White House advisor Patrick Witt said that stablecoin yields do not threaten banks. The delay in the CLARITY Act is affecting the market. ALT technical: $0.01 (+4.95%), strong support $0.0082. Regu...
Crypto news digest: SHIB might finally recover; David Schwartz calls Bitcoin a “technological dead end”; Goldman Sachs has $152 million in XRP ETF.
BitcoinWorld Malaysia Economic Growth Forecast: UOB Predicts Inevitable Moderation for 2026 KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – United Overseas Bank (UOB) has released a significant forecast indicating Malaysia’s economic expansion will likely moderate in 2026, following stronger growth periods in 2024 and 2025. This projection comes amid shifting global trade patterns and domestic policy adjustments that will shape the nation’s economic trajectory. The bank’s analysis, based on comprehensive economic modeling and regional comparisons, provides crucial insights for policymakers, investors, and businesses monitoring Southeast Asia’s third-largest economy. Malaysia Economic Growth Forecast: Understanding the 2026 Moderation United Overseas Bank’s research division projects Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth will decelerate to approximately 4.2% in 2026, down from expected rates of 4.5-4.8% in preceding years. This moderation represents a normalization rather than a contraction, reflecting several converging factors. The Malaysian economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience through global uncertainties, but structural adjustments are now becoming necessary. Furthermore, regional competition within ASEAN intensifies as neighboring economies pursue similar development strategies. Several key indicators support this moderated outlook. Private consumption growth, while remaining positive, shows signs of plateauing as household savings buffers diminish. Simultaneously, export growth faces headwinds from shifting global supply chains and moderate demand from key trading partners. Investment flows, particularly foreign direct investment (FDI), continue but at a more measured pace compared to the post-pandemic recovery surge. The services sector maintains steady expansion, though manufacturing faces productivity challenges. Historical Context and Projection Methodology UOB economists employ a multi-factor model incorporating both domestic and international variables. Their analysis considers Bank Negara Malaysia’s monetary policy trajectory, fiscal consolidation plans, commodity price trends, and demographic shifts. The forecast aligns with historical patterns where economies typically experience growth moderation after strong recovery periods. Malaysia’s last similar moderation occurred in 2018-2019 before the pandemic disruption, providing relevant comparative data. Primary Drivers Behind the Expected Economic Slowdown Multiple interconnected factors contribute to UOB’s moderated growth projection for 2026. Understanding these drivers provides context for the forecast’s rationale and potential policy responses. Global Economic Conditions: The international trade environment presents significant challenges. Slower growth in major economies like China and the United States reduces demand for Malaysian exports. Additionally, geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt supply chains, affecting Malaysia’s position in regional manufacturing networks. Global monetary policy normalization also influences capital flows and exchange rate stability. Domestic Policy Transitions: Malaysia’s fiscal consolidation efforts will likely temper growth in the medium term. The government’s commitment to deficit reduction, while positive for long-term stability, may constrain public spending. Subsidy rationalization programs, though economically necessary, could temporarily affect consumer purchasing power. Structural reforms in labor markets and digital transformation require adjustment periods before yielding full productivity benefits. Comparative ASEAN Performance: Country 2024 Growth 2025 Projection 2026 Outlook Malaysia 4.7% 4.5% 4.2% Vietnam 6.2% 6.0% 5.8% Indonesia 5.1% 5.0% 4.9% Thailand 3.8% 3.9% 4.0% Philippines 5.8% 5.7% 5.5% Sector-Specific Challenges: Manufacturing: Faces automation transition costs and skilled labor shortages Commodities: Palm oil and natural gas prices show volatility concerns Tourism: Recovery continues but faces regional competition Construction: Moderates after infrastructure project completions Policy Implications and Central Bank Considerations Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will likely maintain a balanced monetary policy approach in response to these growth projections. The central bank faces the dual challenge of managing inflation expectations while supporting economic activity. Interest rate decisions in 2025-2026 will carefully consider both domestic growth momentum and external financial conditions. Additionally, BNM’s financial stability measures will address household debt levels and property market developments. Fiscal policy coordination becomes increasingly important. The government’s medium-term revenue strategy must balance growth support with deficit reduction targets. Infrastructure investment priorities may shift toward digital infrastructure and renewable energy projects. Social protection programs will require careful calibration to support vulnerable groups during economic transitions. Expert Perspectives on Growth Sustainability Economic analysts emphasize that moderated growth can represent healthy economic maturation. Malaysia’s transition toward higher value-added activities naturally involves temporary adjustments. Productivity improvements through digital adoption and workforce upskilling will eventually offset current constraints. The country’s diversified economic base provides stability despite sector-specific challenges. Regional integration through ASEAN agreements offers additional growth avenues. Investment and Business Sector Implications The moderated growth outlook carries specific implications for different economic actors. Foreign investors may adjust their ASEAN allocation strategies, though Malaysia’s stable institutions and developed infrastructure remain attractive. Domestic businesses should focus on efficiency improvements and market diversification. Export-oriented sectors need to enhance competitiveness through innovation and supply chain optimization. Several opportunity areas emerge despite the overall moderation trend. Digital economy sectors continue showing above-average growth potential. Renewable energy and sustainability-related industries benefit from policy support. Healthcare and education services face increasing demand from demographic changes. Regional headquarters operations expand as multinational corporations optimize their Southeast Asian presence. Conclusion UOB’s Malaysia economic growth forecast for 2026 reflects expected moderation rather than economic weakness. The projection acknowledges natural economic cycles and necessary structural adjustments. Malaysia maintains solid fundamentals with diversified sectors and policy flexibility. The moderated growth rate remains consistent with sustainable development objectives and regional comparisons. Monitoring key indicators through 2025 will provide further clarity on the 2026 trajectory. Ultimately, Malaysia’s economic resilience and reform momentum position it well for stable medium-term expansion. FAQs Q1: What specific GDP growth rate does UOB forecast for Malaysia in 2026? UOB projects Malaysia’s GDP growth will moderate to approximately 4.2% in 2026, down from 4.5-4.8% in 2024-2025. Q2: How does Malaysia’s projected growth compare to other ASEAN economies? Malaysia’s 2026 growth projection of 4.2% places it mid-range among major ASEAN economies, above Thailand but below Vietnam and the Philippines. Q3: What are the main factors driving this growth moderation? Primary factors include global trade slowdown, domestic fiscal consolidation, subsidy rationalization effects, and natural economic cycle normalization after recovery periods. Q4: How might Bank Negara Malaysia respond to this growth outlook? BNM will likely maintain balanced monetary policy, carefully calibrating interest rates to manage inflation while supporting economic activity through the moderation period. Q5: Which economic sectors show the strongest growth potential despite the overall moderation? Digital economy sectors, renewable energy, healthcare, education services, and regional headquarters operations demonstrate above-average growth potential in the moderated environment. This post Malaysia Economic Growth Forecast: UOB Predicts Inevitable Moderation for 2026 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
Solana outpaces rivals in activity, yet revenue gaps and whale losses underscore the divide between scale and economic value.
BitcoinWorld Hong Kong Economic Growth: Standard Chartered Predicts Resilient Expansion Through 2026 HONG KONG – November 2025: Standard Chartered Bank projects a solid growth trajectory for Hong Kong’s economy extending into 2026, according to its latest regional analysis. The forecast highlights the city’s continued resilience as a global financial hub and its strategic recovery in key sectors following recent global economic adjustments. This positive outlook stems from multiple converging factors, including robust financial services activity, a sustained rebound in tourism and trade, and supportive government policy frameworks. Hong Kong Economic Growth: Analyzing the Standard Chartered Forecast Standard Chartered’s analysis, released in its quarterly Asia Economic Outlook report, provides a data-driven perspective on Hong Kong’s economic momentum. The bank’s economists point to several concrete indicators supporting their optimistic forecast. Firstly, Hong Kong’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth has consistently met or exceeded market expectations over the past four quarters. Secondly, unemployment rates have returned to pre-adjustment levels, signaling strong labor market absorption. Furthermore, the Hang Seng Index and trading volumes on the Hong Kong Exchange reflect renewed investor confidence in the city’s capital markets. Consequently, the bank’s model suggests this momentum is structural rather than cyclical. The report specifically cites the city’s unique position as a conduit for capital flows between Mainland China and international markets. Additionally, the full normalization of travel and logistics has turbocharged the retail, hospitality, and trade sectors. Therefore, Standard Chartered anticipates growth will be broad-based, not reliant on a single industry. Key Drivers Behind the 2026 Economic Outlook Several interconnected pillars underpin the sustained growth forecast. The financial services sector remains the cornerstone, with wealth management and fintech innovation seeing particularly strong inflows. Simultaneously, the tourism revival continues apace, with visitor numbers from Southeast Asia and beyond reaching new peaks. The government’s major infrastructure projects, like the Northern Metropolis development, are also injecting long-term investment into the economy. Primary Growth Engines: Financial & Professional Services: Sustained activity in IPO markets, asset management, and cross-border financial solutions. Tourism & Retail: Full recovery of inbound travel, with high-spending visitors boosting luxury retail and hospitality. Innovation & Technology: Growth in sectors like biotech, fintech, and AI, supported by government schemes and venture capital. Trade & Logistics: Hong Kong’s role as a super-connector in global supply chains, benefiting from regional trade agreements. Expert Analysis and Comparative Context Economists emphasize that Hong Kong’s projected stability contrasts with volatility seen in other global financial centers. “Hong Kong’s growth story is fundamentally tied to its integration with the Greater Bay Area and its unmatched legal and regulatory framework,” the Standard Chartered report notes, contextualizing its analysis with regional comparisons. The report provides a brief timeline, tracing recovery from the post-pandemic reopening through to the current phase of diversified expansion. This phase is marked by less reliance on any single market and more balanced growth across consumption, investment, and exports. The potential impact is significant. For residents, sustained growth suggests job security and potential wage increases. For businesses, it implies a stable operating environment conducive to planning and expansion. For international investors, the forecast reinforces Hong Kong’s status as a critical and predictable node in the global financial network. The analysis is grounded in verifiable data from the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and the bank’s proprietary market indicators. Sector-by-Sector Performance and Projections A deeper look into specific sectors reveals the nuanced engine of growth. The following table summarizes key performance indicators and their contribution to the overall forecast: Sector Recent Performance 2026 Outlook Key Catalyst Financial Services Strong IPO pipeline, rising asset under management Stable, high-value growth Wealth Connect schemes, fintech adoption Tourism & Hospitality Visitor arrivals at 95% of 2018 levels Full recovery and moderate growth Diversified source markets, mega events Trade & Logistics Re-export volumes growing steadily Resilient as a regional hub E-commerce logistics, air cargo demand Innovation & Tech R&D investment up 15% year-on-year High growth potential Government funding, talent schemes Moreover, the real estate market shows signs of stabilization, with transaction volumes increasing in the commercial segment. The retail sector similarly benefits from both returning tourists and steady local consumption. Importantly, these sectors do not operate in isolation. For example, a vibrant financial sector supports tech startups, while a booming tourism industry fills retail spaces and hotels. This creates a virtuous cycle of economic activity. Risks and Considerations for the Forecast While the outlook is positive, Standard Chartered’s report also outlines measured risks. Global economic headwinds, such as potential recessions in major economies or sharp shifts in monetary policy, could affect external demand. Geopolitical tensions remain an ever-present variable for trade-dependent hubs. Domestically, the pace of talent retention and attraction is crucial for sustaining high-value industries. However, the report argues that Hong Kong’s substantial fiscal reserves and agile policy response mechanisms provide a strong buffer against these external shocks. The bank’s analysts also compare Hong Kong’s trajectory with regional peers like Singapore and Shanghai, noting differentiated competitive advantages. Hong Kong’s growth is seen as complementary to, rather than directly competing with, these centers, thanks to its distinct role under the “one country, two systems” framework. This context is vital for a complete understanding of the forecast’s foundations. Conclusion In conclusion, Standard Chartered’s forecast for solid Hong Kong economic growth into 2026 is built on observable data trends and the city’s fundamental strengths. The convergence of a rebounding financial sector, vibrant tourism, and strategic public investment creates a multi-faceted growth engine. While mindful of global risks, the analysis presents a compelling case for Hong Kong’s continued resilience and its pivotal role in the Asia-Pacific economy. This positive Hong Kong economic growth outlook offers a stable reference point for businesses, investors, and policymakers planning for the medium-term future. FAQs Q1: What is the main reason for Standard Chartered’s positive growth forecast for Hong Kong? The forecast is primarily based on the strong recovery and sustained performance of Hong Kong’s financial services sector, coupled with a full rebound in tourism and continued strategic investment in innovation and infrastructure. Q2: How does Hong Kong’s projected growth compare to other major Asian financial hubs? Standard Chartered’s analysis suggests Hong Kong’s growth is resilient and broad-based, leveraging its unique role as a gateway to Mainland China. It is viewed as having a complementary, rather than directly competing, relationship with hubs like Singapore, focusing on different market strengths. Q3: What are the potential risks to this economic growth outlook? Key risks include a sharper-than-expected global economic slowdown affecting trade and demand, significant geopolitical disruptions, and challenges in attracting and retaining the skilled talent necessary to drive high-value industries forward. Q4: Which sectors are expected to contribute most to growth through 2026? The financial and professional services sector is the cornerstone, followed closely by tourism and retail. Significant contributions are also expected from innovation and technology fields like fintech and biotech, as well as from trade and logistics. Q5: How does government policy support this growth trajectory? Government initiatives play a crucial role, including major infrastructure projects like the Northern Metropolis, funding schemes for technology and research, programs to attract global talent, and policies that strengthen Hong Kong’s position in wealth management and cross-border finance. This post Hong Kong Economic Growth: Standard Chartered Predicts Resilient Expansion Through 2026 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
Crypto companies and platforms that provide stablecoin rewards have become a major point of contention in the CLARITY crypto market structure bill.
Israeli authorities have indicted an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reservist and a civilian for allegedly using classified military information to place bets on the popular prediction market platform Polymarket. According to The Times of Israel, Israeli authorities have indicted an IDF reservist and a civilian on suspicion of exploiting classified military information to place bets on the prediction market platform Polymarket. Use of Classified Information The indictments follow a joint investigation by the Defense Ministry, the Shin Bet, and the Israel Police, which led to the arrest of several suspects, including additional reservists. Investigators allege that reservists used sensitive information they were exposed to through their military duties to make bets tied to future military developments. Prosecutors have filed charges against one reservist and one civilian for what authorities described as severe security offenses, along with bribery and obstruction of justice. A court-issued gag order is currently in place, preventing the release of further details about the investigation, including operational specifics and the full scope of those questioned. In a joint statement, the defense establishment warned that placing bets based on classified information creates a real and serious threat to IDF operations and to state security. The agencies added that such conduct is treated with the utmost severity and that authorities will act decisively against anyone involved in the unlawful use of secret material. The case comes a month after the Shin Bet was examining suspicions that someone within the defense establishment had used classified information to bet on Polymarket. That report drew attention to a Polymarket account operating under the name “ricosuave666,” which placed several highly accurate bets in June 2025 related to Israeli military operations in Iran. According to the report, the user bet tens of thousands of dollars and made an estimated profit of around $150,000. Market Manipulation Concerns Polymarket’s growing popularity has attracted both casual traders and high-profile participants. Among them is Vitalik Buterin, who recently disclosed earning about $70,000 last year on the platform by betting against outcomes he believes were highly irrational. Polymarket also hosted more lighthearted but widely shared bets, such as comparisons showing that the odds of confirming alien life in 2025 were higher than Bitcoin reaching $200,000, especially during periods of extreme market stress. While the platform has seen rapid growth and occasional large payouts, it has also faced scrutiny over concerns related to manipulation and the potential misuse of insider information. According to a recent study by researchers at Columbia University, transaction patterns on Polymarket indicative of wash trading began rising in July 2024 and peaked at nearly 60% of reported volume in December of the same year. Researchers found that the activity continued through late April 2025, and later climbed again to about 20% of volume in early October 2025. The post Classified Intel, Crypto Bets, and a Gag Order: Inside Israel’s Polymarket Security Scandal appeared first on CryptoPotato .
An Openclaw software agent autonomously provisioned a virtual private server, funded it with bitcoin via the Lightning Network, and purchased AI API credits — all without a human clicking “confirm.” AI Agent Executes End-to-End Bitcoin Payment Flow A February 2026 report released by Alby, an open-source, self-custodial bitcoin wallet and browser-extension platform, lays out what
A fresh debate has been ignited by the CEO of Ripple across the crypto market after delivering what many are calling a major bombshell for XRP holders . This new debate is centered around major upcoming updates that could shape the future of the token and its robust ecosystem. Ripple CEO’s Update Has XRP Holders Buzzing Given the latest update from Ripple Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Brad Garlinghouse , its ecosystem and XRP are poised for a bullish future. In a remark that swiftly went viral on social media and trade desks, the executive unveiled developments that could reshape expectations around XRP’s trajectory. Stern Drew, a market expert and investor, stated that this update from the CEO is a massive bombshell for XRP holders. Regardless of its connection to institutional adoption, regulatory advancement, or strategic growth, the announcement has added a fresh round of speculation to the token’s future prospects. According to Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple’s mission is to propel XRP and its ecosystem to success . The CEO expressed his confidence in a crypto company becoming a trillion-dollar firm, and Ripple is positioned and has the opportunity to reach this milestone. In addition, Garlinghouse made references to XRP ecosystem initiatives without mentioning any; this is a relatively new technology. Meanwhile, Ripple’s aim is to champion this new technology, which would propel the payment firm to become a trillion-dollar company over the years. As the crypto landscape evolves, it just so happens that every chain is trying to implement zk-privacy on its blockchain. However, as of 2026, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) is at the forefront of this trend, being the only project that is close to launching zk-privacy with DNA Protocol, a platform championing blockchain bio-identity. XRP Could Outperform Bitcoin And Ethereum Despite the ongoing downward pressure, XRP appears to be approaching a pivotal moment as its behavior in relation to Bitcoin indicates a possible breakout. After a protracted period of consolidation, relative strength indicators and changing capital flows indicate that momentum is starting to change in XRP’s favor. The chart shared by crypto expert Bird shows a lengthy descending trend line that has formed since the beginning of 2025. Once this move kicks off, the altcoin is likely to surge to $27, flipping BTC and ETH . Looking at the chart against Ethereum, Bird predicts that the altcoin’s price is on the verge of a breakout after 7-8 years. Numerous indicators indicate that XRP is poised to make a significant move and start heading in the direction of the final fifth wave, which is expected to reach the $27 price mark. At the time of writing, the price of XRP was trading at the $1.35 level, with a nearly 2% drop in the last 24 hours. Investors’ sentiment remains bearish as indicated in its trading volume, which has fallen by more than 19% over the past day.
Traders say Ether’s declining open interest and futures funding rates could set the groundwork for a significant short squeeze on bearish leveraged positions and a rally to $2,500.