“Coffee With MarkZ” Monday Morning Chat 2-10-2025

Thank you MarkZ for all your time, and encouragement daily….. PDK

MarkZ  Update- Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim

MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context.  Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions

Member: Good Monday morning to all….Hope everyone had a great weekend

Member: Hoping today is not another “Groundhog Day” and something really happened over the weekend.

Member: Any good RV news Mark? Some are saying today may be our day?

MZ: I am hearing that…..but they may be a couple days premature….but not far off.

MZ: I have contacts that are physically working in some locations. They started over this weekend. A couple of group contacts are steadily working and dusting off old paperwork and going through things because they have not been there in quite sometime

MZ: I am hearing the same things from historic bonds. I also heard from 3 bond contacts that they are expecting things to start today and over the next few days. They are expected to see their bonds funded.

MZ: Some groups expect full release of tier 4a funds this week as well. I am very excited about the chatter but we need it to actually come to fruition.

Member: yes…no more talk….we need to see ACTION.

Member: I had heard that tier 4 A/B are supposed to go at the same time

MZ: The sheer numbers of folks in physical position around the world right now that are updating paperwork  is amazing. I have heard from European and Reno contacts and I told you what their expectations are.

MZ: I have not yet heard anything new n CKMX or farm claims or PP’s….I had been hoping to have an update from them by this morning. .

Member: Secretary of treasury Bessent said the Fed Reserve controls the treasury acct software. I'm thinking the treasury needs to take over before we have treasury accounts

MZ: In Iraq “ Parliamentary Finance: No new appointments in the 2025 budget “ Sudani has pledged that they will not take on any new appointments or projects until they settle Article 12 and finish this thing. They need Erbil and HCL to be finished. This is the absolute “Top Priority” 

Member: Iraq is saying budget tables done within the next few days.

Member: Is that what we are waiting for?

Member: Wish we knew

MZ: “General Secretariat of the Council of ministers: Stopping cash collections in state institutions at the end of June”  they will no longer be taking physical cash. They need to pay by electronic payment or cashiers checks. They are still trying to root out the corruption in government. Cash has been disappearing into pockets…..they are going to stop that.

MZ: “The Minister of planning sets February 24th as the date for announcing the final results of the population census” 

MZ: “The dollar stabilizes in the parallel market. Is this price craze over?” the dinar has gained next to the dollar . The CBI and parliament are very optimistic.

Member: Do you think the Iranian rial still could revalue with everything that is happening.

MZ: Its up in the air. Somedays I think it will and somedays I think it won’t… If it doesn’t it will create a tremendous opportunity for us down the road.

Member: Any new rumors on rates?

MZ:I have not heard anything new since I shared rates last week

Member: Rates are all rumors we will not know the exact rates until we exchange…imo

Member: I wonder who benefits from the rv delay?

Member: Maybe we are waiting for the Treasury and the Federal Reserve to be audited and fixed???

Member: Mark, I went to a chase bank in New Jersey and the manager told me that when we exchange the dinar in the future, all fees are already calculated into the rate

Member: We were always told when we see that new money out in the public we have or are going

Member: Fnu Lnu: This just in from my Singapore contacts: “There is a hold on the RV for an unspecified amount of time. Consulting firm Wyman & CBI” False Flag ?

MZ: I have not heard that from anybody to support that statement. I could not vet it……

Member: Rumor is iqd on Forex yesterday was $1.04

Member: I sure hope we don’t have to pay the IRS this year. Now it makes me even more mad to find out where our tax dollars have been going.

Member: Maybe If DOGE gets to the IRS as fast as they've been working, I don't think we'll have to file. Just my opinion.

Member: Maybe the sovereign fund being also a place for them to put the funds confiscated under E.O.'s and potentially returned to us the people

Member: Lincoln's birthday is on the 12th. Isn't there a Trump-Kennedy connection. could be a good day for reset?

Member: Maybe we have to have to wait for the Easter bunny to make this RV happen?

Member: next weekend is Presidents Day and Mon is the 17th and a 3 day weekend.

Member:  Thank you for all that you do for the community Mark!! You are loved & appreciated!

Member: Time to finish this marathon!

Member: IMO we have an awesome Week ahead of us!!! Keep the Faith!

THE CONTENT IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR GENERAL & EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY&NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE ANY PROFESSIONAL, FINANCIAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSIDER EVERYTHING DISCUSSED IN MARKZ’S OPINION ONLY

FOLLOW MARKZ : TWITTER . https://twitter.com/originalmarkz?s=21. TRUTH SOCIAL . https://truthsocial.com/@theoriginalm...

Mod:  MarkZ "Back To Basics" Pre-Recorded Call" for Newbies 10-19-2022 ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37oILmAlptM

MARKZ DAILY LINKS: https://theoriginalmarkz.com/home/

Note from PDK: Please listen to the replay for all the details and entire stream….I do not transcribe political opinions, medical opinions or many guests on this stream……just RV/currency related topics.

 ZESTER'S LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/CrazyCryptonaut

THANKS FOR JOINING. HAVE A BLESSED DAY! SEE YOU ALL THIS EVENING FOR NEWS @ 7:00 PM EST ~ UNLESS BREAKING NEWS HAPPENS!

Twitch:   https://www.twitch.tv/theoriginalmarkz

Youtube:     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z91IaWlQWys

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Monday Morning 2-10-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

TOP ECONOMIC EVENTS TO WATCH NEXT WEEK: US CPI & PPI REPORT, POWELL’S TESTIMONY MIGHT SET CRYPTO MARKET’S TREND

▪️Crypto markets brace for key economic events, including CPI, PPI data, and Jerome Powell’s testimony, which could impact price trends.

▪️Fed interest rate outlook and U.S. tariff updates may influence investor sentiment, with inflation reports playing a crucial role next week.

Next week is important for the crypto market because a few major events are happening. These include the release of the CPI and PPI data, speeches from important Federal Reserve officials, and testimony from Jerome Powell, which could all influence the direction of the crypto market in the coming week.

Jobs Report and Tariff Concerns Shake Markets Before Inflation Data

After the January jobs report came out on February 7, the dollar and bond yields increased, but stock and crypto prices dropped. These market changes were influenced by more than just the jobs report.

 It concluded a week filled with strong economic data and growing concerns about upcoming U.S. tariffs. The January 2024 jobs report was a key highlight of last week, but other economic data also came in strong and exceeded expectations.

At its latest meeting, the Federal Reserve kept its main interest rate steady at 4.25%-4.50%, stressing that they need to see continuous improvement in inflation before thinking about reducing rates.

Several Fed officials also mentioned that prices pushed up by tariffs might lead to keeping their policies stricter for a longer period than what the markets anticipate.

CPI Report on 12 February

U.S. inflation figures and remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will play a crucial role in deciding the direction of U.S. interest rates. Additionally, any new updates on tariffs from the Trump administration will be closely watched.

With the first central bank decisions of 2025 behind us, this week might be quieter. However, there’s still significant news for investors, as the crucial CPI report from the United States is coming up.

In December, the main CPI rate slightly increased to 2.9% year-over-year, while the core rate decreased to 3.2%. According to predictions from the Cleveland Fed’s Inflation Nowcasting model, the main CPI rate is expected to have dropped to 2.85% in January, and the core rate to have slightly decreased to 3.13%.

On February 11, key figures from the Federal Reserve, including Hammack, Williams, and Powell, along with the Bank of England’s Mann and Bailey, will deliver speeches.

The next day, February 12, will feature talks from the Fed’s Bostic and Powell, as well as the ECB’s Nagel and the BoE’s Greene, potentially impacting financial markets with their insights on monetary policy.

Attention will also turn to inflation numbers from China, economic statistics from Japan, and data on the U.K.’s gross domestic product.

Jerome Powell’s Testimony to Take Place

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell probably won’t share much new information this week during his twice-a-year report to Congress, but his appearance could still affect the markets.

Powell will testify in the House of Representatives on Wednesday and then in the Senate on Thursday, discussing the Fed’s view on the economy.

Deutsche Bank analysts said,

“He will likely stick to the January FOMC script but the market always seems to get something new out of these appearances, which include a lot of congressional Q&A.”

Economists believe he will echo a common theme from recent Federal Reserve meetings: there is currently no hurry to lower the key fed funds interest rate.

US PPI Report

If the US releases strong producer price index (PPI) or retail sales figures, it could boost the dollar by making investors think that interest rate cuts might be delayed. Although markets have been doing well lately, any unexpectedly high inflation could make investors feel less bullish.

Additionally, if industrial production numbers are strong, it could increase the prices of oil and metals. However, if retail sales are weak, it could reduce demand for commodities driven by consumer spending and could also negatively impact the dollar. As a result, we might see a bullish comeback in the crypto market.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Coinpedia

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BRICS CURRENCY PLAN IS OFFICIALLY NO MORE: WILL TRUMP LIFT TARIFFS

The ongoing tensions between the United States and the BRICS alliance have reached a fever pitch. With the world concerned about a burgeoning trade war, both sides seem no closer to any sort of resolution. However, a recent statement confirmed that the BRICS currency plan is officially no ore, but will US President Donald Trump lift his proposed tariffs?

During his campaign for re-election, Trump originally warned tariffs to dissuade the nation from embracing de-dollarization. He targeted the BRICS bloc specifically because they had so blatantly embraced the native currency settlement of their trade. Yet, with them confirming they are no longer a threat to the world’s currency, will Trump relent?

BRICS Currency Plan Confirmed to be Done, but Will Trump No Longer Target Alliance?

Donald Trump once said that the US dollar ceasing to be the world’s global reserve currency would be akin to the nation losing a war. That is what first placed the BRICS alliance in his crosshairs. For years, the nation has sought to implement its very own currency. Although never announced, the rumor had been present for much of 2024.

That caused the current US President to threaten significant tariffs on these nations. Specifically, he targeted those who would not commit to ensuring the status of the greenback. However, BRICS has officially confirmed its currency plan is no more, but will a Trump tariff also be rejected?

Dimitry Peskov, a Russian spokesperson, recently confirmed that “the BRICS are not discussing the creation of a common currency.” Indeed, the statement looked to put to rest the popular rumor. Alternatively, Peskov confirmed that the bloc was simply focused on joint investment and economic cooperation.

The question is, how will Trump respond? He is already planning reciprocal tariffs to match those imposed by other countries. 

Additionally, China has already responded to its 25% tariff with a 10% import tax on the US. With these nations already deeply embedded in an ongoing trade war, it is difficult to imagine Donald Trump would end the policy before it truly was implemented.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Watcher Guru

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Thank you Dinar Recaps

7 Money Habits That Can Make or Break You

7 Money Habits That Can Make or Break You

 Credit.com    Yahoo! Finance/Thinkstock -

Why do you keep buying things you can’t afford? It makes no sense: it’s not rational. Nobody wants to be in debt.

The answer is simple: debt problems are emotional, not rational. Debt results from unconscious habits and attitudes that cause you to spend more than you can afford.

In other words, everyone knows the first law of finance is to spend less than you make. That is how you stay out of debt. Unfortunately, knowing what to do and actually getting it done are two different issues.

That’s why being on the right side of these seven financial practices is critically important to your financial success. They can close the gap between knowing what to do and actually getting it done – simply by changing your daily habits. It is the easiest way to solve your debt problems and begin building wealth.

The good news is this means you have the power to improve your financial situation no matter where you are at today. You created your habits, and your habits produce your long-term financial results. That means you’re in charge and have the power to make positive changes.

Consider the following seven financial practices that can take you to debt or wealth. The habits you choose will determine your financial success or failure.

1. Emotional Spending

Here is a simple test to determine if you’re an emotional spender:

    Do you use shopping to relieve stress or escape boredom?

    Do you use shopping as a pick-me-up or entertainment?

    Do you celebrate by shopping for a treat?

    Do you ever shop as a form of “retail therapy?”

    Do you use shopping for social connection?

    Do you have clothes in the closet with the tags still attached?

    Do you have more than one of the same item?

    Is your credit card bill so large that you can’t afford to pay it off at the end of the month?

    Do you ever feel an endorphin rush when making a purchase?

    Do you experience anxiety, guilt, or remorse after shopping?

    Do you ever hide purchases from friends or loved ones?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, then you might have an emotional spending problem.

Emotional shoppers become addicted to the temporary endorphin high that comes from buying. You’re genetically programmed to pursue what makes you feel good, turning spending into a physiological habit like a drug. That’s why excessive spending is about the emotional experience from buying stuff and not the stuff itself.

The purchase brings temporary yet immediate gratification (even if it causes debt).

The wealthy habit is to spend based on needs — not wants — and to plan purchases rather than buy spontaneously. A good habit for breaking emotional spending is to force a two-day cool-off period for all non-planned purchases so your emotions can settle down. If you still want it after two days then it may actually be worth buying.

2. Addiction

Closely related to emotional spending is addiction, but this can be an addiction of any kind — not just shopping. Gambling, drug and sex addictions are highly destructive — both financially and otherwise. The ensuing debt spiral may be the least of your worries but is often a consequence.

TO READ MORE:  https://www.credit.com/blog/7-money-habits-that-can-make-or-break-you-64863/

“Tidbits From TNT” Monday Morning 2-10-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  Parliamentary Finance: No new appointments in the 2025 budget

The Parliamentary Finance Committee confirmed, on Sunday, February 9, 2025, that there are no appointments in the federal budget for the current year. 

Committee member Mustafa Al-Karawi said in a statement followed by Al-Jabal, "According to the latest amendments, there is no fundamental change in the budget law, and no new appointments have been included, but it is possible for the government to move within the budget schedules to reactivate some of the previous specializations and texts."

He stated that "the amendments sent by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers were limited to Article (12) related to the cost of extracting oil in the Kurdistan Region," indicating that "the amended article is supposed to enter into force soon, which will allow the start of exporting oil from the region's wells through the SOMO company."

The Ministerial Council for the Economy recommended a few days ago to stop listing new investment projects except for necessary ones.

The Council sent its recommendation to the Council of Ministers regarding new investment projects to stop listing these projects except for the necessary ones, with the approval of the Council of Ministers and the endorsement of the Ministry of Planning and Finance to provide financial allocation before entering into any financial obligations  link

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Tishwash: The dollar stabilizes in the parallel market.. Is the price madness over?

The US dollar exchange rate is witnessing remarkable stability in the parallel market in Iraq at the present time, after a period of fluctuations and rising prices.

This stability is mainly attributed to the decrease in demand for the dollar for import purposes.
Economic expert Salah Nouri told {Euphrates News} that: “The stability of the dollar exchange rate in the parallel market is due to the decrease in demand for imports by traders who import goods from neighboring countries, as a result of anticipation of the outcome of the US decisions regarding sanctions.”

Nouri stressed that “the decrease in the dollar exchange rate has a positive impact on citizens’ purchasing power, but to varying degrees depending on the type of goods, such as basic food items other than medicines.”

Is the price madness over?

This stability indicates the possibility of an end to the “price madness” that the dollar market witnessed in the previous period; however, the economic expert believes that this stability is dependent on the decisions of the United States of America regarding sanctions, which means that the market may witness other fluctuations in the future.

Its impact on citizens

The decline in the dollar exchange rate has a positive impact on citizens’ purchasing power, as they can buy more goods and services with the same amount of Iraqi dinars. However, this impact varies depending on the type of goods, as citizens benefit more from the decline in the prices of basic food items other than medicines.  link

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Tishwash:  Saeed Tavakli: Iraq signs new gas export contract with Iran

 The CEO of the National Iranian Gas Company, Saeed Tavakoli, confirmed today, Saturday, "The export of gas to Iraq is currently ongoing, and we have recently signed a long-term contract with Iraq."

Tavakoli told the Iranian Mehr News Agency regarding US President Donald Trump's decision last Wednesday to cancel the exemption granted to Iraq to import electricity and gas from Iran as part of new sanctions against Tehran, "The decision represents an escalation of US pressure on Iran, as it pressures Iraq to reduce its dependence on Iranian energy."

Saeed Tavakoli stressed, "The export of gas to Iraq is currently underway, and since we have recently extended a good contract for exporting gas, it is likely that the cancellation of the exemption granted to Iraq to import electricity and gas from Iran was for another form of gas import."

The Iranian official continued, "Fortunately, the Iranian-Iraqi contract is in place, but the volume of exports increases and decreases according to the contractual terms."

Regarding gas imports and swaps, Tavakoli also said, "We do not import gas, but gas imports and swaps, such as electricity, are carried out from Armenia."

The CEO of the National Gas Company also stated regarding the drop in temperatures and the state of gas supply: "Currently, the network conditions are stable, and in the current situation, 72 percent of the gas produced is consumed in the domestic sector, and thanks to the cooperation of citizens, the gas supply network will remain stable in the coming days."

Iranian officials said last year that Iraq owed Iran $11 billion in debt due to the gas it purchased, and the payment of this debt was postponed by Iraq to the extent that Iran was forced, in response, to reduce gas exports due to the heavy debt.  link

Mot: You Can Spoil Her With Something Expensive This Year  

Mot ... AAaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!  Coffee and quiet is heaven

News, Rumors and Opinions Monday AM 2-10-2025

KTFA:

Clare:  Iraq advances one place in global gold reserves

2/9/2025  Baghdad

The World Gold Council announced today, Sunday, that Iraq has advanced one place in the ranking of countries that hold the most gold in the world.

According to the latest table published by the Council in February, which was reviewed by Al-Eqtisad News, Iraq ranked 28th out of 100 countries included in the table, after it was ranked 31st globally, to become fourth in the Arab world after Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Algeria.

According to the table, Iraq increased its gold holdings to 162.7 tons, representing 12.7% of its total other reserves.

The Council pointed out that "the United States of America tops the list of the largest gold holders in the world, as it owns 8,133 thousand tons, followed by Germany with 3,351 thousand tons, then Italy with 2,452 thousand tons, while Trinidad and Tobago came at the bottom of the list with 1.9 thousand tons."

The World Gold Council, headquartered in the United Kingdom, has extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the factors influencing market changes, and its members include the world's largest and most advanced gold mining companies.  LINK

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Clare:  Members of Congress demand that the US government stop military aid to Iraq

2/9/2025   Baghdad /

The National Network revealed in a report published today, Saturday, the existence of what it described as a "campaign" launched by a number of US Congress members to urge the White House to "reconsider" its current relations with the Iraqi government, most notably security and economic cooperation.

The network said, according to what was published by some media outlets, that members of Congress led by Representative Joe Wilson are now launching a pressure campaign on the US government with several demands, the first of which is to stop the military and security assistance provided by US forces to Iraq, and intelligence cooperation, and the last of which is "imposing sanctions" on the Iraqi economy.

The campaign launched by the members of the Republican Party also demanded that armed factions and some Iraqi parties be placed on the "terrorist list" and that their political and military work inside Iraq be prevented by imposing pressure on the government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

Yesterday, American media published a letter signed by some representatives, sent by US Representative Joe Wilson to Secretary of State Mark Rubio, in which he asked him to impose sanctions on Iraq and stop the work of some armed factions in the country.  LINK

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

Frank26   [Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]  FIREFLY:  TIR is the new cross border payments system.  Sammy says we are launching this new system by using this transfer for International and then he says...this can't be at 1310 because it's going it's going international, saying it will be historic first international cross-border payments using this.  We are really close.  There's no way we can make the payment at 1310.  FRANK:  Yes it's a joke when you think about it all being done at 1310.  I agree.  We are as close as your breath is to your lungs...

Mnt Goat  Article:  “NATO INVITES IRAQ TO PARTICIPATE IN BRUSSELS GATHERING, PRAISES GOVERNMENT EFFORTS”.   NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte extended an official invitation to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to participate in the NATO gathering that will be held soon in Brussels, and to deliver a speech on behalf of Iraq during the meeting.  What will Al-Sudani say?

Scott Bessent: "We're Going To Monetize The Asset Side Of The US Balance Sheet"

Arcadia Economics:  2-9-2025

Some shocking comments coming out of the Trump administration, especially if you're a gold and silver investor.

And just wait until you hear what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent just said about the administration's plans to 'monetize the asset side of the US balance sheet.'

You're going to want to see this one!

Could this be the “Gold Standard”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zBT3rDZKZk

MilitiaMan & Crew-Dinar-IRAQ-News-Constitutional Entitlements-Digital Economy Infrastructure-AI-Monetary Mass

MilitiaMan & Crew-Dinar-IRAQ-News-Constitutional Entitlements-Digital Economy Infrastructure-AI-Monetary Mass

2-9-2025

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

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbm6wecbVIM

Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Sunday Afternoon 2-9-25

The Central Bank Determines The Mechanism For Buying And Selling Real Estate Through Banks

Sunday 09 February 2025 17:31 | Economic Number of readings: 48   Baghdad / NINA / The Central Bank of Iraq announced the determination of a new regulation on the mechanism for buying and selling real estate through officially licensed government and private banks.    https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1184647

The Prime Minister Affirms The Aspiration To Strengthen The Bonds Of Constructive Cooperation Between Iraq And Kuwait

Sunday 09 February 2025 | Politics Number of readings: 240  Baghdad / NINA / Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stressed the aspiration to strengthen the bonds of constructive cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait.

A statement by his media office stated that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani received today, Sunday, the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Iraq, Mr. Hassan Muhammad Al-Zaman.

According to the statement, Al-Sudani congratulated the Kuwaiti ambassador on assuming his new duties in Iraq, wishing him success in his work, pointing to the depth of relations between the two countries, and the importance of consolidating and expanding them at various levels and levels.

Al-Sudani stressed, during the meeting, the aspiration to strengthen the bonds of constructive bilateral cooperation in several fields, pointing to the available opportunities, and the availability of an appropriate investment environment for the work of Arab and foreign companies, including Kuwaiti companies.

He also stressed that the door is open for the sisterly State of Kuwait to enter into development path projects, and to benefit from the announced investment opportunities, which contributes to enhancing economic integration and interconnected interests between the two countries. /End https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1184617

Dollar Slightly Declines In Baghdad

Stock Exchange   Economy News – Baghdad   The exchange rate of the US dollar against the Iraqi dinar fell slightly in Baghdad markets today, Sunday.

The dollar prices witnessed a decrease in the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya stock exchanges, recording 150,350 dinars for every 100 dollars, while it recorded 150,400 dinars for every 100 dollars yesterday morning, Saturday.

Selling prices in exchange shops in local markets in Baghdad recorded stability, as the selling price reached 151,500 Iraqi dinars for 100 dollars, while the purchase price reached 149,500 dinars for 100 dollars.   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=52626

Gold Prices Stabilize At Historic Level In Baghdad

Stock Exchange   Economy News – Baghdad   The prices of "foreign and Iraqi" gold stabilized in the local markets in the capital, Baghdad, today, Sunday (February 9, 2025) at unprecedented levels in the country, amid the rise in the prices of the precious metal globally as a safe haven.

Gold prices in the wholesale markets on Al-Nahr Street in the capital, Baghdad, this morning recorded a selling price for one mithqal of 21 karat Gulf, Turkish and European gold of 605 thousand dinars, and a purchase price of 601 thousand dinars.

The selling price of one mithqal of 21-karat Iraqi gold was recorded at 575 thousand dinars, and the purchase price was 571 thousand.

As for gold prices in goldsmiths’ shops, the selling price of a mithqal of 21-karat Gulf gold ranges between 605,000 and 615,000 dinars, while the selling price of a mithqal of Iraqi gold ranges between 575,000 and 585,000 dinars.    https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=52628

Industry Holds Conference On "Accelerating Procedures And Investment Security"

Saturday 08 February 2025 12:38 | Economic Number of readings: 196   Baghdad / NINA / The Ministry of Industry and Minerals, in the presence of Minister Khaled Batal and a large group of industrialists and businessmen, held a conference entitled (Accelerating Procedures and Investment Security).

The conference aims to introduce the ministry's steps towards automation and digital transformation of the services provided by the General Directorate of Industrial Development and the Directorate of Trademark Registration, to support industrialists, traders and factory owners and encourage the establishment of new factory projects / https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1184420

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

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Sunday Afternoon 2-9-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

THE LESSONS LEARNED AT "OPERATION CHOKEPOINT 2.0" CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS

The new majority party cast the former administration’s bank regulators as bullies operating in the shadows, yet surprising agreements were found.

The deep political divisions in the United States were apparent once again during the recent Congressional hearings on Operation Chokepoint 2.0, the alleged top-down initiative by former US President Joe Biden’s administration to “de-bank” crypto firms.

For much of Thursday afternoon (Feb. 6), it seemed that members of the Republican and Democratic parties were inhabiting different universes. 

Had Biden administration regulators really pressured US financial institutions to deny bank accounts to cryptocurrency firms in 2023, as Republicans asserted? Or was this whole construct of Chokepoint 2.0 “a fake program,” one never initiated by the Biden administration, as Democratic Representative Al Green stated?

Interestingly, at the end of the two-hour hearing, titled “Operation Choke Point 2.0: The Biden administration’s Efforts to Put Crypto in the Crosshairs,” the two political parties actually seemed to be in agreement on steps to be taken to prevent future regulatory ‘overreach’ — even while arguing about past practices.

For the most part, though, the Republicans cast the former Biden administration’s bank regulators as bullies operating in the shadows.

Bitter back-and-forth at Operation Chokepoint hearing

Paul Grewal, chief legal officer at Coinbase, testified that the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) “bludgeoned the banks” with an onslaught of examinations and questions “until the banks relented under the pressure.” Regulators forced banks to deny stablecoin issuers bank accounts for their reserves, for instance.

There was some drama, too, when Republican Rep. Ann Wagner questioned Fred Thiel, CEO of MARA Holdings, a leading Bitcoin mining firm, about events in 2023 when several large US banks failed:

“Mr. Thiel, has your bank ever stated whether their prudential regulators told them that they should refrain from providing services to digital asset firms?”

“We banked with Signature Bank and when the FDIC shut them down [in March 2023] and Flagstar took over the accounts, none of the crypto accounts were allowed to be part of those assets acquired,” answered Thiel, continuing:

“We were forced to immediately seek accounts with other banks. We were able to open an account with another bank, deposited $70 million after going through the approval processes, and six days later, we were told we have to shut down the accounts because our bank no longer will bank crypto companies.”

Wagner: “So the answer is yes.”

Elsewhere, Meuser asserted that the former administration’s regulators “resorted to vague interpretive regulatory letters, threatening banks with negative examination scores and fines if they continue their partnership with digital asset companies.”

Not surprisingly, the minority party resisted these characterizations. Ranking minority party member Green asked if anyone “had read a document from someone in the Biden administration or some regulator saying that there was a Chokepoint 2.0 operation.”

No one raised their hand.

“So this is a made-up statement. Somebody concluded that this was something that sells.”

Democratic Representative Nikema Williams said the matter under discussion, Choke Point 2.0, isn’t a serious issue — unlike, say, the continuing racial wealth gap or “Elon Musk dismantling our federal government.” 

Williams questioned why the subcommittee was even meeting to discuss the crypto policy of former president Biden when “he isn’t in power anymore.”

Meuser asked another witness, Austin Campbell, adjunct professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business, for some details on just how “Operation Chokepoint operated in the past” (e.g., Chokepoint 1.0, invented by the Obama administration, supposedly), given he was a former bank risk manager. How exactly did regulators pressure banks into severing ties with legally operating businesses?

Campbell answered that when communicating with regulators, “you are getting fundamentally several layers of guidance,” both written and verbal.

On the verbal level, regulators might say: “Well, we have reputational concerns about you banking crypto clients…. We’re still not sure. Maybe we’ll answer you on that. Maybe we won’t, but we still find it risky.”

“You understand that to mean no,” explained Campbell.

“Rhetorical red meat” or genuine overreach?

Cointelegraph queried several outside sources in the wake of the hearings, including Dru Stevenson, professor of law at South Texas College of Law Houston. Was debanking the crypto industry a serious problem in the US, or is it just something dreamed up by the crypto industry?

“The invocation of ‘Chokepoint’ is pure political theater, rhetorical red meat for the GOP base,” Stevenson answered.

The reality is that all rules and regulations, even the most wholesome and helpful, involve some tradeoffs, such as compliance checks and a little bit of overdeterrence at the margins, which may have happened in the last administration, he said.

Stephen Gannon, a partner at law firm Davis Wright Tremaine, disagreed. The “evidence is now overwhelming” that regulators overreached in the previous administration.

He cited numerous factors, including Senate Banking Committee testimony this past week from Nathan McCauley regarding a Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) internal document brought forward at the hearing by Sen. Lummis. Also, the FDIC “pause” documents recently released and statements from Acting FDIC Chair Travis Hill acknowledging such pressures existed.

In addition, there was the aforesaid testimony before the House Financial Services subcommittee, “particularly that of Fred Thiel,” as well as “my own personal experience with crypto clients who have been de-banked,” continued Gannon. Add to that “information compiled by Marc Andreessen and Nic Carter.”

Steven Kelly, associate director of research at the Yale Program on Financial Stability at the Yale School of Management, highlighted problems associated with reputational risk, a particular concern expressed during the subcommittee hearing. Kelly told Cointelegraph:

“Supervisors’ ability to press banks on their ‘reputation risk’ is a black box authority that can give way to something like an Operation Chokepoint.”

Still, Kelly was doubtful there was any premeditated, secret plan to de-bank the crypto industry. The fact that “the accusation has only been focused on the crypto industry thus far is telling and less suggestive of a chokepoint operation.

There are clearly real prudential concerns with crypto, which were borne out in the collapses of the 2022 crypto winter and the subsequent runs on Silvergate Bank and Signature Bank.”

Both parties find points of agreement

One surprise regarding the hearings: there were actually some points of agreement among the majority and minority members and their witnesses. Campbell, the former bank risk manager, whose testimony was generally well received by the majority party, highlighted some reforms the subcommittee might consider moving forward, and these seemed to meet broad approval:

“A simple one is that all banking guidance should be written. Do not allow verbal guidance. Do not allow hearsay and subjective statements. Write it down.”

“Secondly, that guidance should be made public on some trailing basis. Once you have a paper trail of what the regulators are doing, we will be having many less of these hearings.”

“When banks refuse people services, they should have to tell them why. And those statements should be written complete and transparent.”

“They should abolish management and reputational risk as components of the rating of banks. Those are subjective, rife for abuse, and can be used for really any ends that a banking regulator would like to wedge into an otherwise relatively objective framework.”

It wouldn’t hurt either if bank agency decisions were subject to outside oversight. Added Campbell:

“I’m a professor. I wouldn’t let any of my students grade their own homework. You should not be letting the banking regulators grade their own work here either.”  

Shayna Oleszek, director of banking policy at Better Markets, and a witness called by the minority party, agreed with many of Campbell’s recommendations.

Green, too, seemed to be seeking consensus in his closing remarks.

“Wouldn’t everyone agree that we need better crypto guardrails? If you agree, raise your hands.” All the witnesses raised their hands.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTelegraph

~~~~~~~~~

BRICS: IRAN CALLS FOR A ‘UNIFIED CURRENCY’ TO CHALLENGE THE US DOLLAR

The new BRICS member Iran is calling for a ‘unified currency’ to challenge the US dollar’s global reserve currency status.

The Islamic Republic is pulling several options to dim the prospects of the US dollar’s hegemony. Iran is reeling under sanctions from the US and is desperate to find a viable option to lift its economy. The desperation comes after several countries ended conducting business with Iran that stalled its economy leading to a lackluster GDP.

After China and Russia, Iran is now spearheading the de-dollarization agenda as a way to take on the US dollar.  The move could make the US dollar lose out in the supply and demand mechanism in the currency markets. It could lead to hyperinflation if the US fails to make other countries use the dollar for trade.

BRICS: Iran Wants a ‘Unified Currency’ To Pull the US Dollar Down

BRICS member Iran revealed that they are open to the formation of a new ‘unified currency’ as an alternative payment option to the US dollar. The Islamic Republic revealed that if BRICS come to a consensus about the formation, they will wholeheartedly support the initiative.

“If BRICS member countries come to a consensus to use a single and unified currency, we are all for it. We will proceed from national interests,” said the Iranian government’s spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani.

However, BRICS might not launch a ‘unified currency’ as Trump would impose 100% tariffs if they ditch the US dollar.

In addition, not every BRICS member has cordial relations with Iran except for China and Russia. This puts the ‘unified currency’ initiative under question as it does not fit their national agendas. The idea could most likely be stalled in the upcoming summit as other countries might not come to a consensus.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Watcher Guru

~~~~~~~~~

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Thank you Dinar Recaps

Don Durrett: Gold's Delivery Dilemma - A Price Hike Catalyst?

Don Durrett: Gold's Delivery Dilemma - A Price Hike Catalyst?

Palisades Gold radio:  2-9-2025

Tom welcomes back Don Durrett, author, investor, and founder of Goldstockdata.com, to discuss the current state of gold, silver, and the broader economic developments.

During their conversation, Don notes that gold reached an all-time high, with spot prices near $2863 and futures above $2900. Silver is trading around $32.26, while the HUI (Hard Rock Miners' Index) stood at 328.

The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) reported delivery delays of four to eight weeks, indicating potential shortages. Lease rates have spiked to five percent, a significant increase from the usual one percent or less.

Don suggested this could be due to LBMA supply issues. Don emphasized silver's role as a proxy for gold, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty. He warned of potential shortages in silver, driven by competing demands from investors and industrial fabricators.

 This could lead to dramatic price increases if a fear trade begins. Despite strong stock market performance, Don expressed concerns about an impending "rug pull," where the market could crash due to economic factors like inflation, high interest rates, and tariff policies.

He highlighted issues such as consumer discretionary spending constraints, commercial real estate overhangs, and rising bankruptcies in small businesses. The Fed's inability to cut rates due to inflation concerns was discussed, along with potential implications for the economy.

 Don speculated that the Fed might resort to quantitative easing (QE) in response to a market crash, though he questioned their ability to manage regional bank crises.

Time Stamp References:

0:00 – Introduction

 1:11 - Gold at New Highs

2:58 - LBMA Delivery Issues

10:00 - Thoughts on Silver

 16:42 - Institutional Buyers

19:16 - Equity Mkt. Concerns

23:20 - Tariffs China/Europe?

 27:17 - Fed & Inflation

33:09 - Tariffs on Bonds?

 35:52 - Equity Valuations

37:10 - Banks & Retail

 40:02 - Employment & Hires

 42:05 - Coming Rug Pull

44:50 - A.I. & Tech

48:00 - Fed's Reactions

51:48 - Cheap Miners?

53:46 - Traders Market

55:24 - Miner Pyramid

59:05 - Royalty Companies?

1:05:36 - Physical First

1:07:34 - Wrap Up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vPP9S2q9l4

Allowing Gold & Silver as Legal Tender and Prohibiting Debanking (Andrew Sorrell)

Allowing Gold & Silver as Legal Tender and Prohibiting Debanking (Andrew Sorrell)

Eagle forum of Alabama:  2-5-2025

Andrew Sorrell –State auditor of Alabama talks about making gold and silver legal tender and tax free in Alabama

A history of fiat money and a bill to stop “debanking” of businesses because banks don’t like their politics or occupation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq5rlbrejcU

Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Sunday AM 2-9-25

Parliamentary Committee: Budget Amendments Limited To Article On Cost Of Extracting Region’s Oil

House of Representatives Building

Money and business  Economy News – Baghdad The Parliamentary Legal Finance Committee confirmed, on Sunday, that there is no fundamental change in the budget law, while indicating that the amendments were limited to Article 12 regarding the cost of extracting oil in the Kurdistan Region.

Member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Mustafa Al-Karawi, said in a statement reported by the official news agency, and seen by “Al-Iqtisad News”, that “the amendments sent by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Council of Ministers were limited to Article (12) related to the cost of extracting oil in the Kurdistan Region.”

He explained that "the amended article is supposed to come into effect soon, which will allow the start of exporting oil from the region's wells through SOMO," indicating that "according to the recent amendments, there is no fundamental change in the budget law, and no new appointments have been included, but it is possible for the government to move within the budget schedules to reactivate some of the previous specializations and texts."  https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=52636

More Than 6 Million Barrels Of Oil Are Iraq's Exports To America During The Month

Energy   Economy News – Baghdad   The US Energy Information Administration announced today, Sunday, that Iraq's oil exports to America amounted to more than 6 million barrels during the month of January.

The administration said in a table seen by "Al-Eqtisad News" that "Iraq exported 6.231 million barrels of crude oil to America during the month of January, down from the month of December, when Iraqi oil exports to America amounted to 6.696 million barrels."

She added that "Iraq exported an average of 152 thousand barrels per day of crude oil to America during the first week of December, while it exported an average of 218 thousand barrels per day in the second week, and exported an average of 336 thousand barrels per day in the third week," noting that "exports in the fourth week amounted to an average of 99 thousand barrels per day."

The US Energy Information Administration stated that "Iraq came in sixth place in its exports to America during the past month, after Canada, which came in first place as the largest oil exporter to America, followed by Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, and Venezuela."

She pointed out that "Iraq came in second place among Arab countries exporting the most oil to America, after Saudi Arabia, which came in first with exports amounting to 11.997 million barrels, and Libya came in third."   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=52623

Transport Reveals The Development Plan In Iraqi Airports

Money and business  Economy News – Baghdad  The Ministry of Transport revealed, today, Sunday, its development projects in Iraqi airports, most of which aim to rehabilitate the airports’ infrastructure, while indicating that the plan includes 26 projects in Baghdad Airport.

The ministry stated in a statement received by "Al-Eqtisad News" that "Baghdad International Airport has a comprehensive development plan that coincides with the investment portfolio of the International Finance Corporation and its three options," indicating that "this plan includes 26 projects in two phases."

The statement added that "the first phase includes airport infrastructure rehabilitation projects, consisting of 16 projects, nine of which are on the company's operating budget, and seven on the investment budget.

" The statement continued, "The second section contains ten projects, all of which are funded from the investment budget, in addition to the existence of projects under study, most notably the redesign of Iraqi airspace and the alternative building for air navigation, as well as the air traffic management system."

The  statement indicated that "the airports administration has started the airport infrastructure rehabilitation projects, including the green areas and gardens expansion project, where the contract was signed and actual work began, as well as the roof and floor rehabilitation project in the Babylon and Samarra halls, which has reached 22% completion."

Regarding the air inspection project, the statement said, "There are navigation devices on the runway and a report was received from the New Zealand company Radiola regarding confirming the safety of all landing devices, and thus we can complete our development plans for Iraqi airspace."

The statement noted that "the General Company for Airports and Air Navigation Management has expanded the airspace for civil aviation at the expense of areas that were militarily prohibited, which allowed an increase in the number of aircraft crossing and their flow from the airspace of countries at a rate of 600 to 650 aircraft per day."

The statement explained that "there will be an installation of the ILS system within the automatic landing project, in addition to the system installed at Baghdad International Airport since 2005-2006," noting that "within the infrastructure rehabilitation projects, the contract was completed with the global company Indra, which specializes in the aviation sector."

The statement continued, "The rehabilitation projects also include the lighting or decoration project, as it has been referred to one of the companies and we are also in the process of signing this contract," stressing that "the revenues of the General Company for Airports and Air Navigation Management have increased at a very high rate, as they were 4 billion dinars, while they have now reached 15 billion per month."

He added, "As for the rest of the Iraqi airports, work is continuing on the Nasiriyah Airport project, as most of the navigational devices have arrived from international sources such as ENDRA, which specializes in the aviation sector.

As for Mosul Airport, 82% of its devices have been equipped, most of them from international French companies, regarding the installation of radar and ILS, at the airport, which is scheduled to open before the end of this year."

Regarding Basra International Airport, the ministry stated in its statement that it "intends to contract with international companies to purchase two radars; one to be installed in the western region of Iraq, and the second at Basra Airport."   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=52634

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