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18 May 2026, 04:24
Oobit expands to Colombia as Latam crypto economy hits $44B and usage surges 200%
Crypto payments platform Oobit has expanded into Colombia, betting on rising demand for stablecoin-based payments across Latin America as the region’s crypto economy grows to an estimated $44 billion. Colombia is now Oobit’s ninth active market, following its launches in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile across Latin America. Oobit’s entry comes as Colombia is recognised one of the largest stablecoin markets in Latam. A recent Chainalysis report even showed that the Colombian Peso is the second most-used currency in the region for buying stablecoins. Oobit allows users to spend cryptocurrencies directly from self-custodied wallets via a Visa-linked infrastructure accepted by more than 150 million merchants across 80+ countries. Latin America has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing regions for crypto payments, driven by increasing stablecoin adoption and rising demand for faster, lower-cost digital transactions. Oobit sees strong performance in Brazil Oobit has already established a strong presence in Brazil. Since entering the country, the platform has recorded over 200% growth in user activity. More recent figures reveal that active Brazilian users spend an average of $400 per month across roughly 20 transactions. A trend that holds across most of the app’s Latin American markets. USDT still claims the top spot for transactions. Oobit’s own token holds the number two spot in usage, leaving USDC in third place. Meanwhile, everyday purchases are driving most Oobit crypto card usage. In LATAM, grocery stores and supermarkets make up 35% of spending, ahead of restaurants at 8.8%, miscellaneous food stores at 7.2%, department stores at 5.3%, and fast-food restaurants at 4.1%. Use cases in Brazil have broadened to include mainstream service stations and grooming businesses. Beauty salons and barber shops captured 5.5% of spending activity, followed by gas stations at 5%, and purchases at electronics and automotive outlets. Oobit’s co-founder & CEO, Amram Adar, recently pointed to Latin America as a rising global leader in practical crypto use cases. He commented, “We are seeing a regional shift where crypto is no longer just an investment, but a primary way to pay for groceries and healthcare, and we are proud to lead the change across LATAM.” How much crypto growth has Latin America seen? According to Chainalysis, crypto is booming in Latin America. Nearly $1.5 trillion has changed hands between July 2022 and June 2025. Crypto activity rose from $20.8 billion in mid-2022 to a record $87.7 billion in late 2024, consistently holding above $60 billion into early 2025. The region’s economy is now valued at over $44 billion. High remittance demand has been driving crypto adoption for fast and inexpensive cross-border transfers. Regionally, Brazil is at the forefront, accounting for $318.8 billion—nearly a third of the total Latin American crypto market. Argentina secured the regional number two position with $93.9 billion in transaction volume. Latin America is also ahead in its use of centralized exchanges: its CEXs account for 64% of global market activity, behind only MENA (66%) and comfortably ahead of Europe (53%) and North America (49%). Powerful household names, such as Mercado Bitcoin, Ripio, Bitso, Wenia, and SatoshiTango, have attracted users via fiat on-ramps and local payment integrations. So far, Brazil is the region’s fastest-growing crypto market, with a period-over-period growth rate of 109.9% . That number has been attributed in large part to the country’s use of stablecoins. Stablecoins made up more than 90% of crypto flows in Brazil. Chainalysis signaled that the region may continue to see more growth. It noted: “Looking ahead, Latin America’s crypto ecosystem appears poised for continued growth, driven by the interplay of institutional adoption in markets like Brazil and persistent retail demand for stablecoins across the region.” It said the overall trajectory of the market and crypto more broadly in the region, especially stablecoins, is moving beyond its earlier adoption phase and entering the fabric of Latin America’s financial system. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
18 May 2026, 04:00
New Zealand Dollar Holds Losses Below 0.5850 as Weak Chinese Data Dampens Demand
BitcoinWorld New Zealand Dollar Holds Losses Below 0.5850 as Weak Chinese Data Dampens Demand The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) remained under pressure on Wednesday, trading below the 0.5850 mark against the US Dollar, as fresh economic data from China underscored a slowdown in the world’s second-largest economy. The disappointing figures weighed on risk-sensitive currencies, particularly the kiwi, given New Zealand’s deep trade ties with its largest export partner. Weak Chinese Data Triggers Risk Aversion China’s industrial production and retail sales figures for November fell short of market expectations, signaling that the post-pandemic recovery remains uneven. Industrial output grew 5.4% year-on-year, below the consensus forecast of 5.7%, while retail sales expanded 6.1%, missing the 6.5% estimate. The data raised concerns about domestic demand and the broader economic trajectory, prompting investors to shift toward safe-haven assets. As a proxy for China’s economic health, the New Zealand Dollar is particularly sensitive to such releases. The NZD/USD pair slipped to an intraday low of 0.5820 before recovering slightly, but remained firmly below the key psychological level of 0.5850. Market Implications and Kiwi Outlook The weakness in Chinese data reinforces expectations that the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) may need to implement further stimulus measures to support growth. For the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ), the external headwind adds complexity to its own policy stance, which has already shifted toward a more dovish tone in recent months. Analysts note that the NZD’s near-term trajectory will depend heavily on upcoming US economic releases, including the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision later this month. A stronger US Dollar, driven by resilient US data, could push NZD/USD toward the 0.5750 support level. Conversely, any signs of improvement in China’s economic outlook could provide a much-needed boost to the kiwi. Why This Matters for Traders For forex traders, the NZD/USD pair remains a key barometer of risk appetite in the Asia-Pacific region. The current levels below 0.5850 suggest that market sentiment is fragile, and further downside cannot be ruled out without a clear catalyst. The pair’s technical indicators show it trading below its 50-day moving average, with resistance now forming around the 0.5880 region. Investors should also monitor commodity prices, particularly dairy and lumber, which are major New Zealand exports. A sustained decline in these markets could amplify the pressure on the kiwi. Conclusion The New Zealand Dollar’s struggle below 0.5850 reflects the broader market’s reaction to disappointing Chinese economic data. With limited domestic catalysts in the near term, the pair’s direction will likely be dictated by external factors, including US monetary policy signals and any further developments in China’s economy. Traders should remain cautious and watch for key support and resistance levels in the sessions ahead. FAQs Q1: Why is the New Zealand Dollar affected by Chinese economic data? China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner, accounting for a significant share of its exports, particularly dairy products, meat, and timber. Weak Chinese data signals reduced demand, which directly impacts New Zealand’s export revenues and economic growth, putting downward pressure on the NZD. Q2: What is the key support level for NZD/USD right now? The immediate support level is around 0.5800, followed by the 0.5750 region. A break below these levels could open the door for a test of the 0.5700 mark, which has not been seen since late October. Q3: Could the Reserve Bank of New Zealand intervene to support the kiwi? The RBNZ typically does not directly target the exchange rate, but it can influence the NZD through monetary policy adjustments. If the kiwi weakens significantly and fuels inflation, the RBNZ may consider maintaining or raising interest rates, though current market expectations lean toward rate cuts in 2024. This post New Zealand Dollar Holds Losses Below 0.5850 as Weak Chinese Data Dampens Demand first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 03:55
Australian Dollar Stays Below 0.7150 After Mixed Chinese Economic Data
BitcoinWorld Australian Dollar Stays Below 0.7150 After Mixed Chinese Economic Data The Australian Dollar remained subdued against the US Dollar on Wednesday, trading below the 0.7150 mark as markets digested a mixed set of economic data from China, Australia’s largest trading partner. China Data Disappoints in Key Areas China’s industrial production for July rose 5.1% year-on-year, missing the 5.2% forecast and slowing from June’s 5.3% gain. Retail sales also came in below expectations, growing 2.7% versus the 3.0% consensus estimate. Fixed asset investment growth eased to 3.6% year-to-date, slightly below the 3.7% projected. The mixed readings signal that China’s economic recovery remains uneven, particularly in consumer spending and manufacturing. Since Australia exports iron ore, coal, and other commodities heavily to China, any weakness in Chinese demand tends to weigh on the Australian Dollar. Market Reaction and Key Levels AUD/USD edged lower to around 0.7120 during Asian trading hours, extending its recent decline from the 0.7150 resistance zone. The pair has struggled to gain traction since mid-July, when it briefly touched 0.7200 before reversing lower. From a technical perspective, the 0.7100 level is now the immediate support to watch. A break below that could open the door to the 0.7050 region. On the upside, resistance remains firm at 0.7150 and then the 0.7200 psychological barrier. Broader Context for Traders The Australian Dollar’s weakness also reflects a broader risk-off mood in global markets, driven by concerns over slowing growth in China and uncertainty about the US Federal Reserve’s next policy move. The US Dollar has strengthened broadly this week, adding further pressure on the Aussie. Investors are now looking ahead to US retail sales data later this week for further clues on the health of the world’s largest economy. Any signs of US economic resilience could reinforce the Dollar’s strength and keep AUD/USD under pressure. Conclusion The Australian Dollar remains trapped below 0.7150 as mixed Chinese data highlights the fragile state of demand from its key export market. With technical resistance holding and the US Dollar gaining momentum, the near-term outlook for AUD/USD leans bearish. Traders should watch for a break below 0.7100 as a potential signal for further downside. FAQs Q1: Why does Chinese economic data affect the Australian Dollar? China is Australia’s largest trading partner, buying a significant portion of its iron ore, coal, and other commodity exports. When Chinese economic data weakens, it signals lower demand for these exports, which can reduce Australia’s export earnings and weigh on the Australian Dollar. Q2: What is the key support level for AUD/USD right now? The immediate support is at 0.7100. If the pair breaks below that level, the next support zone is around 0.7050. A sustained move below 0.7050 could signal a deeper correction. Q3: What other factors are influencing the Australian Dollar this week? Besides Chinese data, the Australian Dollar is being influenced by the overall strength of the US Dollar, global risk sentiment, and expectations around the Reserve Bank of Australia’s monetary policy. Upcoming US economic data, particularly retail sales, could also drive moves. This post Australian Dollar Stays Below 0.7150 After Mixed Chinese Economic Data first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 03:30
Canadian Dollar Hovers Near One-Month Low as Bullish USD Persists; Rising Oil Prices Cushion Decline
BitcoinWorld Canadian Dollar Hovers Near One-Month Low as Bullish USD Persists; Rising Oil Prices Cushion Decline The Canadian Dollar remains under pressure, trading near its lowest level in a month against a broadly stronger US Dollar. However, the currency’s losses are being tempered by a concurrent rise in global crude oil prices, a key export for Canada. Bullish USD Momentum Weighs on Loonie The US Dollar has been on a sustained upward trajectory, supported by resilient US economic data and a more hawkish tone from the Federal Reserve. This broad-based dollar strength has pushed the USD/CAD pair higher, testing levels not seen since early last month. Traders are closely watching for any signals from the Bank of Canada, which has maintained a more cautious policy stance amid a slowing domestic economy. Oil Prices Provide a Critical Floor Crude oil prices have climbed in recent sessions, driven by supply concerns and improved demand forecasts. As Canada is a major oil exporter, higher oil prices typically provide a tailwind for the Canadian Dollar. This relationship is currently acting as a buffer, preventing the Loonie from falling further against the greenback. Analysts note that if oil prices were to retreat, the USD/CAD pair could accelerate its upward move. Market Implications for Traders For currency traders, the key dynamic remains the tug-of-war between a strong US Dollar and supportive commodity prices. The immediate resistance level for USD/CAD sits near the one-month high, while support is seen around the recent lows. A break above resistance could open the door for further gains, while a sustained rally in oil could trigger a reversal. The market is also pricing in potential intervention from the Bank of Canada if the currency weakens too rapidly, though no such action has been signaled. Conclusion The Canadian Dollar is caught between opposing forces: a bullish US Dollar that is pushing it lower and rising oil prices that are limiting the downside. The near-term outlook will depend on the relative strength of these two drivers, with US economic data and global oil supply dynamics being the primary catalysts to watch. FAQs Q1: Why is the Canadian Dollar falling against the US Dollar? The Canadian Dollar is weakening primarily due to broad-based US Dollar strength, driven by strong US economic data and a hawkish Federal Reserve. This has made the greenback more attractive to investors. Q2: How do oil prices affect the Canadian Dollar? Canada is a major oil exporter. When oil prices rise, it increases the value of Canadian exports, which in turn supports the Canadian Dollar. Conversely, falling oil prices tend to weaken the currency. Q3: What is the outlook for USD/CAD? The outlook depends on the balance between US Dollar momentum and oil price movements. If the USD continues to strengthen and oil prices fall, USD/CAD could break higher. If oil prices rally further, the pair may struggle to maintain its gains. This post Canadian Dollar Hovers Near One-Month Low as Bullish USD Persists; Rising Oil Prices Cushion Decline first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 03:25
China Retail Sales Edge Up 0.2% in April as Industrial Output Expands 4.1%
BitcoinWorld China Retail Sales Edge Up 0.2% in April as Industrial Output Expands 4.1% China’s economic recovery continued at a measured pace in April, with retail sales rising 0.2% year-on-year and industrial production expanding 4.1%, according to official data released by the National Bureau of Statistics. The figures suggest that while the manufacturing sector is gaining traction, consumer spending remains subdued amid persistent deflationary pressures and cautious household sentiment. Consumer Spending Remains Tepid Retail sales growth of just 0.2% in April fell short of market expectations, which had anticipated a stronger rebound following a modest uptick in March. The data underscores the challenges facing China’s consumption-driven recovery, as households continue to prioritize savings over discretionary spending. Weak property market conditions, declining wages in some sectors, and lingering uncertainty about employment prospects have weighed on consumer confidence. Online retail sales of physical goods, a bright spot in previous months, also showed signs of slowing. The year-on-year growth rate for online retail sales was 6.5% in the January–April period, down from 7.8% in the first quarter. Meanwhile, catering and hospitality services reported a slight improvement, but overall service consumption remains below pre-pandemic trends. Industrial Production Accelerates In contrast, industrial production grew 4.1% year-on-year in April, accelerating from 3.9% in March. The manufacturing sector, particularly high-tech and green energy industries, drove the expansion. Output of new energy vehicles surged 38.9%, while solar battery production rose 32.1%, reflecting China’s continued investment in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. However, the industrial data also reveals persistent weaknesses. The production of steel and cement, key indicators of construction activity, declined 2.3% and 1.9% respectively, highlighting the ongoing slump in the real estate sector. Export-oriented manufacturers also face headwinds from global trade tensions and slowing demand in key markets. Policy Implications and Market Reaction The mixed April data suggests that China’s economy is still in a delicate balancing act. The People’s Bank of China has maintained a cautious monetary stance, with recent cuts to the loan prime rate proving insufficient to stimulate demand. Fiscal measures, including increased infrastructure spending and subsidies for consumer goods, have provided some support but have not yet reversed the deflationary trend. Financial markets reacted modestly to the data, with the Shanghai Composite Index closing flat. Bond yields edged lower as investors priced in expectations of further policy easing. Analysts at major investment banks have revised their full-year GDP growth forecasts downward, with most now expecting China’s economy to expand by around 4.8% in 2025, below the government’s 5% target. Conclusion China’s April economic data paints a picture of uneven recovery: industrial production is holding up, driven by green energy and high-tech sectors, while retail sales remain stagnant as consumers hold back. The divergence between manufacturing and consumption underscores the structural challenges facing the world’s second-largest economy. Policymakers are likely to continue deploying targeted stimulus measures, but a sustained recovery will require restoring consumer confidence and stabilizing the property market. FAQs Q1: Why did China’s retail sales rise only 0.2% in April? Consumer spending remains weak due to high household savings, a prolonged property downturn, and cautious sentiment about employment and income prospects. Deflationary pressures also reduced the nominal value of retail transactions. Q2: Which sectors drove the 4.1% industrial production growth? The growth was led by high-tech manufacturing, particularly new energy vehicles (up 38.9%) and solar batteries (up 32.1%). Traditional industries like steel and cement declined due to the real estate slump. Q3: What does this mean for China’s GDP target? The mixed data makes it more difficult for China to achieve its 5% GDP growth target for 2025. Most economists now expect growth of around 4.8%, requiring additional policy support in the coming months. This post China Retail Sales Edge Up 0.2% in April as Industrial Output Expands 4.1% first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 02:40
Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Slides Toward $75.00 as Fed Signals Hawkish Turn
BitcoinWorld Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Slides Toward $75.00 as Fed Signals Hawkish Turn Silver prices extended their decline on Tuesday, with XAG/USD trading near the $75.00 mark, as the Federal Reserve’s increasingly hawkish rhetoric dampened demand for non-yielding assets. The move reflects a broader recalibration in precious metals markets following stronger-than-expected U.S. economic data and signals from Fed officials that interest rate cuts may be delayed further into 2025. Hawkish Fed Rhetoric Weighs on Silver The Federal Reserve’s latest commentary has shifted decisively toward a more restrictive monetary policy stance. Several regional Fed presidents have publicly emphasized the need to maintain elevated interest rates to combat persistent inflation, which remains above the central bank’s 2% target. This hawkish turn has strengthened the U.S. dollar and pushed Treasury yields higher, creating headwinds for silver and other precious metals that do not offer yield. The XAG/USD pair has now fallen approximately 8% from its recent highs near $82.00, as traders price in a higher-for-longer interest rate environment. The metal’s industrial demand component, which accounts for roughly half of global consumption, has also come under pressure amid concerns about slowing manufacturing activity in China and Europe. Technical Analysis: Support Levels in Focus From a technical perspective, the $75.00 level represents a critical psychological and technical support zone for silver. A decisive break below this level could open the door for a test of the $72.00 region, which marked a key low in late 2024. On the upside, resistance now sits at $78.50, followed by the 50-day moving average near $80.00. Momentum indicators are pointing lower, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the daily chart hovering near 40, suggesting bearish momentum but not yet oversold conditions. Traders will be watching for any signs of stabilization around current levels, particularly if the Fed’s messaging shows any nuance in upcoming speeches. What This Means for Investors The current selloff in silver underscores the sensitivity of precious metals to shifts in monetary policy expectations. For investors holding silver as a hedge against inflation or currency debasement, the near-term outlook remains challenging as long as real yields remain elevated. However, some analysts argue that the pullback could present a buying opportunity for long-term holders, given silver’s dual role as both a monetary metal and an industrial commodity with growing demand from solar energy and electronics sectors. The Federal Reserve’s next policy meeting in June will be the key event to watch. Any hint of a dovish pivot could trigger a sharp reversal in silver prices, while continued hawkishness may keep XAG/USD under pressure through the summer months. Conclusion Silver prices are under significant pressure as the Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance strengthens the dollar and lifts yields. The $75.00 level is a critical near-term support that will likely determine the metal’s next directional move. Investors should monitor upcoming U.S. economic data and Fed speeches for further clarity on the interest rate path. FAQs Q1: Why is silver falling if inflation is still high? Silver is falling primarily because the Federal Reserve’s hawkish policy stance has strengthened the U.S. dollar and pushed real interest rates higher. Higher rates increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like silver, reducing their appeal to investors. Q2: Is $75.00 a strong support level for silver? Yes, $75.00 is both a psychological round number and a technical support level that has held multiple times in the past. A break below this level could signal further downside toward $72.00. Q3: Could silver recover later in 2025? A recovery is possible if the Federal Reserve signals a shift toward rate cuts or if industrial demand picks up, particularly from the solar energy and electronics sectors. However, near-term price action remains dependent on monetary policy expectations. This post Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Slides Toward $75.00 as Fed Signals Hawkish Turn first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
