Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Wednesday Morning 10-29-25

Expert: Iraqi Banks Need Comprehensive Reform To Free Themselves From The Restrictions Of Dollar Transactions.
 
Economy   October 27, Information / Baghdad Financial and banking expert Mustafa Hantoush confirmed on Monday that the   banking sector in Iraq is on the verge of a new phase,  as it approaches liberation from the restrictions of dealing in dollars, but at the same time it needs radical reforms to   modernize its operational structure and   enhance its efficiency. 

Hantoush told Al-Maalouma News Agency that “about 90% of the Iraqi banking system is still subject to theeffects of dollar restrictions as a result of the   suspicions and   problems      it has experienced in recent years,” noting that “it is expected that in less than three months  some banks will begin to gradually free themselves from those restrictions.”

He added that "the banking process in Iraq is still limited in activity,as it requires the introduction of an integrated system that includes   deposits,   loan financing, and   expanding investment areas, in addition to   updating the standards in place in cooperation with the Central Bank of Iraq."
 
He explained that  "achieving full financial inclusion represents   a fundamental step in developing the sector, through   diversifying banking services and   not being limited to current accounts only," while stressing "the importance of strengthening relations with international banks and   opening new correspondence channels   that enable Iraqi banks to   effectively integrate into the international financial system," adding that "updating technical systems and simplifying procedures to serve citizens   is a crucial stage in the reform process,   provided that   complications and  administrative routine  that  hinder development and   limit the efficiency of banking performance   are avoided." End / 25M      
https://almaalomah.me/news/113919/economy/خبير-:-المصارف-العراقية-بحاجة-الى-اصلاح-شامل-للتحرر-من-قيود      

Iran Proposes Creating A Unified Regional Currency To Boost Trade Among Countries In The Region.
 
October 28, 2025Tehran/Iraq Observer   Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian proposed on Tuesday the  creation of a unified regional currency for the countries of the region,  with the aim of boosting trade and strengthening economic cooperation,  in light of the continued international sanctions imposed on Tehran.
 
During his meeting with the Tajik Interior Minister in Tehran, Pezeshkian said that  “adopting a common currency in the region could contribute to achieving economic development and expanding areas of cooperation between member states.”
 
The Iranian president pointed out that  “the religious and cultural ties that unite the countries of the region form a suitable basis for strengthening relations and overcoming obstacles to economic cooperation,”  during his speech at the Economic Cooperation Organization summit.
 
The organization was founded in 1985 at the initiative of Iran, Pakistan and Turkey, and currently has ten members, including five Central Asian countries (Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan), in addition to Azerbaijan and Afghanistan, and the combined population of its countries is more than 550 million people.
 
This call comes at a time when the Iranian economy is facing significant pressure due to US sanctions related to its nuclear program, which have led to a decline in the value of the rial and a rise in inflation rates.      
https://observeriraq.net/إيران-تقترح-إنشاء-عملة-إقليمية-موحدة-ل/  

A Controversial Agreement Between The Central Bank Of Iraq And A Kuwaiti Bank Opens The Door To Financial Debate.

2025 Last updated: October 29,   Al-Mustaqilla - In a surprising move that sparked controversy in financial and economic circles, the Central Bank of Iraq announced on Wednesday the signing of a joint cooperation agreement with the  National Bank of Kuwait - Bahrain Branch,
 
during a ceremony held at the Central Bank headquarters in Baghdad, in the presence of Governor Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq and a number of senior officials.
 
According to the official statement, the agreement aims to enhance cooperation in the areas of   financial transfers,   electronic payment,   training, and the   exchange of modern banking expertise, which observers described as “a step towards a new openness of the Central Bank towards Gulf institutions.”
 
However, the signing of the agreement did not go unnoticed.
 
Economists and observers questioned thereasons for choosing a Kuwaiti-Bahraini bank specifically,given the existence of major Iraqi banks capable of managing   electronic transfers and   payments   locally.
 
Some believe the move may reflect a lack of confidence in Iraqi financial institutions or an attempt to seek external cover to circumvent US sanctions imposed on some private banks.
 
While Governor Al-Alaq emphasized the “deep fraternal ties between the peoples of Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain,” others considered that the economic file should be managed with professional, not political, standards, especially given the sensitivity of the financial relationship between Iraq and some Gulf states.
 
For his part, the CEO of the National Bank of Kuwait – Bahrain, Ali Fardan, stressed that the agreement will contribute to raising the level of cooperation in transfers and training on modern banking practices, expressing his hope to develop the relationship between the two sides more broadly.
 
While some analysts welcomed the move as a “signal of much-needed economic openness,” others believe it could open the door to new foreign banking influence within the Iraqi market, especially given the challenges facing the local banking sector with   dollar transfers and   compliance with US restrictions.
 
The agreement, which came amid sensitive financial circumstances and declining confidence in internal banking procedures,   opened the door to legitimate questions:
 
Does this partnership represent an opportunity to develop the Iraqi financial sector, or a new gateway for foreign intervention in the banking system?      https://mustaqila.com/اتفاقية-مثيرة-بين-المركزي-العراقي-وبن/    

The Central Bank Of Iraq Signs An Agreement With The National Bank Of Kuwait - Bahrain.
 
October 28, 2025     Under the patronage and attendance of the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, the   Central Bank of Iraq signed a joint cooperation agreement with the National Bank of Kuwait - Bahrain.
 
The signing ceremony took place at the Central Bank of Iraq's headquarters in Baghdad.

The Bank of Kuwait was represented by its CEO - Bahrain, Mr. Ali Fardan, along with his Deputy, Head of Treasury, Mr. Mohammed Momen, and members of the delegation.
 
The agreement was signed on the Iraqi side by Dr. Mohammed Younis Abu Raghif, Director General of Investments at the Central Bank of Iraq.
 
His Excellency the Governor expressed his warm welcome to the visiting delegation, recalling the deep-rooted ties between the people of Iraq and the peoples of Kuwait and Bahrain, wishing them continued success.
 
For his part, Mr. Fardan emphasized the  importance of enhancing cooperation in the areas of   financial transfers and   electronic payments, in addition to training on the   best modern banking practices between the two parties, and   statistical data.
 
He invited His Excellency the Governor to visit the  headquarters of the National Bank of Bahrain.    Central Bank of Iraq    Media Office    https://cbi.iq/news/view/3032   

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

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Wednesday Morning 10-29-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Finance — Quiet Liquidity, Loud Fragility

How ample liquidity and low confidence are reshaping incentives for states and markets

Overview
Global finance today is characterized by abundant liquidity but weakening confidence: markets price risk differently, and non-traditional vectors of instability (geopolitical shocks, AI trading, policy mis-steps) loom large. This dynamic is pushing states to hedge with new partners, instruments and settlement arrangements. 

Key developments

• Central banks keeping policy rates higher for longer while discussing targeted easing — liquidity is available but costly for some borrowers. 

• Investor flows rotate between risk assets (on diplomatic optimism) and safe havens (when policy or geopolitical risks spike). 

What this means for global alliances

• Short-term: Countries with strong reserve positions and trusted capital markets — the U.S., EU members, parts of Asia — attract investment during shocks.

• Medium-term: Emerging economies seek bilateral swap lines, alternative credit facilities and non-USD settlement mechanisms to reduce exposure to policy shifts in reserve-currency countries.

• Result: We should expect a proliferation of regional finance pacts and central-bank linkages that mirror geopolitical blocs.

How this accelerates financial restructuring

• The search for resilience encourages diversification away from unilateral liquidity dependence: swap lines, local-currency bonds, and regional clearing hubs gain traction. 

• Private capital reallocates to ecosystems with state support (sovereign-backed infra financing, state-anchored digital money pilots), compressing funding costs for politically aligned partners.

Practical signals to watch

• New or expanded bilateral swap agreements and central bank repo arrangements.

• Shifts in the composition of international bond issuance (local currency vs. USD).

• Private sector deals that are explicitly state-supported.

Bottom line: The finance layer is quietly fragmenting along strategic lines: liquidity remains global in appearance but resilience is being built regionally.

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

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources:

• Reuters -- Morning Bid: Gold sold, stocks stall

• Reuters -- Stocks climb to record, dollar edges down on US-China trade optimism

~~~~~~~~~

Diplomacy & Peace — Out with the Old, In with the New

How recent diplomatic shifts (ceasefires, mediation, trade talks) are rewriting strategic alignments

Overview
Recent high-profile diplomatic moves — notably the Gaza ceasefire/middle-east diplomatic momentum and renewed high-level U.S.–China engagement — are reducing some near-term risk premia and prompting states to recalibrate alliances and trade relationships. Diplomacy is becoming the primary driver of market sentiment and alliance formation. 

Key developments

• A multilateral ceasefire and follow-on talks in the Middle East have eased energy/defence risk premia in markets. 

• High-level diplomatic outreach between major powers (U.S.–China engagement) is prompting business confidence and signalling possible tariff/tech restraint pathways. 

What this means for global alliances

• Convergence zones: Countries that broker or support peace can gain strategic influence — they become hubs for trade corridors, reconstruction capital, and security partnerships.

• Realignment pressure: States previously hedging between major powers may now lean into economic corridors that promise faster gains (trade, investment, infrastructure).

• Diplomatic currency: States increasingly use trade concessions, investment packages, debt relief and digital infrastructure deals as diplomatic tools — economic carrots replacing some traditional security pledges.

How this accelerates financial restructuring

• Peace and active diplomacy reduce certain risk premia, making long-dated infrastructure finance and cross-border investment more feasible — this encourages new clearing arrangements and cross-border payment initiatives. 

• The political capital earned by mediators translates into preferential access to reconstruction contracts and financial arrangements — creating new nodes in the global financial architecture.

Practical signals to watch

• Agreements to settle some trade or strategic transactions in local currencies rather than USD.

• New regional reconstruction funds and public-private vehicles tied to diplomatic wins.

• Which states host follow-on diplomatic conferences — hosting equals influence.

Bottom line: Successful diplomacy doesn’t just reduce violence — it unlocks structural economic rewiring that benefits the architects of peace.

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

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources:

• Reuters — Mediators step up diplomacy after Gaza truce shaken

• Brookings — What Could the Israel–Gaza Deal Mean for the Middle East?

• Council on Foreign Relations — A Guide to Trump’s Twenty-Point Gaza Peace Deal

• European Business Magazine — Markets Breathe as Gaza Peace Deal Recasts the Geopolitical Map

~~~~~~~~~

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Tuesday Evening 10-28-25

Good Evening Dinar Recaps

ASEAN and Australia Push Back on China: A Maritime Pivot in Global Trade

The South China Sea becomes the frontline for the next phase of economic realignment.

At the latest ASEAN–Australia summit, leaders united to condemn China’s aggressive maneuvers in the South China Sea, including incidents targeting Filipino and Australian vessels. The joint declaration emphasized international maritime law, open trade routes, and multilateral diplomacy.

Strategic Maritime Corridors: The South China Sea handles over $3 trillion in annual trade. Any collective defense of these routes transforms ASEAN from a passive bloc into a regional security consortium.

• Economic Decoupling Pressure: Australia and the Philippines’ cooperation signals deeper coordination between Western economies and Southeast Asian partners. Expect a surge in joint infrastructure financing (ports, fiber optics, defense tech) funded through Quad and G7 channels.

• Alternative Supply Networks: As trade re-routes away from China-dominated waters, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia stand to gain. Logistics hubs in Singapore and Darwin may evolve into the backbone of a “Pacific Free Trade Belt.”

Implications for Global Trade:
The diplomacy here is as much about economics as security. This could result in two maritime trading networks — one under Western alignment (ASEAN-Australia-Japan-US), and another centered on BRICS-Eurasian corridors. Such bifurcation mirrors the broader fragmentation of finance, logistics, and market access globally.

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

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources: 

• Reuters: “China, Australia keen on stable ties despite tensions, rivalry” — Reuters

• Al Jazeera: “China accuses Australia of covering up South China Sea airspace incursion” — Al Jazeera

~~~~~~~~~

BRICS’ Digital Currency Bridge: Prelude to a Global Currency Reset?

As BRICS pilots ultra-fast settlements, could this signal a move toward an asset-backed global digital currency and a reshaping of the dollar era?

The recent pilot of the mBridge digital currency bridge—settling transactions in just 7 seconds and with dramatically lower fees—points to a deeper shift in global finance. According to one recent report, payments between Abu Dhabi and China via mBridge were settled in seven seconds, with transaction fees claimed to be ~98% lower than those using the traditional SWIFT system. 

The Mechanics: mBridge & Payment Infrastructure

• mBridge was developed by the Bank for International Settlements Innovation Hub together with central banks of China, Thailand, the UAE, Hong Kong and later Saudi Arabia. It is designed to allow real-time cross-border payments with central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). 

• The BIS announced it would hand over management of mBridge to participating central banks in late 2024. 

• Analysts observe that while mBridge is not explicitly a BRICS-only project, several participating states overlap with the expanded BRICS group and the infrastructure aligns with its de-dollarisation ambitions. 

• One recent analysis suggests that beyond faster payments, a “less likely but more transformative” scenario is the launch of a dedicated BRICS digital currency backed by a basket of member currencies or commodities like gold. 

How This Could Lead to a Global Asset-Backed Digital Currency

1. Eliminating Intermediaries – The pilot between Abu Dhabi and China demonstrated that payments could bypass traditional correspondent banking routes (e.g., New York and London). If scaled to more BRICS and partner nations, that reduces dependency on dollar-clearing channels. (See mBridge settlement speed & cost) 

2. Hub for Local/Regional Currencies – As the platform supports CBDCs, member states might settle trade in local or regional digital currencies rather than in US dollars. That opens the door to a synthetic or unified digital currency of the bloc. 

3. Asset/Commodity Backing – Analysts suggest a BRICS currency could be backed by gold or other hard assets, which gives it credibility as a reserve alternative.

4. Infrastructure Precedes Currency Launch – The infrastructure (mBridge, BRICS Pay, regional digital settlement systems) can precede and prepare the ground for a formal digital currency to be issued by a supranational or region-wide entity. 

What a Global Currency Reset Might Look Like

• Reduced Dollar Dominance: The US dollar has long been the primary global reserve and trade-invoicing currency. BRICS efforts aim to reduce this dependency. 

• Currency Bloc or Basket: A new digital currency might be built on a basket of BRICS currencies (renminbi, rupee, real, rand, ruble etc) or backed by commodities/gold, providing an alternative reserve asset. 

• New Payment Architecture: With low‐cost, fast settlement networks like mBridge, trade settlement timelines shrink and reliance on Western-dominated financial rails diminishes.

• Implications for Power and Sanctions: Countries under Western sanctions see appeal in alternative payment systems that circumvent dollar-based sanctions architecture. 

Risks, Challenges & Timing

• Technical vs Political: While infrastructure is advancing, full rollout and trust in a new global currency require enormous political coordination and regulatory alignment. Some experts caution that BRICS’s ability to launch a truly viable alternative remains limited in the near term. 

• Dollar Resilience: Despite the push, the dollar’s dominance remains resilient—for now. The shift may take years. 

• Diverse Member Interests: The BRICS nations have differing economic systems, policies and levels of integration; aligning them around a single digital currency or settlement system presents major coordination issues. 

• Geopolitical Response: The US and its allies may respond by strengthening the current financial architecture, applying regulatory or sanction pressures, or accelerating their own digital currency initiatives.

• Backing & Trust: For a new currency to gain reserve status it must be trusted. This implies backing by credible assets, transparency, liquidity and stability—all difficult in emerging-market contexts.

Implications for Investors & Policymakers

• Investors should monitor developments in digital sovereignty, CBDCs and cross-border settlement systems as structural shifts in global finance may alter currency, trade and reserve asset dynamics.

• Central banks and policymakers in non-BRICS countries should evaluate vulnerability to exclusion from new rails, or opportunities to link with alternative systems.

• Markets may gradually price in potential de-dollarisation risks, especially for currencies, commodities, and trade-financing arenas.

• Commodity-rich and export-driven emerging markets may see accelerated efforts to invoice trade in alternatives to the US dollar, particularly if digital settlement systems reduce friction and cost.

Closing Thoughts

The pulse of global finance is showing subtle but significant signs of change. With BRICS nations pushing faster, cheaper settlement architectures via platforms like mBridge, the foundations for a digital currency and potentially a global currency reset are quietly being laid. While the full impact may take years to manifest, this is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources:

• Watcher.guru — BRICS Tests Digital Currency Bridge, Settles Payments in 7 Seconds Watcher Guru

• BIS Innovation Hub — Project mBridge reached minimum viable product Bank for International Settlements

• ING Think — De-dollarisation: More BRICS in the wall ING Think

• InvestingNews — How Would a New BRICS Currency Affect the US Dollar? Investing News Network (INN)

• OMFIF — Central banks’ role in ring-fencing mBridge OMFIF

• GIS Reports Online — BRICS making progress on payment system GIS Reports

~~~~~~~~~

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Tuesday Evening 10-28-25

In Numbers: Central Bank Dollar Sales Jump 17% In 2025

Time: 10/28/2025 Reading: 75 times   {Economic: Al Furat News} Economic expert, Manar Al-Obaidi, reported on Tuesday that the Central Bank of Iraq's hard currency sales amounted to approximately $48 billion by July 2025.
Al-Abidi explained in a statement received by {Euphrates News} that “these sales represent a 17% increase compared to the same period last year.”

The economic expert expects that "the Central Bank's foreign currency sales will reach more than $83 billion, with a daily sales rate exceeding $350 million, the highest rate in all the Central Bank's years of sales."  LINK

Iraq And The United States Discuss Joint Cooperation In The Fields Of Oil, Gas, And Energy.

Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 09:08 AM | Economics Number of reads: 579   Baghdad / NINA / Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil Hayan Abdul-Ghani discussed with the US Under Secretary of Energy "James P. Danly" prospects for joint cooperation between the two countries in the fields of oil, gas and energy.

A statement by the Ministry of Oil stated that Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil Hayan Abdul-Ghani received the US Under Secretary of Energy James Patrick Danly and the Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy Joshua Harris, and during the meeting they discussed prospects for joint cooperation between the two countries in the fields of oil, gas and energy.

The meeting was attended, according to the statement, by the Undersecretary of the Ministry for Gas Affairs, Ezzat Saber Ismail, and the Director General of the Technical Department, Hassanein Abdul Latif. / End
https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1259150

In Numbers: Revealing The Progress Achieved In The Energy And Oil Sectors

Energy  Head of the Government Communication Team, Ammar Munim, revealed on Tuesday the government's achievements in the energy and oil sectors.

In a statement, Munim said: "The government has achieved major accomplishments in the energy file since the end of 2022, as the total electricity production increased from (15,000-19,000) megawatts to (29,000) megawatts in September 2025."

Speaking about the oil file, he added, "Iraq aimed to transform into refining and refining (40%) of its oil exports by 2030, and has actually achieved (35%) of this path, and self-sufficiency in fuel types has been achieved."

He pointed out that "the percentage of gas utilization in the cessation of flaring path reached (74%) in September 2025, while the volume of incoming investments to the Iraqi economy reached (102 billion) dollars, and (277) investment licenses were granted in the governorates to Iraqi companies, exceeding (20 trillion) dinars." https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=61711

Despite The Global Decline, Basra Heavy And Medium Crude Prices Rose.

Economy | 09:12 - 10/28/2025  Mawazine News – Economy Basra Heavy crude prices rose 98 cents, or 1.51%, to $65.68, while Basra Medium crude prices rose $1.68, or 2.55%, to $67.53. https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=269249

A Slight Rise In The Dollar Exchange Rate In Iraq.

Stock Exchange  The dollar exchange rate against the Iraqi dinar rose in Baghdad and Erbil markets on Tuesday, coinciding with the stock exchange closing.

Baghdad:  Selling price: 142,000 dinars for $100   Buying price: 140,000 dinars for $100.
Erbil:         Selling price: 140,800 dinars per $100   Buying price: 140,650 dinars per $100.
https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=61699

A Slight Decrease In Gold Prices In Baghdad's Local Markets.

Economy | 01:30 - 10/28/2025  Mawazine News – Baghdad  : Foreign and Iraqi gold prices have decreased in the capital, Baghdad.  Gold prices in the wholesale markets on Al-Nahr Street in the capital, Baghdad, this morning recorded a selling price of one mithqal of 21 karat Gulf, Turkish and European gold at 776,000 dinars.

The selling price of one mithqal of 21 karat Iraqi gold was recorded at 746,000 dinars, and the purchase price reached 742,000.  As for gold prices in jewelry stores, the selling price of one mithqal of 21 karat Gulf gold ranges between 780,000 and 790,000 dinars, while the selling price of one mithqal of Iraqi gold is between 750,000 and 760,000 dinars.
https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=269274

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

It’s Not the Fed Who actually Controls Interest Rates

It’s Not the Fed Who actually Controls Interest Rates

Heresy Financial:  10-27-2025

We hear a lot about “the Fed” and “interest rates” in the news. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking the Federal Reserve has a direct dial for everything from your mortgage to your credit card.

But as a recent video from Heresy Financial meticulously breaks down, the reality is far more nuanced. The Fed’s control over interest rates isn’t a blunt instrument; it’s a sophisticated dance involving specific tools and market reactions.

The elephant in the room for the U.S. economy is its staggering national debt – approximately $38 trillion – and a persistent deficit. This requires continuous borrowing, leading to ever-increasing interest costs. This financial reality could force the Fed into some unconventional moves.

Ultimately, understanding monetary policy’s impact is a complex puzzle. While the Fed can effectively manage short-term rates and influence government borrowing costs, this doesn’t automatically translate into lower interest rates for consumers.

This can cause consumer loan rates to rise, even if Treasury yields are falling. The video even touches on the possibility of future government interventions to cap consumer loan rates, reflecting a broader trend towards increased economic management.

The Federal Reserve’s role in setting interest rates is far from a simple on/off switch. It’s a sophisticated interplay of direct control over key short-term rates and indirect influence on broader market dynamics through its balance sheet and other tools.

As the economic landscape continues to evolve, understanding these mechanisms is crucial for navigating the financial world.

For a deeper dive into these fascinating concepts, be sure to watch the full video from Heresy Financial.

https://youtu.be/NJ1yvpHFq20

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Tuesday Afternoon 10-28-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

North Korea and Russia Forge Strategic Alliance: A New Axis in East Asia

Military diplomacy between Moscow and Pyongyang signals deeper realignments in global trade and security.

North Korea’s top diplomat’s visit to Moscow marks one of the most overt declarations of partnership between Pyongyang and the Kremlin since the Cold War. The talks, centered on defense, logistics, and labor cooperation, confirm a pivot toward mutual reinforcement against Western sanctions.

• Military–Industrial Linkages: Analysts note that North Korea could provide munitions and low-cost labor to sustain Russia’s prolonged conflict in Ukraine. In exchange, Pyongyang may receive technology, fuel, and hard currency — effectively creating a closed economic loop outside Western control.

• Financial Sanctions Loopholes: This alignment tests the durability of the global sanctions regime. If barter systems or digital trade intermediaries are used, it could bypass SWIFT mechanisms and accelerate the search for alternative financial corridors within the Eurasian bloc.

• Strategic Ripple Effects: Japan and South Korea may strengthen defense pacts with the U.S. and NATO. China, while cautious, benefits from seeing Western bandwidth divided between Europe and East Asia.

Implications for Global Finance:
A Russia–North Korea trade corridor could become a small but symbolically powerful node in a larger de-dollarization framework. By linking resource exchange, crypto payments, and parallel shipping networks, it foreshadows a fragmented global trade map — divided between Western-led systems and Eurasian “sovereign finance zones.”

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

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources:

• Associated Press: “North Korea’s top diplomat meets with Putin on a visit to Russia” — Associated Press

• Reuters: “Putin and North Korea’s foreign minister discuss strengthening ties, KCNA says” — Reuters

  
  ~~~~~~~~~

South Korea’s High-Stakes Diplomacy at APEC: The Balancing Act Between Giants

As APEC 2025 approaches, Seoul’s role may determine the next phase of global economic integration.

South Korea faces a delicate diplomatic equation at the upcoming APEC summit in Gyeongju. Hosting both U.S. President Trump and China’s Xi Jinping, President Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration stands at the crossroads of competing visions for Asia’s economic future.

• Mediator or Battleground: Seoul’s challenge is to present itself as a mediator rather than a subordinate ally. Success could enhance its leverage over semiconductor trade, digital currencies, and shipping corridors — making it a neutral hub between Western markets and the Asian mainland.

• Supply Chain Strategy: By coordinating semiconductor alliances (notably “Chip 4” with the U.S., Taiwan, and Japan) while maintaining export ties with China, Korea may set a precedent for multi-polar trade diplomacy.

• Digital Currency Diplomacy: Korea’s participation in cross-border CBDC pilots — including BIS and BRICS-linked projects — positions it as a test site for new payment interoperability that could redefine trade settlements in Asia.

Implications for Global Markets:
APEC 2025 could quietly shape the rules of digital trade, AI governance, and blockchain interoperability, effectively rewriting how capital and goods move across Asia. Should Korea succeed, it becomes a model for middle powers balancing great-power rivalries with market-driven neutrality.

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

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources: 

• Associated Press: “South Korea’s president faces high-stakes diplomacy at APEC summit” — Associated Press

• Korea on Point: “APEC 2025: A Stage for Middle-Power Diplomacy Amid US-China Rivalry” — Korea on Point

~~~~~~~~~
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Harry Dent: Prepare for the Biggest Crash of ALL TIME

Harry Dent: Prepare for the Biggest Crash of ALL TIME

VRIC Media:  10-27-2025

Economist and bestselling author Harry Dent joins Darrell Thomas to break down why he believes we’re living through the first 100% artificial asset bubble in history and why the next crash could be far deeper than investors expect.

Dent explains his demographic models, the dangers of prolonged stimulus, why even gold won’t escape the downturn, and how everyday investors can protect their wealth and be positioned to capitalize when markets reset around 2028.

00:00 – Intro

01:14 – Demographics & The Artificial Post-2008 Expansion

 06:05 – Why Recessions Are Healthy (and Skipping Them Isn’t)

 08:44 – Why Diversification Won’t Save You This Time

10:39 – When Does the Crash Arrive?

11:27 – Detoxing the Economy: How Long Will It Take?

14:31 – India Will Lead the Next Global Boom

18:04 – Strategy: Cash, Treasuries & Why Shorts Work First

19:20 – Main Street vs Wall Street: Who Gets Hurt Most?

22:51 – Can the Fed Print Its Way Out Again?

 28:18 – Inflation: Was That It? What Comes Next?

 32:00 – Gold vs Stocks: What Holds Up Better?

 37:28 – Will Mining Benefit from Resource Nationalism?

39:28 – Oil Outlook Through a Recessionary Lens

41:12 – The Great Reset = A Massive Opportunity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SJ16xixOuY

“Tidbits From TNT” Tuesday 10-28-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  A US delegation hosted by the Minister of Oil to discuss energy cooperation.

Today, Monday, Oil Minister Hayan Abdul-Ghani discussed with US Under Secretary of Energy James Danley and Chargé d'Affaires Joshua Harris joint cooperation between the two countries in the oil, gas, and energy sectors.

Today, Monday, Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil, Eng. Hayan Abdul-Ghani Al-Sawad, received the US Under Secretary of Energy, Mr. James P. Danly, and the Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy, ​​Mr. Josh Harris.

During the meeting, prospects for joint cooperation between the two countries in the fields of oil, gas, and energy were discussed.

The meeting was attended by the Undersecretary of the Ministry for Gas Affairs, Mr. Ezzat Saber Ismail, and the Director General of the Technical Department, Mr. Hassanein Abdel Latif.  link

Tishwash:  Al-Karawi: WTO membership will grant Iraq broad economic and trade privileges.

The Director General of the General Company for Grain Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Haider Nouri Al-Karawi, confirmed on Sunday that Iraq has completed the vast majority of its World Trade Organization accession files and is close to completing the remaining files after nearly twenty years of efforts.

 He pointed out that membership will grant the country extensive economic and trade privileges, contribute to reducing customs duties, and attract international companies to invest in the Iraqi market.

 Al-Karawi told Al-Iraqiya News, as reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that “the process of joining the World Trade Organization requires a long period of time, and Iraq began working on this file in 2003 under the direct supervision of the Department of Foreign Economic Relations and the Minister of Trade.”

He added, "Iraq has completed the vast majority of the required files and is currently completing the final stages in preparation for formal membership in the organization," noting that "some countries have taken more than twenty years to complete this process, so the period of time required by Iraq is no exception."

Al-Karawi explained that "Iraq's accession to the organization will grant it significant economic and trade privileges, most notably the protection of the rights of domestic and imported products, and the provision of joint mechanisms to facilitate trade, tax, and customs exchange with member states, which will positively impact the reduction of customs duties and the facilitation of import and export operations."

He pointed out that "membership will help attract international companies by ensuring the protection of their products from counterfeiting and encouraging them to invest in the Iraqi market. It will also have a positive impact on lowering prices for consumers by strengthening legitimate competition and regulating markets."

Al-Karawi explained that "Iraq is committed to implementing more than fifteen technical and legislative files as part of the accession requirements, including the file on product protection and global trademarks, which ensures that no party will imitate or market products similar to those of international companies."

He added, "Completing these commitments gives foreign companies confidence in entering the Iraqi market  link

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

Tishwash:  The oil and gas law returns to the forefront, and Parliament faces a test of political will.

As the fifth legislative session draws to a close and the country enters the electoral phase, the federal oil and gas law returns to the forefront of the political scene in Iraq as one of the most sensitive pieces of legislation postponed since 2007, amid warnings that its continued obstruction will deepen the economic crisis and keep the country hostage to political disputes.

 The oil and gas law is one of the most contentious issues between the federal government, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and the oil-producing provinces, as it stands at a crucial crossroads that determines the future of oil wealth management, which constitutes more than 90 percent of state revenues.

Amid repeated calls from the presidency and parliament to pass it before the end of the current session, fears are growing that its continued obstruction will disrupt the investment environment and weaken the unity of oil decision-making.

Energy expert Mohammed Hawrami believes that the continued absence of the law represents an economic and legislative failure that has had direct repercussions on oil wealth management and the general budget, as well as declining attractiveness for foreign investment in the energy sector.

Hawrami explained that postponing the approval of the law during this session means postponing the decision to a new session, along with the accompanying new tensions over powers and revenue sharing, making any further disruption costly to the national economy.

He added that the absence of a legal framework has created a state of administrative and financial chaos between the central government, the region, and the producing provinces, and has deprived Iraq of the ability to formulate a unified production and investment policy. This has negatively impacted the confidence of foreign companies awaiting stable legislation that guarantees the sustainability of their operations.

He pointed out that Iraq needs annual investments exceeding $15 billion to develop the oil and energy sector and improve refining and export capacities. However, the absence of legal regulation of contracts and financial distribution makes the investment environment risky and limits the entry of major companies into the market.

Emphasized that the current parliament's window of opportunity is almost running out, requiring urgent action to adopt the law before the end of the session, as continued disruption means postponing any real economic transformation towards diversification and sustainable development.

For his part, Bassem Nughmish, a member of the Parliamentary Oil and Gas Committee, emphasized that the continued suspension of the law keeps the Iraqi economy mired in a cycle of rents and limits its ability to achieve balanced development

Naghamish explained that the absence of the law means the absence of a regulatory framework for managing national wealth, which confuses financial planning, leads to disparities in the distribution of revenues between the center and producing provinces, and limits the state's ability

to implement a stable fiscal policy.

He pointed out that political disputes over powers and revenue-sharing mechanisms hinder the implementation of vital projects in the oil and energy sector and create an unstable environment for foreign investors seeking clear and stable legislation.

Naghamish added that delaying the enactment of the law deprives Iraq of billions of dollars in investment opportunities annually and weakens the state's ability to transfer oil revenues into productive and development projects in the provinces. He stressed the need for the law to include clear mechanisms for financial governance, management of joint fields, and the establishment of a national fund for the  development of producing provinces.

Naghamish concluded by saying that the next phase requires a comprehensive political and economic settlement that removes the oil issue from tensions and ensures a unified law that balances the powers of the central government and the rights of the regions, transforming oil wealth from a source of contention into a lever for development and stability.  link

Mot: Things That Suddenly Make Cents!!! 

Mot: Seeeeee - They Even Season!!!! 

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Tuesday Morning 10-28-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Dollar Softens Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions

Markets brace for dovish signals as investors rotate toward risk assets.

The U.S. dollar weakened today as traders positioned ahead of a wave of major central bank meetings and a potential Trump–Xi summit that could reshape trade and monetary expectations. The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) slipped modestly, reflecting a softening stance across markets anticipating looser policy conditions.

The move underscores a cautious but notable rotation into risk assets, with equities and commodities both strengthening as the dollar retreats. This trend comes amid growing consensus that global policymakers may adopt synchronized easing measures before year-end.

Central Banks in Focus

Investors are now watching closely for guidance from the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Bank of Japan, each facing the same challenge: how to sustain slowing economies without reigniting inflation.

• The Fed is expected to lean dovish, with futures pricing in nearly a 70% probability of another rate cut by December.

• The ECB may emphasize continued liquidity support, while Japan could signal readiness to adjust yield-curve control settings.

The dollar’s decline reflects not just policy expectations, but also a broader shift in global capital flow — one favoring risk assets, emerging markets, and commodities.

Market Implications

• Gold and oil prices typically strengthen when the dollar weakens, as investors hedge against currency dilution.

• Emerging-market currencies are likely to benefit, drawing short-term inflows as yield differentials narrow.

• Equities could see additional upside if dovish signals are confirmed — though the risk of overshoot grows with each rally.

For now, the market appears confident that monetary policy will remain accommodative. Yet the dollar’s softness also signals something deeper — a recognition that global growth is uneven and liquidity remains the main stabilizing force.

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

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources:

• Reuters — Dollar soft as traders brace for Trump–Xi, central bank meetings

• FXStreet — EUR/USD picks up on risk appetite with central bank decisions looming

~~~~~~~~~

Volatility Beneath the Calm Surface

Record equity highs hide $100 billion daily swings as liquidity thins.

While U.S. equities continue to print new records, analysts warn that the calm appearance of the market may be deceptive. Beneath the surface, extreme volatility in major technology stocks and subtle liquidity cracks are emerging — conditions reminiscent of late-cycle instability.

According to The Financial Times, several mega-cap stocks have experienced single-day market-cap swings exceeding $100 billion — despite the major indices showing minimal net movement. The pattern suggests concentrated risk and heightened sensitivity to small shifts in sentiment or liquidity.

Hidden Fragility in a Bullish Market

Market indices mask the degree of turbulence occurring beneath them.

• Tech giants dominate capitalization weightings, magnifying their impact on perceived stability.

• Volatility metrics such as the VIX remain subdued, indicating complacency even as intraday price ranges expand.

• Liquidity depth is thinner than in prior cycles, making sharp revaluations more likely when institutional flows reverse.

This divergence between visible calm and underlying instability is becoming a defining feature of the current bull market. Analysts describe it as “calm on the surface, chaotic underneath.”

What It Means for Investors

• Portfolio diversification becomes essential when volatility hides beneath headline strength.

• Options and volatility instruments may be underpriced relative to actual market risk.

• Institutional hedging is quietly increasing, even as public sentiment remains bullish.

Such conditions often precede regime shifts — either toward sharper corrections or renewed monetary stimulus to maintain balance. The outcome will depend on central bank signaling and the sustainability of liquidity-driven rallies.

Broader Takeaway

Today’s markets operate on confidence and credit — not fundamentals alone. The surface calm of record highs belies the real state of global finance: one where volatility and liquidity risk have become the invisible twin pillars supporting valuations.

If left unchecked, even a minor policy misstep could expose just how thin that support has become.

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

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources:

• Financial Times — $100bn stock swings expose fragility beneath Wall Street rally

• MarketWatch — Stock-market bulls set up markets for a big move

~~~~~~~~~

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Tuesday Morning 10-28-25

Learn About Iraq's Ranking Among The Richest Countries In The Arab World And Globally

2025-10-26  Iraq ranked eighth in the Arab world and 116th globally among the richest countries in 2026, according to forecasts by the American magazine CEOWorld.

The magazine said in a report that the International Monetary Fund believes that prosperity today depends on structure, not size. Countries that prioritize policy consistency, intellectual capital, and long-term investment will continue to dominate the wealth landscape, and per capita GDP is often considered the best measure of average living standards.

She added that Iraq is expected to rank eighth among the Arab countries and 116th out of 197 richest countries in 2026 in terms of per capita GDP, with a GDP of 5,873.

According to the magazine, Qatar is expected to rank first with a per capita GDP of $76,534, followed by the UAE in second place with $53,842, Saudi Arabia in third place with $35,839, Kuwait in fourth place with $31,242, and Bahrain in fifth place with $29,778.

He added that Libya came in sixth place with $6,972, followed by Algeria in seventh place with $5,956, Iraq in eighth place, Lebanon in ninth place with $5,285, and Morocco in tenth place with $5,154.

Globally, Monaco tops the global wealth pyramid, with a projected per capita GDP of $256,667 in 2026. Liechtenstein is second with $201,162, Luxembourg with $154,115, Ireland with $135,247, and Switzerland with $118,173.  LINK

Al-Sudani: Our Plan Will Save Nearly $10 Billion By Halting The Import Of Gasoline And Petroleum Products

2025-10-26 by sotaliraq  Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced that his government has developed a plan to free up nearly $10 billion for the state treasury by halting the import of gasoline and petroleum products after achieving self-sufficiency in their production within Iraq.

This came in a speech he delivered during the inauguration of the strategic FCC/Factor Catalyst Cracking Unit project at the Shuaiba refinery in Basra Governorate, with a capacity of 107,000 barrels per day.

In his speech, Al-Sudani said that the project, upon its entry into service, represents a pivotal event in the history of the Iraqi oil industry, and everyone has every right to be proud of its accomplishment.

He added that the government's program has allocated significant space to expanding Iraq's capacity to refine crude oil and produce and export petroleum derivatives.

Al-Sudani also affirmed that "we have set a stated goal of converting 40% of the oil quantities exported by Iraq into high-value products by 2030. We have achieved 35% of the goal."

He continued, saying, "Our plan will save $4 billion, which was allocated for gas imports, and 6 trillion dinars, which was spent on importing petroleum derivatives." He pointed out that for two decades, successive governments have failed to pay attention to or plan scientifically and responsibly to advance the petroleum refining sector.

Al-Sudani noted that the project is the result of Iraqi cooperation with Hyundai and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and that the 300,000 barrel-per-day Al-Faw investment refinery will be operational very soon.

The Prime Minister pointed out that this project was implemented according to the latest environmentally friendly technology and Euro 5 specifications.  LINK

The Oil Ministry Announces The Final Statistics On Oil Exports And Revenues For Last September.

Sunday, October 26, 2025, 10:47 AM | Economics Number of reads: 380  Baghdad / NINA / The Ministry of Oil announced the final statistics of oil exports and revenues achieved for last September.

The ministry said in a statement: "According to the final statistics issued by the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO), the quantity of crude oil exports, including condensates, amounted to (102) million, (150) thousand, and (362) barrels (one hundred and two million, one hundred and fifty thousand, three hundred and sixty-two barrels),

 ( 102,150,362, ) with revenues amounting to more than (6) billion, (962) million, and (124) thousand dollars (six billion, nine hundred and sixty-two million, one hundred and twenty-four thousand dollars). ( 6,962,124,000 )

The statistics indicated that the total quantities of crude oil exported for last September from the oil fields in central and southern Iraq amounted to (102) million, (150) thousand, and (362) barrels. /End `
https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1258802

Iraq Bans Imports Of 40 Agricultural Products To Achieve Self-Sufficiency.
 
October 26, 2025   Baghdad/Iraq Observer  The Ministry of Agriculture announced on Sunday a  ban on the import of more than 40 agricultural products to achieve self-sufficiency.   The ministry confirmed that it is monitoring agricultural commodity prices daily and will import them immediately if they rise.  
 
It also indicated that dates will be exported to Asian and European countries.
 
The Ministry's Undersecretary, Mahdi Sahar Al-Jubouri, said,  "The Ministry of Agriculture, through the Veterinary Department,  is monitoring the outbreak of avian influenza or any infections affecting animals, especially poultry, through the World Organization for Animal Health's website."

He noted that  "the World Organization for Animal Health is constantly updating lists of countries where avian influenza cases have been detected, or where the ban has been lifted," according to the official agency.

 He explained that  "the Ministry, in cooperation with security and official authorities,  prohibits the import of   meat and   all poultry products from any country where this infection has been detected.
 
When the World Organization for Animal Health confirms that a country is free of the disease, the ban will be lifted, to protect human health and livestock."  

He pointed out that  "there are precautionary measures in Iraq of a preventative nature, as the  Veterinary Department and veterinary hospitals and clinics spread throughout the governorates are monitoring cases to limit the spread of any bird flu infection, and implementing the department's instructions in areas where epidemics may appear, to limit their spread to nearby areas."
 
Regarding the Ministry of Agriculture’s measures to support the agricultural sector, the spokesman confirmed that 
“the Ministry is continuing to prevent the import of more than (40) agricultural products currently, with the aim of achieving self-sufficiency in Iraq, including   tomato and   potato crops and   others.” 

 He explained that  “Iraq is working to export dates to countries such as India, China, Turkey, Jordan, and the Gulf states,  while packaged and packed dates are exported directly   from Iraq to European Union countries,     to gain a share of global markets.

” He added that “most countries in the world rely on marketing dates packaged using modern methods, instead of exporting raw dates, which are cheaper than packaged dates.”
 
In a separate context, the spokesman confirmed that  "the ministry is continuously monitoring the prices of agricultural commodities  in local markets, in cooperation with security agencies, to limit price increases."

He continued:  "If the prices of any commodity or agricultural product rise,  the door is opened to importing those products.
 
This achieves the primary goal of supporting agricultural producers on the one hand,  and stabilizing prices in local markets on the other,  ensuring they reach consumers at reasonable prices."      
https://observeriraq.net/العراق-يمنع-استيراد-40-منتجاً-زراعياً-لت/   

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

MilitiaMan and Crew: IQD News Update-Iraq's Yellow Brick Road-CBI Paved It10-27-2025

MilitiaMan and Crew: IQD News Update-Iraq's Yellow Brick Road-CBI Paved It

10-27-2025

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=z6QOPbt70LY