$1T Gold Reserve Signals Official U.S. Revaluation

$1T Gold Reserve Signals Official U.S. Revaluation

Taylor Kenny:  10-2-2025

The U.S. gold reserve has just crossed the $1 trillion mark as gold prices surge past $3,800 per ounce. What does this mean for the dollar, global markets, and a potential official U.S. gold revaluation?

 The whispers are growing louder, and they’re emanating from the hallowed halls of finance and even catching the attention of main stream media. A topic once relegated to niche economic circles – the potential for an official U.S. gold revaluation – is now a prominent discussion point.

A recent video from ITM Trading, featuring Taylor Kenney, delves into the accelerating momentum behind this idea, and the implications are, to put it mildly, monumental.

As of October 1st, 2025, the gold market is painting a dramatic picture. Prices have already surged by nearly 50% year-to-date, pushing the shimmering metal towards the astonishing mark of $4,000 per ounce.

This isn’t just a speculative bubble; it’s a symptom of deeper shifts in the global monetary landscape.

And at the heart of this conversation lies an often-overlooked asset: the United States’ gargantuan gold reserves.

Imagine this: the U.S. government, holding the world’s largest official gold reserves, has them on its balance sheet valued at a staggering – and frankly, absurd – $42.22 per ounce.

This price hasn’t budged since 1973. Now, consider the immediate financial impact if these reserves were to be revalued at current market prices. It wouldn’t just add a few dollars; it would instantly inject over a trillion dollars into the U.S. Treasury’s balance sheet.

But here’s where it gets even more compelling: the revaluation price could very well be significantly higher than the current spot price, amplifying that fiscal boost exponentially.

This isn’t uncharted territory for the U.S. History buffs will recall President Roosevelt’s bold move in 1933. After confiscating gold bullion, he revalued it from $20.67 to $35 an ounce. While this effectively enriched the government, it also devalued the purchasing power of those holding paper currency.

 The ITM Trading video offers a crucial caveat: a similar revaluation today wouldn’t be a magic wand to fix all of America’s economic woes. However, its consequences for the U.S. dollar and the global monetary system would be profound and far-reaching.

The bedrock of the current global financial system – the U.S. dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency – is showing cracks. Across the globe, trust in fiat currencies is eroding. This has led to a surge in demand for physical gold, not just from retail investors but also from central banks and institutional players. Adding fuel to this fire is the increasing scarcity of physical gold.

Practices like rehypothecation, where multiple claims are made on the same physical gold, have created a genuine shortage, further driving up demand and, consequently, prices.

The Federal Reserve is no longer on the sidelines of this discussion. They are actively exploring gold revaluation models, taking inspiration from countries like Germany, Italy, and South Africa, which have undertaken similar revaluations in recent decades.

 While revaluing the U.S. gold reserves to the current spot price might seem like a drop in the ocean compared to the nation’s colossal debt, experts suggest the U.S. could choose a revaluation price far exceeding spot to maximize its fiscal advantage.

The potential fallout from such a revaluation is staggering. It would effectively establish a much higher, undeniable floor for gold prices globally. This could accelerate the ongoing shift away from the U.S. dollar as the dominant reserve currency, prompting other nations to further their de-dollarization efforts.

The implications could include the end of dollar dominance, a meteoric rise in interest rates, rampant inflation, and a significant decline in living standards for many. In such a scenario, ownership of physical gold would transition from a strategic investment to a critical tool for wealth preservation.

The message from ITM Trading is clear and urgent: don’t wait for the revaluation to happen. The time to prepare is now. This means securing physical gold and silver.

Understanding the different types of gold available and partnering with trusted dealers is paramount. To help navigate these complex waters, ITM Trading is offering a free guide on gold and silver, designed to equip investors with the knowledge needed to protect their wealth in an increasingly uncertain economic future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psoiUIrCMN0

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Thursday Evening 10-2-25

The Oil Agreement: Sovereignty For Baghdad And Financial Relief For The Region After An 18-Year Dispute.

Time: 2025/10/02 09:51:20 Reading: 120 times    {Economic: Al Furat News} After a hiatus of more than two years, Iraqi Kurdistan's oil resumed flowing through the Turkish Ceyhan pipeline last Saturday, in a move described as historic and reshaping the interests of Baghdad, Erbil, and Ankara. 

The new agreement gives the federal government control over the region's exports, while providing Erbil with a financial reprieve, at a time when the global market is monitoring the potential impact on crude prices amid fears of a supply glut.

In the following lines, we review the beginning of the crisis, its developments so far, and its potential impact on the market.

Why did Kurdistan's oil exports stop in the first place?
The crisis surrounding the region's oil exports via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline dates back to March 2023, when Turkey halted oil pumping following an arbitration court ruling ordering it to pay $1.5 billion to Iraq in compensation for unauthorized oil exports from the region between 2014 and 2018.

Iraq filed an arbitration request in 2014 with the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce regarding Turkey's role in facilitating exports from the region without the approval of the federal government in Baghdad. According to Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, this halt cost the country more than $22 billion in revenue losses.

The original agreement between Iraq and Turkey was signed on August 27, 1973, and the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline became operational in 1977. Its goal was to enable Iraq to export its oil to world markets via the Mediterranean, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.

Initially, the Iraqi central government owned and operated the entire pipeline. However, after the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, the Kurdistan Region began developing its own oil infrastructure, connecting some fields to the Ceyhan pipeline via new pipelines constructed by the region, enabling it to export oil almost independently of Baghdad.

This approach sparked legal and political disputes between the central government and the regional government, and led to legal tensions with Baghdad, which rejected the move as a violation of national sovereignty.

What is the significance of this agreement?

Iraq describes the agreement as historic, under which the federal Ministry of Oil will receive crude oil produced from fields located in the Kurdistan Region and export it via the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline, according to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. He added in a post on Twitter:

"This ensures the equitable distribution of wealth, diversifies export outlets, and encourages investment. It is an achievement we have waited 18 years for."

The agreement includes "establishing clear technical and regulatory mechanisms to ensure smooth export flows and transparency in oil revenues, thus contributing to increased federal budget revenues," according to a statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Oil. The discussions that led to this agreement stemmed from "a shared national vision aimed at strengthening Iraq's role as a major player in the global energy market."

The agreement was also welcomed by the US administration. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement: "We welcome the announcement that the Government of Iraq has reached an agreement with the Kurdistan Regional Government and international companies to reopen the Iraq-Turkey pipeline. This agreement was facilitated by the United States and will deliver tangible benefits to both Americans and Iraqis."

He added, "This agreement will contribute to strengthening the mutually beneficial economic partnership between the United States and Iraq, fostering a more stable investment environment across Iraq for American companies, enhancing regional energy security, and consolidating Iraqi sovereignty."

The main beneficiaries of the Kurdistan oil export agreement are:

- The federal government in Baghdad  is regaining control over the region's oil exports through SOMO, and thus controlling all oil imports, according to Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani, noting that "pumping operations are proceeding regularly and will increase in the coming days."

For its part, SOMO confirmed that Iraq will be able to export larger quantities of oil after the return of the Ceyhan pipeline, while indicating that it has surplus oil quantities that will be compensated for. Iraq currently exports approximately 3.4 million barrels per day, out of a total production of approximately 4 million barrels per day.

The Kurdistan Region's resumption of oil exports through the pipeline linking Iraq and Turkey will help ease economic pressures that have recently led to delays in paying public sector salaries and reduced spending on essential services.

Iraq and the region agreed in July to supply SOMO with the region's entire production of approximately 230,000 barrels per day (bpd) in exchange for an advance payment of $16 per barrel (in cash or in kind) in accordance with the budget amendment law. The amount should not be less than 230,000 bpd, with any additional production to be added through the Joint Measurement and Calibration Committee, according to Bloomberg. Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani stated that the oil export agreement represents a "major achievement" for the Iraqi people, expressing his hope that "this agreement will improve the economic infrastructure to serve all citizens."

Oil producing companies:

Eight international companies, which together account for more than 90% of the Kurdistan Region's production, had previously agreed to the export agreement. However, the Norwegian company DNO ASA, which operates the Tawke license, expressed reservations, demanding "agreements that guarantee payment of past arrears and future exports."

For its part, Baghdad invited the regional government and representatives of foreign oil companies to a new meeting to discuss the details of resuming exports and ensuring the payment of financial arrears.

The eight foreign companies operating in the Kurdistan Region are: DNO, Genel Energy, British Gulf Keystone Petroleum, Shamaran Petroleum, HKN Energy, Western Zagros, MOL, and Hunt Oil Company.

Turkey
benefits from transportation and import duties through the port of Ceyhan via the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, and also strengthens its position as an energy transportation hub in the region, resulting in strategic and economic benefits.

How does the agreement affect the global oil market?

The additional volumes coming from the north add to concerns about a supply glut in a market already widely believed to be significantly oversupplied. Before the resumption of pumping, the International Energy Agency predicted a record surplus over the next year as the OPEC+ alliance continues to increase production.

Iraq is OPEC's second-largest producer, with average production this year averaging about 4.2 million barrels per day, most of which is destined for Asian markets via the southern port of Basra. However, on the price front, the price of Brent crude, the global benchmark, has fallen by about 11% since the beginning of the year.

However, so far, the market has been indifferent to the prospect of restarting the Iraqi Kurdistan pipeline this week, with oil traders anticipating that the pipeline will carry supplies initially used domestically, rather than releasing a significant flow of new oil.

Future obstacles and challenges

The agreement faces obstacles related to how the outstanding debts will be repaid. DNO, the largest international oil producer in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, did not sign the agreement because it wanted more clarity on how the outstanding debts would be repaid, according to Reuters.

"We have chosen not to start direct exports at this time and will continue to sell our oil on a monthly basis on a pay-as-you-go basis to buyers," CEO Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani said in a statement.

The company explained in a statement that it will hand over the government's share of production from its fields to the state for export, while continuing to sell its own share to local Kurdish buyers "at a price close to $30," according to Bloomberg.   LINK

Oil Announces Activation Of The Contract To Develop Kirkuk Fields And Gas Facilities With British BP.

Energy  Economy News – Baghdad  The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced in a statement on Thursday the signing of the activation of the contract to develop the four Kirkuk fields and rehabilitate gas facilities, between the North Oil Company, the North Gas Company, and the British company BP.

In a speech delivered during the signing ceremony to activate the contract, Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil Hayan Abdul-Ghani affirmed the ministry's commitment to increasing crude oil and gas production in Kirkuk to support the national economy and secure fuel needs.

Abdul Ghani said, "Today we celebrate the activation of the contract to develop the four Kirkuk fields, which is one of the promising contracts that aims to develop the Kirkuk fields (with its two domes "Baba and Avana", Jambur, Bai Hassan, and Khabbaz) in addition to rehabilitating the facilities of the North Gas Company, to increase gas production to supply the power generation stations with their fuel needs."

He pointed out that "stabilizing the initial production rate at 328,000 barrels per day is the start of the contract, and what's more is development operations. Through this contract, we hope to increase crude oil production and, consequently, increase associated gas investment rates."

Abdul Ghani added that the contract will attract labor to Kirkuk and nearby provinces, in addition to providing fuel for electricity generation and other local industries.

In this regard, BP's Country Manager in Iraq, Zaid Al-Yasiri, said in a speech during the contract signing that the activation of the contract is a major step towards strengthening genuine cooperation and partnership with the North Oil and North Gas companies to develop the oil fields in Kirkuk.

For his part, the Director General of the North Oil Company, Amer Khalil, said that the activation of the contract to develop the company's four oil fields and the determination of initial production marks the beginning of work on field development operations to increase oil production, which will have significant benefits for the governorate.

In a speech during the ceremony, North Gas Company General Manager Ahmed Abdul Majeed said that the contract signed with British company BP will increase gas production after the company's production facilities are rehabilitated and developed.

This will result in an increase in fuel supply to power plants, in addition to providing gas to local industries in the country.  https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=60631

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

FRANK26…10-2-25……MAD AS HELL

KTFA

Thursday Night Video

FRANK26…10-2-25……MAD AS HELL

This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only

Intel starts about minute 17:00

Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests

Playback Number: 605-313-5163   PIN: 156996#

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA5MWZeqHPc

Gold/Crypto To Replace Dollar Hegemony? | Rick Rule, Alasdair Macleod, Andy Schectman (Part 1 & 2)

Gold/Crypto To Replace Dollar Hegemony? | Rick Rule, Alasdair Macleod, Andy Schectman (Part 2)

Liberty and Finance:  10-1-2025

In part 2 of this panel discussion, Andy Schectman explains how BRICS Pay, multi‑jurisdictional gold vaults, and central bank digital currencies are creating a settlement system outside the dollar, eroding dollar dominance and enabling gold as a key global standard.

Alasdair MacLeod warns this shift points toward a Bretton Woods‑style system anchored in gold, dismisses cryptocurrencies as a speculative mania, and urges moving out of credit and into real money.

Rick Rule stresses that while the dollar will remain the world’s reserve currency for the foreseeable future, the next decade will be difficult for the unprepared, and he advocates owning assets one understands, especially gold and precious metals.

Together they call for reducing exposure to the U.S. dollar, diversifying into real assets, and adapting strategies to survive and thrive in a changing global monetary landscape.

INTERVIEW TIMELINE:

0:00 Intro

1:30 Gold retail demand

8:33 BRICS & the US dollar

23:00 US dollars vs gold vs crypto

 36:18 Further resources

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

WATCH PART 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBQUw3TFB1w

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Thursday Afternoon 10-2-25

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Thursday Afternoon  10-2-25

Al-Sudani Affirms The Government's Commitment To Supporting The Gold Industry And Developing The Business Environment

Money and Business    Economy News - Baghdad   Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received a number of goldsmiths representing gold and jewelry traders in Iraq on Thursday. He noted the government's continued monitoring of this important economic sector and its ongoing development, expansion, and growth, both domestically and internationally.

Al-Sudani outlined the most significant challenges facing the private sector, both investors and manufacturers, in this field. He noted that the significant growth in the volume of gold trade prompted the government to issue a package of decisions regulating gold import activities, developing market mechanisms, and protecting consumers. This, he said, will help bolster national gold reserves, which have become a key pillar of financial stability and confidence in the Iraqi economy.

The Prime Minister noted that the approval of the "Global Gold City" project, with its headquarters in Baghdad, represents a strategic step toward localizing the industry, regulating the gold and jewelry trade in accordance with international standards, and creating a modern environment that supports manufacturing industries, provides job opportunities, and supports diversification of sources of income.

He explained that the government understands the challenges facing those working in this sector, whether related to administrative procedures, oversight and quality, or the need for more flexible legislation. He emphasized the need to address these challenges and adopt practical proposals from within the market itself, ensuring a balance between protecting the national economy and supporting the vitality of the private sector.

Al-Sudani stressed the importance of adhering to official standards, combating fraud and counterfeiting, and enhancing confidence in Iraqi products. He also emphasized the government's commitment to providing support through legislation, banking facilities, and protecting the rights of traders and investors. He added that the government, along with its private sector partners, will continue to do so. https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=60656

Al-Sudani Stresses The Importance Of Adhering To Official Standards In The Gold Industry And Enhancing Confidence In Iraqi Products.

Thursday, October 2, 2025, | Economics Number of readings: 114  Baghdad / NINA / Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stressed the importance of adhering to official standards in the gold industry, combating fraud and counterfeiting, and enhancing confidence in the Iraqi product.

 He indicated the government's commitment to providing support through legislation, banking facilities, and protecting the rights of traders and investors.

Al-Sudani said, during his meeting on Thursday with a number of goldsmiths representing gold and jewelry traders in Iraq: "The government is following this important economic sector and the development, expansion, and growth it is witnessing locally and internationally."

The Prime Minister indicated, according to a statement by his media office, that the approval of the "Global Gold City" project, with its headquarters in Baghdad, represents a strategic step to localize the industry and regulate the gold and jewelry trade in accordance with international standards, create a modern environment that supports manufacturing industries, provides job opportunities, and supports the diversification of sources of income.

He explained: "The government understands the challenges facing workers in this sector, whether related to administrative procedures, oversight and quality, or the need for more flexible legislation," stressing the need to work to address these challenges and adopt practical proposals from within the market itself, ensuring a balance between protecting the national economy and supporting the vitality of the private sector.

He stressed the importance of adhering to official standards, combating fraud and counterfeiting, and enhancing confidence in the Iraqi product, with the government committed to providing support through legislation, banking facilities, and protecting the rights of traders and investors, and that the government is moving forward with its partners from the private sector.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed on the most prominent challenges facing the private sector, investors, and manufacturers in this field.

He pointed out: "The significant growth in the volume of gold trade prompted the government to issue a package of decisions regulating gold import activities, developing market mechanisms, and protecting consumers, in a way that works to strengthen national gold reserves, which have become an important pillar of financial stability and confidence in the Iraqi economy." /End
https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1254973

 Russia's $20 Billion Oil Investment In Iraq

energy  Economy News – Baghdad   Russian Ambassador to Iraq, Elbrus Kotrashev, confirmed on Thursday that his country's oil investments in Iraq have exceeded $20 billion and are open to expansion. He also indicated that his country is considering opening a Russian cultural center in Iraq.

"Relations with Iraq are advanced in all areas, and there are no restrictions imposed on them by any party. Rather, there is a mutual desire to develop and advance them towards new horizons," Kotrashev said, noting that "there is an ongoing and strong political dialogue, in addition to advanced economic cooperation despite the sanctions imposed on Russia," according to the official agency.

He added, "Cooperation with Iraq in the military, technical, and security fields is historic, and we face common challenges." He noted that "there has been ongoing cultural cooperation with Iraq for decades, and channels for further cultural cooperation will be opened." He noted that "Moscow is considering opening a Russian cultural center in Iraq."

He explained, "Our investments exceed $20 billion and are significantly expandable, with the cooperation and willingness of our Iraqi partners." https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=60641

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

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Thursday Afternoon 10-2-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Token2049 Trends: Quantum, Stablecoins, DeAI & RWA
At Token2049, the industry mapped the trajectory from innovation to infrastructure — and those pathways intersect straight with global financial restructuring.

What Emerged from Token2049 2025

  ● The conference spotlighted quantum resistance, with panels exploring how quantum computing could disrupt crypto security and what post-quantum ledger designs must look like.
  ● Stablecoins remain a core theme — predictions of $1 trillion+ market caps were echoed, and supply, regulation, and cross-border use were debated. 
  ● DeAI / decentralized AI gained traction as a concept: AI agents embedded in blockchains, DAO governance powered by machine learning, and data markets were among the hot topics.
  ● Real-world assets (RWA) tokenization got serious attention: tokenization of real estate, bonds, private credit, art — bringing TradFi onto chain. 

Key Forces Driving These Trends

Quantum Threat & Opportunity
Blockchain protocols are increasingly expected to resist quantum attacks. New cryptographic standards (e.g. lattice, zk-SNARKs with post-quantum tweaks) were discussed.

Stablecoins as Payment Rails
Stablecoins were framed not just as collateral tools but as foundational rails for payments, remittances, and programmatic finance. The push is for institutional adoption.

DeAI / On-chain Intelligence
By blending AI with decentralized infrastructure, architects propose systems that optimize logic, compliance, and resource allocation autonomously — cutting latency, trust frictions, and central points of failure.

RWA Tokenization & Liquidity
Turning physical or traditional assets into tokens promises fractional ownership, access, and tradability. But liquidity, regulation, and standardization are recognized obstacles. Recent academic work notes many RWA tokens have low secondary market volume and structural barriers in custody, valuation, and regulatory gating. 

How These Trends Fit Into Global Restructuring

🔹 Reinventing Money & Settlement
Stablecoins + RWA = programmable money backed by real assets. As this model scales, dollar-based systems may lose primacy as settlement hubs.

🔹 Sovereignty in Tech Infrastructure
Every protocol that embeds AI, quantum resistance, or tokenized assets becomes a domain of control. Nations or blocs that can host or mandate these rails gain strategic influence.

🔹 Fragmentation vs Convergence
The future likely holds multiple token systems — regional or national rails coexisting with open protocols. That splinters power and reduces dominance of any single global financial center.

🔹 The Legitimacy & Trust Pivot
Trust is moving from political institutions to cryptographic institutions. Systems that remain stable, auditable, and resilient will attract capital, influence, and legitimacy.

Why This Matters / Key Takeaway

Token2049 wasn’t a festival — it was a marker of how the next phase of money, value, and governance is being built. These architectures aren’t speculative: they are foundational layers of future finance. As stablecoins, quantum resistance, AI, and real-world asset integration converge, the battleground shifts to who writes the rules, who operates the rails, and who captures the trust.

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

@ Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources:

• Newsweek — Ziplines, DJs and Trump: Singapore’s crypto conference has attendees roaring Reuters

• Token2049 official reports / event pages TOKEN2049 Dubai+1

• RWA definition & market context (Wikipedia) Wikipedia

• TOKEN2049 Dubai insights, key takeaways Bitget

• Academic: Tokenize Everything, But Can You Sell It? RWA Liquidity Challenges arXiv

• Academic: Hybrid Monetary Ecosystems: Integrating Stablecoins & Fiat arXiv

~~~~~~~~~

At Historic Conference, Serbia Weighs BRICS as Alternative to EU Path
Belgrade’s flirtation with BRICS reveals cracks in the European model—and signals realignment pressures in global politics and finance.

Serbia Opens Debate: East or West?

  ● Serbia held its first parliamentary conference evaluating BRICS membership as a possible alternative to full EU integration. 
  ● Organizers included the Parliamentary Group for Cooperation with BRICS and the Socialist Movement led by former intelligence chief Aleksandar Vulin. Vulin criticized EU demands such as recognizing Kosovo’s independence, abandoning traditional ties with Russia/China, and giving up support for Republika Srpska.
  ● The Russian ambassador to Serbia affirmed support for Belgrade’s BRICS ambitions, stating the bloc represents “multipolarity” and cooperation without undue dominance. 

Backing Data & Shifting Public Sentiment

  ● Public support for EU membership in Serbia has dropped sharply—only ~33 % now endorse joining, the lowest in the Western Balkans. 
  ● Yet, around 60 % reportedly support the idea of Serbia entering BRICS, reflecting growing openness to non-Western alternatives. 
  ● Serbia has formally been an EU candidate since 2012, but progress is slow: of 35 negotiation chapters, only 22 opened and just 2 provisionally closed as of 2025. 
  ● Deputy PM Vulin has repeatedly stated BRICS is a viable alternative to EU accession, because it carries fewer political conditions (no requirement to recognize Kosovo’s independence, no forced alignment with sanction regimes). 

Strategic Drivers Behind the Shift

🔹 Sovereignty & Conditionality
Serbian leaders argue BRICS demands less political adherence than the EU—it doesn’t force changes in foreign policy or judicial structure to the same degree. This gives Belgrade more maneuvering room.

🔹 Multipolar Appeal & Identity
By associating with BRICS, Serbia taps into a narrative of resisting Western dominance—projecting alignment with Beijing, Moscow, and Global South states. It positions itself as a player in multipolar diplomacy.

🔹 Financial & Trade Leverage
Joining BRICS could open access to alternative finance, trade in national currencies, and reduced dependence on EU structural funds and conditional lending. Serbia seeks avenues beyond EU grants and subsidies.

🔹 Institutional & Structural Shift
If a country like Serbia abandons or slows EU integration in favor of BRICS, it signals weakening of the EU’s pull—and encourages others in its orbit to reconsider their alignment.

Why This Matters / Key Takeaway

Serbia’s public and institutional debate over BRICS membership is more than a regional curiosity—it epitomizes how countries are rethinking the old paradigms. In choosing between conditional European integration and a looser multipolar alliance, Serbia is testing the strength of global structures. Its pivot could ripple across the Balkans and beyond, reshaping trade, diplomacy, and financial order.

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

@ Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources:

• Watcher.Guru – At Historic Conference, Serbia Weighs BRICS as Alternative to EU Path 

• Gazeta Express – Serbia wants to join BRICS, not the EU: First International Conference 

• Intellinews – Serbia records lowest support for EU in Western Balkans 

• International Affairs / Australian Outlook – Serbia between Brussels, Beijing, and Moscow

• Novinite – Serbia Eyes BRICS as Alternative to EU, Citing Political Sovereignty 

• TASS – Serbia views BRICS membership as alternative to EU — Deputy PM 

• TASS – BRICS gives Serbia real alternative to EU without blackmail or humiliation 

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Follow the Gold/Silver Rate COMEX

Follow Fast Facts

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website
Thank you Dinar Recaps

Gold-Backed Currency, How China’s Yuan Could End Cheap Manufacturing

Gold-Backed Currency, How China’s Yuan Could End Cheap Manufacturing

As Good As Gold:  10-1-2025

Imagine a world where the global economic rules are being rewritten, not with abstract financial policies, but with something as tangible and ancient as gold.

This is the intriguing scenario explored in a recent video from As Good As Gold, which delves into the potential implications if China decides to back its currency, the yuan, with gold or adopt a gold standard.

The immediate question that springs to mind for anyone tracking global trade is: Wouldn’t a gold-backed yuan make Chinese manufacturing significantly more expensive, thus hurting its export competitiveness?

It’s a valid concern. Currently, the yuan operates under a fiat system, often kept relatively cheap to support exports.

The expert in the As Good As Gold video confirms that, indeed, if the yuan were backed by gold, its value would strengthen. A gold-backed currency is inherently more stable and robust compared to fiat currencies, which can be prone to inflation and devaluation. This appreciation would, by definition, raise the cost of Chinese manufactured goods in international markets.

However, the expert argues that this cost increase will not be the fatal blow to China’s manufacturing might that many might assume. Here’s why China appears to have a strategic advantage already in play:

Unlike historical examples such as Japan, which faced significant challenges and diversified production abroad when a stronger yen made its exports less competitive, China has been playing a different long game.

Through initiatives like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS, China has meticulously cultivated a massive, captive market encompassing an astonishing 70-80% of the global population.

This strategic market dominance means that even if the yuan appreciates due to gold backing, China can sustain its exports within this vast bloc. Many countries within the SCO and BRICS are increasingly open to trading in yuan or gold-backed currencies, effectively bypassing the Western fiat currency system and its potential vulnerabilities.

Beyond strategic alliances, China also boasts inherent strengths that provide a buffer against currency appreciation. Its advanced technology, particularly in consumer electronics, gives it a competitive edge that reduces sensitivity to currency fluctuations.

Furthermore, even with an appreciating yuan, China’s baseline manufacturing costs are still substantially lower than those in the West.

This significant margin provides considerable room to absorb the impact of a stronger yuan without completely pricing itself out of the market. Essentially, they have a larger cost cushion than many competitors.

A crucial element of China’s long-term strategy, as highlighted by the expert, is anticipating the potential instability of Western fiat currencies. Should these currencies face significant devaluation or collapse, the demand for Chinese exports paid in those currencies would naturally diminish.

In such a scenario, China’s gold-backed yuan and its large, strategically cultivated internal market through alliances like BRICS would act as a powerful economic shield, protecting its interests and ensuring continued trade on its own terms.

The discussion also touches upon the implications for other major players, such as Australia, the world’s third-largest gold producer.

If a new global trading system emerges based on gold or gold-backed yuan, Australia might find it increasingly difficult to sell its gold externally within the traditional Western financial framework. This could have significant economic impacts for Australia, forcing it to reassess its trade relationships.

In essence, the expert from As Good As Gold believes that China’s potential move towards a gold-backed currency isn’t a hasty reaction, but rather the culmination of years of meticulous long-term planning.

This strategy has already accounted for the evolving global trade dynamics, potential shifts in manufacturing costs, and the vulnerabilities of the current fiat system.

China’s strategic market alliances, technological superiority, and cost advantages are not merely mitigating factors; they are foundational pillars designed to ensure its economic resilience and continued global influence, even as it potentially ushers in a new era of gold-backed trade. This isn’t just about currency; it’s about a potential tectonic shift in global economic power structures.

For a deeper dive into these fascinating insights and to understand the full scope of this potential economic revolution, be sure to watch the full video from As Good As Gold.

https://youtu.be/qafotsBQ6ks

Thursday Coffee with MarkZ. 10/02/2025

Thursday Coffee with MarkZ. 10/02/2025

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

Member: Good Morning Mark Mods and fellow hopium addicts.

Member: Mark, is there some way to get notifications from you when you get the 1-800 numbers?

MZ: Supposedly they are going to tell me…then I will do a podcast and plaster it all over the internet. It will be recorded and super easy.

MZ: No fresh bond news……

MZ: In Iraq: “Parliament is in an undeclared recess. Laws are on hold and MP’s (Members of Parliament) are in a race for election campaigns” They are not getting anything done as they worry about elections.

Member: (From dinar Guru) Mnt Goat   Article: “OIL: AGREEMENT TO DELIVER KURDISTAN’S OIL TO SOMO AND EXPORT IT VIA CEYHAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONSTITUTION AND BUDGET.” ...we know the IMF kept telling Iraq from the results of their consultation sessions that they had to deliver oil on a steady basis and pay salaries on a steady basis. No more delays due to disputes with Baghdad. That these disputes between Baghdad and Kurdistan must end. Now with this new agreement it gives them the opportunity to do just what the IMF needs them to do – be a “united” Iraq...This will change the entire dynamics of Iraq. This will finally get the Oil and Gas Law that is required by the constitution. Through UNITY not DIVISION and Iraq finally picked unity...All I can say now is Woo Hoo!

Member: Goldilocks breaking news. Iraq and Vietnam complete currency exchange training for international.

Member:  Frank26 said last night it’s gonna be soon for us to see an rv

Member: Anyone see majeed’s post about 18 hours ago? CBI governor saying at the closing of the forum meeting“ banking reform is done… it’s time to implement based on the SET timeline”

Member: Well Fargo rolled out the red carpet for me, treated me like royalty. Set up accounts verified some of my currency. Great relationship stated. Now I wait.

Member: Isn’t this weekend a three day weekend for Iraq and didn’t doctor Shabibi said it would happen on a three day weekend?

Member: I believe Oct 3rd is the Iraqi Independence day.

Member: October 3rd is also a special day in Germany. its German Reunification day

Member: Tomorrow is the equivalent of our July 4th in Iraq, isn’t it? So could the 3-Day weekend be referring to Iraq and not us?

MZ: Yes its “National Day” “ National Day is a eternal station for the renewal of the pledge of sovereignty and unity” It is similar to our July 4th. A lot of people are pointing towards it and a great day to celebrate. I stopped looking at specific dates for the RV to stay off of the roller coaster….but it would be a great day to do it.

Member: I heard that the dinar was originally introduced on oct 3rd 1930 something …not sure if true

Member: I remember past reading in my research that Iraq wanted 3 days before we RV. Also Walking Stick reference that they appear to be running 2 sets of books to run the rates but we brought that up earlier

Member: The campaign season in Iraq starts October 3rd through November the 8th and the election is November the 11th so my opinion maybe will go by the latest November 11th

Member: Thanks Mark for all the time and encouragement you give us all. We appreciate you.

Member: For those celebrating Yom Kippur ……. Have a meaningful and peaceful renewal.

Member: Everyone have a wonderful day

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

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

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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.

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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=HKnMB1MJZuU

The Government Shutdown, What’s the Big Deal?

The Government Shutdown, What’s the Big Deal?

Heresy Financial:   10-2-2025

The phrase “government shutdown” is back in the news, often accompanied by panic and dire predictions. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the political noise, but the truth is, not all shutdowns are created equal.

In fact, distinguishing the current turmoil from potentially catastrophic economic events is crucial for anyone trying to understand the actual risk level.

Drawing insights from detailed financial analysis, we can cut through the complexity. A government shutdown is essentially the cessation of some or all non-essential government services because Congress has failed to authorize funds to pay employees.

But to truly grasp the stakes, we must recognize that there are three fundamentally different types of shutdowns—each carrying a vastly different economic consequence.

This is the type of shutdown the U.S. currently faces most frequently. It stems from Congress’s failure to pass the necessary appropriations bills to fund the government’s operations for the upcoming fiscal year.

A budget shutdown is essentially a disagreement over how to allocate the remaining, smaller pot of discretionary funds. When this spending authority lapses, non-essential services tied to those funds cease.

As seen in the 2018-2019 shutdown, while frustrating and disruptive, these shutdowns are generally minimal in long-term economic impact. They cause temporary disruptions, short-term market volatility, and delays in government services (like processing permits or reporting economic data), but they do not lead to a default.

While often confused with budget fights, a debt ceiling crisis is fundamentally different and potentially far more dangerous.

The debt ceiling is the statutory limit on how much money the U.S. Treasury can borrow to fulfill existing legal obligations—bills that Congress has already authorized. Think of the debt ceiling as the limit on your credit card, whereas the budget is the argument over how much you spend this month.

When the government hits the debt ceiling, it can no longer borrow money to pay its bills (including payments to bondholders). While Congress almost always raises or suspends this limit to avoid catastrophe, the risks associated with a true debt ceiling shutdown (a technical default) are immense.

In short, a budget shutdown is a skirmish over future spending; a debt ceiling shutdown is a massive crisis concerning the government’s ability to pay past debts.

The third type of shutdown is thankfully rare, historical, and catastrophic: the currency failure shutdown.

This occurs when a government becomes unable to pay its bills because its currency is no longer accepted. This goes far beyond budget gridlock; it signifies a fundamental loss of confidence in the nation’s monetary system, often triggered by hyperinflation or severe political instability.

This scenario typically leads to regime change, a complete monetary reset, or the adoption of a different currency structure.

While fascinating to consider in a historical context, it bears no resemblance to the current political disagreements.

It is undeniably frustrating to watch Congress repeatedly stumble toward these fiscal deadlines. However, the video analysis offers a crucial philosophical takeaway: the gridlock is intentional.

The U.S. system of checks and balances was specifically designed to make decision-making difficult. By dividing power and requiring broad consensus, the founders sought to prevent the concentration of authority and safeguard against tyranny or rapid, unwise government action.

While this structure often results in inefficiencies and frustrating delays, it is a feature designed to prevent catastrophic outcomes. We may lament the temporary closure of national parks, but the difficulty in passing legislation acts as a permanent brake on runaway power.

When you hear warnings about an impending government shutdown, remember to ask which type is being discussed.

Currently, we endure budget shutdowns—a painful but temporary disruption resulting from necessary political negotiations over discretionary funds. The high-stakes drama involves temporary salary freezes and service halts, but it is a relatively stable part of the American political process.

The true fiscal calamity remains the debt ceiling shutdown, an event that carries the potential for global economic devastation, but which has historically been averted at the last minute.

For further detailed analysis on government shutdowns and financial markets, we recommend checking out the insights provided by Heresy Financial.

https://youtu.be/E3IOr4jgCCs

https://dinarchronicles.com/2025/10/02/heresy-financial-the-government-shutdown-whats-the-big-deal/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Thursday Morning 10-2-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

US Shutdown Day 2: What’s Happening, Who’s Affected & Why It Matters

Services falter, economic losses mount, and continuity of governance looms as a central test of American institutional strength.

What Operations Continue — and What Doesn’t

• Essential services such as Social Security payments, Medicare, Medicaid, and the U.S. Postal Service (which is funded outside annual appropriations) remain operational. 
• The federal courts announced they can sustain operations through October 17, 2025 under existing resources. 
• Public health & research agencies face deep cuts: ~41% of Health & Human Services staff will be furloughed, and institutions like NIH and CDC are heavily affected.
• Cybersecurity functions are compromised — CISA has furloughed most of its workforce, weakening defense of critical infrastructure. 
• Hospitals, particularly in rural or underserved areas, risk losing federal funding via Medicaid and other support programs. 
• Air traffic and aviation impacts include the halting of new air traffic controller training, potential delays in safety inspections, and strain on travel infrastructure. 

Economic Fallout & Ripple Effects

• A White House memo projects up to $15 billion in GDP lost per week during the shutdown, with potential unemployment rises. 
• The CBO previously estimated that extended shutdowns suppress private-sector demand, as furloughed workers lose income and cut spending. 
• Historic precedent: The 2018–19 shutdown cost the economy ~$11 billion and shaved growth. 

Could Continuity of Government Be Tested?

Government continuity mechanisms are designed to maintain essential functions despite funding gaps. But the 2025 shutdown is testing those lines:

• Federal law (the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019) ensures retroactive pay for furloughed employees once funding is restored. 
• But many federal contractors do not get back pay and may suffer permanent layoffs. 
• The ability of agencies to suspend non-essential operations, redirect funds, or invoke emergency powers will strain interagency cooperation—and may empower the executive branch.

Tie-In With Deeper Structural Shifts

• The shutdown undermines the United States’ reputation for institutional stability. As the world watches, it bolsters arguments for alternative power centers—nations and blocs that claim they can deliver governance without such breakdowns.
• In times of uncertainty, capital and trust migrate. Investors may question dollar-based assets and U.S. debt, accelerating interest in non-USD reserves, alternative financial systems, or gold-anchored institutions.
• As agencies pause, new opportunities emerge for states, private actors, and foreign powers to fill gaps—shaping parallel systems of influence, trade, and financial alignment.

Why This Matters / Key Takeaway

On Day 2, the U.S. shutdown is no longer just a political showdown. It is a stress test of governance, credibility, and global authority. The resulting economic scars, institutional paralysis, and capital uncertainty create openings for shifts in financial order—just the kind of restructuring many talk about, but few expect to see so clearly.

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

@ Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources:

• The Guardian – What does the US government shutdown mean for everyday people The Guardian

• Modern Diplomacy (via your link)

• Reuters – Courts can sustain operations through October 17 Reuters

• Reuters – Health agency furloughs Reuters

• Washington Post – CISA and cybersecurity furloughs The Washington Post

• Axios – Hospital funding in jeopardy Axios

• Reuters – Air traffic controller training halted Reuters

• Politico – White House memo on GDP loss Politico

• CBO – Potential effects of a federal government shutdown Congressional Budget Office

• The Guardian / historic shutdown cost The Guardian+1

• Wikipedia – 2025 U.S. federal government shutdown Wikipedia

• Wikipedia – Government Employee Fair Treatment Act Wikipedia

• House.gov / impact summary tonko.house.gov

~~~~~~~~~

US Upgrades Air Power on Korean Peninsula
Strategic modernization in East Asia exposes deeper shifts in power, alliances, and global defense finances.

Modernization Amid Rising Tensions
• The U.S. is retiring aging A-10 aircraft in South Korea and upgrading F-16 jets with new avionics to improve survivability and mission precision. 
• Drone operations are expanding: a drone squadron in South Korea has been established, and U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine drones are now deployed in Japan for intelligence and deterrence roles. 
• The move occurs in tandem with rebalancing in Japan, where F-35A and F-15EX jets are being phased into Japan’s combat fleet. 

Why It Matters
• The U.S. is signaling its continuing commitment to deterrence in Northeast Asia, reinforcing alliances as North Korea advances missile and nuclear capabilities. 
• Upgrading capabilities in an allied theater extends U.S. logistical, strategic, and financial burden—yet it also projects influence and anchors security partnerships in a contested region.
• The modernization supports U.S. goals of maintaining forward-deployed dominance, which has downstream effects on trade routes, supply chains, and regional stability.

Global & Financial Implications in a Restructuring Era

🔹 Military Spending & Fiscal Strain
• Funding modernization is expensive. As defense budgets swell, opportunity cost appears in social programs, infrastructure, and domestic priorities.
• In the context of government shutdowns, volatile debt, and financial stress, the willingness to sustain heavy defense outlays may be tested.

🔹 Realignment of Defense Influence
• Nations in Southeast and Northeast Asia witness these upgrades as both reassurance and pressure. Some may shift procurement or alignments (Russia, China, India) in response.
• Competitors may respond: China could accelerate naval or air development in disputed areas (South China Sea, Taiwan Strait) to counterbalance U.S. presence.

🔹 Infrastructure, Bases & Local Economies
• Bases in South Korea, Japan, and allied outposts see upgrades, spurring contracts, defense manufacturing, and local economic activity tied to U.S. defense industrial complex.
• Those infrastructure investments carry long-term financial commitments and create dependencies.

Key Takeaway
U.S. upgrades in air power aren’t just about military deterrence. They are nodes in a larger architecture of global influence, financial marking, and infrastructure dependence. As the world edges toward a multipolar order, control of the skies becomes central to who controls the future.

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

@ Newshounds News™ Exclusive
Source: Newsweek – US Upgrades Air Power on Korean Peninsula Newsweek

~~~~~~~~~

China Uses UN to Advance Biggest Territorial Claim
China leverages the United Nations to bolster its sovereignty narrative over Taiwan — a move with deep geopolitical and financial implications.

China’s Legal Play at the U.N.

  ● The Chinese government issued a white paper at the U.N. General Assembly, asserting that UN Resolution 2758 “once and for all” settled China’s representation, and implicitly extended its sovereignty claim over Taiwan.
  ● Beijing claims that the resolution, passed in 1971, supports the idea that Taiwan is a province of China, and that “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan” are illegitimate. 
  ● Taiwan’s government and its de facto diplomatic representatives (AIT) reject that interpretation, emphasizing that 2758 did not expressly address Taiwan’s political status. 

Responses & Regional Ripple Effects

  ● Taiwan condemned the white paper, accusing China of deliberate distortion of treaties and documents to justify coercive claims.
  ● Recent reporting indicates Taiwan views China’s reinterpretation of 2758 as an attempt to manufacture a legal basis for future aggression. 
  ● Observers note that the U.N. General Assembly’s decision did not adjudicate the status of Taiwan as a state; it resolved which government represents “China” at the U.N. 
  ● In parallel, China continues to apply pressure via grey-zone tools — military drills, diplomatic isolation, media influence, and legal arguments — to shift the status quo.

Larger Stakes: Power, Influence & Financial Leverage

🔹 Weaponizing International Institutions
China’s use of the UN as a venue for sovereignty claims illustrates how great powers can co-opt multilateral institutions to validate expansionist agendas. This undermines the credibility of neutrality in global systems.

🔹 Erosion of Norms & Precedents
If states succeed in stretching legal interpretations to justify territorial claims, international law becomes malleable. That could embolden other powers to challenge borders under nominal legal cover.

🔹 Financial & Strategic Impacts
Countries aligned with China may begin to mirror its use of legal and institutional pressure. Capital flows, trade agreements, and investment patterns may increasingly favor states that accept such interpretations or stay silent.

🔹 Questioning U.S. Authority & Rule Enforcement
As China asserts dominance in key institutions, American leverage through institutions like the U.N. wanes. Its ability to uphold rules, impose sanctions, or shape UN bodies may diminish over time.

Why This Matters / Key Takeaway

China’s push to reframe Taiwan’s status at the U.N. is more than a legal argument — it is a structural move in the reshaping of global power. By bending institutions to its will, Beijing challenges the mechanisms through which rules, norms, and legitimacy are maintained. In doing so, it accelerates shifts in financial, diplomatic, and institutional architecture — exactly the kind of transformation that signals we are witnessing global finance restructuring.

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

@ Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources & Further Reading:

• Newsweek – China Uses UN to Advance Biggest Territorial Claim Newsweek

• Reuters – Taiwan says China trying to create legal basis for attack via misinterpretation of UN Resolution 2758 Reuters

• U.S.–Asia Law Institute – Analysis: UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 Does Not Establish Beijing’s “One China” as Fact U.S.-Asia Law Institute

• Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Rebuttal to PRC claims on Taiwan Taiwan MOFA

• RUSI / policy papers – Taiwan’s response to China’s grey zone tactics RUSI

• Academia (arXiv) – Cross-strait information influence networks arXiv

~~~~~~~~~

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Thursday Morning 10-2-25

Financial Stability Dilemma

Catastrophic Figures: Iraq Is Drowning In Debt. Dangerous Indicators Portend A Bleak Future For The Economy.

Baghdad Today – Baghdad  Iraq's public finances are experiencing a critical phase, with government policies intersecting with accumulating obligations and increasing economic pressures.

This situation is no longer simply a matter of numbers; it has become a test of economic governance and the state's ability to balance operational spending with sustainable financing.

Official data indicates that domestic debt reached approximately 87 trillion dinars by mid-2025, while a proposal to issue new bonds worth 5 trillion dinars to pay contractors' dues is looming, potentially raising the figure to approximately 97 trillion dinars.

According to legal readings, any unforeseen expansion of domestic debt requires strict controls and legislation to prevent it from becoming a long-term burden.

Economist Nabil Al-Marsoumi warned in a statement on his Facebook page, followed by Baghdad Today, of the alarming rise in domestic debt. He noted that "the Ministerial Council for the Economy recommended issuing bonds worth 5 trillion dinars to pay contractors' dues, which some sources indicate amount to 7 trillion dinars.

If the government approves this recommendation, it will raise the domestic debt to more than 97 trillion dinars." This warning reflects genuine concern about excessive reliance on domestic debt instruments to finance operational obligations rather than productive projects.

In-depth legal analyses confirm that the continuation of this financing pattern will weaken the monetary authority, raise inflation, reduce private sector financing, and increase the burden of debt service, which reached 9.3 trillion dinars in 2024.

In parallel, economist Manar Al-Obaidi previously offered a critical assessment of other economic policies, which he believes have contributed to deepening the deficit despite massive oil revenues of nearly $300 billion between 2022 and 2024.

 Al-Obaidi notes that "the decision to devalue the dinar from 1,450 to 1,310 to the dollar increased state expenditures by about 40 trillion dinars and exacerbated the fiscal deficit," in addition to the jump in current expenditures from 104 to 125 trillion dinars and the increase in the wage bill from 43 to 60 trillion dinars over two years.

According to him, the domestic debt rose from 69 to more than 85 trillion dinars by mid-2025, relying primarily on the liquidity of public and private banks, which depleted their resources and impacted economic activity. Comparative legal research shows that such policies in similar countries lead to inflated debt without achieving real growth.

The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, offers a more reassuring official reading in previous press statements.

Salih asserts that "the ratio of external and domestic public debt does not exceed 33% of GDP, an indicator that places Iraq within a comfortable and low-risk global credit rating.

" He adds that "domestic debt amounts to 85 trillion dinars, half of which is invested in the Central Bank of Iraq's investment portfolio, and the remainder is held by government banks and the public in bonds and transfers."

He explains that "external debt does not exceed 8% of GDP, most of which are long-term loans for the reconstruction of liberated areas." He also points out that Iraq has written off approximately $100 billion of its external debt under the Paris Club agreement, and that the remainder will be paid off by 2028 with the final foreign private sector debt of $2.7 billion.

 According to independent research estimates, this ratio makes Iraq less vulnerable to risks compared to similar countries, but it does not mean that uncontrolled domestic borrowing will be safe.

The result is that Iraq faces three clear paths: the first is represented by Al-Marsoumi's warnings of domestic debt ballooning to approximately 97 trillion dinars if new bonds are issued;

 the second is expressed by Al-Obaidi through a critical assessment of fiscal policies that have undermined stability despite the oil abundance; and

the third is Saleh's official reading, which confirms that overall debt ratios remain within globally safe standards. Comparative analyses suggest that the challenge lies not in the size of the debt alone, but in how to manage it and link it to sustainable development plans that ensure that borrowing funds are transformed into productive investments rather than a renewable burden.

Ultimately, issuing new bonds to pay contractors' dues is not a simple financial choice, but rather a decision that requires a balance between meeting urgent obligations and maintaining long-term financial stability.

The logical conclusion is that the government needs a clear public debt strategy that combines fiscal discipline with development planning, to prevent financing tools from becoming shackles that shackle a fragile economy rather than saving it.

Source: Baghdad Today Monitoring and Follow-up Department  https://baghdadtoday.news/284215-.html  

An Oil Expert Explains The Importance Of The Baghdad-Kurdistan Agreement And Its Impact On The Global Market.

Economic: Al Furat News} Oil expert Furat al-Moussawi considered the oil agreement between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region a strategic and important agreement that paves the way for future legislation of a new oil and gas law. He noted that the next three months will be a litmus test of the extent of all parties' commitment to its provisions.

The useful summary... You can find important news on the Euphrates News channel on Telegram

During his appearance on the "Free Talk" program on Al Furat TV, Al-Moussawi said, "Iraq has suffered for more than twenty years from financial and economic problems that have affected the salaries of the region's employees," noting that "there are clear clauses in the agreement and others that remain ambiguous." 

He pointed out that "Iraq has been restricted in expanding industrial and development projects due to a production quota described as unfair, as its production ceiling has been set at 4.6 million barrels per day since 2018."

Al-Moussawi explained that "Iraq attempted to negotiate with OPEC to increase its oil quota, but the negotiations did not achieve the desired results due to the quantities produced in the region outside SOMO's quota.

These quantities were deducted from Iraq's OPEC quota and set at 1.4 million barrels from October 2024 until the end of October 2025, which harmed Iraq's financial revenues and reputation within the organization."

The expert discussed the demands of oil companies operating in the region, stating that "one of these demands was addressed by setting $16 as an approximate average figure, with an international company to determine the transportation and cost costs to pay those companies' dues, amounting to approximately $1 billion, which was transferred to the federal government." 

He added, "The previous contract between the region and foreign companies was based on production-sharing, but a compromise formula was reached that allowed for the writing of a new law.

Eight companies also requested to sign new contracts with the Baghdad government to guarantee their rights, with the federal government paying the companies $16 in kind through deducting oil quantities, not in cash. This was considered an achievement for those companies, with the agreement to postpone payment of the $1 billion."

Despite the agreement's importance, Al-Moussawi described it as "cautious due to its potential financial and legal risks," noting that "Turkey seeks to cancel the Ceyhan pipeline and conclude a new agreement by the end of 2026, while Iraq has rushed to pump the region's oil through the existing pipeline to increase its negotiating leverage with Ankara."

He added, "The region's oil companies are looking to sign formal international agreements with the federal government," stressing that "Iraq will participate in the upcoming OPEC meeting on October 5, where it was agreed to raise its quota to 4 million and 220 thousand barrels per day, including between 800 and 900 thousand barrels for domestic consumption, with full commitment to the quota to strengthen its position in subsequent negotiations to increase it."

Al-Moussawi explained that "Iraq views the Ceyhan pipeline as a strategic option for diversifying export outlets and preventing any smuggling attempts," noting that "the region's oil quantities will be counted toward Iraq's OPEC quota," noting that "oil derivative prices in the region are very high due to the reliance on private refineries."

He concluded his remarks by stressing that "setting the 50% share for the region is not the end of the road, as Baghdad will work to raise it to 70% and also supply the region with kerosene and gasoline to ease the burden on citizens."  LINK

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