Economist’s “News and Views” 4-17-2025

BREAKING: Shanghai Premium Signals MASSIVE Silver Transfer From West To East! - Andy Schectman

Financial Wisdom:  4-17-2025

In this latest interview, Andy Schectman discusses how silver premiums are surging dramatically in China (currently 7.2% higher than London prices) while explaining how global physical demand, limited supply, and strategic accumulation by central banks are creating unprecedented pressure that will likely drive both silver prices and premiums much higher.

0:00 - Shanghai vs. London: Silver and Gold Price Premiums

0:35 - The Role of Arbitrage and Supply Dynamics

1:00 - Central Banks' Gold Accumulation Trends Since 2017

1:38 - A New Settlement Currency Backed by Gold

2:09 - Puzzle Pieces Indicating Higher Gold Prices

3:06 - Future Gold Price Projections by Analysts

 3:42 - Massive Silver Deliveries and LBMA Delays

5:10 - Silver and Gold Premium Trends and Arbitrage

 6:00 - US Mint Allocations and Silver Eagle Shortages

7:08 - Premium Collapses and Recovery in Gold and Silver Coins

 9:17 - Supply-Demand Dynamics in Gold and Silver Premiums

 10:00 - Expectations for Premium Increases by Summer

 10:19 - Gold-Silver Correlation and Suppressed Silver Prices

11:35 - Strategic Stockpiling of Silver by Nations

12:33 - Silver’s Role in Military and High-Tech Applications

 13:08 - Silver's Outperformance Potential and Market Dynamics

13:54 - Technical Analysis: Silver’s Cup and Handle Formation

 14:04 - Challenges in Holding Down Silver Prices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZDG98kBd7U

$300 Trillion 'Debt Crisis' Is Here: It's Over For Dollar | Matt Piepenburg

David Lin:  4-17-2025

Matthew Piepenburg, Partner of Von Greyerz AG, discusses the the debt crisis the country is facing and the future of the U.S. dollar.

0:00 - Intro

1:14 - Move Away From U.S. Assets

4:45 - Debt Crisis

 11:52 - Consequences Of Debt

19:35 - U.S. Dollar

24:47 - Safe Haven Assets

30:40 - Inflation

34:17 - 2008 Comparisons

 37:50 - Trade War

42:54 - Multipolar World

47:35 - Market Outlook

49:45 - Gold

52:51 - Bitcoin

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

GAME OVER: BRICS+ Dethrones the West as its Grain Exchange Undermines US Trade Dominance Globally

Lena Petrova:  4-17-2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWJXrItDH9g

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Thursday Afternoon 4-17-25

Good afternoon Dinar Recaps,

TRUMP SLAMS POWELL OVER RATE CUTS: ‘TOO LATE AND WRONG!’ CALLS FOR FED CHAIR’S REMOVAL

U.S. President Donald Trump slammed Fed Chair Jerome Powell on Thursday, saying he’s “always too late and wrong” for not cutting interest rates. Trump believes the Fed should have acted way sooner to support the economy.

He notes that the European Central Bank might have already cut rates multiple times while Powell has been slow to act. Trump also mentioned in his post that oil prices and groceries, including eggs, have gone down and the US is benefitting from tariffs.

Trump Calls For Powell’s Termination

He notes that Powell should have acted sooner but he still needs to reduce the rates now. He also expressed frustration over Powell’s leadership, calling for his removal. “Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough!” he said.

In his Wednesday speech, Powell stated that the Fed would wait for more economic data before adjusting the interest rates. He also warned that the tariff policies could further push jobs off the track. Besides, he also added that the recent market volatility is a natural reaction to the administration’s shifting trade policies, and that is not something that the Fed requires to intervene.

“For the time being, we are well positioned to wait for greater clarity before considering any adjustments to our policy stance,” Powell said in his speech to the Economic Club of Chicago.

Powell’s Remarks Add to The Tensions

Powell said that the US tariffs could raise inflation and the public would end up paying for it. Trump also called Powell’s report ‘a complete mess’ and warned that Trump’s extensive tariffs on trade partners could force the Fed to make a difficult choice between tackling inflation and rising unemployment. 

Notably, these remarks further escalates the tensions between the White House and the Fed amidst a politically charged economic period.

Trump’s sweeping and unpredictable tariff policies have left the investors and trade partners unsettled and worrying over its potential impact on international trade. While Trump has urged Powell to cut rates, the Central Bank has held the interest rates steady at 4.25 to 4.5% since the start of the year.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Coinpedia

~~~~~~~~~

CHINA IMPORTS RECORD AMOUNTS OF CANADIAN OIL, CUTS US PURCHASES

China has begun importing record amounts of Canadian crude oil while slashing purchases of US oil by roughly 90% amid a growing trade war. A pipeline expansion in Western Canada has presented China and other East Asian oil importers with expanded access to the vast crude reserves in Alberta’s oilsands region. The deal resumes China’s oil imports while allowing the country to avoid making a new oil deal with the USA.

According to data from Vortexa Ltd., Chinese crude imports from the port at the pipeline terminus near Vancouver surged to 7.3 million barrels in March. On the flip side, Chinese imports of US oil have collapsed to 3 million barrels a month from a peak of 29 million in June. 

“Given the trade war, it’s unlikely for China to import more US oil,” Wenran Jiang, president of the Canada-China Energy & Environment Forum, told Bloomberg. “They are not going to bank on Russian alone or Middle Eastern alone. Anything from Canada will be welcome news.”

Just yesterday, oil futures turned higher after Chinese officials signaled that they might be willing to engage with the U.S. However, those talks appeared to have reversed, as now the BRICS founder is working with Canada, another victim of US tariffs. China likely isn’t going for oil from the Middle East due to oil from Alberta being inexpensive compared to the Middle East.

While the oil price surge from China-US trade news gave a bit of relief, there are still significant challenges that remain in the market. The International Energy Agency just recently slashed its global oil consumption forecast, basically saying that supply additions will probably exceed demand. And those surprisingly large output increases that OPEC and its allies announced further complicate this whole situation. The trade war is streaming into the oil industry, causing countries like China to look for new options.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Watcher Guru

~~~~~~~~~

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Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

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Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

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Preparing For The Escalation That’s Likely To Come

Preparing For The Escalation That’s Likely To Come

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black)   April 17, 2025

There’s rumors floating around alleging that top secret plans from the Chinese Communist Party have been leaked, indicating that China’s President Xi Jinping views this conflict with the US as the opening to a complete and total war.

Personally I’m skeptical if these leaked documents exist, and if they are legitimate. I don't think anyone has any way to know.

But I will reiterate my view that, while I don’t believe war is imminent or certain, it’s clear that the US and China are closer to conflict now than they have been since at least the 1960s when China participated in the Vietnam War.

It’s not hard to understand why. The two largest economic powers in the world are deliberately trying to hurt one another. And history is full of examples of economic wars which escalate into much larger conflict.

We can certainly hope that cooler heads prevail. But as we used to say in the military, hope is not a course of action... and it’s imperative to acknowledge that this major risk exists.

How might things escalate?

First on the list is the very real and immediate risk of a cyberattack from China.

In fact that’s already happening.

Remember SolarWinds— the massive cyberattack in 2020 where state-sponsored foreign hackers compromised a widely used IT management platform to infiltrate US government agencies and major corporations?

That single attack gave the CCP access to countless US networks.

More recently, a top Chinese official admitted Beijing’s responsibility for the Volt Typhoon cyberattacks targeting US infrastructure, in a closed-door December 2024 meeting.

In 2015, Chinese hackers breached the US Office of Personnel Management and stole sensitive data on over 22 million federal employees, including security clearance files and fingerprints. They were inside the systems for months before they were detected.

And just this week, major US banks including JPMorgan raised the alarm after discovering the email system of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)— a US banking regulator— had been hacked, potentially to steal credentials that gain further access to systems and information.

It doesn’t really matter which of these can be directly linked to the CCP. Russian hackers, North Korean infiltrators, Chinese non-state entities— they are all in it together.

And the fact that China seems to leave everything intact after their attacks, without damaging or disrupting systems, is actually the scariest part.

We’re talking sleeper viruses. Malware that’s already inside the system.

And the target? Some of the most critical infrastructure in the country. The power grid. Water systems. Financial institutions. These aren’t exactly hardened digital fortresses. In fact, many of these systems are laughably insecure.

The US energy sector in particular still operates on shockingly low-tech infrastructure with outdated code. Same story with large parts of our financial system.

I’ve written before about how SWIFT—the nerve center of global financial transfers—was recently running outdated Windows (version 7!!) operating systems.

Bottom line, Chinese hackers and malware are embedded in vulnerable US systems. They have access. They have credentials. Let’s not be naive about this.

Imagine waking up one morning and your bank app doesn’t load. Your credit card doesn’t work. You can’t send a wire, can’t make payroll, can’t even pay your rent. Maybe you don’t even have electricity, or clean running water.

A Plan B for this scenario has never been more important.

The first step is easy— buy a secure home safe, and keep enough cash on hand to pay for a month or two of necessities.

Add some precious metals which allow you to maintain physical custody of some savings, with no third party in between you and your money. Have gold and silver coins and bars in a variety of weights so you could spend them in an emergency.

Holding some cryptocurrency isn’t a bad idea either— offline, on a hardware wallet that can also go in the safe. Again, this takes some of your savings out of the vulnerable financial system, and allows you to maintain physical custody of your funds.

Here’s another key point aside from money: China manufactures over 40% of the world's active pharmaceutical ingredients— the chemical compounds which make up drugs— and up to 95% of particular compounds, such as crucial ingredients in the antibiotic penicillin.

So even if the final product isn't labeled "Made in China," the underlying ingredients may still originate from Chinese manufacturers.

That’s a significant role in the global pharma supply chain that could cause massive disruptions if they chose to weaponize it. 

So if you take regular medication, make sure to keep extra on hand.

Having a power generator is another good backup plan, whether it runs on propane or gasoline, or solar panels and batteries. The same goes for extra water storage.

Again, I’m not saying that there’s some imminent danger. But we shouldn’t ignore the risk. And the point is that there’s no downside to taking sensible precautions.

That’s the basic premise of a Plan B: identify the biggest threats against your safety and prosperity, and take reasonable steps now that give you confidence in the face of uncertainty.

These are all fairly easy steps to take that give us options to respond to whatever happens, since none of us know exactly how any of this will play out.

Soon, we’ll discuss additional Plan B strategies that give you even more dexterity in the event of prolonged system disruptions, and equally disruptive potential emergency responses from the US government.

To your freedom,  James Hickman  Co-Founder, Schiff Sovereign LLC

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/trends/preparing-for-the-escalation-thats-likely-to-come-152552/?inf_contact_key=6f0cbd6941df8d38cfa6f0a90e96eddd0c973b8936282bcfa17ad90af1aa6cc5

Late Thursday Coffee with MarkZ. 04/17/2025

Late Thursday Coffee with MarkZ. 04/17/2025

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

MZ: Hello and sorry about the late start due to power outage in PR. It was an island wide issue and nothing I could do.

MZ: This internet and power outage stopped me from reaching out to contacts….Maybe I will have more news tonight.

MZ: From the bond side I hear they are moving forward and PAYING. But it seems to be moving at a snails pace. Perhaps they are testing for a “shotgun start”. I’m still trying to piece this together….but there is still continued movement. I just want it to go faster….that’s all.

MZ: I did have a number of people trying to find out how they are going to be contacted for Prosperity Packages. Let’s say their parents had one and they had passed away?

MZ: A number of years ago somebody from the Omega PP  told me that every few years they pay for some private investigators to update contact info, inheritances ect……they do this very quietly in the background.

MZ: Also if you have a PP….and have not been contacted…..when this thing goes and you make your exchange appointment –you should ask about your PP.

Member: What is a Prosperity Package?

MZ: Be sure to ask that of Mr. C tomorrow.

MZ: “ Is the 2025 budget facing financial disaster?” they are very worried about the price of oil per barrel.  Sudani says the price in the budget is set to $65 so it’s not a big concern . But bankers and economists are saying because of this…it’s time to revalue so they can fix these issues.

MZ: Now other government officials are also saying that perhaps it is time to “revalue”

MZ: “At a cost that exceeded a billion dollars, Iraq revives a plant destroyed by Isis:”  This is in the Basra area and is a fertilizer plant that typically created 600,000 tons annually for agriculture….Iraq historically was the bread basket of the middle east and moving back to that direction in order to produce more non-oil revenues to justify the value of their currency. They do not want to rely only on oil.   

MZ: “ Iraqi government banks suspend loans and advances” Could the banks be holding onto their money because of an imminent value change???.  I think that is exactly what is going on .

MZ: Dr. Scott Young will be joining us tonight. …and hope there is more news….See you all then.

Staciez joins the stream at the end today. Please listen to the replay for her information.

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  TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY EVENINGS FOR NEWS @ 7:00 PM EST ~ UNLESS BREAKING NEWS HAPPENS!  FROM NOW ON NO MORE NIGHTLY PODCASTS ON MONDAYS AND FRIDAYS

Youtube:     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1iajz6-ZDQ

“Bits and Pieces” in Dinarland Thursday 4-17-2025

Note: All intel should be considered as "Rumors" until we receive official announcements ...and “Rates and Dates” could change anytime until we get to the banks/redemption centers.

RV Excerpts from the Restored Republic via a GCR: Update as of Thurs. 17 April 2025

Compiled Thurs. 17 April 2025 12:01 am EST by Judy Byington

Global Currency Reset: (rumors)

Wed. 16 April 2025 Wolverine: Trump’s Executive Order has confirmed that GESARA mandates are (allegedly)  now in effect: Exchange Centers have(allegedly)   activated, Biometric Confidentiality Agreements in place; Quantum Access Cards (allegedly)  distributed; Military Courts(allegedly)   in progress; Digital Gold Wallets ready and the Starlink controlled Global transition was (allegedly)  in full progress. God bless you all Wolverine

Wed. 16 April 2025 BOMBSHELL: GESARA Is LIVE — Trump’s Executive Order Has Triggered the Final Phase! …SGAnonQ on Telegram

Global Debt Cancellation Has Quietly Begun: Alliance operatives confirm: nations across Southeast Asia and the Balkans are (allegedly)  undergoing total sovereign debt erasure under biometric NDAs. The IMF and BIS are (allegedly)  DONE. These aren’t paper contracts — these are quantum-enforced. Break them, and you’re locked out of the system forever. This is war — financial, digital, and absolute.

Redemption Centers Are(allegedly)   LIVE: Secure locations in Reno, Zurich, and Shanghai are(allegedly)   issuing Quantum Access Cards — but only to those who(allegedly)   pass retina, voice, and DNA verification. Gold-backed wallets are (allegedly)  already loaded. Funds are real, visible, but untouchable until full global sync. The Cabal is (allegedly)  locked out. The people are locking in.

The Collapse of Fiat Is GUARANTEED: Asset-backed currencies are (allegedly)  quantum-synchronized, AI-guarded, and now in sandbox rollout across Brazil, Vietnam, and beyond. The dollar, the euro, the yuan? Dead men walking.

GESARA Is NOT a Theory. It’s HAPPENING: Trump’s Alliance is executing it step by step. Iceland, Hungary, Brazil — already onboard. The restored U.S. Republic is next. The system is cleansing itself. The storm is (allegedly)  in motion.

Read full post here:  https://dinarchronicles.com/2025/04/17/restored-republic-via-a-gcr-update-as-of-april-17-2025/

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

MarkZ  Thursday Morning

04/17/2025

Internet outage will have this morning’s podcast starting late. I do not know what time yet but hope to have it up and running soon.

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

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

Militia Man  My view, parliament will never get anything until after the fact.  Once they expose that exchange rate parliament will finally get [the budget schedules]...The central bank is separate from the government.  That's my opinion.

Frank26   [Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]   FIREFLY:TV showing Sudani is meeting with the US Congressman today.  They're saying they are pleased and happy with Iraq government and what we have accomplished.  FRANK:  Then that means he's happy with the monetary reform and with the new exchange rate and with the banking structure of Iraq which includes the new exchange rate.  That has to be what he's talking about because if he's pleased and happy with 1310 then I find that American representative to be stupid LOL!

Wall Street PANICS: Bond Market Collapses as Money Floods Gold [2025]

Daniela Cambone:  4-17-2025

“The secular bull market in bonds, which was in place from 1982 until 2020. That is over,” says Jordan Roy-Byrne, editor and publisher of TheDailyGold.com.

In an interview with Daniela Cambone, he explains that capital is flowing from the bond market into gold. He emphasizes that gold has recently broken out against the traditional 60/40 portfolio (60% stocks, 40% bonds), signaling a major shift in asset preference.

“This is a big sea change compared to the last few years, more money is now going to move out of conventional assets and into gold.”

Roy-Byrne also notes that before gold reaches a new high of $4,000 or more, it could experience a 10% to 12% pullback at some point this year.

 Watch the video now to learn how to capitalize on this “once-in-a-lifetime” gold opportunity.

Key Topics:

 -The gold and silver bull market has just begun.

 -Market corrections are expected in the gold price.

-Retail investors have not yet entered the gold market.

-The significance of gold breaking out against the 60/40 portfolio.

 -Bonds are in a bear market. -“A big sea change” is coming to the bond market.

 -Gold could experience a 10% to 12% pullback before reaching $4,000 or higher.

 -Gold miners are positioned to benefit from rising gold prices.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4tKHGPeasw

The Plan to Destroy Dollar and Reset System: Andy Schectman

The Plan to Destroy Dollar and Reset System

Liberty and Finance:  4-16-2025

While the stock market grabs headlines, a silent revolution is happening in the precious metals market. According to Andy Schectman of Miles Franklin, precious metals are quietly surging, with gold potentially hitting a historic high of around $3,300 per ounce.

Yet, this significant milestone is being largely ignored by the mainstream financial media. In a recent interview with Liberty and Finance, Schectman delves into the reasons behind this “stealth rally” and what it might signify for the future of the U.S. dollar.

Schectman argues that the lack of media attention is no accident.

He suggests the U.S. government might be strategically downplaying gold’s rise to pave the way for a drastic devaluation of the dollar, a move that could alleviate the crippling weight of the country’s massive debt.

But who is driving this surge in precious metals? Schectman believes it’s not the average investor. Instead, he points to the “big boys” – central banks, hedge funds, and sovereign wealth funds – as the primary forces behind the gold market’s upward trajectory.

 These institutional investors, with their vast resources and deep understanding of global finance, are strategically positioning themselves for what they foresee as imminent financial instability.

For those looking to protect their wealth and potentially profit from the coming changes, Schectman highlights silver as a particularly compelling opportunity.

 He positions silver as the most undervalued asset class, currently trading at a historically depressed price relative to gold. Investing in silver, he suggests, is a strategic hedge against systemic financial risk and a calculated bet on an eventual correction of the gold-to-silver ratio.

Schectman argues that silver’s undervaluation represents a significant opportunity for investors. He believes that as gold continues its upward trajectory, silver will inevitably follow.

 This is due to its industrial uses, which make it a more versatile commodity than gold, as well as its historical role as a monetary metal.

The implications of Schectman’s analysis are significant. If the U.S. government is indeed considering a dollar devaluation, it could have far-reaching consequences for the global economy. Inflation could skyrocket, eroding the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. Assets denominated in dollars could lose value, while those in alternative currencies or precious metals could see significant gains.

Schectman’s message is a stark warning, but also an opportunity. He encourages investors to take a proactive approach to protecting their wealth by considering precious metals, particularly silver, as a hedge against potential financial turmoil.

While the main stream media may be silent on this shift, the smart money is already making its move. It’s time for individual investors to pay attention to the quiet revolution happening in the precious metals market and consider their own strategies for navigating the uncertain financial landscape ahead.

https://youtu.be/WRoffN_Idc4

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Thursday Morning 4-17-25

 Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

RIPPLE VS SEC LAWSUIT UPDATE: 60-DAY COURT PAUSE EXPLAINED

▪️The Ripple-SEC case is paused for 60 days, sparking speculation of behind-the-scenes developments.

▪️A crypto lawyer suggests Ripple and the SEC might be negotiating a settlement and seeking clarity on private token sales.

▪️The case's future hinges on potential agreements, Judge Torres' rulings, and could extend into late 2026 if no deal is reached.

The legal battle between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is taking yet another twist. While the U.S. Court of Appeals has agreed to pause the case for 60 days, this has sparked fresh speculation and raised new questions: Is something happening behind the scenes? Could a major shift be coming in one of crypto’s most closely watched legal fights?

Prominent crypto lawyer James Farrell has shared some insights that might offer clues – and they’re worth paying attention to.

Why the Pause?

According to Farrell, this pause may be a sign of major developments ahead. Both Ripple and the SEC asked for the pause together, which suggests they might be working on something behind closed doors.

Farrell says there are two possibilities in play: a potential settlement and an “indicative ruling” from Judge Analisa Torres. Ripple is hoping the judge will allow it to sell private tokens under certain conditions—something it’s currently not allowed to do because of past violations.

If Ripple isn’t allowed to sell tokens privately, it may not be able to go public any time soon. While other crypto companies might move ahead with IPOs, Ripple could be stuck waiting for years before launching its own.

Two Possible Paths Forward

Farrell explains that Ripple and the SEC might be considering two paths:

▪️Settlement Without Rule Change
Ripple could offer a settlement to the SEC. If the SEC accepts the deal but denies Ripple’s request to change the rules, the case would end. However, Ripple would still need Judge Torres to approve the rule change. That process could take another 3 to 6 months – and there’s no guarantee the judge would say yes.

▪️Full Agreement With Rule Change
In this option, the SEC agrees to both the settlement and Ripple’s request. The case would return to Judge Torres, who would then decide how to move forward. But even in this case, it could still take months, depending on how quickly the court acts.

How Soon Could This End?

If Ripple and the SEC reach a full agreement, the appeal could be dismissed as early as next month. But if Ripple has to file separately for rule changes, things could drag on much longer.

If no deal is made at all, the case could go back to the appeals court – possibly stretching the legal battle into late 2026 or even 2027.

The SEC is expected to make its next official move by June 15. Until then, both the crypto world and the legal community will be watching closely to see what happens next.

Ripple’s path forward might be uncertain, but the next few months could shape the future of crypto regulation in a big way.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Coinpedia

~~~~~~~~~

CARDANO ENTERS BRAZIL THROUGH MAJOR UNIVERSITY COLLABORATION

The Cardano Foundation has formally announced a new partnership with the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), a top-ranked Brazilian university renowned for its contributions to research and development.

The collaboration, revealed on April 15, will concentrate on the advancement and practical application of blockchain technology, specifically within the energy sector in Brazil.

Cardano Partners with Top Brazilian University

PUC-Rio is recognized as one of the top five private universities in the world for excellence in research and development, and it has a broad history of partnerships within the energy industry.

 The establishment of this collaboration follows previous cooperative efforts between PUC-Rio and the Brazilian state-owned enterprise Petrobras, as well as the Cardano Foundation’s own involvement with Petrobras on blockchain-driven initiatives.

Through this new endeavor, PUC-Rio’s Ledger Labs—a research group concentrating on the utilization of DLT in finance and business—will receive support from the Cardano Foundation to explore various aspects of blockchain implementation. 

According to official statements, the initial areas of focus will include blockchain economics, decentralized finance (DeFi), governance of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and digital assets.

“At the core of blockchain advancement are education and innovation. Through our collaboration with esteemed academic institutions like PUC-Rio, the Cardano Foundation ensures that the next generation of developers, industry leaders, and regulators can harness this transformative technology to its fullest potential—creating solutions that address real-world challenges and drive positive global impact,” Cardano Foundation CEO Frederik Gregaard commented.

The immediate emphasis of this alliance will be directed toward developing blockchain-based solutions that enhance production, consumption, and overall value chains in renewable energy fuels. Joint research and pilot projects in cooperation with Petrobras are expected to delve into specific methods of applying Cardano’s blockchain infrastructure to processes such as tracking and verifying energy outputs, optimizing workflows, and ensuring robust data integrity.

Ledger Labs at PUC-Rio will serve as the operational base for these studies. Leonardo Lima, Vice-Dean of the university and head of Ledger Labs, noted that the scope of the partnership will also encompass philanthropic endeavors geared toward social impact.

“Our partnership with the Cardano Foundation marks the beginning of the development of a series of use cases, not only in the energy industry but also in the field of philanthropy, with a focus on social impact projects,” he said.

Beyond the technological and scientific research, the partnership aspires to enrich PUC-Rio’s blockchain ecosystem by hosting joint events, supporting student-led social projects, and inviting other organizations to collaborate on emerging blockchain strategies. 

A significant part of this development will occur through A.L.B.A (Ada Labs for Blockchain Applications), an arm of Ledger Labs that is expected to integrate standards previously introduced at the Universidad Tecnológica Nacional (UTN) in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Foundation’s current expansion in Brazil reflects its growing footprint in the region. “Our partnership with PUC-Rio marks the Cardano Foundation’s second collaboration with a Brazilian entity this year. Last month, we announced our partnership with SERPRO, the world’s largest public IT company, and we have been collaborating with Petrobras, Brazil’s state-owned energy company, since 2023,” said Rafael Fraga, LATAM Business Development Lead for the Cardano Foundation.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Bitcoinist

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Q & A Classroom Link  

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

10 Most Awesome Things You Can Do for Your Finances

I’m a Financial Advisor: 10 Most Awesome Things You Can Do for Your Finances

Cara Danielle Brown  Wed, April 16, 2025  GOBankingRates

Looking to make the most of your finances, starting today? Some may think that taking financial risks or chasing trends is the key to maximizing potential.

But, according to Michael Fiammetta, financial advisor at 4 Generations Wealth Management, the best thing one can do this year is the same thing he or she can and should be doing every year: master the basics.

Maximize Retirement Contributions

Contributing as much as you can as early as you can to your 401(k) or IRA — within annual limits — “is one of the smartest moves you can make for your future self,” Fiammetta said.

This is because nothing helps grow your retirement savings over time like compound interest. Can’t afford to contribute the maximum amount? That’s okay. Fiammetta argued that boosting contributions by a mere 1% in 2025 will impact your financial future.

Diversify Your Portfolio

If your investments are concentrated in one sector or asset class, consider diversifying stat.

“A diversified portfolio–spanning stocks, bonds, real estate, and more — reduces risk and positions you for long-term success,” said Fiammetta. This way, if one or two investments don’t perform well, others can balance out the loss.

Create an Estate Plan

No one likes to think about it. But what would happen to your money if you meet your untimely demise? In the absence of an estate plan, the state would determine who gets your assets based on unique intestacy laws that establish priority order beginning with closest living relatives.

But what if you wish to dictate particular amounts to specific individuals, or you prefer to pass assets to extended family and charitable organizations? Make sure a trust or will is put in place. Having a say in how your money is divided up ensures your preferences are honored and your legacy is carried on. It could also help loved ones avoid probate.

Review and Update Beneficiaries

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/m-financial-advisor-10-most-140127402.html

“Tidbits From TNT” Thursday Morning 4-17-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  Iraqi government banks suspend loans and advances

An informed source stated on Thursday that some government banks, including Rafidain Bank, have suspended granting loans and financial advances to citizens.

The source told Shafaq News Agency, "Some government banks, particularly Rafidain Bank, have stopped granting loans and advances so far, despite the passage of five months of the current fiscal year. Others have issued loans and advances, but on a very limited basis."

He added, "The main reason behind banks' failure to perform their credit role, including granting loans and advances, is the lack of financial allocations."

The source also pointed out that "many citizens have called on Parliament, the Finance Committee, and the government to intervene to release loans, advances, construction loans, and home purchase loans."

Both Rafidain and Rashid Banks provided loans and advances to employees and citizens for various purposes, such as construction, land purchases, car purchases, and other purposes, at a specific interest rate and for a predetermined period.  link

Tishwash:  Reconstruction: World Bank financing of projects will create jobs and support the private sector.

The Ministry of Construction and Housing confirmed on Thursday that the World Bank's facilities will contribute to improving public services in remote and deprived areas, while explaining that the World Bank's financing of projects will create job opportunities and support the private sector.

“The World Bank’s provision of project financing facilities will contribute to expanding the scope of reconstruction with infrastructure services, such as the construction and rehabilitation of water purification plants and sewage treatment plants, as well as road projects, especially in areas that have not been previously implemented and that need these services,” said ministry spokesman Nabil Al-Saffar in an interview followed by “Al-Eqtisad News.” He pointed out that “they contribute to improving public services, especially in remote and deprived areas or those affected by wars and terrorist operations.”

He added, "These projects contribute to creating job opportunities and supporting the private sector by providing financing and supporting economic reforms in the country." He noted that "an agreement was previously concluded between the Iraqi government and the World Bank for Reconstruction and Development in 2015 to reconstruct areas affected by terrorist operations."

He explained that, "according to this agreement, 20 projects were completed, distributed among 20 districts and sub-districts within three governorates (Salah al-Din, Diyala, and Anbar), including the rehabilitation of water and sewage stations, with the number of beneficiaries reaching approximately 3 million people, in addition to a number of projects to equip specialized equipment for the municipal, water, and sewage sectors."  link

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Tishwash:  Nechirvan Barzani calls on Al-Sudani to activate the Article 140 Committee and thanks him for his efforts regarding Halabja.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani called on Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Wednesday to activate Article 140 of the Constitution regarding the disputed areas between Erbil and Baghdad, while praising his role in establishing Halabja Governorate.

In a speech delivered at the ninth Sulaymaniyah Forum, Nechirvan Barzani said, "In the Kurdistan Region, regarding our relations with the federal government in Baghdad, we affirm our unwavering commitment to the Iraqi constitution as a framework for regulating this relationship. We believe that the constitution, with its principles of federalism, pluralism, and partnership, is the true guarantor of the rights of all components of Iraq without discrimination."

He added, "The recent period has witnessed remarkable progress in resolving the issues between Erbil and Baghdad, thanks to the commendable efforts of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, which deserve our appreciation." He added, "Al-Sudani's vision of strengthening commonalities and reducing differences is the correct vision for a solution, and I emphasize here the urgent implementation of the property restitution law and the activation of the committee to implement Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution."

Nechirvan Barzani stressed that "we will continue constructive dialogue with the federal government to reach permanent solutions to all problems in a way that serves the interests of Iraq, with all its components, and guarantees and secures the constitutional rights and entitlements of all."

He stressed that "the Kurdistan Parliament must be activated in light of the current circumstances and challenges in the region. Therefore, the primary task of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, and the winning parties in the Kurdistan Parliament elections is to expedite the formation of the new government cabinet for the Kurdistan Region, and for it to be a government that responds to the aspirations of the citizens and is capable of dealing appropriately with developments and challenges."  link

Mot:  Are We there Yet?????

Mot: ... Ya Knows -- What ole ""Golf"" Actually is - Don't Ya!!! 

News, Rumors and Opinions Thursday AM 4-17-2025

KTFA:

Clare:  Al-Hassan: Iraq no longer needs the UN mission

4/16/2025 - Baghdad

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Mohammed Hassan, confirmed on Wednesday that Iraq has reached a stage where it no longer needs a UN mission.

Al-Hassan said in a speech at the Sulaymaniyah Forum, which was monitored by Al-Eqtisad News, that "Iraq today is different from the past, and the gains must be preserved," noting that "Iraq has reached a stage where it no longer needs the United Nations mission."

He continued, "Iraq is facing a constitutional obligation, namely the elections, which we are working to ensure are successful in order to consolidate the path of development and reform," adding, "The region needs Iraq's stability."  LINK

Clare:  Urgent and confidential: Iraq launches maritime security cooperation with Kuwait without official announcement

4/16/2025

  An official document issued by the Prime Minister's Office revealed that an "urgent and top secret" letter was sent to the Ministry of Defense - General Secretariat, regarding the initiation of maritime security cooperation with the Kuwaiti side.

 According to the letter dated March 26, 2025, and signed by the Prime Minister's Office Director, Ali Razouki Al-Lami, a copy of which was obtained by {Euphrates News}, the directive is based on the approval of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and stipulates "taking the necessary measures and starting work according to the mechanism for maritime security cooperation with Kuwaiti authorities, temporarily, starting April 1, 2025, without an official announcement."   LINK

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Ariel: Do you See your Glorious Future?

Do You See Your Glorious Future?

• Roughly 7,000 probationary IRS employees were initially notified of job losses, but a federal judge ordered their reinstatement.

• But now there are currently 20,000 IRS agents who have accepted President Trump’s offer to resign.

• The IRS chief information officer announces his resignation on the eve of tax filing day.

• The Trump Administration is also planning to close more than 50 IRS taxpayer assistance offices nationwide.

Source(s):
https://x.com/Prolotario1/status/1912269049444045265

https://dinarchronicles.com/2025/04/15/ariel-prolotario1-do-you-see-your-glorious-future/

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

Mnt Goat  ...No one knows the date of the RV...Our RV is coming but it is all attached to the reinstatement back to FOREX. This is a byproduct of all the reforms.  Iraq is now being methodically pieced back together and the goal is to have a booming economy...My guess, and this is ONLY a guess is that when this Iranian issue is resolved we can expect wonderful things to occur.

Militia Man  They’re waiting for government submission.  That’s when showtime happens as far as I’m concerned.  The government, to me, will not expose the budget tables without being ready for inter-connectivity to the international financial system.  That’s my belief.  With all the things that were on the table…oil, non-oil revenues, Iraqi Stock Exchange, international exchange in dinar for cross border payments outside the dollar, it probably won’t happen.  I’m not saying it’s not going to happen I’m just saying they got to do this for it to happen…I can clearly see why the budget schedules are apparently…’delayed’.  I think it’s not delayed.  I think they’re ready to go, have been ready to go…for well over a month or more.  They just haven’t exposed that yet.  Why?  Because of timing and inter-connectivity.

Gold Surges Past $3,300 – Why Silver Could Be Next | Mike Maloney

4-16-2025

Gold just smashed through the $3,300 mark — but what’s next?

Join Mike Maloney and Alan Hibbard as they dive into this historic moment for precious metals. In this episode, they break down the price action, analyze silver’s unexpected stagnation, and explore why savvy investors are shifting toward physical metals and undervalued gold miners.

Will silver finally catch up? Are we heading toward a monetary shake-up? And is crypto still a safe haven in the age of AI and quantum computing?

Don’t miss this essential update on gold, silver, and the future of real money. 

Timestamps:

 00:00 - Intro & Gold Breaks $3300

 10:15 - Silver’s Surprising Delay

20:45 - Physical vs Paper: Where Smart Money is Going

35:30 - Crypto Under Pressure

45:00 - Final Thoughts & Viewer Comments

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

Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Wednesday Afternoon 4-16-25

An Economic Expert Told NINA: US Tariffs Will Contribute To Raising Oil Prices

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 14:55 | Economic Number of reads: 142  Baghdad / NINA / Economic expert Safwan Qusay confirmed on Wednesday that imposing US tariffs on some countries will contribute to raising oil prices and thus reflect on the oil-producing countries of the Middle East.

He said in a statement to / NINA /: "Imposing economic tariffs by Washington will contribute to the withdrawal of many American investments in the world, as well as the possibility of increasing the production volume of companies within the US to meet demand within the Washington environment, stressing that raising such tariffs on Chinese goods will contribute to reducing oil consumption in China until China succeeds in finding other markets, and this issue needs some time and will be reflected in oil prices and thus reflect on the oil-producing countries of the Middle East."

He stressed, "Iraq needs to intensify trade conditions with the United States of America to ensure the presence of American goods in the Iraqi market and to support the issue of reducing these tariffs."

He continued, "Iraq can contain this crisis and has succeeded in establishing good relations with the United States of America, and there are no indications of oil prices falling below their current levels of $65, which is a price sufficient to cover operating expenses for this period." /End https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1198180

Slight Increase In Basra Crude Oil Prices

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 10:26 | Economic Number of reads: 196  Baghdad / NINA / Basra Heavy and Medium crude prices rose slightly despite the stability of global oil prices.

 Basra Heavy crude prices rose 10 cents to reach $62.43, and Medium crude prices rose 10 cents to reach $65.58.   Oil prices stabilized in global markets on Wednesday, as Brent crude recorded $64.49 today, and US crude recorded $61.17.  https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1198104

Economist: Financial Debts Have Caused A Liquidity Crisis In Government Banks And The Pension Fund.
Time: 2025/04/16 12:35:41 Read: 2,010 Times  {Economic: Al Furat News} Economic expert Salah Nouri confirmed on Wednesday the existence of a liquidity crisis at a number of government banks, including Rafidain and Rashd banks, in addition to the Trade Bank of Iraq and the Iraqi Employees' Retirement Fund. He attributed the reason to the accumulation of internal debts at the Ministry of Finance as a result of its reliance on domestic borrowing to cover the budget deficit over the past years.

Nouri told Al Furat News Agency, "There is a liquidity crisis plaguing government banks and the pension fund, as a result of the Ministry of Finance's mounting internal debts to cover the budget deficit for several consecutive years."

He added that "this crisis has directly impacted these institutions' ability to meet their obligations," while noting that he "does not have precise figures that can confirm or deny the statements made by several MPs on this matter, due to the Ministry of Finance's directive not to provide government banks with any financial information."

In recent years, the Iraqi Ministry of Finance has relied on a policy of domestic borrowing to cover recurring deficits in the public budget, by borrowing from government banks and the employees' pension fund.

This approach, although a temporary measure to address operating expenses, has led to the accumulation of massive debts for the Ministry of Finance, directly impacting the liquidity of lending financial institutions.  LINK

Al-Sudani: Customs Revenues Increase And Inflation Declines In Iraq.

Money and Business  Economy News – Baghdad  Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated on Wednesday that his government has succeeded in maximizing non-oil resources by increasing customs revenues and decreasing inflation in the country.

Al-Sudani said during the forum that today we are entering the second quarter of the twenty-first century and our country is brimming with unique success stories in every corner of it, and in every Iraqi city there is a tireless service and construction workshop, noting that infrastructure has grown in all Iraqi cities.

He added that the inherited stalled projects have decreased to less than 850, after previously numbering in the thousands. He explained, "We have embarked on the highest production plan to build power plants and for the first time, we have entered solar, clean, and renewable energy projects, and the rate of gas flaring cessation has exceeded 70 percent."

He continued, "It is unacceptable for political competition to devolve into the use of defamatory language and the concealment of the truth about government performance. Iraq needs bold and comprehensive reforms." He explained that the true value of any reform lies in reaching the poor and marginalized groups and saving them from the clutches of poverty.

Al-Sudani revealed that customs revenues increased by 128 percent and the annual inflation rate declined, noting that Iraq is proceeding with confidence in agriculture, ensuring food security, and achieving self-sufficiency.

Al-Sudani also stressed that Iraq has maintained its firm and principled positions, especially its position on the Palestinian issue, and that Iraq is prepared to be a reliable partner and an effective contributor to regional stability.

Al-Sudani announced his intention to run in the elections scheduled for November of this year, stressing that the alliances will be announced in the coming days. He added that the elections represent an opportunity to support a reform project in Iraq.

He also touched on the relationship between Baghdad and Erbil, saying that it had moved to a technical and legal dialogue for the first time, and that the oil and gas law had become an urgent necessity. He also stated that the Popular Mobilization Forces were an essential part of the security system.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister announced that Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara will attend the Arab Summit scheduled to be held in the capital, Baghdad, next month. Al-Sudani stated, "Al-Shara is welcome to attend the Arab Summit in Baghdad, and an official invitation has been extended to him in this regard."   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=54494

Prime Minister: Iraq Needs Bold Reforms To Ensure Regional Stability

Buratha News Agency1052025-04-16   Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stressed on Wednesday (April 16, 2025) that Iraq needs bold and comprehensive reforms, emphasizing the need for the outcomes of reform to be directed towards the poor and marginalized groups.

In his speech during the ninth Sulaymaniyah Forum, held at the American University of Sulaymaniyah, al-Sudani stated that “Iraq is ready to be a reliable partner and an effective contributor to strengthening regional stability,” noting that “the true value of any reform lies in reaching marginalized groups and saving them from poverty.”

He added that "the government has embarked on implementing the highest production plan to build new power plants, in addition to entering into solar and renewable energy projects for the first time," warning against the use of political rhetoric to defame and distort facts related to government performance.

The forum was widely attended by local and international political, economic, and academic figures, including former President Barham Salih, who emphasized in his opening remarks that "the current situation regarding negotiations between the United States and Iran presents the region with a historic opportunity to achieve stability and a dignified life for its people."

He explained that our region has long suffered from wars and violence, and that the time has come to move to a new reality through dialogue and understanding to build a better future.

The Sulaymaniyah Forum, held this year in its ninth edition at the American University of Iraq, Sulaymaniyah, is one of the most prominent intellectual and political events, bringing together decision-makers and researchers from inside and outside Iraq to discuss pivotal issues related to politics, economics, and regional and international security.  https://burathanews.com/arabic/news/458900

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