UBS Favors Gold as ‘Most Preferred’ — Says ‘Hedging Properties Remain Attractive’

UBS remains optimistic about gold’s potential, despite its current record highs. The Swiss investment bank highlights key factors, including the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts and global geopolitical tensions that are boosting demand for gold as a safe-haven asset. UBS also notes that central bank purchases and investor inflows into gold ETFs are sustaining the metal’s … Read more

Lavrov Says He Agrees With Donald Trump on US Sanctions Weakening Dollar’s Status

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has backed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about the negative effects of U.S. sanctions on the dollar and the American economy. Lavrov agreed that sanctions imposed by the Biden administration have weakened the dollar’s global reserve status. He further noted a global shift towards dedollarization, led by nations like … Read more

BRICS Beats Dollar Dependence: National Currency Settlements Exceed USD Payments

The BRICS bloc might have already overcome its dollar-dependence problem, as the volume of settlements in the national currencies of its member nations has already surpassed the USD-based exchanges. Using the U.S. dollar can lead to expenses that can be avoided when paying with other currencies, BRICS Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and … Read more

Russian Central Bank Eyes Digital Currency to Overcome Cross-Border Payment Obstacles

Elvira Nabiullina, head of Russia’s central bank, has highlighted challenges in cross-border settlements, including payment issues and falling trade volumes. She emphasized the importance of finding new solutions, such as using digital currencies and cooperating with global partners, to address these issues. Russia Faces Cross-Border Payment Issues Amid Declining Trade Russian Central Bank Governor Elvira … Read more

BRICS Payment Platforms Gain Momentum as US Dollar Alternatives, Says Russian Official

BRICS’ new payment platforms, which offer alternatives to the U.S. dollar and euro, are attracting global attention, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. These systems enable countries to conduct economic activities without relying on currencies used as political tools by Western powers. The Russian official noted increasing interest in these platforms as a way … Read more

Bank of Russia to Launch Digital Ruble Payment Infrastructure by July 2025

The Bank of Russia aims to open the payment infrastructure for the Russian central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital ruble, by July next year. Larger banks will offer digital ruble accounts and services by this deadline, with smaller institutions following later. The initiative seeks to enhance payment efficiency and reduce costs, with retailers also … Read more

BRICS Gains Global Appeal as 34 Countries Show Interest, Putin Reveals

Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that 34 countries have shown interest in joining BRICS activities, highlighting the global appeal of the group. He detailed Russia’s role in facilitating the integration of new members, sharing updates on BRICS activities under Russia’s chairmanship. 34 Countries Show Interest in BRICS, Putin Says Russian President Vladimir Putin said on … Read more

Over $55 Billion in Settlements Between Russia and Turkey Potentially Disrupted by Recent Western Sanctions

Trade settlements between Russia and Turkey via bank transfers are now being disrupted due to the new sanctions enacted against Russia. According to Russian media, the U.S. is currently checking all sources of transfers to and from Russia, and bank headquarters are heavily scrutinizing Russian citizens opening bank accounts in the country. Settlements Between Russia … Read more

Putin Acknowledges Russia as a Bitcoin Mining Leader; 54,000 BTC Mined in 2023

During his speech at the Eastern Economic Forum, President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia had become one of the world leaders in bitcoin mining. He explained that this was made possible due to the energy surplus that can be leveraged in areas like Siberia, but also warned that these activities should not hinder the region’s … Read more

Russia Expands Digital Ruble Pilot With New Features: Widespread Use Expected in 2025

Russia’s central bank is expanding its digital currency pilot program, involving 9,000 individuals and 1,200 companies. New features for the digital ruble, including payments via QR code, will be tested. Full-scale implementation is expected by late 2025. According to officials, demand for the digital ruble is growing, with successful integration anticipated due to ongoing sanctions. … Read more