Some “Currency News” Posted by Henig at KTFA 1-9-2026

KTFA:

Henig:  IMO: The currency of Thailand-the Baht-exchanges at $0.032.

Vietnam’s digital economy grows, national GDP may overtake Thailand’s

Jan 6, 2026, 10:36 am EST | Lu-Hai Liang

Vietnam’s digital economy reached $39 billion in gross merchandise value in 2025, growing 17 percent, the second‑highest rate in Southeast Asia.

However, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung noted that much of the 2025 digital economy still centered on digitizing existing processes rather than creating new digital‑native business models.

Heavy reliance on foreign platforms and limited SME integration into digital supply chains continued to constrain domestic value creation.

Experts highlighted the need for stronger foundations. Director of the National Data Center, Maj. Gen. Nguyen Ngoc Cuong, stressed that accurate, standardized and continuously updated population data is vital for secure and scalable digital services, according to a report from Vietnam Net.

Sectors such as e‑commerce, digital finance, health and education depend on robust electronic identification systems to prevent fraud and build trust. When combined with AI and Big Data, such data can generate economic value far beyond its initial use, according to the director.

Industry leaders also called for targeted policy support. Dr Pham Tuan Anh recommended government‑led hubs for green and digital transformation, incentives for FDI tied to local tech adoption, and deeper supply chain integration to strengthen domestic firms. Le Hong Viet of FPT Smart Cloud proposed public–private partnerships to expand national computing capacity and create a shared “factory” for research and development that’s accessible to all sectors.

This comes as Vietnam may score a major coup in surpassing Thailand in economic size, as measured by nominal GDP, per a report from International Business Times. Rapid growth combined with state-led infrastructure investment could see Vietnam become ASEAN’s second largest economy, behind Indonesia.

Digital ID system for all real estate assets under new national decree
Vietnam has issued a new regulation establishing a unified digital identification framework for all real estate assets. Beginning March 1, every real estate property will be issued a digital ID code, according to Vietnam Net.

The measure is set out in Decree 357/2025/ND‑CP and creates a centrally managed national information system and database for housing and the real estate market. The government says the system will ensure consistent data standards nationwide while improving transparency and state oversight.

A core aspect of the decree is the introduction of electronic identification codes for every real estate product in Vietnam. Under Clause 5, Article 3, each property — whether an apartment, standalone house, or unit within a construction project — will receive a unique digital ID of up to 40 alphanumeric characters.

For residential properties, the ID is generated automatically using key data groups: land parcel identifier; project or construction code; location code (where applicable); a system‑generated sequence of characters.

Local Departments of Construction will assign these IDs when confirming a property’s eligibility for sale, including for off plan or future-completed housing. A similar structure applies to floor space units within buildings, with IDs created when feasibility studies for construction projects are approved. Condominium management boards, licensed real estate brokers, and beneficiaries of social housing support will also receive digital identifiers.

The Ministry of Construction will manage the national system, while provincial authorities will collect, update and maintain data within their jurisdictions. Access will be tiered, with organizations and individuals granted permissions to create, update or retrieve information based on authorization from state agencies.

The system is designed to align with Vietnam’s national data architecture, supporting API‑based interoperability, decentralized access models, and integration with other national and sectoral databases. Once information is shared across connected systems, agencies will not be required to recollect it.

All data in the platform is classified as state property and protected under national information security, state secrecy, and personal data protection rules. Only aggregate information will be publicly accessible via the system’s online portal. Users will be able to obtain real estate data through three official channels: the system’s public information portal or online system‑to‑system integration or formal written requests to relevant authorities.

Data sharing among state agencies will be free unless otherwise regulated. Organizations or individuals seeking detailed or specialized datasets must submit requests through the National Public Service Portal or other authorized channels, with fees applied according to pricing rules.

https://www.biometricupdate.co.....-thailands

Henig:  IMO: Very interesting. *ANOTHER* country's currency in the works.

Floating the Moroccan Dirham: Challenges and Opportunities in 2026

Morocco is on the brink of a transformative economic reform as it prepares to transition to a floating exchange rate for the dirham by 2026. This historic move represents a strategic effort by the government to enhance the nation’s economic resilience, attract foreign investment, and integrate more deeply into global financial markets

Designed to unlock long-term growth, this reform brings with it immediate risks that must be navigated with precision, requiring robust planning and economic stability.

By Badr Bouarich  Dec, 29, 2024

Morocco is on the brink of a transformative economic reform as it prepares to transition to a floating exchange rate for the dirham by 2026. This historic move represents a strategic effort by the government to enhance the nation’s economic resilience, attract foreign investment, and integrate more deeply into global financial markets. Designed to unlock long-term growth, this reform brings with it immediate risks that must be navigated with precision, requiring robust planning and economic stability.

Financial expert and former academic Badr Bouarich sheds light on the complexities of this transition. His insights highlight the critical challenges Morocco must address to safeguard its economy and the potential rewards that lie ahead if the reform is managed successfully.

Key Challenges of Floating the Dirham
The shift to a floating exchange rate, abandoning the current system of pegging the Dirham to the Euro and Dollar, comes with significant challenges.

Bouarich identifies three key issues: inflation, external debt, and currency volatility, each with far-reaching implications for Morocco’s economy.

Inflationary Pressure
Morocco relies heavily on imports for essential goods, including oil, wheat, and other staples. In 2023, Morocco imported approximately $12 billion worth of energy-related products and around $8.9 billion worth of food products (such as wheat and sugar), reflecting its dependency on external markets for critical supplies.

A weaker dirham could significantly increase the cost of these imports, driving up consumer prices and eroding purchasing power. Inflationary effects could hit low-income households the hardest, exacerbating social inequalities. Bouarich warns that without targeted safety nets, these groups may face severe economic hardship.

External Debt
Morocco’s external debt stood at approximately $69.2 billion as of late 2023, representing around 50% of GDP. A sharp depreciation of the dirham could escalate debt servicing costs, strain public finances and divert resources away from vital development programs. In 2023, debt servicing costs reached $4.9 billion, a figure likely to increase with a weaker currency.

This could undermine Morocco’s fiscal stability and its ability to maintain investor confidence in international markets. Bouarich emphasizes the importance of fiscal discipline and careful debt management to mitigate these risks.

Currency Volatility
Floating currencies are subject to market-driven fluctuations, which could create uncertainty for businesses and investors. Sharp volatility episodes can deter foreign direct investment (FDI) and disrupt trade in the short term.

Morocco’s FDI inflow in 2023 rose to $2.5 billion, reflecting a moderate increase compared to 2022. Sustaining or growing foreign investment will require robust financial safeguards. Financial institutions must be prepared to counter speculative attacks on the dirham, ensuring market stability during the transition.

Strategic Mitigation Measures
To navigate these challenges, Morocco must adopt strategic measures that ensure economic stability while leveraging the benefits of a floating exchange rate. Bank Al-Maghrib, the country’s central bank, will play a pivotal role in managing currency markets and intervening when necessary, while addressing structural issues, to prevent excessive fluctuations. These interventions will be critical to maintaining investor confidence and fostering a stable economic environment.

Bouarich also highlights the importance of encouraging businesses, particularly those in the energy and commodity sectors, to adopt hedging strategies. These financial tools can protect companies from the adverse effects of both underlying asset & exchange rate volatilities, ensuring operational stability. Moreover, implementing regulations to cap distributor profits in essential sectors such as energy and food can help stabilize domestic markets and shield consumers from inflationary shocks.

Learning from Global Experiences
Morocco’s approach to transition to a floating exchange rate stands out as a measured and proactive one. Bouarich contrasts this with Egypt’s experience in 2016, where a sudden, forced and unplanned flotation led to a steep devaluation of the Egyptian pound, causing inflation to spiral out of control, reaching 30% by 2017. Egypt’s lack of preparation resulted in significant social and economic unrest.

In contrast, Morocco has maintained stable foreign reserves, estimated at $36 billion in 2024, equivalent to nearly six months of import coverage. The country has additionally kept inflation under control at 1% as of end 2024. By learning from global experiences, Morocco can avoid the pitfalls encountered by others and implement a smoother, more effective reform.

Boosting Export Competitiveness
One of the most promising benefits of a floating dirham is the potential to enhance Morocco’s export competitiveness. A weaker dirham could make Moroccan goods and services more affordable in international markets, benefiting industries such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. Morocco’s exports of goods and services were valued at approximately $42.5 billion in 2023, and a competitive currency could further bolster this figure.

However, Bouarich cautions that realizing these benefits will require continuous investments in infrastructure, logistics, and workforce development. For instance, improving port facilities such as the Tanger-Med Port, which handles over 9 million containers annually, and transportation networks can reduce export costs and improve efficiency, while upskilling the workforce can enhance productivity, innovation, quality and image.

 These complementary investments are essential to ensuring that the advantages of a floating exchange rate translate into tangible economic growth.

Conclusion and Next Steps
The transition to a floating exchange rate for the dirham is a bold reform that represents both significant risks and transformative opportunities. Morocco’s success will hinge on its ability to maintain economic stability, protect vulnerable populations from inflationary pressures, and foster confidence among investors and businesses.

 With careful planning, strategic interventions, and fiscal discipline, this reform has the potential to position Morocco as a competitive player in global markets.

The journey to a floating dirham is only beginning. In the next article in this series, we will explore the critical role of communication, policy measures, and stakeholder engagement in ensuring a smooth transition.

https://www.moroccoworldnews.c.....s-in-2026/

Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Thursday Night 1-8-26

Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Thursday Night 1-8-26

Transcribed By WiserNow Emailed To Recaps   (INTEL ONLY)

Welcome everybody to the big call tonight. it is  Thursday, January, 8th and you're listening to the big call. Thanks for tuning in. Yeah, once again, and we're looking forward to having a really good call tonight. So thanks for joining us.

So let's take that and thank you, Bob. Appreciate that. It's a really good segment. Let's take this thing into the Intel, and let's see where we are today, January 8. Now, we have talked to three different sources that are saying almost the same thing, with a caveat.

The first source said notifications. For Tier 4b that's us, the internet group should be out this weekend. And they defined the weekend is Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Well, tomorrow's Friday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

The next source says the next source is, well, they're all good high sources

This one said, if all go, if it all goes according to plan - `that's an if then statement, right? If all goes according to plan, then we will be notified this weekend, Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

And we had another source, separate source, that said virtually the same thing, if everything goes according to plan , then we should be notified for tier 4b this weekend.

Estimate for the same time frame but the caveat is if it, if everything goes according to plan. Well, what is everything? What is the plan? Does it involve, eliminating sanctuary cities in Sanctuary states?

Is that the plan, that's part of plan,does it need to be complete before we go, I don't have an answer to that.

What about, what about what ice is doing  in Mogadishu, Minnesota, which is a different way of saying Minneapolis, because you know what's gone on there? Yesterday was a sad thing that happened, but ice is trying to do their job. They're trying to uphold the law of this country, and we should be in favor of that happening, and shouldn't be trying to stop that from happening.

So that's going on.   That's not the only city where there are protests, or could be protests.

So there are some hot spots that are being addressed. We're very aware of, of course. No surprise, none of this has taken President Trump and his cabinet and the administration, by surprise, so they are making  the changes they need to make to take care of that situation.

Now is that everything that needs to be done according to plan.   Is there more?

What about the introduction of the USN, our new currency.

What's the timing on that? Has a silver debacle the shorting of silver left certain banks holding the bag, so to speak, not being able to cover the shorts.   And so we'll have to see how that comes out, because it should be something rectified.

Might not be very easy to do that.  There's quite a bit to that silver thing going on right now.

So the new currency, the USN and USTN or physical folding money. United States Treasury knows that we would put in wallets and money clips and purses.

That is something else that needs to be discussed or brought out. I think it will be done, possibly with a major announcement. It  could be an EBS type announcement, although I wouldn't call it an emergency.  It's just informing the people of the United States of a new currency that is asset backed.

Now I understand. Maybe it's already in play now, the US and asset backed currency, but nobody's been informed of it, except us. So what about the general public out there that needs to know?

Hey, we have better thing. We have a better currency, the old currency, the USD is going away. The new currncy is here to say it looks like for quite a while. It's based on assets. It's backed by gold, silver, platinum, palladium, oil, natural gas, other assets, and we have that that's going to be backing and is backing our new currency digitally, we've got, don't forget, digital coins that are also part of that game, that are there too.

There's quite a bit to it, quite a bit too, and that we're becoming more and more aware of.

I've been told the EDS EAS is ready to kick in and go into effects. And it would affect all new stations from the United States and probably around the globe, maybe as much as six hours a day, all kinds of things.

It could be putting things we just don't know they would start with. And what about Nasara? We're looking for Nasara to be in effect and kick in starting this month. And we're looking for our Doge. We're looking for R and R, if not, as a direct deposit. Okay, we're looking for the two, more $2,000 a month  tariff dividends that it are supposed to go direct deposit.

And obviously, we're looking for increases in Social Security. No, if it'll be this month, it could be nothing.

We're looking for this RV to kick off - And the timing of it, I gave you three sources that were telling us their limiters come out this weekend, if everything goes according to plan, kind of a big “IF” and we do have one outlier, and that's HSBC, that is saying, soon after Martin Luther King Day, which is  January the 19th, soon after, it could be 20 – 22  in that time -  obviously, I don't want to take us out that far.

I hope that's an outlier that is not as accurate as what we're getting from our other sources. But I have to be honest with you guys and tell you that's what I'm hearing   Now it doesn't mean it's absolute. It's just something that we have to be aware of.  Okay, I don't like receiving that, but I have to be fair to let you know that is one source, one opinion from one major bank.

Now let's go beyond that and talk about Med beds for a moment.  Med beds have all been activated, to be going from now on, that's 23,500 hospitals in the United States that have been retrofitted with either two or four med beds. Half of those hospitals have two Med bed already in each one, and the other half have four med beds in each one.

I would think the larger hospitals have the four, the smaller hospitals would have the two. That's just my that's just my guess, but those are in place, activated, ready to start

Now. What has been the trigger for the Med beds? It's us getting our notifications, getting the exchanges started, and then letting them know that we have dire need, and Zim holder  and boom, we can get an appointment made.

So I think it's interesting that information med beds are good to go, ready to go for us, but we still need the RV to kick in for to get access to them that decided to do it, and as it is okay, we're not going to be going in the set of appointments and go in for our exchanges and tell them what we need, and then they contact us about an appointment for the med beds I just wanted to throw that in . You get that free for nothing.

Okay? And by the way, the med beds are free, and the hospitals have them. But also med bed centers, I'm calling those just independent areas all around the country have somewhere in the vicinity of 26,900 Med Bed Centers  with two med beds in each one -

Okay, so those are, those are out there. There's some are being used for military. Some  have been used to help trafficked children that need help through the med beds. That's the use so far that we know of.

And so now we're looking to get started . I don't know when the public , quote, unquote, the non Zim dire need  public will get access. I don't know how soon that will be. And then, of course, I don't know how long it will take for the entire world to be set up for these to start.

So I’ve been trying to find that information out, I still don't have that yet that I feel is reliable.

So what I wanted to tell you earlier in a minute here was it's important, there's a lot of chatter out there now  that’s  talking about, what about the Internet Group? Are they ready? Are they ready to receive such a blessing as what we're talking about, so that they do the right thing with it and not just try to hoard it themselves?

Well, you know, as well as I do, if you've been listening the big call for the last 14 years, since we've just started our 15th year. You know, the emphasis has been on helping other people, humanitarian projects, helping people to uplift other people's and level the playing field globally. I mean, that's what Trump wants, and that with the Currency Reset, that will eventually allow everybody to trade their currencies with us, one for one. Eventually we'll have a very fair trading scenario all over the globe, take advantage of what we're going to get, which are higher rates. Eventually, these high rates that we'll get on Dong and dinar  other currencies will settle down and be on par, meaning, even if on par with the USN dollar, the new dollar.

So for right now, it's a blessing for us that we are able to take advantage of that differential in exchange rates and exchange our dinar, our dong, our rupiah, you know, our Bolivar. Karen Ghani and other currencies, and then, of course, redeem the Zim.

Redeem it because we we look at it like a bearer bond. On the nose, it says, payable to the bearer, bearer bond. That's why we refer to the Zim as a bond. Okay, so I'm going to say let's pray that everything does go according to plan, and we do get notified this weekend.   That's what our prayer is.

And let's, let's just believe that all the cleanup that needs to be done, everything is  in process.

Look, we did a major thing in Venezuela, and that brought the Bolivar  back out. It was off the off the charts. Now there's a place for the bolivar to come back. I think the major stuff is happening over in Iran  to turn that government around and if so, you know what the Iranian rial is back in play too.

So let's just believe that this is all working together for our good. We know it's true.

Let's pray that this happens and we do get the correct information   if everything goes according to plan, but we do have the numbers to set up our appointments, the 800 members to call centers to set up our appointments, and they should be out either Friday, Saturday or Sunday, according to three major sources, so we'll see.

There's always more information to come. There is more information on expecting more tonight, later tonight, but we'll see what happens. But in the meantime, what we should do is prepare for the possibility that last on leverage will will possibly take place the 16th and the 19th of this month,  Friday and Monday.

So let's pray a call out. And you know, I want everybody to have a collective prayer together that everything goes according to plan.

We could get notified Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, whatever notification is over 50% of the deal.

That's way more than half of the game. We get notified. We get our 800 numbers. We can set our appointments. Boom, we're good.  Okay, we are golden. So let's do this, guys. Let's pray the ball out, and then we'll turn off the recording

Thank you, Lord for everything that is going in the direction we want. Hey and speak that everything that needs to be done is done correctly in order so that the toll free numbers can be released this weekend. We thank You for it in advance. We bless your name and give You all the praise and glory Jesus name, Amen and Amen.

Thank you listening. Have a blessed night and a blessed weekend. Let's keep an eye on it and we'll see. We'll see if they come out this weekend.   God bless you. Good night.

Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Thursday Night 1-8-26 REPLAY LINK   Intel Begins   1:22:42

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Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Tuesday Night 1-6-26 REPLAY LINK   Intel Begins   1:13:10

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Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Thursday Night 1-1-26 New Year’s Day   NO CALL  

Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Tuesday Night 12-30-25 REPLAY LINK   Intel Begins   56:00

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Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Thursday Night 12-25-25 REPLAY LINK   Intel Begins   20:40

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Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Tuesday Night 12-23-25 REPLAY LINK   Intel Begins   1:05:35

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Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Thursday Night 12-18-25 REPLAY LINK   Intel Begins   1:02:02

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Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Tuesday Night 12-9-25 REPLAY LINK   Intel Begins   1:08:08

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Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Thursday Night 12-11-25 REPLAY LINK   Intel Begins   1:21:00

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Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Tuesday Night 12-9-25 REPLAY LINK   Intel Begins   1:02:50

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Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Thursday Night 12-4-25   No Transcription   Intel Begins  1:17:33

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Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Tuesday Night 12-2-25 REPLAY LINK   Intel Begins   1:07:20

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Friday Afternoon 1-9-26

Central Bank Governor: Weak Economic Diversification Is Putting Pressure On The Dollar And The Exchange Rate.

Banks  Economy News – Baghdad  The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, confirmed that the limited economic diversification and weak productive sectors have made Iraq a country that is primarily an importer, which puts continuous pressure on the dollar and the exchange rate.

Al-Alaq explained, during a lecture on development financing in light of the global debt crisis, held on the sidelines of the Fifth Regional Conference of the Al-Baraka Forum for Islamic Economics, which is being held in Cairo in partnership with the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, that “the Iraqi scene is facing intertwined pressures and accumulated infrastructure and development challenges, which require diversifying the economy and maximizing public revenues,” noting that “public finances in Iraq depend on oil exports by more than 90%, which is an unconventional source subject to fluctuations in global prices, which leads to fluctuations in revenues and weak financial stability, which necessitates finding structural solutions.”

He explained that “the limited economic diversification and weak productive sectors have made Iraq a country that is primarily an importer, which puts continuous pressure on the dollar and the exchange rate, especially with the rise in purchasing power and the increase in daily demand for foreign currency, which directly affects monetary policy, which has achieved great success in balancing the maintenance of price levels, managing liquidity, and stimulating the economy.”

He pointed out that "public spending pressures, particularly on salaries, subsidies and basic services, pose an additional challenge," stressing "the difficulty of reducing these expenditures due to the potential social repercussions, at a time when the central bank is striving to avoid inflation and maintain monetary stability to protect the social structure of the country."

Al-Alaq pointed out that “Iraq has been able in recent years to finance part of the financial deficit through the development of non-oil revenues, while continuing to coordinate with the Prime Minister with the aim of maximizing these resources and reducing dependence on oil,” in an effort to break what he described as the “financial dominance” of oil revenues over the general budget.

The governor of the Central Bank affirmed that "the stability of the exchange rate is a pivotal goal, as it provides a safe cover for investors and citizens," noting that "Iraq has succeeded in raising the size of foreign reserves and linking them to a package of integrated monetary policies, which have contributed to reducing the inflation rate to about 1%, which is among the lowest levels recorded."

He added that "Iraq is in the process of governing the banking sector," revealing that "an update is underway in cooperation between the Central Bank and an international company for a comprehensive reform plan, which includes reviewing bank licenses according to new conditions and standards, in order to strengthen the banking system and raise its efficiency."

Regarding Islamic bonds, Al-Alaq explained that "there are no Islamic bond instruments in Iraq yet," noting that "there is an integrated project submitted by the Central Bank to the Iraqi Parliament for voting, which opens new horizons for financing and investment."

On the issue of debt, Al-Alaq stressed "the need to find an organized and continuous international dialogue between creditors and debtors," calling for "the establishment of a regional platform to organize this dialogue and reduce the gap between the two parties, in order to ensure negotiations without significant losses, and to contribute to the implementation of reforms and the strengthening of the economic base with the support of the participating countries."

He pointed to “international studies showing that losses in the debt file may range between 20% and 25% as a result of poorly considered financing conditions or delays,” stressing that “negotiating platforms contribute to reducing these losses and enhancing international cooperation by improving debt conditions, bridging the information gap, and exchanging experiences in economic reform processes.”  https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=63504

A Sudanese Advisor Explains To "Al-Eqtisad News" The Repercussions Of Fixing The Exchange Rate At 1300 Dinars In The 2026 Budget.

Money and Business  Economy News – Baghdad   The Prime Minister’s Advisor for Economic and Financial Affairs, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, revealed on Thursday the impact of the Central Bank of Iraq’s decision to fix the official exchange rate at 1300 dinars in the 2026 budget.

Saleh told Al-Eqtisad News that "the government decided to fix the official exchange rate at 1,300 dinars per US dollar in the 2026 budget project, within the framework of what he described as 'calculated coordination between fiscal and monetary policies'."

He explained that this step represents a limited increase in the value of the Iraqi dinar, and is a positive sign that reflects the strength of the country’s foreign reserves and the ability of monetary policy to confidently maintain stability.

He pointed out that fiscal policy is now moving towards maximizing real revenues, moving away from resorting to what is known as "monetary adjustment," which relies on using the exchange rate as an indirect financing tool, stressing that this trend promotes the use of authentic financial instruments to mobilize resources and control spending.

The advisor stressed that this monetary signal sends a clear message that containing inflation and stabilizing the national economy is a permanent priority, while maintaining the independence of monetary policy, and pushing fiscal policy towards greater efficiency and responsibility, in order to achieve the sustainability of macroeconomic balance in the Iraqi economy.

Earlier today, the Central Bank of Iraq addressed the Ministry of Finance regarding fixing the official exchange rate at 1300 dinars in the 2026 budget.  https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=64316

The Dollar Stabilizes As Concerns About Venezuela Subside.

Money and Business     Economy News — Follow-up  The dollar held near a two-week high as Asian trading began on Tuesday, with market jitters over U.S. military action in Venezuela easing and dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials encouraging risk-taking on Wall Street.

The dollar index, which measures its performance against a basket of six currencies, stood at 98.36, up 0.04%, after ending a four-day winning streak on Monday.

“The market isn’t really worried about what’s happening geopolitically, at least in the near term,” said Rodrigo Catril, a currency strategist at National Australia Bank in Sydney. He added that this environment “reduces the appeal of safe-haven assets, and we’ve seen the dollar in a difficult position,” according to Reuters. https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=64219

Monetary Policy Indicators Confirm The Central Bank Will Be First In 2025

In countries that adopt an institutionally managed economic system, each institution retains its independence and authority to manage economic affairs according to the methodology and philosophy that aims to achieve economic stability and the well-being of society.

Therefore, central banks receive special attention in most countries of the world as the sovereign and prudent economic institution concerned with achieving the above goal through the application of monetary policy tools and the realization of its objectives.

With the approach of the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, and following a review and analysis of the policies, programs, and procedures implemented by the Central Bank of Iraq in 2025—a year of political and economic challenges and crises, and numerous changes at the global and regional levels, which negatively and positively impacted the Iraqi economy—the Central Bank demonstrated its wisdom and efficiency in overcoming challenges and moving forward to achieve its objectives set for the next three years.

It also proved to be the leading economic institution in 2025. On this occasion, we must appreciate the outstanding efforts made by the specialized administrative and technical leaders and distinguished employees of the Central Bank who contributed effectively to the implementation of what was stated in the government program in Axis 12 (Financial and Banking Reform) during the years (2023-2025) and the Central Bank’s third strategy and the comprehensive banking reform project.

The launch of the financial inclusion strategy, the promotion of digital transformation, the activation of electronic payments, and the strengthening of cybersecurity.

The Central Bank was able to achieve economic growth and stability in extremely complex economic, security, and political conditions, and was able to implement developmental, structural, and technological policies and programs, and take numerous measures in cooperation with the government to regulate foreign trade financing, control foreign transfers, integrate into the global financial and banking system, comply with international standards, and move to the electronic platform.

Achieving the main and sub-goals of its third strategy and starting to implement the comprehensive banking reform project according to the paths drawn up in cooperation with the global consulting firm Oliver Wyman to enable the banking sector to grow and develop and to be a solid, comprehensive, modern and flexible sector that works hard to build a rapidly growing national economy, contributes to development and investment, creates a cumulative increase in the gross domestic product, provides one million job opportunities for the unemployed, raises the market value of the private banking sector and achieves rewarding and sustainable returns for its investors. In addition to increasing foreign investment and achieving growth in financial inclusion, financing and deposits.

Analysis of monetary policy indicators as of the third quarter of 2025 indicates the building of foreign exchange reserves of around $100 billion. Gold reserves at the Central Bank recorded a significant growth rate of (64%), reaching a value of (27.552) billion dinars, equivalent to (173) tons during the same period, compared to a value of (16.817) billion dinars in the second quarter of 2024. 

The decrease in the issued currency contributed to a decrease in the inflation rate, which maintains the stability of the general price level, as the currency issued by the Central Bank recorded a decrease in the rate of (5.50%), reaching (99.681) billion dinars during the same period, compared to a value of (104.127) billion dinars in the second quarter of 2024.

The decrease in the inflation rate also indicates a decrease in the general price level, as inflation recorded a low rate of (76%), reaching (0.8%) compared to the second quarter of 2024, which reached (3.5%). This confirms that the Central Bank was able to build basic pillars for monetary and economic stability and achieve the most important objectives of monetary policy.

Therefore, I believe, with complete impartiality and transparency, that we should stand in respect for the efforts of the Central Bank and its distinguished staff who achieved the above accomplishments, and I hope that those efforts will be evaluated, which is a legitimate entitlement.  https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=63555

Gold Exposes Dollar Reset While Media Pushes False Narrative

Gold Exposes Dollar Reset While Media Pushes False Narrative

Taylor Kenny:  1-8-2025

Is gold really rising because of Fed rate cuts—or is something far bigger happening?

Taylor breaks down the data, exposes the media lies, and shows how to protect your wealth in the face of a global monetary reset.

The recent surge in gold prices has left many investors and economists scratching their heads, trying to understand the underlying drivers behind this trend.

The mainstream narrative suggests that the anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts are the primary reason for gold’s rise. However, a recent video presentation challenges this simplistic explanation, revealing a more complex and nuanced reality.

According to the presenter, the real driver behind gold’s surge is not the expected Fed rate cuts, but rather a profound and historic global monetary reset triggered by the accelerating collapse of the U.S. dollar and the unsustainable debt burden the country carries.

This narrative is rooted in outdated economic thinking and fails to account for the deeper structural issues plaguing the global economy.

The video highlights how main stream media’s reporting on economic indicators like unemployment often understates the true economic distress faced by many Americans.

Official numbers may look rosy, but they don’t tell the whole story. Meanwhile, gold prices have been skyrocketing, far outpacing what traditional Fed rate cut logic would predict.

A closer examination of historical gold price movements in relation to federal funds rate changes reveals a striking disconnect. The current gold price increases cannot be explained solely by expected rate cuts. Instead, the presenter argues that the massive U.S. debt, now exceeding $38 trillion, is the fundamental issue driving the gold market.

This unsustainable debt burden has created a debt doom loop, where rising interest costs further exacerbate fiscal instability.

Decades of overspending and currency printing have led to inflationary pressures that threaten to culminate in a currency reset, similar to historical examples from Venezuela, Germany, and Mexico.

In such scenarios, fiat currencies lose value rapidly, and those holding physical gold and silver are protected.

The video emphasizes that central banks worldwide are increasingly accumulating gold to back a new monetary system, underscoring gold’s role as a true store of value without counterparty risk.

As the global economy teeters on the brink of a monumental shift, acquiring physical gold and silver is becoming an essential insurance policy against the failing fiat system.

So, what can investors do to protect their wealth in this uncertain environment? The presenter advocates for educating oneself and developing a protective wealth strategy.

With the global monetary system on the cusp of a significant reset, it’s more crucial than ever to have a solid understanding of the underlying trends and drivers.

In conclusion, the recent surge in gold prices is not just a simple response to expected Fed rate cuts. Rather, it’s a symptom of a more profound and historic global monetary reset, driven by the accelerating collapse of the U.S. dollar and the unsustainable debt burden.

 As the world hurtles towards a new monetary reality, investors would do well to take heed of the warning signs and position themselves accordingly.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – The Lie Behind Gold’s Rise

02:12 – The True Unemployment Rate Is 25%

 03:05 – Is Gold Reacting to Rate Cuts? Not Anymore.

05:29 – Gold’s Current Surge Is Unprecedented

07:47 – Currency Collapse: A Historical Pattern

08:46 – Central Banks Are Hoarding Gold

10:38 – Final Thoughts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4mNCxTkAWM

Coffee with MarkZ, joined by Zester and Mr. Cottrell.01/09/2025

Coffee with MarkZ, joined by Zester and Mr. Cottrell.01/09/2025

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 everyone. Are we there yet?

Member: TGIF…….Hope Mark has good news

MZ: From Iraq: “Why does the CBI refuse to revalue the dinar in order to balance their budget?” Some of the chatter this morning is saying they are looking to go up in value.

MZ: All links will be at https://theoriginalmarkz.com/home/

MZ: Meetings in Iraq with Washington are going on day 3 right now. This is to make sure the militias are disbanded or absorbed into law enforcement or the military. Especially any that have ties to Iran.

MZ: On the bond side- it is still quiet this morning. I am hoping to have someone on soon to talk about the farm claims and the history of it. Hopefully for next week

MZ: We are not hearing much on the banking side, group side or CMKX side but, we have heard some great stuff this week. Like money is moving in some of the Indian Nations. I spoke with a couple of Indian leaders and some have said yes- we are being told we will get our funding most likely late in this week…..but heck its already Friday. But we have heard some positive things.

MZ: So I believe we are moving…just no idea how quickly we are moving.

Member: All the puzzle pieces are there….we just have to put it together.

Member: Is this puzzle a 50 piece or a 5000 piece? Asking for a friend

Member: I believe this rv is definitely event driven. There may be events yet to occur that we have no idea need to happen?

Member: Bruce thinks it could go this weekend.

Member: Bank Story from UK a Banking Hub…. a friend went to and was told they had a De La Rue Machine

Member: Rumor has it that Venezuela and Iran will be back in the first basket.

Member: I heard a rumor that they are saying Rv may be by the 16th of Jan or the completion of Rv will be in March

Member: Clarity Act & BIG loans come due the 15th...

Member: Someday, Somebody will be right.

Member: Silver making it's third attempt to breakout over $80 and hold…third time's the charm, perhaps?

Member: I heard citi bank has 12 billion in silver shorts, Bank of America 3.75 billion also… due this weekend.

Member: Economists are saying Silver shorts could crash the entire financial system. I wonder if gold and silver will revalue before currency does?

Member:  As I sit here doing nothing thinking about post RV, I realize Someday I will be able to afford sitting around doing nothing

Member: I’m looking forward to being able to afford to do more than sit around doing nothing…

Member: Thank you Mark for showing up us no matter where you be

Member: Thanks to all and hope everyone has a blessed weekend

Mr. Cottrell, Zester and CBD Guru’s join the stream today. Please listen to replay for their information and opinions

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

https://rumble.com/user/theoriginalmarkz

Kick:  https://kick.com/theoriginalmarkz

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.

THANK YOU ALL FOR JOINING. HAVE A BLESSED NIGHT! SEE YOU ALL TONIGHT AT 7:00 PM EST OR IN THE MORNING FOR COFFEE @ 10:00 AM EST ~ UNLESS BREAKING NEWS HAPPENS!

FROM NOW ON NO MORE NIGHTLY PODCASTS ON MONDAYS AND FRIDAYS

Youtube:     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3UcP6pwqbU

News, Rumors and Opinions Friday 1-9-2026

KTFA:

Clare:  A Sudanese advisor explains to "Al-Eqtisad News" the repercussions of fixing the exchange rate at 1300 dinars in the 2026 budget.

1/8/2025  Economy News – Baghdad

The Prime Minister’s Advisor for Economic and Financial Affairs, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, revealed on Thursday the impact of the Central Bank of Iraq’s decision to fix the official exchange rate at 1300 dinars in the 2026 budget.

Saleh told Al-Eqtisad News that "the government decided to fix the official exchange rate at 1,300 dinars per US dollar in the 2026 budget project, within the framework of what he described as 'calculated coordination between fiscal and monetary policies'."

He explained that this step represents a limited increase in the value of the Iraqi dinar, and is a positive sign that reflects the strength of the country’s foreign reserves and the ability of monetary policy to confidently maintain stability.

He pointed out that fiscal policy is now moving towards maximizing real revenues, moving away from resorting to what is known as "monetary adjustment," which relies on using the exchange rate as an indirect financing tool, stressing that this trend promotes the use of authentic financial instruments to mobilize resources and control spending.

The advisor stressed that this monetary signal sends a clear message that containing inflation and stabilizing the national economy is a permanent priority, while maintaining the independence of monetary policy, and pushing fiscal policy towards greater efficiency and responsibility, in order to achieve the sustainability of macroeconomic balance in the Iraqi economy.

Earlier today, the Central Bank of Iraq addressed the Ministry of Finance regarding fixing the official exchange rate at 1300 dinars in the 2026 budget.  LINK

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Clare:  They warned of a "major recession"... Baghdad merchants complain about high taxes and customs duties: the citizen is the one who suffers

1/8/2025

 Wholesalers and owners of goods and merchandise warehouses in the capital, Baghdad, expressed their strong dissatisfaction with the government’s recent decisions regarding increasing taxes and implementing the new customs tariff, in addition to imposing a quality mark on all imported goods.

Traders confirmed that these simultaneous measures caused clear disruption in buying and selling, warning that continued tax pressure would lead to a major recession in local markets, as a result of the sudden increase in import and storage costs, and the difficulty for the market to absorb these price increases.

Salem Hassan, a construction materials trader, told Shafaq News Agency that "customs duties have increased significantly to more than 30%, which is equivalent to one-third of the price of some materials," noting that the average citizen is no longer able to purchase his basic needs.

He added that "this increase has caused a recession in the markets, while wholesale stores have raised prices for traders," calling on the state to find urgent solutions to this problem.

For his part, a wholesaler of single-use plastic materials in the Jameela Industrial Area pointed out that raising customs duties prompted them to stop import operations, noting that these materials are used daily in packaging food products.

The traders explained to Shafaq News Agency that "the state must find quick solutions, because the citizen will be the victim as he is the last consumer," indicating that the imposed customs duties are excessive.

For his part, economist Mohammed Al-Hassani told Shafaq News Agency that imposing customs duties on goods and commodities would lead to higher inflation rates and an economic recession.

He explained that the government imposed these fees at a time when Iraq does not have an industrial sector capable of meeting market needs, and that the available local production is insufficient, warning that this will contribute to increasing unemployment rates among young people.  LINK

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

Jeff   To join the World Trade you have to have more than one revenue stream.  Historically Iraq's pretty much always had about one revenue stream which was oil...They're talking about increasing taxes.  They have tax reform coming forward but would still have to be amended and approved after the rate changes of course because taxes involve tariffs working with foreign currencies...This gives them eligibility towards joining the World Trade...They're closer than they've ever been towards joining the World Trade.  The rate has to change first...to position them in the World Trade.

Walkingstick  Prime Minister Sudani can fire the governor of the CBI, Alaq in a nanosecond and replace him.  IMO if Alaq does not do what he is supposed to do in these series of meetings coming up he will lose his position...Alaq can be removed very quickly...Sudani can fire Alaq if he feels he is not doing his job.  It's really winding down to these series of meetings that parliament is going to be having...

Frank26   Monetary reform is ready to go.  The only thing missing is the spark that will give it life and that would be the new exchange rate.  That will come from the Central Bank of Iraq...Who the hell runs the CBI?  The board of directors.  You think the board of directors want the monetary reform?  Oh, yes!  They're not politicians...We're going to get the new exchange rate because if you [Alaq] don't give it up, you're gone sir. 

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$120 Silver, $6000 Gold In 2026 | Craig Hemke

Liberty and Finance:  1-8-2026

Craig Hemke explains that the current gold and silver bull market is fundamentally different from past cycles because it is being driven by physical shortages rather than speculative paper trading.

He highlights persistent multi year supply deficits backwardation in silver and growing stress in the fractional reserve pricing system.

 Government actions such as declaring silver a critical mineral export controls and rising geopolitical tensions are tightening supply and increasing volatility.

Hemke downplays fears of index rebalancing selloffs and argues that physical demand will prevent deep long term price declines.

Based on repeating breakout and consolidation patterns and these structural forces he forecasts roughly $6,000 gold and $120 silver by the end of 2026.

INTERVIEW TIMELINE:

0:00 Intro

1:22 Silver market update

 17:35 Geopolitics & metals

23:51 2026 gold & silver targets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2UBICD7hzA

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Friday Morning 1-9-26

Could Exchanging Our Dinar and Dong Be Like This ?????

The Central Bank Of Syria Requires Citizens To Follow New Procedures When Exchanging Currency.

Banks  Economy News - Follow-up   The Central Bank of Syria announced the regulations that must be followed by citizens and customers when submitting old Syrian pound banknotes to authorized entities for exchange for new banknotes, as part of the ongoing preparations for the upcoming exchange process.

The bank explained that these procedures aim to accelerate and simplify the replacement process in coordination with all relevant parties, stressing the importance of adhering to the correct arrangement of banknotes in bundles, so that each bundle contains banknotes of the same denomination and issue, and that the number of pieces in each bundle does not exceed 100 banknotes.

The bank explained that customers must arrange banknotes symmetrically so that the face is facing up in all bundles, while damaged banknotes must be sorted into separate bundles according to the same controls, with proof that they are damaged being provided, according to the Syrian News Agency “SANA”.

 The bank stressed that compliance with these instructions contributes to saving time and effort for citizens and concerned parties, and enhances the cooperation necessary to make the replacement process a success and ensure that it proceeds smoothly and quickly.

 66 Companies And 1,000 Outlets

The Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Abdul Qader al-Hasriya, announced that there will be ease and flexibility in exchanging the new national currency, the Syrian pound, as the exchange will be done through 66 companies and a thousand outlets dedicated to this purpose.

Al-Hasri said that the new denominations of the Syrian currency will start with six denominations: 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 liras, with the new lira being equivalent to one hundred old liras, while the 500 new liras is equivalent to 50,000 old liras, noting that this contributes to making it easier to carry money and the money supply remains without additions.

He added that the currency replacement will not affect its value, since the change is a change in nominal value, so the value is the same and the replacement will not have direct effects on its value, explaining that the Syrian Central Bank will reopen its branch in Idlib, like the rest of the governorates.

 Modern Security Features

The official stressed that the new currency has modern security features, in addition to special features that enable the visually impaired and blind to use it, explaining that removing zeros will not affect the common functions of the new lira, calling for cooperation from everyone to preserve the value of the lira.

He explained that the standard for the replacement process is to remove two zeros from the nominal value, so that every hundred old Syrian pounds will be equivalent to one new Syrian pound, noting that the replacement process will begin on January 1, 2026 and will continue for 90 days, which is extendable, and will be carried out free of charge without imposing any fees or taxes.

He said that all central bank transactions will be in the new currency at the beginning of the year, calling on citizens not to abandon the old currency during the period of coexistence between the two currencies, as sellers will be required to deal in both.   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=63968

Central Bank: The Dollar Is Stable At 1320 Dinars, And The Rise In The Parallel Market Is Due To Demand Outside Banks.

Economy News – Baghdad  Haider Ghazi, the media officer of the Central Bank of Iraq, confirmed that there has been no change in the exchange rate of the dollar against the dinar, and it remains fixed at 1320 dinars per dollar, explaining that what is being circulated as an exchange rate is only the demand of the unofficial market for dollars outside the system of banks licensed to work in foreign transfers through correspondent banks.

Ghazi, in a statement according to the official newspaper, attributed the main reason for the rise in the parallel market to the customs duty due to demand outside the banking system, noting that the application of the prior customs duty for transfer purposes may have put significant pressure on those seeking cash dollars, and was behind the rise in demand for the dollar against the dinar in the local markets.

He explained that traders are required to bring the customs declaration (customs statement) from the ASYCUDA system before the bank transfer is made to them, adding that on many occasions the Central Bank of Iraq stated that the ways to obtain dollars are through:

First, external transfers through banks in a systematic and documented manner with all parties, and second, through the traveler's dollar after depositing an amount in Iraqi dinars with companies of categories A and B, and it is received through outlets inside Iraqi airports, as the bank set the traveler's share per month at $3,000. https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=64273

The Central Bank Tells The Ministry Of Finance: The Official Exchange Rate Will Be 1300 Dinars In The 2026 Budget.

Baghdad-INA  The Central Bank of Iraq addressed the Ministry of Finance on Thursday regarding the draft federal general budget law for the year 2026, noting that the official exchange rate will be 1300 dinars in the 2026 budget.
 
The Central Bank addressed the Budget Department at the Ministry of Finance regarding the draft Federal General Budget Law for the Republic of Iraq for the year 2026.
 
The Central Bank stated that "the official exchange rate that will be adopted in 2026 is (1300) dinars per dollar, which has been in effect since February 2023."
 
Sources revealed that "the Central Bank will buy dollars at a price of 1300 dinars from the Ministry of Finance and sell them at a price of 1310 dinars to banks, which will sell them at 1320 dinars to traders and foreign transfers." 
https://ina.iq/ar/economie/252092-1300-2026.html

The Iranian Central Bank Announces Direct Intervention In The "Exchange Market" Following Sharp Judicial Criticism.

Banks   Economy News - Follow-up  The spokesman for the Central Bank of Iran announced, in conjunction with the head of the judiciary's criticism of the bank's performance in the foreign exchange market, that it has been decided that the Central Bank will intervene in this market.

According to Iranian media reports, Mohammad Shirjian said that the board of directors and the exchange market management committee, chaired by the governor of the central bank, held a meeting today and it was agreed that the central bank would "intervene in the foreign exchange market using modern methods, on a large scale, continuously and intensively."

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

He did not provide details about the nature of this intervention, simply saying that an announcement would be made later.

Foreign currency prices in Iran have witnessed a rapid rise again in recent weeks. According to the latest reports from exchange rate monitoring websites, the price of the dollar exceeded 132,000 tomans on Monday, while the price of the euro reached 155,000 tomans, and the price of the British pound reached 177,000 tomans.

Monitoring by the “Tejarat News” website shows that the price of the dollar rose during the period from November 20 to December 20 of this year by about 18,000 tomans, which is equivalent to an increase of nearly 16 percent.

Media outlets inside Iran attribute the new jumps in the dollar's price to the recent policies of Masoud Pezeshkian's government, particularly the move towards economic liberalization and the abolition of the subsidized exchange rate.

The spokesman for the Central Bank of Iran said that, in cooperation with the Securities and Exchange Organization, two funds are planned to be launched: the “Foreign Currency Project Fund” and the “Foreign Currency Fixed Income Fund.”

He explained that “all citizens and economic actors can, using their various foreign currency resources, whether cash, remittances, or foreign currency accounts, purchase units of these funds.”

The central bank's announcement came hours after Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, the head of Iran's judiciary, criticized the bank's performance, saying: "The central bank has responsibilities and powers, and it must fulfill them; there should be no expectation that the judiciary will replace the central bank in carrying out its duties."

Referring to the Central Bank’s announcement of “identifying and freezing more than six thousand bank accounts belonging to 251 individuals suspected of money laundering and disrupting the exchange market,” Ejei asked: “How were these six thousand bank accounts created by a limited number of people? Isn’t it the Central Bank’s job to monitor banks?”

Egei also denied the claim of the Central Bank spokesman, who had announced on December 15 that the files of 13 people suspected of disrupting the banking system and the exchange market had been referred to the judicial authorities.

He said in this regard: “Until yesterday, when I followed up on the matter, such a file had not reached the judiciary. It is true that during the past weeks we received information about the case from some regulatory bodies such as the Revolutionary Guard Intelligence Organization, but we did not receive anything from the Central Bank.” https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=63739

How Much Cash Should I Have On Hand?

How Much Cash Should I Have On Hand?

Yahoo Personal Finance  Ivana Pino · Senior Writer

It might be less than you think.

According to an analysis by Capital One, 47.8% of American adults make no cash purchases in a typical week. And in the U.S., an estimated 87.4% of all transactions are cashless.

With card and digital payments emerging as the primary payment methods for most consumers, you might wonder how much cash you should keep in your wallet — if any at all.

Here’s a look at the benefits and drawbacks of carrying cash, and how to go about deciding how much you should keep on hand.

How much cash should I have on hand?

Cash may no longer be king, but it’s not obsolete by any means. There are instances when paying in cash might be more beneficial than using a debit card, credit card, or digital wallet. For instance, many small businesses prefer cash and may even offer a small discount because it saves them the fees associated with credit card transactions.

Experts say it’s common for most Americans to carry $20 or $30 in cash. Ultimately, however, the amount of cash you should have on hand depends on your unique financial situation.

When determining the right amount to carry in your wallet, consider how often you use cash and for what types of expenses. Do you prefer to save up cash for big-ticket purchases, or do you mainly rely on cash for smaller transactions such as tipping?

Either way, it’s best to minimize the amount of cash you keep on hand. For one, cash isn’t insured against loss unless it's deposited in a bank, making it vulnerable to damage, loss, or theft. Plus, physical cash doesn’t have the opportunity to earn interest or grow in value. And over time, inflation reduces the purchasing power of cash.

That said, you do want to ensure your spending money and emergency savings are “liquid.” For money that you expect to need in the near future, consider depositing it in a federally insured bank account, such as a checking account or high-yield savings account. This allows you to generate interest, which helps protect your purchasing power and increase your wealth over time, while also maintaining easy access to the funds.

Pros and cons of carrying cash

Having some cash in your wallet can be helpful when you find yourself in a situation where a merchant or retailer doesn’t accept cards or digital payments. But there are definitely downsides to carrying cash too.

Here are some of the major pros and cons of cash to consider when evaluating how much you should keep on hand.

TO READ MORE:  https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/banking/article/how-much-cash-should-i-have-on-hand-164855098.html

“Tidbits From TNT” Friday Morning 1-9-2026

TNT:

Tishwash:  UN assessment: Iraq today is unrecognizable compared to years ago

The UN coordinator in Iraq, Ghulam Ishaq Zai, gave an optimistic assessment of the situation in the country, stressing that Iraq has strengthened confidence in its institutions and is moving steadily towards stability, while noting that the country has become "remarkable and unrecognizable" compared to what it was years ago.

The United Nations website, in a report seen by Shafaq News Agency, stated that Isaac Ze spoke about the transition from the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), whose mandate officially ended last December, to a new partnership with the Iraqi authorities focused on development.

The report quoted the UN envoy as saying that "Iraq today is unrecognizable and wonderful, especially for those who lived through the turbulent early years of the transition," noting that a country devastated by war after the 2003 invasion has now succeeded in building confidence in its institutions and is moving towards greater stability.

Ishaq Zee explained that poverty rates in Iraq have decreased from 20% in 2018 to 17.5% during the period 2024-2025, noting that preliminary reports indicate that Iraq now occupies an advanced position in the Human Development Index, which measures life expectancy, education levels and living standards.

The report indicated that the improved security environment helped about 5 million internally displaced people return to their areas, while those who remained in the camps were mostly due to housing or civil identity issues.

The UN envoy also touched on what he described as an "important milestone," namely the parliamentary elections held last year, in which the participation rate reached 56%, an increase of 12% over the previous elections, with a wide participation of women who constituted about a third of the candidates.

According to the report, the UNAMI mission was established in 2003 to assist Iraq in its transitional phase after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime. It went through difficult phases that culminated with the control of large areas of the country by ISIS before its defeat at the end of 2017. The mission ended its work on December 31, 2025, while the United Nations will continue its activities in Iraq under the leadership of Isaac Ze.

The report noted that the new phase of cooperation is based on a five-year development agreement, signed with the Iraqi government on December 25, which constitutes a roadmap to support national priorities, including education, health, economic growth, environmental protection and good governance.

The report also quoted Isaac Zee as saying that the current goal of the United Nations is "to support the social and economic needs of Iraq and to build on what has been achieved over the past two decades," noting that Iraq will contribute to financing the implementation of these programs, in an indication of the development of the partnership and the government's shift from the role of aid recipient to partner and supporter.

The report concluded by noting that the United Nations team in Iraq currently includes 26 agencies, funds and programs of the international organization. link

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Tishwash:  The Central Bank of Iraq is the first institution to implement a "programs and performance" budget.

The Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Iraq approved the bank's budget for 2026, based on the program and performance budgeting methodology.

The bank explained in a statement: "Adopting this methodology aims to move from the traditional approach based on expenditure items to a modern approach that focuses on programs, results, and performance indicators, thereby contributing to increased spending efficiency, enhanced transparency and accountability, and supporting performance- and results-based decision-making."

He pointed out that "previous budgets were prepared according to the traditional method adopted by all state institutions," emphasizing that this approach makes the Central Bank of Iraq the first institution in the Iraqi state to implement a program and performance budget, a step that reflects its commitment to adopting the best international practices in managing its financial resources.

The bank explained that "the 2026 budget included strategic programs, institutional development programs, operational programs, in addition to oversight and regulatory programs, which were prepared according to clear programs, specific activities, and measurable performance indicators subject to periodic evaluation, thus contributing to improving the efficiency of plan implementation and achieving optimal resource utilization."

It affirmed that "adopting a program and performance budget is a pivotal step within the financial and administrative reform path pursued by the bank, enhancing the strength and sustainability of institutional performance and keeping pace with modern developments in expenditure management at the regional and international levels."

The Central Bank of Iraq expressed its readiness to provide technical support and training to Iraqi state institutions, assisting them in transitioning from the traditional method of budget preparation to modern, internationally recognized methods, thereby contributing to the development of public financial management and strengthening the principles of efficiency and good governance.  link

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Tishwash:  Parliament opens the file on non-oil revenues

With mounting pressure on the public budget and a growing need for long-term economic stability, Iraq is entering a pivotal phase in managing its financial resources. All eyes are on the parliamentary session next Saturday to discuss non-oil revenues. This step comes at a time when policymakers are increasingly aware of the importance of reducing overall dependence on oil and strengthening alternative sources of funding that support public services and protect purchasing power. For the citizens.

MP Dr. Ali Saber Al-Kinani told Al-Sabah: “Opening the file on non-oil revenues is a national necessity,” noting that focusing on these revenues contributes to reducing dependence on oil, which alleviates pressure on monetary policy and strengthens purchasing power. For the citizens. 

He added that the parliamentary debate will provide an opportunity to evaluate the performance of the relevant authorities, improve collection mechanisms, and expand the revenue base from various sources. Diverse.

In this context, MP Alaa Al-Haidari pointed out that boosting non-oil revenues is an important step to address financial imbalances in the general budget, support productive sectors, revitalize industry and agriculture, as well as improve the investment environment and create additional job opportunities, which contributes to strengthening economic and social stability.

As part of the government's efforts to increase non-oil revenues, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, the Prime Minister's advisor on financial affairs, explained that the government program to maximize non-oil revenues contributed to a significant increase in their share last year, as a result of adopting digital governance in the tax and customs sectors. Salih told Al-Sabah newspaper that non-oil revenues rose to approximately 12% of the total 2025 budget, compared to about 7% in previous years. This reflects the government's efforts to improve tax and customs collection and achieve greater financial stability, moving away from total dependence on oil.

Saleh added that this improvement includes multiple categories of revenues, most notably commodity taxes, public sector profits, and customs duties, stressing that the government seeks to raise the percentage of non-oil revenues to about (20%) of the total general budget in the coming years by diversifying sources, improving collection mechanisms, and combating financial evasion. 

 link

Mot: . poor ole Earl!!!!!

Iraq Foreign Investments $100B in Three Years

Iraq Foreign Investments $100B in Three Years

Edu Matrix:  1-8-2026

In a significant economic breakthrough, Iraq has attracted over $100 billion in investments over the last three years, marking a record-breaking achievement for the country.

This substantial influx of foreign capital is a promising sign for investors, particularly those with an interest in the Iraqi dinar (IQD), as it has the potential to positively impact the currency’s valuation.

According to recent data from the National Investment Commission, the investments have been channeled into crucial sectors such as power generation, smart grid technologies, large residential developments, and airport infrastructure. These projects are transforming Iraq’s economic landscape, paving the way for a brighter future for the country’s growth and currency potential.

The influx of foreign investment is expected to have a positive impact on the Iraqi economy, driving growth and development in key sectors. As foreign capital flows into the country, it is likely to boost economic activity, create new opportunities, and stimulate job creation. This, in turn, could lead to increased confidence in the Iraqi dinar, potentially strengthening its value against other currencies.

However, despite this promising development, concerns remain regarding Iraq’s ability to manage and regain control of the vast amounts of Iraqi dinars circulating globally. The speaker in a recent video by Edu Matrix highlighted this issue, noting that it remains a major obstacle to currency stabilization. With a large amount of IQD in circulation outside of Iraq, the country’s ability to regulate and manage its currency is compromised, potentially leading to volatility and instability in the foreign exchange market.

To fully capitalize on the benefits of foreign investment and drive economic growth, Iraq will need to address this challenge and implement effective measures to regain control of its currency. This could involve a range of strategies, including improving monetary policy, enhancing currency management, and increasing transparency and oversight.

For investors interested in the Iraqi dinar, this development presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, the influx of foreign investment could lead to a stronger IQD, making it an attractive investment opportunity. On the other hand, the risks associated with currency volatility and the challenges of managing a large amount of IQD in circulation globally must be carefully considered.

For further insights and information on this topic, viewers can watch the full video by Edu Matrix, available on their channel. Additional information is also available on their blog, accessible via the link provided in the video description.

As Iraq continues to attract foreign investment and drive economic growth, the potential for the Iraqi dinar to appreciate in value remains a tantalizing prospect for investors. While challenges remain, the country’s record-breaking investment milestone is a significant step towards a brighter economic future.

https://youtu.be/CKBOjJFEE1U

4 Financial Skills I’m Passing Down to My Children

I’m a Wealthy Millennial: 4 Financial Skills I’m Passing Down to My Children

Heather Taylor   Yahoo Finance

Gen Alpha, and future generations to come, may be on track to receive the financial literacy they deserve.

A new study from Bank of America titled the “2024 Study of Wealthy Americans” reveals emerging trends around generational wealth and its influence on financial strategies. Data from the 2024 quantitative survey shows that 48% of wealthy Americans said they would initiate the conversation when it comes to teaching their children or heirs financial skills.

What kinds of financial skills are wealthy Americans planning to pass down to their children or heirs? GOBankingRates spoke to Dave Fortin, the millennial co-founder of investing app FutureMoney and a new dad, to learn more about the financial skills he plans to pass down to his children.

Delayed Gratification

In March 2024, GOBankingRates surveyed 1,008 American adults on a series of questions related to financial literacy. When asked about the poor money habits they learned from childhood, 36% of respondents said they picked up impulse shopping.

This won’t be the case for Fortin. He told GOBankingRates he plans to talk to his kids about delayed gratification. Beyond avoiding impulse purchases, it’s a lesson that will help his children in many other aspects of their lives.

“By using the language of money, you can show your kids the advantages of saving today for something in the future, and how your money can grow,” said Fortin.ughh

Goal Setting

Another skill Fortin plans to teach his children is how to set goals, which he considers to be important in money and in life.

Learning how to set a goal — whether this is a goal towards going to college, buying a car or purchasing your first home — is only one part of the equation, according to Fortin. He added that it’s important for children to learn how to create a plan that will help them achieve the goal.

Being Good Stewards of Capital

Fortin’s list of financial skills he plans to teach his children include comparing income and expenses, understanding taxes, basic banking products and basic investing principles. Many of these skills are confusing to adults, especially those who lack the proper financial literacy background. As an example, nearly 17% of Americans surveyed by GOBankingRates in March 2024 said they didn’t clearly understand how taxes work.

In a wealthy family, Fortin said it’s particularly important to teach children to be good stewards of capital. This means clearly acknowledging how to manage, use and protect wealth so it fulfills the current generation’s needs as well as the next generation. A poor steward would likely be more inclined to recklessly spend instead of save money or live well beyond their means.

“Wealth can sustain a family, fund great businesses that solve important problems in the world, and do a lot of good through charitable works,” said Fortin. “Having wealth does not absolve someone of the duties of managing their money well.”

TO READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/m-wealthy-millennial-4-financial-204525798.html