32405
Crypto, trade & finance news with a grain of humor For contact – t.me/NickMMarket
Eight German Banks Refuse to Invest in National Defense on "Ethical Grounds"
Eight German banks have declined to invest in Germany's defense sector, citing ethical concerns, according to local media reports.
"Investments in armaments are necessary but not ethically justifiable," states a declaration signed by GLS Bank, KD Bank, BiB Essen, Bank für Kirche und Caritas, DKM - Partner für Kirche und Caritas, Evangelische Bank, Steyler Ethik Bank, and PAX Bank.
While these are not major German banks, GLS Bank and KD Bank were recently recognized as the most sustainable banks in Germany by Stiftung Warentest. These institutions position themselves as adhering to religious values and the UN’s principles of sustainable development.
Follow MM on Telegram
The Art of Tokenomics: Building a Sustainable Crypto Economy
Why do 90% of tokens crash within months?
What separates hype-driven failures from long-term success stories?
And how do you turn tokenomics into an actual design discipline?
We break it down with real examples
Read the full article: grigon/the-art-of-tokenomics-building-a-sustainable-crypto-economy-127d92849242" rel="nofollow">https://medium.com/@grigon/the-art-of-tokenomics-building-a-sustainable-crypto-economy-127d92849242
WSJ: Donald Trump Plans to Use Tariff Discounts to Isolate China
According to the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. plans to offer 70 countries tariff discounts or even full exemptions if they join Washington in pressuring China. Trump aims to build a coalition to isolate Beijing economically and politically.
To be fair, China is also actively working on forming its own coalition.
Follow MM on Telegram
Head of the American Chamber of Commerce, Robert Egy, Calls for the U.S. to Lift Restrictions on Russian Banks
Robert Egy argues that the U.S. should remove the ban on direct investments in Russia to allow businesses to expand and operate effectively. He also emphasized the need to lift sanctions on major Russian banks to facilitate this process.
Additionally, the official proposed removing sanctions from certain sectors, such as aviation, IT, and medical equipment, to boost trade between the two countries.
Follow MM on Telegram
China’s Oil Imports Hit Record High in March
In March, China increased its oil imports to a record 12 million barrels per day (bpd). According to China’s General Administration of Customs, a total of 51.5 million tons of oil were imported last month. This surge was driven by the recovery of supplies from Iran and Russia, compensating for reduced imports from other countries.
Looking ahead, analysts at Vortex predict that China will maintain high levels of oil purchases, with a significant portion destined for independent refineries.
Follow MM on Telegram
Global Central Banks Accelerate Gold Purchases Amid Rising Economic Uncertainty
In February, global central banks made net gold purchases totaling 24 tons — the highest level since November 2024. This marks the 20th month of net buying out of the last 21.
According to the World Gold Council (WGC), central banks are heading toward their 16th consecutive year of net gold acquisitions. Over the past three years alone, central banks worldwide have purchased a staggering 3,176 tons of gold.
Analysts note: "Central banks are buying gold as if we’re in a crisis."
As if???
Follow MM on Telegram
Italy Grapples with Fallout from Breakup with Russia
Italy’s largest oil refinery, sold by Russia’s Lukoil after EU sanctions cut off Russian crude supplies, is now in crisis due to raw material shortages.
The ISAB refinery in Priolo, Sicily, was purchased by GOI Energy from Lukoil in 2023 with backing from commodity trader Trafigura. The deal was finalized at the last minute, facilitated by Israeli magnate Beny Steinmetz, and approved by the Italian government. However, the transaction remains shrouded in secrecy, with neither the buyer nor Rome disclosing the identities of the shareholders.
Internal disputes now threaten the survival of the facility, which accounts for a fifth of Italy’s refining capacity, employs around 1,000 people directly, and supports an additional 8,500 jobs in the region.
Follow MM on Telegram
White House Senior Advisor Hassett: No Insider Trading in the White House
Haha, insider trading? What are you even talking about? What a nonsense!
Follow MM on Telegram
Europe Reconsiders Russian Gas Imports Amid Trump's Trade Policies
Amid escalating U.S. trade policies, European businesses are once again discussing the possibility of resuming imports of Russian gas — a move that was deemed unthinkable just a year ago.
According to Reuters, major European companies are urging their governments to at least partially restore Russian gas imports. "Europe will never return to importing 150 billion cubic meters from Russia as it did before the war... but I would argue that perhaps we could return to a figure around 70 billion cubic meters," said a representative of a major French business.
This marks a significant shift in sentiment as Europe grapples with the economic fallout from U.S. tariffs and seeks alternatives to stabilize its energy markets.
Follow MM on Telegram
📁A catalog of some of the best Telegram channels to follow live events and keep up with the latest geopolitical, financial and cultural news.
👉 JOIN THE CHANNELS HERE 👈
China Halts Exports of Rare Earth Metals and Magnets to the U.S. and Allied Countries
China has completely suspended the export of certain rare earth metals and magnets to the United States and other countries through which these materials could reach the U.S. Shipments of magnets — critical for the production of everything from cars, drones, and robots to missiles — have been halted at many Chinese ports. Additionally, exports of other strategically important minerals have been stopped. Reports indicate that China is working on implementing an export licensing system to ensure these resources do not reach the U.S., even through third-party parallel imports.
As a global monopolist in many categories of rare earth metals and magnets, China’s move could have far-reaching consequences. Theoretically, even the U.S. defense industry — and certainly its space program — could face significant disruptions without access to these critical materials.
Follow MM on Telegram
European Court of Auditors Finds EU Paid €7.5 Billion Without Proper Oversight
Between 2021-2023, the EU disbursed €7.5 billion to NGOs and media outlets without requiring receipts or expenditure reports.
Ursula von der Leyen still the remains European Comission head...
Follow MM on Telegram
Chinese Mock US VP after "Peasants" Remark
For context:
Zero iPad production plants exist in the US.
95% of Apple's supply chain remains China-dependent.
Now Trump pauses tariffs for everyone but China...
Читать полностью…
Financial Times: China Fears Europe Will Steal Its Automotive Technologies
The Financial Times cites a leading engineer from one of Germany’s major automakers, who recounted how, 20 years ago, Germans joked about Chinese companies stealing and copying their engineering solutions. Recently, however, he received an assignment for a new vehicle—his superiors ordered him to replicate features from a Chinese car.
The FT observes that the ouroboros has come full circle: China and Europe have swapped places, with Europe now attempting to imitate and awkwardly copy Chinese innovations. China is actively resisting this shift—delays in constructing BYD factories in Europe and America are reportedly linked to Beijing's fears of technology leaks.
Follow MM on Telegram
👆These GriGon guys are friends of the admin. We are really close with the founder. This post is not financially motivated—it’s purely a recommendation for some quality content.
However, if anyone here is in need of market-making or tokenomics services, consider this a promotion.
"We Are Working to Reduce Dependence on Washington and Beijing to Create Balanced and Diversified Supply Chains" — von der Leyen
EU:
- Don’t want to work with Russia
- Don’t want to work with the U.S.
- Don’t want to work with China
Buy everything from India instead — yessss. But is India really not a middleman? Really, really?
Follow MM on Telegram
China Suspends Boeing Aircraft Imports Amid Trade War with the U.S.
China has ordered its airlines to halt the acquisition of Boeing aircraft as tensions escalate in the trade war with the United States. Additionally, Beijing has instructed domestic businesses to cease all exports of U.S.-made aircraft parts. Reports indicate that the Chinese government will cover all related costs from the state budget to ensure local airlines do not suffer from these retaliatory measures.
Follow MM on Telegram
Poland Wants to Profit from Ukraine Instead of Simply Showing Solidarity
The Polish Prime Minister stated that Poland no longer intends to provide "naive" assistance to Ukraine and will instead firmly defend its economic interests in the process.
Donald Tusk emphasized that Poland does not wish to limit itself to merely demonstrating solidarity while other countries reap economic benefits from Ukraine's reconstruction. Warsaw now plans to actively participate in this process, ensuring profits for Polish businesses.
Follow MM on Telegram
Will The EU Cut Off Russian Gas For Good Or Buy It Again
The European Union is exploring legal avenues that would allow European companies to terminate long-term contracts for Russian gas without incurring hefty penalties from Russia.
The roadmap has also been postponed due to early discussions about the future of the Nord Stream pipeline, which resurfaced amid U.S. efforts to broker a resolution to the Ukrainian conflict. Additionally, gas procurement has been included in trade talks with the Trump administration.
At the same time Reuters reports that European companies eye the return of Russian gas.
Top executives of major EU companies have begun discussing what was unthinkable just a year ago: that importing Russian gas, including from Gazprom, might be a good idea, reports Reuters.
The agency highlights the fragility of Europe’s energy security and the limited options available to the EU. Negotiations with Qatar, the world’s largest LNG producer, to secure more gas supplies have stalled. While the adoption of renewable energy sources has accelerated, it is not enough to ensure the EU feels secure in its energy needs.
Follow MM on Telegram
UK Nationalizes Chinese-Owned British Steel
The UK government has taken control of British Steel, citing an emergency intervention after its Chinese owners halted production at blast furnaces due to high energy costs and unprofitable operations. As one of the key steel suppliers for railways and a major player in the construction and automotive industries, British Steel’s shutdown posed significant risks to critical infrastructure and the economy.
China has slammed the move as a violation of market principles and accused the UK of "raiding" the company. The Chinese Foreign Ministry urged London not to politicize the situation surrounding the Scunthorpe steel plant.
Yet another example of how the so-called "rules-based democratic world" operates when it suits its interests.
Follow MM on Telegram
Europeans Are Cutting Back on Trips to the U.S.
According to the International Trade Administration (ITA), the number of tourists from Western Europe staying at least one night in the U.S. fell by 17% in March compared to the previous year. Travel from certain countries, including Ireland, Norway, and Germany, dropped by more than 20%, as revealed in an analysis by the *Financial Times*.
This trend poses a threat to the U.S. tourism industry, which accounts for 2.5% of the country’s GDP. Some airlines and hotel groups are reporting declining demand for transatlantic travel and a "negative sentiment" toward visiting the U.S.
Overall, the total number of foreign tourists traveling to the U.S. in March plunged by 12% year-on-year, marking the sharpest decline since March 2021, during the height of the pandemic.
In 2024, foreign visitors spent over $253 billion on travel and tourism-related goods and services in the U.S., accounting for more than 19% of the $1.3 trillion spent on travel nationwide.
Follow MM on Telegram
❗️ Tired of one-sided coverage of events in western media? It's time to subscribe to Sputnik Africa!
Here you will find:
🔺 News about Africa and around the world;
🔺 The latest information on the Ukrainian conflict;
🔺 Exclusive interviews, analyses and expert insights;
🔺 Podcasts, videos with English subtitles, and simple explanations of key issues.
👉 Get hip on Africa's latest. Subscribe to Sputnik Africa.
China Builds Coalition to Counter U.S. Tariffs
Xi Jinping has embarked on a tour of Southeast Asia this week, with Trump's tariffs set to dominate discussions. In preparation, Chinese authorities have shifted government officials to "military-style" schedules — recalling them from vacations and requiring 24/7 availability. The primary goal is to form a coalition of countries opposing U.S. tariffs.
China's main objective is to establish an alliance centered around China, South Korea, and Japan, with plans to also bring the EU into this coalition.
Follow MM on Telegram
Green Scam
One of the largest solar farms in the U.S., Ivanpah, is shutting down due to unprofitability. Originally constructed in 2014 under Barack Obama's administration, it was hailed as a symbol of pride and a step toward carbon neutrality. The project received $2.2 billion in federal funding and was envisioned as a beacon of green energy innovation.
However, the technology has since been deemed inefficient, and its operation unprofitable. Now, the 8-square-kilometer power plant will be decommissioned, leaving behind technological waste that will litter the Mojave Desert — a stark reminder of ambitious but ultimately impractical environmental policies.
Follow MM on Telegram
Argentina's Economic "Successes" Under Javier Milei
Milei borrowed $20 billion from the IMF for 4 years to "maintain Argentina's economic stability." In return, the IMF demanded reforms similar to Ukraine's - with increased tariffs and taxes.
Upon taking office, Milei promised to reduce Argentina's debt, abolish the central bank, and eliminate the peso. Instead:
- He's accumulating more debt through the central bank
- Failed to abolish the peso
- Moved gold reserves to unknown location
Follow MM on Telegram
WSJ: South Asian Businesses Rely Heavily on Astrologers for Operations Planning
Even India's wealthiest man, Mukesh Ambani, consults astrologers to determine:
- Office locations
- Power plant placements
- Optimal business launch dates
Extreme cases show entrepreneurs:
• Absorbing financial losses on astrological advice
• One businessman relocated entire operations due to "unfavorable" location
Follow MM on Telegram
The Situation Beyond the Hysteria and Market Swings
In admin's opinion, that you may not share
1. Trump demonstratively imposed tariffs on the entire world, adopting a "I’m crazy, fear me!" strategy — a calculated move to appear unpredictable.
2. Privately, Trump understood that the U.S. had sufficient stockpiles of goods, meaning the tariffs wouldn’t immediately impact inflation at home — leaving a one-to-two-month buffer, aside from market volatility.
3. Some countries rushed to negotiate deals with the U.S., while others began questioning whether it was better to align with Washington or Beijing.
4. Trump froze tariffs for everyone except China, making it clear to other nations that negotiating with the U.S. might be the easier path.
In essence, the global stage now features only two dancers: the U.S. and China, the latter being the original target of this entire maneuver. Trump’s gambit aimed to pull as many allies toward the U.S. under the guise of "China refused to discuss tariffs — look how unreasonable they are."
Whether it will work remains to be seen in the coming months. Trump is attempting to isolate China, but success is not guaranteed.
Meanwhile, NASDAQ surges nearly 10% — its fifth-largest single-day gain in history.
Another reminder that during such moments, caution on the markets is key; swings can come from any direction.
Follow MM on Telegram
Tariffs, retaliatory tariffs, retaliatory tariffs on retaliatory tariffs, now what? Retaliatory tariffs on retaliatory tariffs on retaliatory tariffs? Square, cubic, 4-dimensional tarrifs?
Читать полностью…