China’s central bank has opened a new digital yuan operations center in Shanghai, featuring platforms for cross-border payments, blockchain technologies, and digital assets. According to analysts, the initiative marks another step in Beijing’s bid to expand the global reach of its currency.

The new facility of the People’s Bank of China will oversee the development and operation of cross-border payment systems and blockchain infrastructure. It is also designed to serve as a bridge between domestic and international financial networks.

According to PBOC Deputy Governor Lu Lei, preliminary cross-border infrastructure for the digital yuan has already been established. The center is expected to support trade, investment, and innovation in digital finance.

The launch is seen as a significant milestone in boosting China’s presence in global finance and enhancing the yuan’s international role. Other initiatives under consideration include yuan futures trading and encouraging companies to issue offshore bonds in Shanghai.

China is now positioning the yuan as a competitor to the US dollar. Experts view the move as part of President Xi Jinping’s broader strategy to build a financially powerful nation anchored in currency stability. The initiative comes amid escalating trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Platinum has surpassed $1,590 per troy ounce for the first time since April 2013. By the end of Friday’s trading session, the October futures contract had gained nearly 4%.

The spike has been driven by a frenzy among jewelers and investors, who, panicked by gold’s rally, have turned their attention to platinum—hoping to find a shelter and high investment returns. There is just one problem: platinum has been in deficit for the third year in a row, with production dropping to a record low of 7 million ounces. It seems unlikely that the market will be hosting a “platinum party” anytime soon.

Demand has spiked, supply has dropped, investors are anticipating fat profits, and analysts are betting on a further bullish momentum. It seems platinum has decided that if gold has flown too high and become overbought, it is time to assert its strength and manifest its features of a true luxury metal.

Last week, investors listened intently to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's testimony, hoping for fresh clues on the future path of US interest rates. However, those expecting a breakthrough were left disappointed.

True to form, Powell chose a cautious tone in his comments, refusing to specify a clear future path for borrowing costs. Instead, he stated that Fed policymakers face no "risk-free" choice—potential pitfalls lurk everywhere. The Fed is now balancing the dual pressures of a cooling US labor market and persistent inflation. Theoretically, a rate cut could stimulate investment inflows and boost hiring, but it also risks accelerating price growth. The head of the regulator previously noted increased near-term risks for inflation, while risks for employment are tilted "to the downside."

Regarding the Fed's rate forecast, many officials anticipate a further reduction of half a percentage point at the regulator's final two meetings, which are scheduled for October and December 2025. Notably, 7 of the 19 projections forecast fewer cuts this year, suggesting that debates could be fierce ahead of the next Fed meetings.

Earlier, Chicago Federal Reserve President Austan Goolsbee warned he is not prepared for aggressive monetary policy easing, especially given elevated inflation risks. However, Steven Miran, a candidate for a vacant Fed governor seat nominated by the Trump administration, argued that the US central bank has set monetary policy at such a restrictive level that it could threaten the labor market.

Against this backdrop, markets are pricing in an 88% probability of another quarter-point interest cut at the Fed's October meeting. The possibility of an additional rate cut in December 2025 stands at 65%. According to UBS analysts, the Fed is trying to carefully plan the rate trajectory, but the current economic situation is forcing adjustments.

Furthermore, lower borrowing costs could reduce the cost of holding gold, thereby enhancing the appeal of precious metals. UBS also notes that Fed easing cycles outside of recessions have historically supported equities. Analysts conclude that further growth lies ahead, driven by artificial intelligence, profits, and resilient consumption.

According to Bloomberg analysts, Saudi Arabia and its partners may agree to another output hike in November 2025. The move comes as producers seek to offset weaker revenues from subdued prices and reclaim their global market share.

Oil prices have only edged lower recently as China replenishes its strategic reserves, while OPEC+’s previously announced supply increases have not been fully realized.

Eight key members of the alliance are expected to raise oil production by a combined 137,000 barrels per day.

Insider information reveals that Saudi authorities believe that higher output volumes will offset lost income from cheaper crude oil. Riyadh is also intent on regaining the global market share it has lost in recent years. “The group has embraced a market share strategy,” Kim Fustier, senior global oil and gas analyst at HSBC Plc, said. “We are skeptical that OPEC+ will blink unless oil prices fall materially,” the expert added.

Apparently, the US has grown tired of diplomacy and has moved to outright blackmail in trade talks with India. American authorities have made it clear: the main condition for lowering tariffs and striking a trade deal for New Delhi is to give up buying Russian oil. Otherwise, the agreement will be off the table.

Within a few months, the share of Russian oil in India’s imports soared from less than 1% to a staggering 42%. So, when Washington imposed additional tariffs of 25%, and later raised them to 50%, India did not flinch. Instead, it tied its oil supplies to economic interests, insisting that every country has the sovereign right to choose its suppliers.

Legal pressure, threats, and demands from Washington have clashed with India’s firm stance: “We are not simply turning our backs away from Russia, we are consistently defending our national interests and pursuing an honest dialogue,” Indian officials say.

Trade talks seem to last indefinitely: five rounds have ended in deadlock. While China and the EU continue buying Russian oil below the radar, and India is proposing a comprehensive approach, including imports from Iran and Venezuela, the countries that also do not fit into Washington’s preferred supplier list.

Despite Washington’s “strong words,” experts doubt that New Delhi will give up cheap oil for the sake of trade promises that seem dubious. Time will tell which side yields first: the “ally” or the “boss.”

Amid mounting concerns over a potential US government shutdown, the yellow metal is gaining strength. Against this backdrop, bullion surged to a fresh all-time high during Asian trading hours on Monday, September 29, as demand for safe-haven assets spiked. The prospect of Federal Reserve rate cuts provided additional support.

The price of spot gold surged to a record high of $3,799.41 per ounce, while December futures peaked at $3,828.40. Most other precious metals joined the rally, buoyed by a weaker dollar after inflation data matched expectations, keeping hopes alive for further Fed easing.

Spot silver soared by more than 2% to $47.0315 per ounce, reaching its highest point in 14 years. Meanwhile, platinum climbed by 3% to $1,619.78 per ounce, a level not seen in more than 12 years.

The surge in precious metals comes as investors pile into safe-haven assets, bracing for a possible US government shutdown this week amid bipartisan wrangling over a funding bill. Federal operations in Washington are set to run out of money at midnight on September 30, with Congress yet to agree on an extension.

Talks between Republicans and Democrats are ongoing. Republicans are pushing for temporary funding through November, while Democrats are demanding that Congress reverse recent cuts to healthcare and the Medicaid program. The parties are expected to reach a deal in the coming days.

A shutdown could delay the release of critical US nonfarm payrolls data due this week and risk slowing economic activity if the deadlock persists. The last partial shutdown, which stretched 35 days from late 2018 to early 2019, shaved nearly $11 billion off GDP, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

The supply of stablecoins has surged to a record $283.2 billion—and that is no joke. There are now 25.2 million monthly senders, meaning every fifth crypto holder considers it necessary to add at least a drop of stability to their portfolio.

In 2025, startups in this sector attracted $621.81 million in funding—seven times more than a year ago. The largest deal: a solid $300 million raised by Hong Kong’s OSL Group. All this happened after Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act - arguably the most truly “genius” piece of crypto legislation in history.

Trump’s “green light” has allowed corporate giants to feel at ease. Now Circle, with USDC, is raising billions for an IPO, with its shares already trading at $144. Meanwhile, serious banking players like Stripe, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America are also rushing “to the table,” launching their own stablecoins. Even JPMorgan does not intend to fall behind—their JPMD, now branded as Base, is confidently going mainstream.

It seems the emotional swings of the crypto market have become tiresome, and it is time for a smooth (and hopelessly stable) period of growth, although, when it comes to crypto, any stability is just a temporary illusion.

From the podium of the UN General Assembly, US President Donald Trump reminded the world once again who calls the shots in the global energy market. 

He declared that the United States is the world's largest exporter of oil, gas, and coal and is ready to supply anyone who needs it, but only on the basis of fairness and reciprocity. Trump placed special emphasis on coal, which he has now rebranded as "beautiful and clean." 

His message also addressed trade policy. Trump said that the US is open to “trade with everyone” but wants to maintain control and ensure its own benefits. This approach sounded much like “sharing the pie but keeping the best slices.”

During his hour-long speech, Trump also took aim at “green energy” and, with a hint of irony, criticized the United Nations for falling short of its responsibilities. He joked about malfunctioning escalators and teleprompters, which drew laughter from the audience but likely left them with more questions than answers.

In short, the US is ready to fuel the world — but only on its own terms, with conditions attached and a dose of Trump’s trademark showmanship that turns energy policy into something resembling political theater.

Tiff Macklem, the Bank of Canada Governor, delivered a dramatic message, stating that President Donald Trump’s actions are sharply undermining the US dollar’s appeal as a safe-haven asset. According to Macklem, Trump’s attempts to "fix" the Federal Reserve are causing many to question the independence of US monetary policy.

Since April, the dollar has tumbled by nearly 10%, putting its reputation as the world’s go-to safe-haven currency into serious doubt. Macklem wryly notes that the dollar still holds the number one spot only because “no one has come up with a better alternative yet.” In the meantime, its status as a reliable shelter in times of turmoil is now up for debate.

Macklem advises Canada’s authorities not to just watch while the US treats its currency like a ping-pong ball, but to urgently boost productivity and diversify into new foreign markets. As he puts it: “We should’ve started doing this 15 years ago”. Nevertheless, the time is ripe now.

In his view, trade tensions with the US have once again raised production costs and eroded Canada’s revenues. Neither rate cuts nor fiscal stimulus will fix this—only structural reforms can truly improve the situation.

In short, Macklem is sending a message to Washington: your “economic foxtrot” is not only crippling the US dollar, but also creating turbulence for your neighbors. Meanwhile, Canada has no choice but to rack its brains to find the solution.

GetBlock Magazine and Forbes have reported an alarming trend: since February 2025, the number of kidnappings and assaults related to cryptocurrency has surged by 169%. This year alone, 48 incidents have been recorded—already one-third more than in all of 2024. The victims include not only everyday holders of Bitcoin wallets, but also top executives at crypto companies.

France holds the unfortunate tally of 14 reported cases. Cybercriminals are exploiting data leaks. When addresses and phone numbers of crypto holders fall into the wrong hands, this turns investors into targets for physical extortion.

A real-world example: on September 6 in Cambridge, Canada, a young man was kidnapped, threatened at gunpoint, and forced to transfer funds to a third-party wallet. The attackers reportedly celebrated their success in a dark van, but the victim escaped with only minor injuries.

Security expert Jameson Lopp warns that  Bitcoin’s growing market quotes and value correlate with a rise in physical attacks on crypto holders. However, he also points out some progress in self-protection: new storage methods and multi-signature wallets are making things more difficult for criminals. He advises not to flaunt your assets in public, but to hide them well, and always use strong passwords.

In short, keeping your crypto safe is not just about digital security anymore—it also requires precautions in the real world.

Deutsche Bank has unexpectedly stepped into the role of Nostradamus for global finance. The bank predicts that Bitcoin could find its place in central bank reserves alongside gold by 2030. This prediction is based on a sober analysis of volatility, liquidity, strategic value, and trust.

The study’s conclusion strikes a diplomatic note: Bitcoin is not a replacement for gold but a complement. In other words, if gold is the classic suit in the wardrobe, Bitcoin is the luxury accessory that was once dismissed as frivolous but is now the object of envy.

Demand is fueled by the deficit. Of the maximum 21 million coins, around 19.92 million are already in circulation, and the remaining 5% is set to be mined over the next 115 years. While this leaves plenty of time, the very notion of “digital gold with a timer” is attracting not only funds but also governments. As always, history rhymes. Gold was once also viewed with skepticism before ending up locked away in guarded vaults.

Institutional adoption is already reshaping the market. Even as Bitcoin’s price surged to a record high of $124,500 in August, its thirty-day volatility fell to historic lows. Bitcoin is shedding its reputation as a toy for speculators and evolving into a serious financial instrument.

Deutsche Bank is candid in its assessment that neither Bitcoin nor gold is poised to dethrone the dollar as the world’s reserve currency. They act as hedges against inflationary shocks and geopolitical turmoil, providing protection when investors seek security rather than luxury.

The icing on the cake is that the bank is preparing to offer corporate clients custody services for digital assets. To this end, it has teamed up with Bitpanda and Switzerland-based Taurus.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon is back in the economic spotlight, offering what he might call a “measured verdict” on the state of the US economy. According to him, growth is losing momentum, though the economy is not yet at a breaking point.

In an interview with CNBC, Dimon noted that while inflation has eased, it remains stuck at 2.9%, which is still above the Fed’s target. This comes against a backdrop of global shortages, remilitarization, and fractured supply chains. 

Adding fuel to the fire is a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions. The fee is intended to push wages higher, though inflation is likely to rise with them.

The Fed, meanwhile, is pretending to steer the wheel. The regulator lowered interest rates by just 25 basis points. However, Dimon stressed that bolder action would only follow if the economy tips into a crisis rather than merely slows down.

The labor market, he argued, already shows signs of fatigue. Achieving a balance between “saving jobs” and “crushing inflation” is akin to walking a tightrope. In Dimon’s view, Powell has chosen the strategy of a cautious juggler who cannot afford to drop a single egg.

Finally, a dose of cautious optimism. Dimon advises against panicking but says that it is too early to celebrate. He argues that the US economy looks more fatigued than on the verge of collapse. The real question is how much longer it can keep running without extra support.

Arthur Hayes, a well-known crypto enthusiast and entrepreneur, is once again sharing his outlook on when Bitcoin will reveal its true nature. According to him, it all comes down to the US Treasury’s “financial cushion,” which currently stands at $816 billion and is moving toward the coveted $850 billion mark. Once that threshold is crossed, the liquidity drain will stop, and capital will begin flowing into other markets, including cryptocurrencies.

It sounds like precise math, but with one caveat: Hayes clarifies that “only up” does not mean a lack of turbulence. Volatility will remain an intrinsic feature of the crypto market, and Bitcoin will continue its familiar rollercoaster behavior with an overall uptrend.

Hayes is convinced that cryptocurrencies will be the main beneficiaries of this process thanks to their transparency and independence from traditional financial institutions. It is an optimistic view, especially in light of his previous prediction that Bitcoin could reach $1 million by the end of the decade, albeit on the condition that the Fed Chair is replaced.

In short, according to Hayes, there is one important condition: the US Treasury should collect the remaining $34 billion to complete its “cushion.” Afterwards, Bitcoin will enter its “only up” era. However, forecasts in the crypto world are often negated by black swans.

Switzerland has found an unexpected way to reach an agreement with Trump’s administration and reduce the hefty 39% tariffs imposed on its exports to the United States. According to the Financial Times, Bern has offered Washington a deal: to purchase more American weapons, enriched uranium, and liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as to make additional investments in the US economy.

The talks are underway, but no result is yet in sight. The head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland has even warned: “Don’t count on a quick deal.”

The relationship between the two countries resembles a diplomatic tango: the Swiss are trying to appease Trump by offering what he truly appreciates - money and defense contracts. The US president himself does not seem particularly impressed by the plan to minimize the trade deficit, which he discussed during a recent conversation with the Swiss leader. Switzerland’s willingness to buy more American weapons appears to be a kind of “gift” in response to the tariffs.

Meanwhile, gold and pharmaceuticals remain untouched by the tariffs. Apparently, no one wants to interfere in a gold mine or pharmaceutical business.

In any case, while Switzerland tries to tame Trump’s fiery trade policy with proposals that dip into the US budget, both sides carry on with their dialogue. For the time being, the tone of these talks resembles cautious hints rather than bold deals.

Reuters and The Wall Street Journal reported that after lengthy negotiations between the world’s two largest economies, President Donald Trump’s administration is close to finalizing a deal for the sale of TikTok’s US assets. Under the terms of the agreement, around 80% of TikTok’s US shares would go to a consortium of investors, including major players like Oracle, Andreessen Horowitz, and Silver Lake. Chinese parent company ByteDance would retain about 20%. A key detail is that the administration expects to collect a multibillion-dollar “service fee” for facilitating the talks and brokering the agreement with China.

The new American TikTok would operate on Oracle’s servers, where all US user data would be stored. It would also be majority-owned by American investors and even include a representative from the US government on its board of directors. In short, a “patriotic” structure focused on security and oversight.

Interestingly, Trump has not only delayed the mandatory sale of TikTok for the fourth time but is also looking to secure a hefty commission. Just like in any good business deal, if you are going to take a popular social network from a foreign owner, it is better to make it profitable.

So, TikTok’s future in the US is not just about control over algorithms and data — it is also about serious money for those who managed to orchestrate years-long negotiations. It will soon become clear whether these billions turn into real windfalls or just another political fairy tale.