Bob Moriarty: Hyper Inflation & The Return of the Gold Standard

Bob Moriarty: Hyper Inflation & The Return of the Gold Standard

Palisades Gold Radio:  1-15-2026

Stijn Schmitz welcomes Bob Moriarty to the show. Bob Moriarty is Author, Founder 321 Gold, and a Former Marine Fighter Pilot.

The conversation delves into complex geopolitical dynamics, focusing on the current global tensions between the West's debt-based system and the East's resource-based system.

Moriarty offers a critical perspective on recent global conflicts, suggesting that the United States and Israel are the most aggressive nations, with potentially catastrophic consequences.

Discussing Venezuela, Iran, and global tensions, Moriarty argues that these conflicts are not about oil or resources, but about maintaining Western economic dominance.

He believes the current geopolitical landscape represents a fundamental shift, with the West's debt-based system collapsing while Eastern nations like China, Russia, and Iran are becoming increasingly powerful.

 He emphasizes that these countries are not enemies of the West, but are simply defending their interests.

Moriarty is particularly critical of U.S. foreign policy, describing current leadership as potentially the worst in world history. He warns of a potential financial collapse, comparing the current economic situation to 1929, but "ten times worse."

He strongly advocates for a return to a gold or silver-backed monetary system as a solution to the impending economic crisis.

On precious metals, Moriarty is bullish, believing silver and gold are critical protection during financial chaos. He sees significant potential in these metals, noting their historical monetary importance and current industrial applications.

 He predicts a potential return to a gold or silver standard within the next decade. The discussion also touches on global conflicts, including potential tensions with Iran, the Ukraine-Russia war, and U.S. interventionist policies. Moriarty's perspective is unequivocal: the United States risks significant losses by pursuing aggressive military and economic strategies.

He argues that the world is witnessing a fundamental restructuring of global economic and political power, with the Western debt-based system facing inevitable collapse.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:05 - Venezuela Intervention Analysis

 00:05:54 - Attack on China Motive

00:08:42 - Trump's Warpath Netanyahu

00:10:01 - Iran Protests CIA Role

00:13:36 - Strait of Hormuz Risks

00:16:39 - Ukraine-Russia Conflict Insights

00:22:10 - Debt vs Resource Systems

00:25:47 - Precious Metals Protectio

n 00:29:11 - Fed Investigation Power Play

00:32:59 - Financial Collapse Parallels

00:37:11 - Silver Investment Thesis

 00:42:55 - Future Gold Standard Outlook

00:45:41 - 321gold.com and Wrap Up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76IsD3H5HTE

Swisher1776: IQD RV, the Biggest Move yet

Swisher1776: IQD RV, the Biggest Move yet

1-15-2026

IQD RV: BIGGEST MOVE YET AS CBI ADVANCES IRAQ INTO SOVEREIGN RATE UPGRADE EXECUTION

The National Team and the Technical Committee for Sovereign Rating held a joint meeting with Oliver Wyman Consulting. The meeting was chaired by the head of the National Team, His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, and attended by Dr. Mazhar Mohammed Saleh, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Head of the Technical Committee, along with a group of experts from relevant ministries and the private sector.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss mechanisms for improving the sovereign and credit ratings of the Republic of Iraq. During the meeting, the most prominent pillars and key issues requiring work in cooperation with international rating agencies S&P, Fitch, and Moody’s were discussed.

Emphasis was placed on the importance of applying the five pillars adopted in rating methodologies: institutional quality and financial strength, monetary strength, economic structure and growth prospects, political events and risks, and governance and overall stability.

The meeting also addressed the need to build a comprehensive economic and financial base for Iraq that reflects the reform process, institutional capacities, and future opportunities, ensuring its practical applicability.

Furthermore, the importance of direct and continuous communication with international rating agencies was stressed to enhance mutual understanding and achieve sustainable positive results.

This meeting comes within the framework of the government’s efforts to improve the image of the Iraqi economy and enhance international confidence, as the Iraqi government had announced in September 2025 the formation of the National Team for Improving the Credit Rating, which includes a select group of experts and representatives of various economic sectors, with the aim of raising the sovereign rating and supporting financial and economic stability in the country.

Central Bank of Iraq,
Media Office,
January 14, 2026

IQD RV: BIGGEST MOVE YET

YOU DON’T CLEAN BANKS, COORDINATE WITH OFAC, AND EXECUTE RATING REFORMS
UNLESS YOU’RE PREPARING FOR A DIFFERENT PRICING REGIME.

LAW TO EXECUTION

LEGAL AUTHORITY PUBLISHED
CBI EXECUTION PHASE ACTIVATED
LIQUIDITY TOOLS ROLLING OFF
OFAC & U.S. TREASURY CLEARANCE IN MOTION
BANKING BAD ACTORS BEING ISOLATED
SOVEREIGN RATING CASE NOW ACTIVE
INTERNATIONAL TRADE-RATE RAILS BEING CLEARED

THIS IS NOT A PRESS RELEASE — THIS IS SYSTEM CHOREOGRAPHY

LAW ➝ EXECUTION ➝ CLEAN PIPE ➝ FLOW

PRAYERS UP
EYES OPEN
WE MOVE FORWARD

Mark Savaya: Today, I met with the U.S. Department of the Treasury and OFAC to address key challenges and reform opportunities across both state owned and private banks, with a clear emphasis on strengthening financial governance, compliance, and institutional accountability.

We agreed to conduct a comprehensive review of suspected payment records and financial transactions involving institutions, companies, and individuals in Iraq linked to smuggling, money laundering, and fraudulent financial contracts and projects that finance and enable terrorist activities.

We also discussed next steps related to forthcoming sanctions targeting malign actors and networks that undermine financial integrity and state authority.

The relationship between Iraq and the United States has never been stronger than it is today under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump.

https://x.com/Mark_Savaya/status/2011600469299511628

 Source(s): https://x.com/swisher1776/status/2011431221721473311
https://x.com/swisher1776/status/2011657399157858643

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/01/15/swisher1776-iqd-rv-the-biggest-move-yet/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Thursday Afternoon 1-15-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

CLARITY Act Stalls as Crypto Industry Warns It Shields Banks, Not Innovation

Regulatory clarity promised — institutional protection delivered?

Overview

• The Digital Asset Market Structure and Clarity Act failed to advance today after a Senate Banking Committee delay.

• Crypto industry leaders, including Coinbase, argue the bill protects banks more than crypto users.

• Regulatory uncertainty continues, keeping digital assets in limbo heading into 2026.

• The delay underscores a deeper divide between Wall Street priorities and decentralized finance realities.

What Happened Today

• The Senate Banking Committee postponed its scheduled markup of the CLARITY Act rather than moving it forward.

• No committee vote occurred, and the bill did not advance to the Senate floor.

• Lawmakers cited unresolved concerns and ongoing negotiations over the bill’s structure and scope.

Despite earlier momentum, today’s delay signals that consensus has not been reached on how crypto markets should be governed.

Why the Crypto Industry Is Pushing Back

Coinbase and other digital asset firms have been increasingly vocal, warning that the CLARITY Act:

• Reinforces bank dominance over custody, settlement, and market access

• Limits innovation by favoring existing financial intermediaries

• Creates regulatory hurdles for crypto-native firms while easing compliance paths for large banks

Industry critics argue the bill’s framework repackages crypto activity into legacy banking rails, undermining decentralization rather than clarifying it.

Banks vs Crypto: The Core Tension

At the heart of the debate is who benefits from “clarity.”

• Banks gain clear jurisdictional authority and compliance pathways

• Crypto firms face higher costs, licensing burdens, and operational constraints

• Retail users risk being pushed back into permissioned, centralized systems

This has fueled claims that the CLARITY Act is less about innovation and more about institutional control of digital finance.

Why It Matters

• Regulatory delays prolong uncertainty for markets, builders, and investors

• Wall Street-first frameworks risk slowing U.S. competitiveness in digital assets

• Crypto adoption may migrate offshore to jurisdictions with clearer, more balanced rules

Instead of clarity, today’s outcome reinforces the reality that digital asset regulation remains politically contested.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For readers holding foreign currency in anticipation of a Global Reset:

• Regulatory stagnation weakens confidence in U.S.-based digital rails

• Bank-centric crypto policy favors fiat preservation, not revaluation catalysts

• Alternative settlement systems abroad may gain momentum faster

• True value shifts tend to follow open systems, not tightly controlled financial structures

In short, currency realignment favors flexibility and neutrality, not regulatory capture.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1 — Monetary Control: Governments remain focused on controlling rails, not liberating value

• Pillar 2 — Infrastructure: Innovation continues outside traditional banking frameworks

This is not just a crypto bill — it’s a signal about who will control money in the next system.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Investors.com – Senate Delays CLARITY Act Markup After Industry Pushback

• Cointelegraph – Crypto Leaders Warn CLARITY Act Favors Banks Over Blockchain Innovation

~~~~~~~~~~

BRICS vs ASEAN in 2026 Shows Why Alignment May Backfire

When joining a bloc increases risk instead of protection

Overview

• ASEAN’s growing association with BRICS is triggering tariff exposure rather than insulation.

• Indonesia’s full BRICS membership and partnership roles for Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam increase geopolitical pressure.

• U.S. tariff threats highlight the costs of perceived alignment in a polarized global system.

• Strategic autonomy, not bloc loyalty, emerges as ASEAN’s core vulnerability in 2026.

Key Developments at a Glance

• Tariff escalation risk: Indonesia faces potential U.S. tariffs exceeding 40%, explicitly linked to BRICS alignment.

• Regional spillover: Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam are already confronting elevated tariff regimes tied to geopolitical positioning.

• Non-alignment under strain: ASEAN’s long-standing neutral posture is increasingly difficult to maintain amid great-power rivalry.

• Currency implications: Discussions around BRICS-linked settlement systems raise concerns about financial sovereignty rather than protection.

How BRICS–ASEAN Dynamics Expose Tariff Vulnerability

At the center of the BRICS vs ASEAN debate is trade exposure. The U.S. has signaled that deeper BRICS alignment may invite punitive tariffs, reframing economic cooperation as a geopolitical liability. For export-driven Southeast Asian economies, this creates an asymmetric risk:

• Limited upside from BRICS trade frameworks, which remain loosely structured

• Immediate downside from Western trade retaliation, which is swift and enforceable

This imbalance highlights how alignment without institutional safeguards can backfire quickly.

Structural Dependence and the BRICS Currency Question

ASEAN’s challenge in 2026 is less about military strength and more about structural dependence:

• Supply chains, digital standards, data sovereignty, and payment rails increasingly define power

• BRICS-linked currency or settlement systems may reduce flexibility, not enhance it

• Smaller economies risk becoming rule-takers rather than rule-makers in multipolar arrangements

The push toward alternative payment systems introduces new dependencies without clear governance protections.

Why It Matters

• Multipolarity without rules increases friction, not leverage

• ASEAN centrality weakens when bloc alignment overrides strategic neutrality

• Economic coercion replaces diplomacy in trade policy

• Tariffs become tools of signaling, not just commerce

In 2026, alignment choices are no longer symbolic — they are priced directly into trade flows.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For readers holding foreign currencies in anticipation of a Global Reset:

• Tariff pressure erodes currency stability, especially in export-driven economies

• Bloc association does not guarantee protection or revaluation upside

• Currencies gain strength from trade access, not political alignment

• True reset conditions favor flexibility, neutrality, and diversified settlement options

The lesson is clear: currency value follows trade resilience, not bloc membership.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Trade Access Pillar: Open markets matter more than political alignment

• Sovereignty Pillar: Control over settlement, data, and standards defines future power

This is not about choosing sides — it’s about avoiding traps in a fragmented global system.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Watcher.Guru – BRICS vs ASEAN in 2026 Shows Why Alignment May Backfire

• Nikkei Asia – Southeast Asia walks tightrope as BRICS expansion tests neutrality

~~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

RV Facts with Proof Links Link

RV Updates Proof links - Facts Link

Follow the Gold/Silver Rate COMEX

Follow Fast Facts

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Thursday Afternoon 1-15-26

Iraq Central Bank Monetary policy

Monetary policy in Iraq, through its underlying philosophy, relies on what are known as information-based or signal-driven rules to generate stability in the banking and financial market, in line with local and global economic developments. This approach serves as an alternative to direct intervention in the market and the potential for undesirable divisions and distortions that could negatively impact the effectiveness of financial intermediation. These signal-driven and information-driven methods are based on the Central Bank of Iraq's interest rate, also known as the policy rate .

The Concept

The set of procedures and decisions taken by the Central Bank of Iraq within the framework of achieving its intermediate operational goals, which are to maximize the purchasing power of the Iraqi dinar and to counter inflationary expectations, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the macroeconomy and reflecting this on improving the standard of living in particular.

Goals

The Central Bank of Iraq’s main objectives include achieving stability in domestic prices and working to maintain a stable financial system based on market competition. In line with the aforementioned objectives, the Central Bank works to promote sustainable development, provide job opportunities, and achieve prosperity in Iraq.

Tasks

The Tasks Of The Central Bank Of Iraq Include The Following:

• Formulating and implementing monetary policy in Iraq, including foreign exchange rate policy.

• Possession and management of all of Iraq's official foreign reserves.

• Possession of gold and management of the state's gold reserves.

• Providing advisory and financial services to the government.

• Providing liquidity services to banks.

• Issuance and management of the Iraqi currency.

• Compiling and publishing data related to the banking and financial system and data related to the economy.

• Establish, supervise, and promote effective and sound payment systems.

• Issuing licenses and permits to banks, regulating their operations, and supervising them.

• Combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

Regulations and decisions related to monetary policy operations

These regulations and instructions cover various aspects of banking and financial operations, including guidelines on liquidity management to ensure the stability of the financial system. To manage liquidity and ensure financial system stability, the Central Bank of Iraq issues specific instructions and guidelines to banks and financial institutions. These instructions include:

Determining the required reserve ratio: A specific percentage of bank deposits must be held as a cash reserve at the central bank. This helps control the amount of liquidity available to banks and limits excessive lending.

1. Open market operations: The central bank conducts purchases and sales of government bonds to increase or decrease liquidity in the market. These operations are used to control the amount of money in circulation and thus influence interest rates and inflation.

2. Interest rate management: Setting interest rates on loans and deposits affects the demand for money. A high interest rate reduces borrowing and limits liquidity, while a low interest rate increases borrowing and increases liquidity.

The Following Are The Most Important Instructions Regarding Monetary Policy:

1. Monetary Policy Instructions:

• Interest Rate Management: Regulations pertaining to the setting and review of interest rates that affect the financial system. The interest rate set by the Central Bank of Iraq is currently 5.5%. This decision was made as part of the Central Bank's policies to control inflation and support financial stability in the country. This interest rate is consistent with the Central Bank's ongoing efforts to guide monetary policy in line with domestic and international economic developments.

• Open market operations: These are instructions relating to how the central bank carries out purchases and sales of government bonds to control liquidity.

 The mechanism by which the Central Bank of Iraq conducts purchases and sales of government bonds aims to regulate liquidity in the financial system and control inflation. This mechanism includes the following:

1. Selling government bonds: The central bank sells government bonds to commercial banks and investors to absorb excess liquidity from the market. When investors buy these bonds, the funds are transferred from their accounts at the central bank to the government's account, thus reducing the amount of money in circulation.

2. Purchasing government bonds: When the economy needs increased liquidity, the central bank buys government bonds from the market. This process injects funds back into the banking system, increasing the amount of money available for circulation.

3. Interest rates: Interest rates play a crucial role in these transactions. The set interest rate influences investors' willingness to buy or sell bonds. For example, if the central bank raises interest rates, demand for bonds may increase because the yields become more attractive.

These operations help the central bank achieve its monetary objectives, such as price stability and supporting the national economy, by controlling the liquidity available in the financial system.

2- Reserves Management Regulations:

• Mandatory reserve ratio: Determining the percentage that banks must hold as a cash reserve. It is determined by the Central Bank of Iraq and is currently 18% of current deposits. This ratio means that commercial banks are obligated to hold 18% of their deposits as a cash reserve with the Central Bank, and this reserve cannot be used for lending or investment purposes.

The required reserve ratio is a monetary policy tool used by the central bank to control the amount of money in circulation and to control inflation, as increasing the required reserve ratio reduces the ability of banks to lend, which reduces the amount of money in circulation in the economy, and vice versa.

• Additional reserve measures: In some cases, the central bank may require banks to hold additional reserves as a precautionary measure during times of financial crisis or economic instability.

• Assessing the solvency and liquidity of banks: The central bank continuously monitors the solvency and liquidity of banks to ensure that they have sufficient capital to withstand potential crises.

• Emergency interventions: In cases of instability or financial crises, the central bank may intervene by providing additional facilities to banks to ensure sufficient liquidity is available to support the financial system and prevent its collapse.

These tools help to achieve financial stability, control inflation, and support economic growth in Iraq.

3. Foreign Exchange Regulations:

- Exchange Rate: Instructions relating to the Central Bank's policies for managing the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar against foreign currencies, which include several key instructions, including :

1. Official Exchange Rate: The Central Bank sets the official exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar against foreign currencies. This rate can change based on economic and political conditions .

2. Market intervention: The central bank can intervene in the foreign exchange market to buy or sell foreign currencies with the aim of stabilizing the exchange rate. This intervention usually occurs during times of high market volatility .

3. Foreign exchange reserve management: The Central Bank works to manage its foreign exchange reserves to ensure that there are sufficient reserves to support the Iraqi dinar in economic or financial emergencies .

4. Issuing monetary policy: This includes adjusting interest rates and issuing other monetary policy tools to influence the supply and demand for the Iraqi dinar and foreign currencies .

5. Exchange market control: The central bank oversees foreign exchange operations to ensure that financial and economic institutions comply with applicable laws and regulations .

6. Promoting Transparency: The central bank seeks to enhance transparency in the foreign exchange market by publishing information and reports related to the exchange rate and policies implemented . These policies change over time based on local and international economic and political conditions .

- Exchange Operations: Rules Regulating The Buying And Selling Of Foreign Currencies By Financial Institutions.

 The regulations governing foreign exchange transactions by financial institutions encompass several key aspects to ensure transparency and market stability. These regulations include :

1. Licenses and registration: Financial institutions must obtain the necessary licenses from the central bank or the relevant regulatory authority to conduct the activity of buying and selling foreign currencies .

2. Compliance with standards: Financial institutions must comply with the standards set by the central bank or regulatory authority, including rules against money laundering and terrorist financing .

3. Oversight and inspection: Regulatory bodies conduct periodic audits and inspections to ensure that organizations comply with relevant laws and regulations. This oversight may include reviewing financial operations and internal procedures .

4. Reporting and Disclosure: Financial institutions are required to submit periodic reports to the central bank or regulatory authority, and provide the required disclosures regarding their activities and transactions in foreign currencies .

5. Limits and restrictions: Regulatory authorities may impose limits on the size of operations or on certain types of transactions to ensure market stability and protect the national economy .

6. Settlement procedures: Financial institutions must follow the specified settlement procedures to ensure that foreign exchange buying and selling transactions are executed accurately and quickly .

7. Risk management: Financial institutions must develop strategies to manage the risks associated with exchange rate volatility, including the use of hedging instruments when appropriate .

8. Customer relations: Financial institutions must provide customers with clear and transparent information regarding exchange rates, fees, and terms related to buying and selling foreign currencies . All these rules aim to ensure the market operates efficiently and fairly, and to protect the economy from potential risks associated with foreign exchange trading .

Tools

In light of the rapid and ever-changing monetary and financial developments worldwide, driven by market needs, the Central Bank of Iraq pursues a monetary policy that keeps pace with these developments. This policy aims to control excess liquidity in banks to manage the money supply and, consequently, curb inflation. The Central Bank relies on two main sets of tools to implement this monetary policy:

 Group 1: Traditional Tools

First: Policy Price

The bank adopted the new monetary policy rate since mid-2023 to be (5.5%) instead of the prevailing rate of previous years, which is based on a set of indicators that keep pace with global developments and financial risks surrounding the country.

Second: Open Market Operations

The Open Market Operations Office was established at this bank in 2023 (previously operating as a department within the Financial Operations and Debt Management Division). It undertakes several key tasks within the framework of monetary policy, including studying domestic liquidity and determining the market's need for new securities.

As part of its monetary policy work, this office studies and determines the liquidity level in the Iraqi banking sector by analyzing deposits, available cash, and credit extended, as well as the lending and borrowing interest rates used by banks. This is done on a weekly basis to gain a comprehensive picture of the monetary situation, the banks' need for securities, and their liquidity requirements to cover short-term obligations.

Furthermore, it identifies the types of securities needed by the market based on the conclusions drawn from these studies. These conclusions, in turn, inform the long-term strategies that the bank aims to implement to achieve price stability . The Central Bank issues the following instruments as part of this process:

A- Issuance of securities by the Central Bank of Iraq

These are central bank transfers and Islamic certificates of deposit, targeting the banking sector (governmental, commercial, and Islamic) as well as individuals with accounts at these banks and government institutions wishing to invest in securities. These securities are issued through auctions conducted by the bank via an approved system, and applications to purchase them are submitted according to the terms and conditions set by the bank. The primary purpose of issuing these securities is:

• Withdrawing excess liquidity from banks.

• Reducing private bank lending operations, as securities provide an alternative investment opportunity.

• Reducing the money supply by applying the two paragraphs above.

• Reducing inflation rates by directing investment towards holding balances with the central bank.

• Providing additional liquidity to the bank by reducing its obligations to banks, thus enabling the bank to reinvest it in other instruments.

• Increasing financial depth by providing securities that can be resold or liquidated at any time banks need liquidity to facilitate their financial transactions.

• Activating the interbank market for liquidity management involves using securities as a tool for sale within this market or as a guarantee of the liquidity needed by banks. The issuance of securities by the central bank is the first step in activating this market.

• The repurchase agreement and the reverse repurchase agreement ( REPO) , because these instruments are considered a starting point for activating the new monetary policy tools.

b) Issuing bonds on behalf of the Ministry of Finance

The Central Bank of Iraq, acting as the financial agent for the government, issues bonds for the Iraqi Ministry of Finance. The primary purpose of issuing these bonds is to finance the state's general budget deficit. The needs are determined according to the Iraqi budget law. The bank announces and promotes these bonds, which target the public and banks. The bank collects the proceeds from the sale of the bonds and transfers them to the account of the Iraqi Ministry of Finance for use within the specified needs of public finance. The bank also undertakes the process of monitoring the repayment of the bond's principal and interest.

c) Rediscount rate (discounting securities in favor of banks)

The office handles the discounting of securities on behalf of banks if they wish to discount the securities issued in favor of the Ministry of Finance in order to provide liquidity to the bank if it needs it.

d- Existing facilities

The need for loan-and-deposit facilities for banks arises when financial systems are underdeveloped, leading to the use of such instruments, which include:

• Overnight investment.

• The primary credit of banks, which is at a rate higher than the approved monetary policy rate by adding (2%) to the monetary policy rate, may reach (20%) of the bank's capital.

• Secondary credit, which is for a longer period and at a higher price than primary credit, becomes the policy price added to it (3%), and it may be guaranteed by securities issued by the Ministry of Finance.

• The last resort for lending, which allows banks suffering from a financial crisis under exceptional circumstances to grant a loan in accordance with the Central Bank of Iraq Law, at a rate of (3.5%) in addition to the monetary policy rate, and in accordance with guarantees determined by this bank after the approval of the Minister of Finance, provided that the period does not exceed three months, and the Central Bank may renew the period.

The existing facilities at the Central Bank of Iraq, whether for deposits or lending, are completely suspended due to the existence of securities within the open market operations, as well as the securities of the Ministry of Finance, which provide a current opportunity for banks to manage their liquidity without the need for existing facilities.

 Third: Mandatory Reserve Requirements

This is a percentage imposed on deposits in the banking sector, meaning that the Central Bank of Iraq imposes a percentage on deposits according to their type within the sector, including current and current-natured deposits, fixed deposits, savings in dinars and dollars, and the private and government sectors, which have been determined according to the percentages below:

1. Current deposits of the private sector are (22%) in Iraqi dinars and (18%) in US dollars.

2. Time deposits in the private sector for all licensed banks (13%) based on the decision of the Board of Directors of this bank No. (63) of 2024.

3. Government deposits, both current and time deposits, shall be (22%) in Iraqi dinars.

The mandatory reserve is one of the most important monetary policy tools, which works to limit the bank’s ability to grant loans by imposing the above ratios. It is used by the central bank according to the direction of monetary policy. In addition, the mandatory reserve requirements act as a guarantee tool for bank deposits (they are used to pay part of the depositors’ money in the event of a crisis and the bank’s inability to pay).

Group Two: Unconventional Tools

First: Foreign Currency Trading Platform

The Central Bank of Iraq considered the foreign currency sale platform (window) as a means to ensure and stabilize the exchange rate, which contributed significantly to maintaining the stability of the Iraqi dinar exchange rate and providing foreign currency to cover the private sector’s imports of goods and services, as well as the needs of citizens for travel and medical treatment.

The Central Bank of Iraq has established an electronic platform for selling dollars in coordination with international bodies in order to control and regulate the operations of the foreign currency sales window and ensure effective oversight of it.

An international company specializing in building it was commissioned to link banks with the Central Bank through it, with the aim of reducing fraud and terrorism financing and raising the level of performance of the banking sector, which is welcomed by all regulatory and supervisory authorities in the world as it enjoys a high degree of compliance with international requirements and knowledge of the true beneficiary.

 Second: Central Bank initiatives (quantitative easing)

Through its mandate to support development and stimulate the growth of the Iraqi economy, the Central Bank of Iraq seeks to bolster the liquidity of specialized banks with financial initiatives that enable them to provide industrial, agricultural, and housing loans, thereby supporting economic activity and creating job opportunities.

The bank also provides financial initiatives to private commercial banks to finance small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The bank has taken several steps and offered various facilitations, including the following:

1. Banking facilities through the rescheduling of bank loans to the private sector, especially those owed by small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as increasing the repayment period for existing and future loans.

2. Continuing to support real activities through the lending policy adopted by the Central Bank and in cooperation with banks operating in Iraq to drive the development process.

https://cbi.iq/page/26

Ariel: Powerful Post by Mr. Cunningham

Ariel: Powerful Post by Mr. Cunningham

1-15-2026

Let Me Add To This

The Clarity Act isn’t just another regulatory Band-Aid; it’s the kill switch for the old game’s hidden levers.

Once you force atomic settlement, public ledgers, and programmatic supply into law, you don’t merely “regulate” Wall Street you rip out the plumbing that let them rehypothecate, front-run, and manufacture synthetic scarcity for decades.

The same opacity that hid naked short positions, dark-pool manipulation, and off-balance-sheet leverage in stocks is the same fog that let banks pretend stablecoins were just “fun money” while quietly building shadow positions.

When every token move is final, visible, and auditable in real time, the arbitrage between paper promises and on-chain truth collapses.

 Institutions don’t get to play both sides anymore. They either adapt to honest rails or bleed out trying to fight them.

And the ripple hits everywhere: tokenized treasuries kill the repo market’s secrecy, on-chain stablecoins gut correspondent banking fees, programmable money makes sanctions enforcement trivial, and fractional-reserve stablecoin issuers suddenly have nowhere to hide.

This isn’t crypto being co-opted by legacy finance. This is legacy finance being forced to run on rails it can no longer secretly bend.

The Fed’s monopoly on settlement dies the day the first major bank is legally required to settle on a public chain. That day is closer than most people think.

Rob Cunningham: The Clarity Act Is Not “Capture.” It Is Alignment.

 The Clarity Act governs behavior - but the architecture governs power. Law can constrain actors, but only transparent, atomic systems eliminate the incentives and mechanisms for abuse.

Digital asset markets don’t fail because of innovation. They fail because of opacity, jurisdictional confusion, and discretionary power.

The CLARITY Act does one simple thing: It replaces uncertainty with enforceable rules.

Read full post here:  https://x.com/KuwlShow/status/2011259630597603748

Source(s):  https://x.com/Prolotario1/status/2011424403670675635

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/01/15/ariel-prolotario1-powerful-post-by-mr-cunningham/

Thursday Coffee with MarkZ, joined by Dr. Scott Young. 01/15/2026

Thursday Coffee with MarkZ, joined by Dr. Scott Young. 01/15/2026

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…..Happy Thursday

Member: Mark, will the new digital dinar solve most of the Iranian crook problems?

MZ: yes…It absolutely would…the I-Dinar would fix 99% of them.

Member: And the I-dinar is supposed to be gold backed…..hope they hurry and git it done.

MZ: “Iraq’s Envoy waves for upcoming sanctions on new Iraqi networks. Talks with US Treasury” They are talking that the Kurdistan region extended their temporary HCL agreement by 3 months…while they work through things.. . They don’t believe they will need it. But they extended it another 3 months for oil pumping…the oil pipeline in turkey and Ceyhan……This dominated the news today….part of the HCL they have been working on.

MZ: The parliament has been working on HCL for the last 3 days.

Membr: Another delay……Not a bit surprised…..Iraq is full of professional can kickers.

Member: How the heck is the HCL not passed yet. Unreal.

Member: If hcl is passed an implementation is done before new rate iraq citizens would only receive 13 dollars a month.

MZ: I continue to be told from Iraqi sources ….First the budget…then the HCL…Then the Prime Minister…..and somewhere around the HCL/budget part we get our change in value.

Member: MARK Z If your order is Budget, HCL, Prime minister. We only need the budget, which has the rate for us to go.

Member: Do you think the Zim will go at the same time as the dinar and dong?

MZ: I do…..I very much believe they will

MZ: On the group side, it continues to be quiet……. and on the bond side it’s getting interesting…..

MZ: We do have a historic bond meeting that is underway even as we speak in Zurich…..hope to soon have an update on what they learn today. They were told specifically last night to expect their funding today…..that they were initiating all the payments and have started the process. They are initiating the transfer or release of funds. They expect to have full use of it by early next week.

MZ: So things are moving this week but will take awhile Because of KYC (Know your customer) laws to have full access. That is what they are being told

Member: After years of decades of waiting…one would think they had already done KYC stuff??? Wow

MZ: Don’t beat me up…I’m just the messenger.

MZ:  I will give updates tonight ( If I get them) in the “RECORDED” evening news .

Member: I believe we need this clarity act, they don’t vote on that now until Jan 22nd

Member: I wonder if the RV will be on hold since this clarity act is pushed back?!?

Member: Bank of America and Chase online have been down for 3 days. Anyone else having this problem?

Member: Mark- there are so many opinions about rv exchange protocols. What is your perspective? You would think the rv exchange teams would have protocols out to all “gurus” so everyone in 4b is educated.

Member: Its possible that we will get those instructions with exchange appointment numbers. It would make sense to see those soon.

Member: Feels like a good time for the RV this weekend.

Member: It’s a 3 day weekend for Martin Luther King…….maybe ???????

Member: Thanks Mark and Dr. Scott……hope everyone has a safe and warm day today

Mark is possibly stopping live evening streams and may just release recorded messages from now on. We will post new schedule when its available.

Dr. Scott and StacieZ join the stream today. Please listen to the 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

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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=oLLWYeiOFAk

News, Rumors and Opinions Thursday 1-15-2026

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

RV Excerpts from the Restored Republic via a GCR Update as of Thurs. 15 Jan. 2026

Compiled Thurs. 15 2026 12:01 am EST by Judy Byington

Banks Failing
Fiat US Dollar Collapsing
Billions in Stolen Wealth Recovered
Global Currency Reset Activated
And Power Is Shifting Back To The People

Tues. 13 Jan. 2026 The Big Call Bruce: The latest information from a hot Wells Fargo source indicated that we were expecting everything to fly either next Sunday 18 Jan. 2026 or the following Wed. 21 Jan. 2026. Some Redemption Center Leadership Staff say it could be earlier, maybe Friday-Saturday.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wed. 14 Jan. 2026 Fox News TREASURY BOMBSHELL: $100–$150 BILLION SET TO FLOW BACK TO AMERICANS IN Q1 2026 …Ezra Cohen on Telegram

A major development is quietly taking shape beneath the surface, and its impact could be felt across every household and every market. The U.S. Treasury has confirmed that a massive wave of tax refunds is scheduled to hit in early 2026, with an estimated 100 to 150 billion dollars flowing directly back to the American people. For most households, that translates to roughly 1,000 to 2,000 dollars in cash arriving right as the new year begins.

This is not a projection or a theory. These are Treasury-confirmed figures. And just as important, this is not stimulus, not new debt, and not printed money. This is income Americans already earned, simply returning where it belongs.

The scale of this refund cycle matters. When cash moves directly into households, it does not sit idle. Bills get paid, spending increases, confidence improves, small businesses feel the impact first, and the broader economy follows. Treasury expectations point to a measurable lift in economic activity through the first and second quarters of 2026, creating a momentum effect that builds as the year unfolds.

From a market perspective, the signal is just as clear. Liquidity is returning to the system. Historically, when Americans have more cash and less financial pressure, consumer spending accelerates, sentiment improves, and risk appetite returns. Capital finds its way back into stocks, small caps, crypto, and other growth-sensitive assets. Markets do not move on politics or noise. They move on cash flow.

What makes this refund cycle fundamentally different from past stimulus programs is its structure. There is no money printing, no emergency legislation, no expansion of federal debt, and no inflation-driven panic response. This is a refund cycle, meaning existing money is being recycled back into the economy. That supports growth without destabilizing the system. Refunds strengthen the foundation, while stimulus creates new liabilities.

Zooming out, the bigger picture is simple. When Americans keep more of their own money, the economy works better. Households do not need lectures or instructions on how to spend. They need breathing room. Economic confidence does not start on Wall Street. It starts at the kitchen table.

Timing only amplifies the effect. A major refund wave landing in early 2026 boosts morale, strengthens consumer balance sheets, stabilizes expectations, and shifts the narrative from fear to forward momentum. These are the quiet but powerful levers that change sentiment quickly, even without dramatic headlines.

FINAL TAKE Between 100 and 150 billion dollars is set to return to Americans. Most households can expect around 1,000 to 2,000 dollars. The impact begins in Q1 2026, with a broader economic lift expected to follow. This is not hype. This is not speculation. This is money moving. And when money moves, everything else follows. Watch Q1. Watch Q2. The signal is clear.

Read full post here:  https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/01/15/restored-republic-via-a-gcr-update-as-of-january-15-2026/

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

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

Militia Man  The goal is to position Iraq as a regional financial center.  Think about that.  Really?  1310 going to have a regional financial center?  I don't think so.

Frank26   It is possible Sudani may not be the Prime Minister…It is possible he has stepped aside.  We don’t know the full results yet.  It’s possible Donald Trump is going to tell him, ‘Get your ass back in there.’ I don’t know.  But we do know Sudani decided to say, ‘I’m going to step aside.’  Apparently Trump got a bad report from Savaya…IMO Sudani blew it…Maliki?  Of course not…The reason I suggest to you al-Awadi is because al-Awadi is Sudani’s right hand man…This guy maybe will listen to Trump, play fair with your currency and pay up.

Jeff   The central bank is completely autonomous.  They can change the rate whenever they want.  What we don't know is do they perceive or deem the formation of the government as a level being completed.  Is that a level of stability regarding the rate change?  We'll never know.  We can't confirm.  We have no way to verify that...It does make sense for them to change the rate before the government is done formed and completed.  Reason why is they still have quite a bit of things they have to do after the rate changes.  They have to approved 150+ laws.  One of those would be the '26 budget. 

***********

Citi's SHOCKING Warning: Why They Say in SIX DAYS Markets Will CRASH!

Steven Van Metre:  1-15-2026

Citibank just dropped a bombshell warning: that in six days we are facing a massive economic slowdown and a stock market crash.

The shocking truth, the real crisis is already brewing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9ymcFNPnDE

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Thursday Morning 1-15-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

XRP Faces Jan 15 CLARITY Act Test as ETFs Signal Confidence

Regulatory clarity meets a critical technical support zone

Overview

• XRP is trading above the key $2.00 level as U.S. lawmakers prepare for a pivotal Jan. 15 vote on the CLARITY Act.

• The outcome could shape XRP’s long-term regulatory positioning and institutional adoption.

• Despite a broader crypto market pullback, XRP spot ETFs recorded $4.92 million in net inflows, signaling continued investor confidence.

Key Developments

• A U.S. Senate Committee markup session for the Digital Asset Market Structure and Clarity Act of 2025 is scheduled for 10:00 AM ET on January 15.

• The bill aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital commodities.

• It outlines oversight responsibilities for the CFTC, addresses wash trading, and mandates proof-of-reserves requirements.

Why the CLARITY Act Matters for Crypto

• Passage could reduce regulatory uncertainty that has constrained institutional participation.

• Clearer rules may lower compliance barriers for altcoins like XRP, improving scalability and adoption.

• Supporters argue the bill balances innovation with transparency and guardrails.

XRP ETFs Show Growing Institutional Interest

• On January 9, XRP spot ETFs added approximately 2.32 million XRP, reflecting $4.92M in net inflows.

• ETF demand suggests confidence in XRP’s regulatory outlook, even amid near-term market weakness.

• Price action continues to track institutional sentiment, not just retail speculation.

Technical Snapshot: Can $2.00 Hold?

• XRP is trading near $2.08 after pulling back from recent highs.

• Momentum indicators:

• MACD below the signal line signals short-term bearish pressure

• RSI near 43, indicating a neutral, non-oversold condition

• Upside scenario:

• Holding $2.00 could allow a move toward $2.20 resistance

• A breakout above $2.20 opens targets at $2.35 and $2.50

• Downside risk:

• A break below $2.00 may expose $1.90, then $1.80 as next supports

Why It Matters

• XRP sits at the intersection of regulation and institutional adoption.

• The Jan. 15 vote represents a policy catalyst, not just a technical one, that could influence longer-term valuation.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

• Regulatory clarity for digital assets supports alternative value rails alongside fiat currencies.

• For foreign currency holders anticipating a Global Reset, clearer crypto frameworks strengthen the case for multi-system monetary coexistence rather than reliance on a single reserve currency.

• XRP’s use case in cross-border settlement narratives keeps it relevant in broader currency realignment discussions.

Key Takeaway

• XRP’s near-term price hinges on $2.00 support, but its longer-term trajectory may be shaped by Washington, not charts.

• Regulatory clarity could prove more decisive than short-term volatility.

Sometimes the biggest price driver isn’t the market — it’s the vote.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News

Sources

• CoinGape — XRP Price Outlook Ahead of Jan 15 CLARITY Act Vote

• Cointelegraph — U.S. lawmakers advance crypto market structure legislation

~~~~~~~~~~

Russia Pushes Crypto Into “Everyday Finance” With Retail Access Bill

Caps, controls, and cross-border strategy redefine Moscow’s digital asset stance

Overview

• Russia is preparing legislation to open limited cryptocurrency access to everyday investors.

• The bill would allow non-qualified retail participants to buy crypto up to 300,000 rubles (about $3,800).

• Lawmakers aim to normalize crypto as part of the financial system, rather than treating it as a special or experimental asset class.

Key Developments

• The draft bill is expected to be reviewed during the spring session of the State Duma.

• It would remove cryptocurrencies from a special regulatory regime that has historically restricted their use.

• The proposal reflects a shift toward treating digital assets as routine financial instruments with guardrails.

Retail Access — With Firm Limits

• Non-qualified investors would gain access, but only within clearly defined caps.

• Authorities stress that crypto exposure must be controlled to prevent speculation and household risk.

• The 300,000-ruble limit is designed to allow participation without destabilizing the financial system.

Cross-Border and Strategic Use

• Beyond domestic trading, the bill supports:

• Crypto-based cross-border settlements

• Token issuance in Russia for placement on foreign markets

• These measures align with Russia’s ongoing efforts to diversify away from traditional financial rails amid sanctions pressure.

Central Bank Caution Remains

• The Bank of Russia continues to warn about systemic risks from unrestricted retail crypto access.

• Prior proposals included:

• Risk-awareness testing for retail investors

• Continued bans on anonymous and privacy-focused digital assets

• The new bill reflects a compromise between innovation and strict oversight.

Why It Matters

• Russia is signaling that crypto is no longer fringe — but policy-managed infrastructure.

• By integrating digital assets into everyday finance, Moscow is building parallel financial capabilities while maintaining tight state control.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

• Expanded crypto use in Russia strengthens alternative settlement channels outside the dollar system.

• For foreign currency holders anticipating a Global Reset, this move reflects gradual system diversification rather than abrupt disruption.

• It reinforces the trend toward multiple value rails — fiat, crypto, and local currencies — coexisting during monetary realignment.

Key Takeaway

• Russia is not liberalizing crypto — it is institutionalizing it.

• Limited retail access, strict caps, and cross-border functionality point to strategic normalization, not speculation.

Crypto doesn’t go mainstream overnight — it gets regulated first.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News

Sources

• Bitcoin Magazine — Russia Moves to Make Crypto ‘Everyday Finance’ as Lawmakers Prepare Retail Access Bill

• Reuters — Russia explores regulated crypto use for domestic and cross-border payments

~~~~~~~~~~

🌱 A Message to Our Currency Holders🌱

If you’ve been holding foreign currency for many years, you were not foolish.
You were not wrong to believe the global financial system would change.

What failed was not your patience — it was the information you were given.

For years, dates, rumors, and personalities replaced facts, structure, and proof. “This week” predictions created cycles of hope and disappointment that were never based on how currencies actually change.

That is not your failure.

Our mission here is different:  • No dates • No rates • No hype • No gurus

Instead, we focus on:
• Verifiable developments • Institutional evidence
• Global financial structure • Where countries actually sit in the process

Currency value changes only come after sovereignty, trade, banking, settlement systems, and fiscal coordination are in place. History and institutions confirm this sequence.

You will see silence. You will see denials. That is not delay — that is discipline.

Protect your identity. Organize your documents.   Verify everything.
Never hand your discernment to anyone who cannot show proof.

You deserve truth — not timelines.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

RV Facts with Proof Links Link

RV Updates Proof links - Facts Link

Follow the Gold/Silver Rate COMEX

Follow Fast Facts

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

A New Poll Has A Bold Prediction For The Value Of Gold In 2026

A New Poll Has A Bold Prediction For The Value Of Gold In 2026

Kyle Schurman   December 18, 2025

If you have been looking for a way to expand your investment returns in recent years, you might have considered gold. While there is a caveat to buying gold in 2025, it did go up in value throughout the year. As of mid-December 2025, it was solidly on its way to its largest year-over-year value increase in more than four decades. With those kinds of gains already locked in, you may now be wondering if gold is again worth buying in 2026.

A new poll from Goldman Sachs says that you may want to add gold to your portfolio before the new year. The investment bank took a survey in mid-November 2025 of more than 900 institutional investor clients using the Goldman Sachs Marquee platform. Almost 70% of the people responding to the poll expect gold to exceed $4,500 per ounce by the end of 2026 (via CNBC). As of December 15, 2025, that amount of gold is trading for around $4,300, so that suggests the potential for a pretty sizable increase.

In an interview with Bloomberg Television in late November 2025, Daan Struyven, the co-head of global commodities research at Goldman Sachs, said the company's outlook for gold in 2026 matches its poll respondents' optimism. He predicted at least a 20% increase in the price of gold by the end of 2026, and that it could reach $4,900 per troy ounce in that time.

There's widespread optimism that gold will keep appreciating

According to the Goldman Sachs poll, 36% of those surveyed predict that the price of gold will surpass $5,000 per ounce by the end of 2026. A slightly smaller portion believes gold will settle at between $4,500 and $5,000 per ounce by the time 2026 comes to an end. About 22% of poll participants expect that gold will be roughly stagnant during 2026 and finish out the year at between $4,000 and $4,500 per ounce. Only 5% see gold's per-ounce price dropping during the next year and settling at between $3,500 and $4,000. Even fewer — about 3% — predict it will fall below $3,500.

If the majority is correct, it would mean a continuation of gold hitting unprecedented milestones. This trend has made it difficult for people trying to predict market movements. Many of the predictions that market experts made at the end of 2024 for gold prices in 2025 were surpassed before the midpoint of the year, causing many researchers to adjust their predictions upward. Gold had never surpassed $4,000 per ounce until October 2025. 

To Continue and Read More:  https://www.moneydigest.com/2054740/new-poll-bold-prediction-gold-value-2026/

MilitiaMan and Crew: IQD News Update-CBI focus-Credit Rating-Gatekeepers Watching

MilitiaMan and Crew: IQD News Update-CBI focus-Credit Rating-Gatekeepers Watching

1-14-2026

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

Follow MM on X == https://x.com/Slashn

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBZl6l1WAXc

FRANK26….1-14-26…….UNIFIED

KTFA

Wednesday Night Video

FRANK26….1-14-26…….UNIFIED

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

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

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PMxpauVwt0

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Wednesday Evening 1-14-26

Basrah Crudes Rise Despite Global Decline

2026-01-14 Shafaq News– Basrah   On Wednesday, Iraq’s Basrah crude edged up with a drop in global oil prices.

Basrah Heavy crude increased by $1.17 to $59.07 per barrel, and Basrah Medium crude by $1.17 further reaching $61.62 per barrel.

Brent crude futures fell 9 cents, or 0.14%, to $65.38 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures dropped 12 cents, or 0.2%, to $61.03.   https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Basrah-crudes-rise-despite-global-decline-4-5

US Oil Prices Fall More Than $1 As Trump’s Comments Ease Iran Tension Fears

2026-01-14 Shafaq News    US oil prices fell more than $1 in early Asian trade on Thursday after US President Donald Trump said killings in Iran's crackdown on nationwide protests were subsiding, easing fears of supply disruptions and possible military action against Iran.

US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were trading at $60.78 a barrel at 2322 GMT, down $1.24, or 2%, from the previous day's close. WTI had settled more than 1% higher on Wednesday, then gave back most of those gains after Trump's remarks reduced concerns over a potential US attack on Iran and supply disruptions.

(Reuters)   Only the headline is edited by Shafaq News.  https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/US-oil-prices-fall-more-than-1-as-Trump-s-comments-ease-Iran-tension-fears

Iran Orders Temporary Closure Of National Airspace

2026-01-14 Shafaq News- Tehran   Iran issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Wednesday ordering the temporary closure of its airspace to all flights, while allowing international flights to and from the country that have obtained prior authorization.

The notice stated that the closure would remain in effect for “slightly more than two hours,” without providing an official explanation for the decision or indicating whether the measure could be extended.

This move followed a heightened regional tensions, as several European countries, including Italy, Poland, Germany, and Spain, urged their citizens to leave Iran. 

Earlier, Reuters cited European officials on Wednesday, saying that US military intervention against Iran could occur within the next 24 hours. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Iran-orders-temporary-closure-of-national-airspace

The Central Organization For Standardization Announces The Implementation Of A Plan To Transition From Traditional To Electronic Oversight.

The Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC) revealed on Wednesday a plan to transition from traditional to digital oversight, explaining that this digital transformation will streamline procedures and enhance transparency. The organization also emphasized its commitment to building an integrated system for monitoring the operations of local companies and pre-inspection procedures.

Fayyad al-Dulaimi, head of COSQC, stated that "the organization has a plan to transition from traditional to digital (electronic) oversight, in addition to adopting participatory community oversight, particularly regarding market monitoring and all matters falling outside the organization's traditional scope of work."

Al-Dulaimi explained that "the agency seeks to build an integrated system known as the monitoring and control room, to follow up on the work of local companies and pre-inspection procedures, in order to ensure the accuracy of information and analysis and sound decision-making in monitoring goods and merchandise in terms of quantity, quality, origin, and degree of conformity or non-conformity, which provides a real vision for controlling this file, and will reflect positively on the country’s economy in the future through the accuracy of procedures and ensuring the prevention of the entry of non-conforming goods."

He pointed out that "digital transformation contributes to simplifying procedures and enhancing transparency," noting that "unifying systems reduces errors."

He explained that "any digital transformation project is based on two fundamental aspects: the first is material, represented by providing the infrastructure, and the second is training personnel on digital systems and devices in a manner that suits the nature of the central agency's work."

He affirmed that "the foundations and plans have been laid, and implementation has begun with the first step: establishing the operations room and equipping it with the devices and systems that meet the requirements of the government program."

Al-Dulaimi stated that "the main objective of digital transformation is to ensure citizen security by verifying that goods and products conform to approved specifications, thus achieving public health and safety."

He indicated that "the agency has developed plans to enhance five service areas encompassing more than 28 sub-services. We have started with two services, and the remaining three are scheduled for completion by 2026. These include selling specifications electronically, providing remote goods inspection services, electronic payment, remote patent services, and electronic revenue collection."

He stressed that “traditional oversight will gradually be transformed into electronic oversight, which will be reflected in the speed of completing transactions,” noting that “all these services will be available through the official websites of the Central Agency,” indicating that “the Agency has started with the first steps, and they will be officially announced within the next two months.”   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=64594

The US Deficit Decreased By Approximately $22.8 Billion During The Third Quarter.

The US current account deficit recorded a notable decline during the third quarter of 2025, affected by the application of tariffs on imports, along with an increase in primary revenues.

The U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis reported Wednesday that the current account deficit, which reflects the movement of goods, services, and investments to and from the United States, fell by $22.8 billion, or 9.2%, in the third quarter to $226.4 billion, its lowest level since the third quarter of 2023, according to Reuters

.These figures came in below the expectations of economists surveyed by Reuters, who predicted the deficit would fall to around $238.4 billion. The report's release was delayed due to the 43-day government shutdown.

The deficit reached 2.9% of GDP, the lowest level since the first quarter of 2020, compared to 3.3% in the second quarter.

The deficit peaked at 6.3% in the third quarter of 2006. The sweeping tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump reduced import flows, helping to narrow the trade deficit.

Imports of goods declined.

Imports of goods declined by $5 billion to $815.4 billion in the third quarter, due to a decrease in consumer goods imports, while gold imports increased. Imports of services also rose by approximately $3.1 billion to reach $225 billion.

Conversely, merchandise exports fell by $1.9 billion to $548 billion, impacted by declining gold prices, despite increases in capital and consumer goods exports. Meanwhile, service exports rose by approximately $11.7 billion to reach $314.2 billion.

The merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $267.4 billion, compared to $270.4 billion in the previous quarter.

On the revenue side, core revenue increased by $16.3 billion to $395.2 billion, supported by increased returns on direct investment, while core revenue payments increased by $5.3 billion to $390 billion.

Secondary revenues also declined by $2 billion to $44.4 billion, while secondary revenue payments decreased by about $2.1 billion to $97.9 billion, as a result of a decline in general government transfers.    https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=64595

Washington Allocates $700 Billion To Buy Greenland

NBC News reported that the United States might pay $700 billion to purchase Greenland if President Donald Trump succeeds in finalizing the deal.

Citing sources familiar with the planning within the Trump administration, the network indicated that "experts, scientists, and former U.S. officials have been involved in assessing the price of Greenland," noting that "acquiring the island is essential for the United States to create a strategic buffer zone in the Arctic against America's main rivals" (Russia and China).

Trump has repeatedly stated the need for Greenland to join the United States. During his first term as president, he proposed purchasing Greenland, and in March 2025, he expressed confidence in its annexation.

In a related matter, former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller questioned Denmark's right to control the island and stated that it should become part of the United States. Later, Trump stated that Greenland's defense consists of "two teams." 

He suggested that Russia or China could "take" the island if the United States does not.
Greenland is currently a self-governing territory of Denmark. In 1951, Washington and Copenhagen signed a treaty to protect Greenland in addition to their alliance obligations under NATO.   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=64591

How Much Is One Ring Worth After Gold Prices Soared In 2025?

How Much Is One Ring Worth After Gold Prices Soared In 2025?

Long Article but very interesting

Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press   December 17, 2025

I asked my husband to take off his gold wedding band — again. I wanted to see one more time what I'd get if we wanted to sell it.  Sure, we've been married 30 years. But after 30 years of marriage, well, he's learned to roll with oddball requests — and even ribbing when the ring initially didn't want to come off.

"We buy gold" signs grab your eye after gold prices broke one record after another in 2025. The record price for spot gold was trading at an intraday high of $4,380.99 an ounce Oct. 17, according to Kitco.com.

On Thursday morning, Dec. 11, the day I trekked out in the cold to get a few price quotes, the spot gold price was trading around $4,250 an ounce — up nearly 63% so far in 2025.

On Dec. 11, gold shot up to the highest point in more than a month, following the Federal Reserve's decision Dec. 10 to cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point. Traders expect lower interest rates ahead, which can be bullish for gold prices.

Yet if you're thinking about taking advantage of high gold prices to get rid of some gold, maybe a broken chain for a locket or even a gold ring from a loved one, you shouldn't expect to receive the same amount of money everywhere you go.

What different jewelers and pawn shops offer to pay a seller for old gold jewelry can vary substantially — even as much as 50% in one example I found recently. Sometimes, the price difference is even higher.

Higher prices for gold hits holiday shoppers

Gold is volatile in price but viewed as a hedge against uncertain times — and we've had our share in 2025. Persistent inflation; three rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2025 after three rate cuts in 2024, which make some savings vehicles less attractive; a decline in the value of the U.S. dollar; global tensions relating to tariffs and wars.

Gold is commanding a higher price for many shoppers this holiday season, too, according to the annual PNC Christmas Price Index that reviews the cost of the gifts from the classic holiday carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas."

"Five gold rings saw the single-biggest price jump by far" in that grouping of 12 categories, including a partridge in a pear tree. The price of the partridge remained unchanged at $20.18 for one bird, but the pear tree shot up in price by 14.3% to $400 in the past year, according to the index now in its 42nd year.

By contrast, the "five golden rings" in the song soared in price by 32.5% year-over-year. It's sort of a bargain when you consider the 45% jump in gold prices, as of Oct. 31. Jewelers, obviously, didn't raise prices as much to try to hold onto some sales.

The five gold rings would cost $1,649.90 in 2025 based on the PNC analysis.

The cost of the 12 gift basket rose 4.5% compared with last year, outpacing the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index year-over-year reading of 3% for September, which was released Oct. 24.

Data is compiled using sources from across the country, including dance and theater companies, hatcheries, pet stores and others. Overall, the total cost to buy the 12 gifts that comprise the PNC CPI for the holidays hit $51,476.12 in 2025.

Buying all the gifts rattled off in the popular, but incredibly annoying Christmas song would have cost you $46,729.86 just two years ago in 2023. And, oddly enough, in 2023, the price for five gold rings was $1,245 and had stayed flat for the first time in more than five years.

What I discovered trying to cash in gold

To continue and read more:  https://finance.yahoo.com/news/one-gold-ring-much-worth-120225006.html