Invest ideasNews
13 May 2026, 15:44
Crypto Long & Short: Bitcoin vs. gold: 26% relative undervaluation
In this week’s Crypto Long & Short Newsletter, Dovile Silenskyte provides an alternative to the “bitcoin as a risk asset” narrative. Then, Joshua de Vos shares insights and analysis on global exchanges.
13 May 2026, 15:00
Hong Kong court freezes $1.1 billion in assets tied to Prince Group founder Chen Zhi
Hong Kong’s High Court has frozen assets that belong to Prince Group founder Chen Zhi and his associates worth HK$8.93 billion (approximately $1.1 billion). The court granted a restraining order in May, and it covers bank deposits, properties, and stock holdings across 42 individuals and companies linked to the alleged crypto fraud and forced-labor operation. What did the Hong Kong court order target? Hong Kong’s Department of Justice first applied for the restraining order in late April under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance, targeting Chen Zhi, Zhou Yun, Li Thet, Hu Xiaowei (also known as Wu An Ming), and 38 companies registered in Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the British Virgin Islands. The frozen assets include 165 bank and securities accounts holding more than HK$43.6 billion in cash and over HK$5.5 billion in equities. Chen Zhi’s personal exposure in Hong Kong is reportedly more than HK$63.6 billion. Among his holdings are deposits worth over HK$22.1 billion that are spread across accounts denominated in Hong Kong dollars, US dollars, British pounds, euros, and Swiss francs. The court filings also revealed that Chen holds a Hong Kong identity card, as well as passports from Cambodia, Vanuatu, and Cyprus. Two high-value properties linked to Chen were also frozen. One of them is a commercial building at 68 Kimberley Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, held through a company called Cheer Capital Limited, and it carries an estimated market value of HK$3 billion. The other property is a villa at Mount Nicholson on The Peak, which was purchased in 2016 for HK$1.08 billion through a BVI shell company, and is now valued at roughly HK$1 billion. Other people with Prince Group ties were implicated Chen is not the only one facing the heat, as Zhou Yun, one of his associates who was identified in US sanctions filings as a manager of Chen’s wealth, reportedly controls assets worth over HK$2 billion. Hu Xiaowei, alleged to be a behind-the-scenes principal of Prince Group, holds around HK$400 million in Hong Kong assets, including a residential unit at Park Avenue in Olympic Station valued at HK$15 million. These include a network of insurance and securities companies operating under the “Mighty Divine” brand, which have since been delisted by Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission and Insurance Authority. Court filings revealed that he used a trust structure through a Hong Kong company called Future Wing Financial to hold stakes in listed companies Boyaa Interactive (0434) and HKE Holdings (1726), keeping his ownership below the 5% disclosure threshold. Li Thet, Prince Group’s chief financial officer, holds HK$172 million in Hong Kong assets. US authorities have accused Li of managing the group’s illicit fund flows and overseeing bulk cash smuggling operations. The court will be reconvening on August 3 to decide on extending the restraining order. Chen and his associates have been ordered to disclose six years of financial records, including all assets held in Hong Kong and overseas, before a July deadline. Prince Group and Chen Zhi’s assets are being seized internationally The Hong Kong freeze is the latest in a chain of enforcement actions that have been happening across multiple jurisdictions against Chen and Prince Group. In October 2025, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted Chen for operating forced-labor scam compounds across Cambodia that ran “pig butchering” cryptocurrency schemes. The DOJ also filed a civil forfeiture complaint against approximately 127,271 Bitcoins, then worth around $15 billion, linked to Prince Group. It was reported as the largest forfeiture action in the department’s history. Singapore’s police seized assets worth more than S$165 million (approximately $115 million) linked to the group in a single enforcement operation on October 30, 2025. That seizure included six properties, bank accounts, securities, a yacht, and 11 vehicles. Chen was arrested in Cambodia in January 2026 and extradited to China, where he now faces charges of fraud and operating illegal casinos. His Cambodian citizenship was revoked. Chinese state media identified him as the head of a “major cross-border gambling and fraud criminal syndicate.” Cambodia’s National Assembly passed a law in March 2026 imposing penalties up to life imprisonment for operators of forced-labor fraud compounds. Chen’s associate Li Xiong, former chairman of Prince Group subsidiary Huione Group, was also extradited to China. The case number for the Hong Kong proceedings is HCMP661/2026. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .
13 May 2026, 14:20
Silver’s Upside Remains Resilient on Sustained Eastern Demand: TD Securities
BitcoinWorld Silver’s Upside Remains Resilient on Sustained Eastern Demand: TD Securities Analysts at TD Securities have highlighted that silver prices are maintaining a resilient upside trajectory, driven primarily by sustained demand from Eastern markets. In a recent note, the firm pointed to structural factors underpinning the metal’s strength even as broader macroeconomic conditions remain uncertain. Eastern Demand as a Key Pillar The report emphasizes that demand from key Eastern economies, particularly China and India, continues to act as a significant support for silver prices. Industrial consumption, jewelry fabrication, and investment demand from these regions have remained robust, offsetting headwinds from a stronger U.S. dollar and rising global interest rates. TD Securities notes that this regional demand dynamic is not a short-term phenomenon but reflects deeper structural trends in manufacturing and wealth accumulation. Macroeconomic Context and Silver’s Role Silver’s dual identity as both an industrial metal and a monetary asset gives it a unique position in the current economic landscape. While gold has benefited from central bank buying and geopolitical risk, silver’s performance is more closely tied to industrial activity. The TD Securities analysis suggests that the ongoing energy transition, including solar panel manufacturing and electric vehicle production, is creating a new demand floor for silver. These sectors are heavily concentrated in Eastern supply chains, further linking the metal’s outlook to regional economic health. Implications for Investors For market participants, the key takeaway is that silver’s resilience is not purely speculative. The metal is benefiting from tangible, real-economy demand that is unlikely to fade quickly. However, TD Securities also cautions that short-term volatility remains possible, particularly if global growth slows more sharply than expected. Investors should watch industrial production data from China and import figures from India as leading indicators for silver’s near-term direction. Conclusion TD Securities’ assessment reinforces the view that silver’s current strength is grounded in fundamentals rather than fleeting market sentiment. Eastern demand continues to provide a solid base for prices, even as the metal navigates a complex macroeconomic environment. The analysis suggests that while silver may not be immune to broader risk-off moves, its structural demand story gives it a degree of resilience that sets it apart from other commodities. FAQs Q1: Why is Eastern demand so important for silver prices? Eastern economies, especially China and India, are the largest consumers of silver for industrial applications, jewelry, and investment. Their demand directly influences global supply-demand balances and price trends. Q2: How does silver differ from gold in the current market? While gold is primarily a monetary asset driven by central bank policies and safe-haven flows, silver has significant industrial uses. This makes silver more sensitive to economic cycles and industrial production trends. Q3: What factors could disrupt silver’s upside? A sharper-than-expected global economic slowdown, particularly in China, could reduce industrial demand. Additionally, a sustained rally in the U.S. dollar or a shift in Federal Reserve policy could create headwinds for precious metals broadly. This post Silver’s Upside Remains Resilient on Sustained Eastern Demand: TD Securities first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
13 May 2026, 13:44
Copper gold ratio jumps above 200-day average as BTC eyes gains
🟢 The copper-gold ratio surged above its 200-day average as $BTC eyes momentum. This ratio’s previous climbs have matched Bitcoin’s strongest rallies. 📈 Critical data: The copper-gold ratio is now at 0.00142 after a sharp uptick. Continue Reading: Copper gold ratio jumps above 200-day average as BTC eyes gains The post Copper gold ratio jumps above 200-day average as BTC eyes gains appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
13 May 2026, 13:35
Euro Holds Near 1.1700 as Markets Await US PPI and Potential Trump-Xi Talks
BitcoinWorld Euro Holds Near 1.1700 as Markets Await US PPI and Potential Trump-Xi Talks The euro is trading near the 1.1700 mark against the U.S. dollar on Thursday, as currency markets remain in a holding pattern ahead of key U.S. producer price index (PPI) data and the possibility of a high-stakes meeting between former President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The pair has been range-bound for much of the week, reflecting investor caution amid conflicting signals on inflation and trade policy. US PPI Data in Focus The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is set to release the October PPI report later today, which measures wholesale inflation. Economists expect the headline PPI to rise 0.2% month-over-month, while the core reading, excluding food and energy, is forecast at 0.3%. A hotter-than-expected number could reinforce the Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance, potentially pushing the dollar higher and testing the euro’s support at 1.1700. Conversely, a soft print might ease rate hike fears and allow the euro to recover toward 1.1750. Trump-Xi Meeting: Trade War Implications Market attention is also fixed on reports that Trump and Xi may hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of an upcoming international summit. Any signs of de-escalation in the ongoing trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies could boost risk appetite and weigh on the safe-haven dollar, providing a tailwind for the euro. However, if tensions escalate or no meeting materializes, the dollar could strengthen, adding pressure on EUR/USD. Technical Levels to Watch From a technical perspective, the 1.1700 level remains a key psychological support. A sustained break below this threshold could open the door to 1.1650, while resistance is seen at 1.1750 and 1.1800. The euro’s trajectory in the near term will likely depend on the interplay between U.S. inflation data and trade headlines. Broader Context: Central Bank Divergence The euro’s struggles also reflect the widening interest rate differential between the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank. The Fed has signaled further tightening, while the ECB has maintained a more cautious approach amid a slowing eurozone economy. This divergence continues to cap the euro’s upside, even as the dollar faces headwinds from fiscal uncertainty. Conclusion EUR/USD remains at a critical juncture near 1.1700, with today’s U.S. PPI release and potential Trump-Xi meeting likely to dictate the next directional move. Traders should watch for any surprises in the data or diplomatic developments that could break the current range. For now, caution prevails, and the pair is likely to remain sensitive to headline risk. FAQs Q1: Why is the euro stuck near 1.1700? The euro is range-bound as markets await U.S. inflation data and clarity on U.S.-China trade talks, with both factors likely to influence the dollar’s direction. Q2: How could a Trump-Xi meeting affect EUR/USD? A positive outcome could boost risk appetite and weaken the dollar, supporting the euro. A failure to meet or escalating tensions could have the opposite effect. Q3: What is the significance of US PPI for forex traders? PPI is a leading indicator of consumer inflation. A higher reading may reinforce Fed rate hike expectations, strengthening the dollar, while a lower reading could weaken it. This post Euro Holds Near 1.1700 as Markets Await US PPI and Potential Trump-Xi Talks first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
13 May 2026, 13:15
AUD Outlook: TD Securities Highlights Fiscal Loosening and Contained Wages
BitcoinWorld AUD Outlook: TD Securities Highlights Fiscal Loosening and Contained Wages The Australian Dollar (AUD) is navigating a complex macroeconomic landscape, with analysts at TD Securities pointing to a combination of fiscal loosening and contained wage growth as key drivers for the currency’s near-term trajectory. In a recent research note, the firm outlined how these two factors are shaping the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) policy path and, consequently, the AUD’s performance against major counterparts like the US Dollar. Fiscal Policy and Its Impact on the AUD Australia’s federal budget, delivered in May, signaled a shift toward expansionary fiscal policy. The government announced tax cuts and increased spending on cost-of-living relief and infrastructure. TD Securities notes that while such measures can provide a short-term boost to domestic demand, they also introduce upside risks to inflation. This dynamic complicates the RBA’s task of bringing inflation back to its 2-3% target band. A more stimulative fiscal stance could delay the timing of any potential rate cuts, which in turn could provide some support for the Australian Dollar by keeping interest rate differentials relatively attractive compared to economies where central banks are already easing policy. Contained Wage Growth: A Key Variable Despite a tight labor market, wage growth in Australia has remained relatively contained, according to recent data. TD Securities highlights this as a critical factor for the RBA. If wages were to accelerate sharply, it would fuel services inflation and force the central bank to maintain a hawkish stance for longer. However, the current data suggests that wage pressures are not spiraling out of control. This gives the RBA more flexibility to hold rates steady without needing to hike further. For the AUD, contained wages reduce the risk of a more aggressive monetary tightening cycle, which could have weighed on economic growth and risk sentiment. Implications for the AUD/USD Pair The interplay between fiscal stimulus and wage moderation creates a mixed outlook for the AUD/USD. On one hand, the prospect of sustained higher interest rates in Australia, relative to the US where the Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates later this year, could support the Aussie. On the other hand, global risk appetite remains a dominant driver for the commodity-linked currency. Any deterioration in global growth prospects, particularly from China, Australia’s largest trading partner, could overshadow domestic fundamentals. TD Securities’ analysis suggests that while the AUD has some support from domestic policy dynamics, its upside may be capped by external headwinds. Conclusion The Australian Dollar stands at a crossroads, influenced by a unique domestic policy mix of fiscal expansion and wage stability. TD Securities’ assessment underscores that while these factors provide a degree of support, the currency’s fate is heavily tied to global risk trends and the pace of monetary easing in the United States. Investors should watch upcoming Australian inflation data and RBA communications for further clues on the rate path. FAQs Q1: How does fiscal loosening affect the Australian Dollar? Fiscal loosening, through tax cuts and increased government spending, can boost economic growth and potentially keep inflation higher for longer. This may force the central bank to keep interest rates higher, which can attract foreign capital and support the Australian Dollar. Q2: Why is contained wage growth important for the AUD? Contained wage growth reduces the risk of a wage-price spiral that would force the RBA to hike interest rates aggressively. It allows the central bank to maintain a steady policy stance, which is generally positive for currency stability and reduces downside risks for the AUD. Q3: What is the main risk to the AUD outlook according to TD Securities? The main risk is external. While domestic fiscal and wage dynamics offer some support, the AUD remains highly sensitive to global risk sentiment and economic conditions in China. A slowdown in global growth or a deterioration in trade relations could weigh heavily on the currency. This post AUD Outlook: TD Securities Highlights Fiscal Loosening and Contained Wages first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
