Invest ideasNews
5 Apr 2026, 12:21
IMF approves Japan interest rate hikes as Middle East conflict adds new economy risks
Japan is heading into a harder patch, but the IMF still says the Bank of Japan should keep raising interest rates. In a statement released from Washington on Friday after its policy consultation with Japan, the fund said the war in the Middle East has created “significant new risks” for the country’s economic outlook. Even so, it said rate hikes should continue. Markets expect another BOJ hike as oil, wages, and the weak yen keep feeding price pressure Markets already expect the BOJ could move as soon as April as the conflict drives up oil prices , pushes import costs higher, and keeps pressure on the weak yen. The IMF also said that risks to growth and inflation are broadly balanced and said inflation is expected to converge to the BOJ’s 2% target in 2027. Its executive board said Japan has shown “strong economic resilience” against global shocks and agreed that the central bank is appropriately withdrawing monetary accommodation. The statement said that as underlying inflation moves toward the target, gradual rate hikes toward neutral should continue in a flexible, well-communicated, and data-dependent way. It also said a flexible exchange rate remains important as a credible shock absorber. The BOJ ended its huge stimulus in 2024 and has raised rates several times since then, including in December, on the view that Japan was getting close to hitting 2% inflation in a durable way. Japan’s central bank has made clear that it is ready to keep raising rates because underlying inflation is expected to reach 2% sometime from the second half of fiscal 2026 into fiscal 2027. Japan’s fiscal year starts in April. Rising oil prices are bad news for an economy that depends heavily on imports, but BOJ officials have also signaled concern that higher energy costs could add to inflation already driven by years of steady wage gains and broader price increases. After a steady run of hawkish messages from the central bank, markets have priced in roughly a 70% chance of a rate hike in April. The currency story is adding more pressure. The yen has fallen toward the key 160-per-dollar level, keeping markets alert for the risk of intervention by Japanese authorities. Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama issued a fresh warning against yen bears on Friday and said Japan stood ready to act against speculative moves in the currency market. She said on an online program Friday evening, “We’re ready to take all available means that are legally feasible, be it conventional or non-conventional.” Iran lets selected ships cross Hormuz as Japan-linked carriers start moving through the route again Shipping data showed that since Thursday, three Omani-operated tankers, a French-owned container ship, and a Japanese-owned gas carrier have crossed the Strait of Hormuz , reflecting Iran’s policy of allowing passage for vessels it considers friendly. Iran first closed the strait, a route for about a fifth of global oil and LNG flows, after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran at the end of February widened the conflict. It later said ships with no U.S. or Israeli links would be allowed through. Oil and commodity markets have been watching closely for signs that traffic is resuming, because several ships escaped the blockade in earlier weeks only for activity to be followed by days of complete paralysis. A container ship owned by France’s CMA CGM crossed on Thursday, the same day French President Emmanuel Macron said only diplomatic efforts, not a military operation, could open the strait. Before entering Iranian waters, the vessel changed its AIS destination to “Owner France,” signaling its nationality to Iranian authorities. The vessels appear to have switched off their AIS transponders during the crossing because their signals disappeared from tracking data. MarineTraffic and LSEG data also showed that two very large crude carriers and one LNG tanker operated by Oman Shipping Management exited the Gulf on Thursday. Oman, which mediated talks between Iran and the United States before the attacks, criticized the strikes while those talks were still going on. On Friday, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines said the LNG tanker Sohar LNG, which it co-owns, had crossed the strait, making it the first Japan-linked vessel and the first LNG carrier to do so since the conflict began. Early Friday, about 45 ships owned or operated by Japanese companies were still stranded in the region, according to Japan’s transport ministry. Another Mitsui-owned LPG tanker, Green Sanvi, left the Gulf through Iran’s territorial waters earlier on Friday and signaled its destination as “India ship India crew.” A Panama-flagged very large gas carrier, Danisa, used the same route and headed to China. Your keys, your card. Spend without giving up custody and earn 8%+ yield on your balance with Ether.fi Cash.
5 Apr 2026, 12:17
Robert Kiyosaki recommends Bitcoin, gold as 1974 shift comes full circle
The Rich Dad Poor Dad author continues to back Bitcoin, gold and silver as alternatives to traditional money.
5 Apr 2026, 12:02
New Document Proves That XRP Is for Bank Usage
A consistent narrative is emerging from documented sources surrounding Ripple and XRP. While some believe XRP was not built for institutional use, SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG), a prominent researcher, has challenged that narrative with documented proof of XRP’s purpose. He shared excerpts of independent materials all describing the same structure. These are not opinions, but are recorded explanations of how the system operates. SMQKE compiled these materials to present a clear position that XRP was built with banks at the center of its usage model . Yes, XRP is for bank usage. “The Ripple payment system is more popular among BANKS.” “BANKS seem to like Ripple.” “Ripple, then, pivoted towards financial institutions to partially outsource regulatory compliance: serving BANKS rather than individuals meant for Ripple to… https://t.co/xWPSDYm5dP pic.twitter.com/axqD08SBY0 — SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) April 3, 2026 Response to Claims About XRP’s “Original Vision” This is a direct response to comments from Panos Mekras, who stated that XRP should return to its original vision rather than function as a banking tool. But the document presented by SMQKE challenges that claim. The sources show that XRP and Ripple’s payment system are popular among banks. The system did not shift to institutional use, but was structured that way from the start . Banks as Core Participants in the Network The images include multiple excerpts that directly describe bank involvement. One states that “BANKS act as nodes in the Ripple network system and use cryptographic algorithms for verification.” This confirms that banks do not sit outside the system, but actively participate. Another excerpt states that the “Ripple payment system is more popular among BANKS.” This reflects adoption patterns. It aligns with how the network is designed to operate at scale between financial institutions. Another states that “BANKS seem to like Ripple,” while explaining that the platform is built to move large amounts of money globally at high speed. This matches Ripple’s focus on cross-border settlement efficiency. XRP’s Role in Cross-Border Settlement One of SMQKE’s documents clearly explains XRP’s function. Ripple intended to use XRP as a bridge currency to reduce cost and increase transaction speed between banks. This is a core design feature, not an added use case. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Another also explains a key strategic move. It states that “Ripple, then, pivoted towards financial institutions to partially outsource regulatory compliance.” This decision aligned the network more closely with regulated financial infrastructure. It strengthened the role of institutions within the ecosystem. A Consistent Institutional Framework Each source cited by SMQKE supports the same conclusion that banks use the network . XRP facilitates liquidity between currencies, and the system focuses on institutional cross-border payments. XRP operates within a framework designed for financial institutions, with banks playing a central and active role, and its continued use challenges Mekras’ assertion that XRP is not meant for institutional use. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post New Document Proves That XRP Is for Bank Usage appeared first on Times Tabloid .
5 Apr 2026, 11:39
Russian authorities to exempt crypto trading services, custodial platforms from VAT
The Russian government is preparing to exempt cryptocurrency trading and custodial services from value-added tax (VAT) as part of a major push to regulate coin operations in the country. The necessary legislation has been drafted already. It also determines the taxation of profits generated by entities engaged in these activities and of the personal income of digital currency traders. Russia won’t collect VAT on crypto trading and storage services The Ministry of Finance in Moscow has put forward amendments to Russia’s Tax Code to address the taxation of various crypto transactions of both businesses and individuals. A key proposal is to exempt the services offered by cryptocurrency exchanges and digital-asset depositories from VAT, local media unveiled. The exemption will also cover other ancillary services related to the issuance and trading of digital currencies, according to a source familiar with the bill. The tax will not be levied at “digital rights certifying exclusively monetary claims” either, the official who chose to remain anonymous told the Interfax news agency. The full list of exemptions is yet to be finalized by the finance ministry, the crypto news outlet Bits.media noted in a report on Saturday. The profits of crypto exchange and custody platforms will be subject to corporate taxation under rules similar to those for professional participants in the securities market. That includes revenue from charged commissions, fees for storing digital assets and the provision of intermediary services, as well as other operating income. The legislation does not envisage preferential treatment in these cases, and Russia intends to generally apply its standard tax regimes, taking into account certain specifics. Bill regulates taxation of crypto-related income of individuals The draft law introduces a new article regulating the procedure for collecting tax on personal income from the sale or other disposal of cryptocurrency, including exchange for fiat. Russian crypto traders will be able to reduce their tax base with acquisition costs and fees paid to exchanges, depositories, brokers, and banks, and deduct any taxes paid upon receipt. The document further details: “When income is received from digital currency transactions, expenses in the form of acquisition costs are recognized at the first-in-first-out rate.” The bill allows for the offsetting of profits and losses within a single tax period, but the carryover of losses to future periods will not be permitted. Intermediaries such as brokers and trustees will be responsible for withholding and transferring the tax to the state budget if the income is deposited into an account with them. Restrictive regulations to limit cryptocurrency trading in Russia Russia’s crypto market is rarely given tax breaks, while restrictions are more common, the biz-tech portal VC.ru remarked in a post on the upcoming regulations. Indeed, the Russian government is preparing to legalize cryptocurrency transactions, including trading and investment, under strict rules and limitations. This week, the federal government filed a package of draft laws, including the main bill “On Digital Currency and Digital Rights,” with the State Duma, which is expected to adopt them by July 1. While they expand access to crypto assets to include non-qualified investors, ordinary Russians who fall in that category will be allowed to buy no more than $3,700 worth of coins a year. Besides, they’ll be permitted to purchase only the largest and most liquid cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and a few others, whitelisted by the Central Bank of Russia. Furthermore, all cryptocurrency transactions will be channeled through service providers licensed under Russian law and regulations. Trading on global exchanges will be nearly impossible, unless carried out through a domestic intermediary or using foreign bank accounts. Another recently introduced bill requires Russian residents to report their wallets hosted by foreign-based crypto platforms to the Federal Tax Service (FNS), as reported by Cryptopolitan. Your bank is using your money. You’re getting the scraps. Watch our free video on becoming your own bank
5 Apr 2026, 09:02
Did This U.S Senator Just Announced Live That All Banks Will Now Offer Bitcoin, XRP, Others?
A recent post by financial expert Levi Rietveld has drawn attention to comments made by U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis regarding the future role of banks in offering digital asset services. The post emphasizes a significant shift in how traditional financial institutions may interact with cryptocurrencies, while also prompting clarification from a crypto media outlet regarding the scope of the senator’s statements. Rietveld’s Interpretation of Lummis’ Statement In the tweet, Rietveld expressed strong enthusiasm for a video clip of Senator Lummis speaking during an interview with CNBC. He wrote that the senator had “announced live that all banks will now be able to offer Bitcoin, XRP and all digital assets,” presenting the development as a decisive moment for the digital asset industry. The tone of the post reflects a belief that regulatory barriers are rapidly diminishing and that banks are entering a new phase where they can directly provide cryptocurrency-related services. By framing the statement as an immediate and comprehensive policy shift, Rietveld positioned the development as a confirmation of broader institutional adoption. The video attached to the post shows Senator Lummis explaining that banks can serve customers using both fiat currencies, such as the U.S. dollar, and digital assets like Bitcoin . She stated that this evolution is expected to contribute to building a “21st century financial services industry,” indicating a long-term transformation of financial infrastructure rather than a sudden regulatory overhaul. WOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAHHHHH!!!! SENATOR LUMMIS ANNOUNCED LIVE THAT ALL BANKS WILL NOW BE ABLE TO OFFER BITCOIN, #XRP AND ALL DIGITAL ASSETS!! ITS HAPPENING! pic.twitter.com/qmWabeWujS — Levi | Crypto Crusaders (@LeviRietveld) April 3, 2026 Needed Clarification After the clip went viral, BitcoinWorld Media issued a clarification to provide additional context. The outlet explained that the senator’s remarks were made during a March 4 CNBC interview, which focused on Kraken’s approval to obtain a Federal Reserve master account. This development marked a notable milestone as it allowed a crypto firm to access federal payment systems. BitcoinWorld Media emphasized that Senator Lummis did not declare that all banks would immediately begin offering Bitcoin, XRP, or other digital assets. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 The outlet also noted that XRP was not mentioned in her statement. Instead, her comments described a broader regulatory direction where banks integrate digital asset services alongside traditional offerings. The clarification further indicated that Lummis’ remarks should be understood as part of an ongoing legislative and regulatory process. Her proposals, expected to be introduced in April, aimed at establishing a framework that supports the coexistence of digital assets and conventional banking services. Context and Implications for the Financial Sector The discussion reflects a growing alignment between policymakers and financial institutions regarding digital asset integration. While Rietveld’s post presents the development as an immediate shift, Senator Lummis’s message points to gradual progress driven by regulatory approvals and legislative initiatives. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Did This U.S Senator Just Announced Live That All Banks Will Now Offer Bitcoin, XRP, Others? appeared first on Times Tabloid .
5 Apr 2026, 06:00
Federal Reserve Set to Hold Rates as Markets Fully Price out 2026 Cuts
Markets have priced out every Federal Reserve rate cut for 2026 as a U.S.-Israel war with Iran sends oil past $110 per barrel and consumer gas prices toward $4 a gallon. Key Takeaways: Fed funds futures on CME show a 99.5% probability the Fed holds rates at 3.50%-3.75% at the April 29 FOMC meeting. WTI
