.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources and Further Reading

1. Reuters – “Gold rallies beyond $4,300, set for best week in five years”

2. Economic Times – “Gold surpasses U.S. Treasuries in central banks’ reserves for first time since 1996”

3. World Gold Council – “Central bank gold buying slowed in April 2025”

4. NDTV – “India becomes second-largest gold buyer after Poland in 2024”

5. Astana Times – “Kazakhstan ranks among top ten nations with highest increase in gold reserves”

6. Newssa.co.za – “Poland, Azerbaijan, and China lead global gold demand in Q1 2025”

~~~~~~~~~

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Friday Morning 10-17-25

Economic Advisor: Iraq Is Moving Forward With Banking Reform, And The Return Of Dollar Transactions Is Imminent.
 
October 16, 2025  Baghdad / Iraq Observer   The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, affirmed on Thursday that Iraq's commitment to international standards   paves the way for the return of dollar transactions,      attracting foreign investment, and      expanding financial inclusion.
 
He emphasized that the path of banking reform is   ongoing and   irreversible. 

Saleh said, "Iraq's commitment to   international standards and   banking transparency      means the         Iraqi financial system has entered a phase of radical reform,      which will      enhance international confidence and       qualify it to be an active player in the global economy."

He noted that "the most significant gains   are not limited to the return of dollar transactions to national banks, but   also include      attracting investment and      expanding financial inclusion." 

He explained that "adherence to international standards   requires that banking institutions adhere to      anti-money laundering and      counter-terrorism financing rules,      implement transparent accounting and oversight systems, and      digitally transform the banking infrastructure, including         electronic payment systems and         unified financial reporting." 

He continued, "This also includes   opening up to sound international financial services,      by contracting with global companies to develop banking systems, particularly         financial auditing and         fintech companies," adding, "This commitment   places Iraq on the map of the global financial system and   gives it the opportunity to integrate with international correspondent banks." 

 He added, "The gains that will benefit Iraq   will also lead to the restoration of dollar transactions with international banks,      after some Iraqi banks were deprived of them         due to poor compliance issues.
 
They will also attract foreign investment, as   investors seek a      transparent and      secure financial environment.
 
They will also enhance financial inclusion by   integrating broad segments of citizens into the banking system      through digital services.   They will also improve Iraq's credit rating,   which will positively impact its ability to obtain international financing on better terms." 
 
He pointed out that “enhancing confidence in the Iraqi banking system is achieved   through the confidence of international banks      that will deal with the modernized banking system,         which is compatible with international standards,       which opens the door for Iraq to deal with correspondent banks in Europe and America.
 
The Iraqi citizen’s confidence in the modernized banks is also increasing, and he begins to feel safe dealing with them, especially with the   development of electronic services and the   reduction of risks, in addition to the   confidence of international companies contracting with Iraq,      which are looking for a transparent financial environment that         guarantees the integrity of       transfers and       contracts.” 

He pointed out that   "the level of progress in the field of banking reform,   sponsored by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani      within the government's program and its implementation, and     in cooperation with the Central Bank of Iraq,      came in accordance with the       2025 Banking Reform Document." 

He added, "The Central Bank of Iraq is leading a comprehensive shift toward reform,   including      increasing capital in consultation with the banking system and      implementing comprehensive governance."  He explained that
 
"the development of modern digital systems   is no longer an option,   but a necessity, and   has already begun in some leading banks,   despite ongoing challenges, such as    historically weak trust and     varying levels of preparedness among banks." He emphasized that  "the reform path is clear and irreversible."  https://observeriraq.net/مستشار-اقتصادي-العراق-ماضٍ-في-الإصلاح/  

Conclusion Of A Specialized Training Course On The Work Of Exchange And Financial Mediation Companies
 
October 16, 2025   The Central Bank of Iraq's Center for Banking Studies concluded today a specialized training course titled    "The Operation of Exchange Companies and Financial Intermediation."
 
The course ran from October 12 to 16, 2025, with the participation of a number of employees in the   banking sector and   accredited exchange companies.
 
The course aimed to enhance participants' professional knowledge of the   working mechanisms of      exchange and      financial intermediary companies,   raise their level of proficiency in the    technical and   legal aspects     related to managing financial operations, and   develop their skills in      compliance and      adherence         to the regulatory standards       issued by the Central Bank of Iraq.
 
The course included detailed topics covering the   legislative and regulatory framework for exchange companies,   anti-money laundering and   counter-terrorism financing procedures, and   sound accounting and administrative practices   in managing   capital and      customer accounts. 

This course is part of the Center for Banking Studies' annual training program,   which aims to build human capacity in financial and banking institutions,   contributing to supporting the stability of the financial system and   developing the professional performance of banking sector employees.  https://cbi.iq/news/view/3014    
  

 Conclusion Of A Training Course On Financing Small Projects
 
October 16, 2025  The Banking Studies Center at the Central Bank of Iraq concluded today a specialized training course entitled"Financing Small Projects (Methods and Arithmetic Treatment)",   which was held from October 14 to 16, 2025,   with the participation of a number of employees from      banks and      financial institutions.
 
The course aimed to enhance participants' understanding of the   concepts and   importance      of small business financing and  its vital role in supporting the national economy, as it is one of the fundamental pillars of   achieving sustainable development and   providing job opportunities.
 
The training program covered several topics, including the   tools and methods used in designing microfinance programs, the   accounting requirements for small business financing operations, an   analysis of the    financial and      social impact of these projects on    banks and    clients, and the   development of skills    in preparing periodic reports    to monitor the performance of microfinance portfolios.
 
This course is part of the Center for Banking Studies' annual training program, which aims to   enhance the efficiency of employees in the Iraqi banking sector and   provide them with practical knowledge that will contribute to      expanding the scope of small and microfinance,    in line with the Central Bank of Iraq's efforts to  support financial inclusion and       stimulate the national economy.      https://cbi.iq/news/view/3015 

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

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Friday Morning 10-17-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Peace as Reset: How the Budapest Summit Could Reshape Global Finance

Trump and Putin’s planned meeting in Budapest revives hopes for peace — and may quietly signal a shift toward a long-awaited financial realignment.

The Breakthrough Nobody Expected

A sudden flurry of diplomatic activity has redefined the geopolitical map.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to meet in Budapest, aiming to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine — a conflict now entering its fourth year.

The announcement follows a surprise phone call between the two leaders, described by Kremlin officials as “frank and substantive.” The call reportedly came just as Washington was considering a new round of advanced weapons for Ukraine, including Tomahawk missiles, a move that could have deepened confrontation rather than cooled it.

Shortly after the conversation, Putin convened Russia’s Security Council to review next steps. Within hours, signals emerged from Moscow indicating a willingness to resume structured talks with Western interlocutors — including a potential return to EU soil, something unseen since the invasion began in 2022.

Hungary, a NATO member and European Union state that maintains working relations with both Washington and Moscow, has offered to host. Officials confirmed that Budapest will guarantee Putin’s entry despite legal hurdles, framing it as a step toward “peace through dialogue.”

The Political Context

The developments follow weeks of quiet back-channel communication between U.S. and Russian advisers. Trump, who has made ending the Ukraine conflict a central theme of his 2024 campaign, called the war “inglorious” and “unnecessary.” His framing suggests that a negotiated ceasefire, rather than a battlefield victory, may be the preferred outcome if he returns to office.

For Europe, Putin’s re-entry into diplomatic settings could signal an attempt to restore limited engagement with the EU — an essential step for any eventual settlement.
For Ukraine, however, the message is complex: peace may come with conditions that freeze existing front lines rather than restore full territorial sovereignty.

From Ceasefire to Reset: The Economics of Peace

A credible peace process would not only reshape Eastern Europe’s security landscape — it could also serve as the economic trigger for a broader global financial reset.

1. Confidence Restoration in Fragile Markets
War has fractured supply chains, diverted capital to defense, and inflated energy prices. A truce would immediately reduce geopolitical risk premiums, unlocking investment flows across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

2. Repricing Sovereign Debt
Countries neighboring the conflict, from Poland to Turkey, have endured elevated borrowing costs. Peace would lead credit agencies to revise risk outlooks downward, lowering yields and freeing fiscal space for reconstruction and development.

3. Rebalancing of Global Reserves
With de-escalation, central banks could reassess heavy defensive positions in U.S. dollars and U.K. gilts, shifting liquidity toward infrastructure and energy investment — a long-term reallocation away from “war capital” to “rebuild capital.”

4. Revival of Trade Corridors
Reconstruction in Ukraine would stimulate European manufacturing and logistics, while opening new corridors linking the Black Sea, the Balkans, and Central Asia — critical routes for commodities and renewables.

5. The Human and Market Psychology Effect
Peace reintroduces optimism. Investors begin to price for cooperation rather than destruction. Historically, postwar recoveries — from Europe in 1948 to the Balkans in the 1990s — have delivered exponential returns once stability is credible.

The Architecture of a Financial Reset

For a true global reset to emerge from this diplomatic opening, the following preconditions would have to align:

• Transparent Mediation: Neutral guarantors (possibly UN or BRICS intermediaries) to ensure compliance and build credibility.

• Debt Relief Mechanisms: Coordinated restructuring for Ukraine and related economies to prevent insolvency during reconstruction.

• Reconstruction Bonds: A multilateral fund could issue “Peace Bonds” backed by international guarantees — an instrument attracting both state and private investors.

• Monetary Stabilization: Central banks may coordinate liquidity facilities to cushion postwar volatility and avoid inflation shocks.

• Energy and Commodity Frameworks: Russia’s re-entry into regulated European markets under new conditions could stabilize energy pricing — reducing systemic inflation risk worldwide.

Risks and Skepticism

Critics warn that neither side may be negotiating in full good faith. Hardliners in both Kyiv and Moscow view compromise as surrender, while Washington’s establishment remains divided on the optics of Trump engaging Putin.

Economic expectations may also outpace political reality: reconstruction funding requires sustained security guarantees and governance reforms. A rushed or symbolic summit could raise hopes that later collapse — producing renewed instability rather than relief.

The Broader Implication

If diplomacy in Budapest leads to verifiable de-escalation, it could be more than just the end of one war. It would mark the first major post-unipolar negotiation between U.S. and Russian leadership since the Cold War — and the first real test of whether peace itself can serve as a foundation for financial redesign.

In this scenario, markets would not simply “recover.” They would restructure — shifting away from debt-driven defense cycles toward real asset investment and new monetary alignments.
The global economy could enter a phase where financial security depends less on sanctions and more on sustainable cooperation.

Outlook

The Budapest Summit — if realized — could become the diplomatic inflection point that transforms not only Eastern Europe’s map but the logic of global finance. Peace may yet prove to be the ultimate stimulus.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Newsweek — “Trump, Putin to Meet in Budapest Over Ukraine War Talks”

• Newsweek — “Trump’s Surprise Call with Putin Throws Ukraine Aid Into Question”

• Newsweek — “Putin Acts After Trump Call, Set to Return to EU”

• Reuters — “Hungary to Ensure Putin Can Enter Country for Summit”

~~~~~~~~~

Privacy vs. Prudence: The FSB’s Warning on Crypto Data Gaps — and the Quiet March Toward a Financial Reset

Global regulators eye new coordination as privacy laws and fragmented data threaten oversight of the crypto economy.

Key Developments

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) — the G20’s global risk watchdog housed at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) — has sounded a fresh alarm:
privacy laws and inconsistent regulations are blocking effective cross-border oversight of crypto markets.

In its latest 107-page peer review report, the FSB highlights how fragmented supervision and secrecy rules are undermining global cooperation — creating blind spots that could amplify systemic risk in the next financial downturn.

The Findings

• Persistent Gaps: Sixteen years after Bitcoin’s debut, most countries still lack consistent rules for crypto assets and stablecoins.

• Data Inconsistencies: Regulators rely on incomplete or commercial datasets that fail to capture full market risk.

• Privacy Barriers: Strict data protection laws prevent regulators from sharing critical transaction or counterparty data across borders.

• Cooperation Breakdown: Some firms and authorities refuse to exchange data, citing legal uncertainty or lack of reciprocity.

• Systemic Risk Potential: The FSB warns these weaknesses invite regulatory arbitrage, leaving the global financial system exposed.

The Privacy Dilemma

While data privacy remains a fundamental right, regulators argue it has become a double-edged sword:

• Privacy laws can shield legitimate data, but they also protect risky or opaque behavior.

• Without reciprocal information-sharing agreements, financial supervisors are effectively blind to cross-border contagion.

• The absence of shared data slows global risk detection — particularly for large stablecoin networks.

The FSB urges governments to craft selective disclosure frameworks — systems that allow targeted sharing of verified data while preserving confidentiality.

Why This Matters: The Path Toward a Financial Reset

Addressing these challenges could quietly restructure global finance over the next decade.
A few emerging trends hint at a gradual but deliberate financial reset:

• Unified Regulatory Standards: Common data-sharing and reporting rules could eliminate arbitrage and standardize compliance across markets.

• Digital Payment Corridors: Secure, regulated stablecoins may underpin cross-border payment systems that bypass legacy banking rails.

• Capital Realignment: Reliable global supervision could attract institutional investment into blockchain-based infrastructure and tokenized debt markets.

• Reserve Diversification: Nations could begin using multi-currency and multi-asset settlement models, reducing dollar dependency.

• Post-Crisis Coordination: These tools could facilitate reconstruction and global liquidity management after future market shocks.

If implemented, these measures would not be a sudden overhaul — but a stepwise realignment of the world’s financial architecture.

Challenges Ahead

• Legal Resistance: Privacy advocates and data regulators may view cross-border disclosure as intrusive.

• Technical Readiness: Secure, interoperable data-sharing frameworks remain in early stages.

• Political Fragmentation: Divergent national priorities could delay coordinated reform.

Despite the risks, the direction is clear: international regulators are preparing the foundation for a post-crisis monetary framework — one that merges digital finance with enhanced transparency.

Analysis:
The FSB’s review underscores how privacy and fragmentation are not only regulatory problems — they are structural weak points in the global system.
Solving them could lead to deeper data integration, tokenized liquidity networks, and new frameworks for global reconstruction finance.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources & further reading 

• Financial Stability Board — Thematic Peer Review on FSB Global Regulatory Framework for Crypto-asset Activities (107-page report). (FSB PDF). Financial Stability Board
  https://www.fsb.org/uploads/P161025-1.pdf

• Reuters — G20 risk watchdog warns of 'significant gaps' in global crypto rules. (reporting on FSB peer review). Reuters
  https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/g20-risk-watchdog-warns-significant-gaps-global-crypto-rules-2025-10-16/

• Financial Times — Gaps in crypto rules can be exploited, warns Financial Stability Board. Financial Times
  https://www.ft.com/content/86593f5c-b524-4050-951b-d19ddcfb6158

• Cointelegraph — Privacy laws hinder cross-border crypto regulation: Financial Stability Board. Cointelegraph
  https://cointelegraph.com/news/privacy-hinder-crypto-regulation-financial-stability-board

• Reuters / FATF coverage — Global financial crime watchdog calls for action on crypto risks (FATF). Reuters
  https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/global-financial-crime-watchdog-calls-action-crypto-risks-2025-06-26/

• Reuters — G20 cross-border payments push set to miss 2027 target (context on payments and cross-border workstreams). Reuters
  https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/g20s-cross-border-payments-push-set-miss-2027-target-2025-10-09/

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

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MilitiaMan and Crew: IQD News Update-Iraq's Focus-Gold--CBI-Committed Globally

MilitiaMan and Crew: IQD News Update-Iraq's Focus-Gold--CBI-Committed Globally

10-16-2025

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

Follow MM on X == https://x.com/Slashn

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpBmt5VbAZU

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Thursday Evening 10-16-25

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

Dollar Sinks as Fed Signals Rate Cuts Amid Renewed Trade Tensions

Markets brace for potential easing and escalating U.S.-China economic rivalry.

Fed Signals Possible Rate Cuts

The U.S. dollar has weakened as investors anticipate a potential Federal Reserve rate cut at the October 28–29 meeting.

 ● Fed Chair Jerome Powell indicated that the central bank remains open to easing policy in response to sluggish labor conditions and muted inflation.
  ● Markets are now pricing in a 25-basis-point cut this month, another in December, and possibly additional reductions in 2026.
  ● The dollar has remained soft against traditional safe-haven currencies, including the yen and Swiss franc, while the euro strengthened slightly.

Trade Tensions Add Pressure

Simultaneously, U.S.-China trade tensions have re-escalated, with both countries imposing port fees on shipping firms.

  ● President Trump has suggested further trade decoupling, including potential restrictions on oil imports from China.
  ● Analysts warn that the escalating dispute adds risk to global markets, already sensitive to geopolitical uncertainty.
  ● The combination of monetary policy shifts and trade friction is driving currency market volatility.

Market and Analyst Responses

  ● Federal Reserve: Powell emphasized that the Fed can continue assessing economic conditions despite missing data from the ongoing government shutdown.
  ● Currency Traders: Investors are positioning for further dollar weakness, particularly versus the yen and euro.
  ● Analysts: Joseph Capurso of Commonwealth Bank of Australia warned that tensions could escalate further, posing risks to risk-sensitive currencies like the Australian dollar.
  ● Global Currencies: The Australian dollar rose slightly after hitting a three-week low, while the New Zealand dollar extended losses to a six-month low.

Why This Matters

  • Anticipated rate cuts signal a potential shift toward U.S. monetary easing, affecting interest rates, yields, and investor strategies globally.
  • Dollar weakness could stimulate U.S. exports but may also pressure savings and fixed-income returns.
  • Escalating U.S.-China trade disputes, now extending to port fees, highlight systemic risks in global supply chains and reinforce the interconnectedness of economic policy and geopolitical dynamics.
  • Combined, these factors could increase volatility in currency markets and influence central bank decisions worldwide.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

🌱 Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy – “Dollar Sinks as Fed Signals Rate Cuts, Trade War Flares Anew”

• Yahoo Finance -- Dollar falls against yen and euro with trade dispute, rate outlook in focus

• WSJ -- Treasurys Steady Amid End-of-QT Talk

~~~~~~~~

When Washington Goes Dark, the World Loses Sight

U.S. shutdown halts key economic data, raising global policy risks.

Global Impact of U.S. Data Freeze

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has interrupted the release of critical economic indicators—from jobs reports to inflation metrics—creating a growing “data darkness” that complicates decision-making for central banks and policymakers worldwide.

  ● The U.S. represents nearly one-fourth of global output, making its data essential for shaping monetary, trade, and currency decisions in other economies.
  ● The shutdown coincides with IMF and World Bank meetings in Washington, highlighting the potential for global economic coordination challenges.
  ● Policymakers from Tokyo to London have warned that the lack of U.S. data may distort interest rate and currency policy decisions.

Concerns from Global Central Banks

Officials have expressed concern over the accuracy and reliability of financial decisions in the absence of U.S. economic data.

  ● Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda: “It’s a serious problem… the lack of U.S. indicators complicates decisions on Japan’s next rate move.”
  ● Bank of England economist Catherine Mann compared the potential erosion of trust in U.S. institutions to “termites” undermining the British pound’s global standing.
  ● Central banks are relying on private-sector and anecdotal data, which serve as imperfect substitutes for official reports.

Broader Financial and Policy Implications

  ● The shutdown raises the risk of policy errors as central banks may tighten or ease monetary measures based on incomplete information.
  ● The IMF’s World Economic Outlook warns that political pressure on statistical agencies could erode public confidence and complicate central bank operations.
  ● Economists, including Adam Posen of the Peterson Institute, note that governance challenges may affect dollar stability and reserve management.
  ● Private-sector surveys and alternative data sources provide temporary relief but cannot fully substitute for official U.S. reporting.

What’s Next

The shutdown could end if Congress reaches a deal, but credibility damage may persist.

  ● Even temporary data disruptions create information asymmetry, reducing coordination in the global economy.
  ● Extended shutdowns could increase volatility in currency markets, challenge central bank independence, and prompt reevaluation of U.S. economic governance.
  ● Analysts suggest that policymakers globally must adjust for uncertainty and monitor U.S. developments closely.

Why This Matters

  • The shutdown highlights how political gridlock in the U.S. directly affects global economic stability.
  • Delays in critical economic data can lead to misjudged monetary and fiscal policies abroad, affecting currencies, interest rates, and trade flows.
  • The episode underscores the interconnectedness of U.S. economic governance and global financial decision-making, demonstrating the need for resilient data infrastructure.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

🌱 Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy – “When Washington Goes Dark, the World Loses Sight”

• Reuters – U.S. Shutdown and Economic Data Coverage

• IMF World Economic Outlook, October 2025

~~~~~~~~~                                                                                                                                                 

Ripple CEO Calls for Equal Regulatory Treatment of Crypto and Traditional Banks

Garlinghouse emphasizes parity for crypto companies as Ripple seeks a national bank charter.

Advocating for Regulatory Parity

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse urged that crypto companies should be held to the same standards as traditional banks, highlighting perceived inconsistencies in U.S. financial regulation.

Speaking at DC Fintech Week, Garlinghouse said that crypto firms following laws on AML, KYC, and OFAC compliance should receive the same operational benefits, including access to Fed master accounts.

  ● He noted that regulatory approaches are unlikely to change significantly under the potential departure of SEC Chair Paul Atkins or continued leadership under the Trump administration.
  ● Garlinghouse emphasized that equal treatment fosters stability and encourages clear compliance pathways for digital assets.
  ● The comments were aimed at aligning crypto regulation with traditional financial institutions, reducing disparities in market access.

Ripple and the National Bank Charter

Ripple has applied for a national bank charter, joining other digital asset companies like Circle in seeking regulatory approval to operate under bank-like authority.

  ● Coinbase is pursuing a National Trust Company Charter for similar purposes.
  ● Some U.S. banking groups have lobbied the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to delay decisions, citing policy and procedural concerns.
  ● Despite objections, the OCC recently approved a charter for Erebor, a financial services company backed by billionaire Peter Thiel, signaling potential pathways for crypto banking integration.

Regulatory and Industry Implications

If Ripple and similar companies gain Fed-equivalent operational access, it could reshape the interaction between traditional finance and crypto.

  ● Access to Fed master accounts would allow crypto firms to settle payments more efficiently and expand financial services.
  ● Regulatory clarity may encourage institutional adoption of digital assets and stablecoins.
  ● The developments highlight the continuing evolution of U.S. financial infrastructure to incorporate digital assets under structured compliance.

Why This Matters

  • Garlinghouse’s advocacy reflects a broader trend toward integration of digital assets into mainstream finance, reducing the gap between traditional and crypto markets.
  • Approval of bank charters for crypto firms could strengthen systemic stability, providing regulated pathways for digital payments and custody.
  • The evolving framework suggests that financial infrastructure may gradually accommodate digital asset-backed systems, potentially altering the role of central banking and payment settlement in the U.S.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

🌱 Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• CoinTelegraph – “Brad Garlinghouse Calls for Parity Between TradFi and Crypto Companies”

• Office of the Comptroller of the Currency – National Bank Charter Approvals

~~~~~~~~~

U.S. Senator Advocates Turning Seized Bitcoin Into Strategic Reserve

Congressional action aims to integrate digital assets seized from crime into national economic strategy.

Record Bitcoin Seizure Signals Policy Shift

The U.S. government recently seized approximately 127,271 bitcoin—valued at over $14 billion—from the dismantled Prince Group, accused of operating forced-labor and cyber-fraud schemes in Cambodia.

Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) praised the operation, noting its significance for both human rights and financial integrity.

  ● The seizure represents one of the largest in history, positioning the U.S. as a leader in responsible blockchain governance.
  ● Prosecutors charged Prince Group chairman Chen Zhi with wire fraud and money laundering linked to a large-scale “pig-butchering” crypto scam.
  ● Lummis emphasized that converting criminally obtained assets into a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve could provide long-term national value.

Legislative Implications

Lummis highlighted two pressing priorities for Congress:

  ● Passing digital asset market structure legislation to empower law enforcement against financial crimes while protecting innovation.
  ● Codifying how seized crypto is stored, returned to victims, and safeguarded for strategic purposes.

These steps aim to integrate cryptocurrency into national policy frameworks, ensuring oversight, transparency, and the potential repurposing of seized digital assets.

  ● Analysts suggest that strategic reserves could influence both domestic and international financial stability.
  ● The case underscores how blockchain assets can be both misused and harnessed for policy objectives.

Why This Matters

  • The operation demonstrates the U.S. government’s growing capacity to convert digital crime proceeds into economic tools, potentially creating new forms of state-held reserves.
  • Establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve could influence future legislation and regulatory frameworks for digital assets.
  • The case highlights the tension between fast-moving digital asset innovation and the need for structured governance, illustrating how policy is adapting to emerging technologies.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

🌱 Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Bitcoin.com – “US Senator Pushes Bitcoin Policy Turning Seized Crypto Into Strategic Reserve”

• U.S. Department of Justice – Chairman of Prince Group Indicted

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Trump Confirms U.S. Is in a Trade War with China

President Trump acknowledges active trade conflict as tariffs escalate and rare earth export restrictions intensify.

Tariffs as National Security Tool

When asked whether the U.S. is preparing for a sustained trade war with China, President Trump stated:
“Well, we’re in one now.”

Trump’s comment followed his announcement of a 100% tariff threat on all Chinese imports, a response to China tightening its export controls on rare earth minerals critical for semiconductor production.

  ● Trump framed the tariffs as essential for U.S. national defense.
  ● He explained that without tariffs, the U.S. would be “exposed as being nothing.”
  ● The announcement last Friday triggered a temporary cryptocurrency market decline, with Bitcoin dropping from ~$121,560 to below $103,000 before partially recovering.

Treasury Response and Geopolitical Context

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized China’s export restrictions:

“If some in the Chinese government want to slow down the global economy through disappointing actions and through economic coercion, the Chinese economy will be hurt the most — and make no mistake: this is China versus the world.”

  ● Bessent emphasized that the U.S. and its allies will resist economic coercion from Beijing.
  ● The remarks signal continued escalation in U.S.-China trade tensions.
  ● Analysts note these actions could influence global supply chains for technology, energy, and critical minerals.

Impact on U.S. Bitcoin Mining Industry

The tariffs have practical implications beyond trade balances, affecting the U.S. cryptocurrency mining sector.

  ● China-origin ASIC Bitcoin mining machines now face a 57.6% tariff, while machines from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand incur 21.6% tariffs.
  ● Costs have increased significantly for U.S. miners purchasing equipment.
  ● Despite previous concerns, no major U.S. mining company has yet relocated operations overseas.
  ● Last year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized thousands of mining machines, citing illegal importation as radio frequency devices, compounding operational challenges.

Why This Matters

  • The trade war illustrates the intersection of national security and economic policy, demonstrating how tariffs can shape both domestic industry and international relations.
  • Restrictions on rare earth minerals highlight the geopolitical leverage of resource-dependent nations and the potential for global supply chain disruptions.
  • Market volatility in sectors such as cryptocurrency underscores the financial ripple effects of trade and policy decisions, even in specialized industries.
  • Ongoing U.S.-China tensions signal structural shifts in global trade frameworks, with potential implications for currency flows, digital assets, and industrial strategy.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

🌱 Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• CoinTelegraph – “Trump Declares US Trade War With China”

• Yahoo Finance -- Trump tariffs live updates: Trump confirms US-China trade war as Bessent leaves door open to tariff pause extension

~~~~~~~~~

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Another Huge Bankruptcy Just Rocked Wall Street

Another Huge Bankruptcy Just Rocked Wall Street

George Gammon:  10-16-2025

Wall Street is abuzz with the recent, and rather dramatic, bankruptcy of First Brands, an auto parts manufacturer.

While seemingly a contained corporate failure, the event has sparked a crucial conversation: could this be the first domino to fall, signaling the onset of a credit crisis reminiscent of the devastating 2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC)?

A recent deep dive into the situation, presented by George Gammon, breaks down the complexities into three essential steps, offering a stark look at the underlying mechanics and potential ramifications.

At the heart of the First Brands collapse lies the intricate and often opaque world of shadow banking, also known as private credit. This sector operates beyond the watchful eye of traditional regulatory frameworks, making it a breeding ground for both innovation and, as we’re seeing, significant risk.

The video highlights institutions like Jeffre as key players in this space, having lent heavily to First Brands. The fallout from First Brands’ bankruptcy has exposed just how fragile and ill-understood this private credit market truly is.

We’re talking about a staggering loss for First Brands, reportedly around $2 billion. The whispers of fraud and, more concerningly, rehypothecation of collateral, are particularly alarming.

This practice – using the same assets as security for multiple loans – dramatically amplifies systemic risk. When things go south, the interconnectedness of these deals can trigger a cascade of losses across the financial system.

The presenter aptly uses the analogy of “swimming naked” to describe the vulnerability of both borrowers and lenders in the private credit market. When economic conditions begin to deteriorate, these entities, often operating with thinly veiled collateral, are suddenly exposed to harsh realities.

The second step of the analysis delves into the gut-wrenching forensic details of the First Brands bankruptcy. The findings are, frankly, shocking.

 There are strong suggestions that First Brands may have never actually received $1.9 billion it supposedly borrowed. Adding to the disbelief, the company appears to have had zero funds in segregated accounts to pay its creditors.

Reports indicate that multiple lenders seemingly believed they had exclusive claims to the same collateral. This created a chaotic “borrowing merry-go-round,” a complex web of claims and counter-claims that went unnoticed until the bubble inevitably burst.

 This situation draws uncomfortable parallels to the 2008 subprime crisis, where complex financial instruments and layered risks obscured the true extent of credit exposure.

The ultimate question remains: does the First Brands bankruptcy herald the dawn of a new credit crisis? The “swimming naked” analogy is revisited here, but with a broader scope.

As economic deterioration accelerates, more and more risky players are exposed, leading to liquidity freezes and a tightening of credit conditions. The interconnected nature of the financial system means that the failure of one entity, especially one involved in complex shadow banking deals, can have far-reaching consequences.

If the current economic climate worsens, the presenter argues, we could indeed witness a cascade of bankruptcies and a severe credit crunch akin to the GFC.

However, if economic conditions remain stable or even improve, the crisis might be contained. The presenter’s “base case” suggests that government intervention is likely to delay the most severe outcomes, though this could inadvertently encourage further malinvestment and risk-taking down the line.

This unfolding situation underscores the importance of understanding the complexities of our financial system.

The First Brands bankruptcy serves as a stark reminder of the risks lurking in the less regulated corners of finance.

For those seeking to understand how to navigate potential financial bubbles and crises, George Gammon is hosting a free webinar on October 29th. He will be sharing contrarian investment strategies and offering a special promotion for an investment conference scheduled for 2026.

Watch the full video from George Gammon for a deeper understanding of these critical issues and to prepare yourself for what may lie ahead.

https://youtu.be/dGNl6a2xW34