Market Overview - Major averages are down, with the VIX reaching its highest level since May and the 10-year yield dipping below 4% [1] - The Russell 2000 index has decreased by approximately 2% due to concerns regarding bad loans in the banking sector [1] Economic Conditions - There are clear liquidity problems in the economy, although they are not large, and the Federal Reserve has been conducting quantitative tightening (QT) for some time [2] - The Federal Reserve is expected to ease monetary policy in October and December, which could provide support to the economy [3] - The real economy showed good growth in Q2, and the third quarter appears healthy, although the ongoing government shutdown may reduce fourth-quarter growth by about 0.25 percentage points [4] Banking Sector Insights - Potential balance sheet issues may arise for small and regional banks, but the Fed is anticipated to establish facilities to provide necessary liquidity [5] - The growth of credit in non-traditional markets has been significant over the past decade, with digital markets expanding rapidly [6] Investment Opportunities - The rise of alternative credit sources is viewed as an opportunity rather than a concern, potentially providing more liquidity [8] - The alternatives market, including gold and hedge funds, is favored for cautious investors, especially as the economy may be slowing [9][10] - The private markets, particularly private credit, are also seen as attractive investment options [10] International Focus - China is highlighted as a key market due to the closing of the multiple spread between the US and China, which historically leads to rebounds in the Chinese market [11] - Significant investments in the technology sector in China are expected to create opportunities, particularly in new technologies and scientific advancements [12]

Partnerships & Expansion - OKX is strengthening banking partnerships by integrating Standard Chartered's regulated custody into its European institutional offering [1] - This expansion aims to bridge traditional finance and the future of digital markets securely [1] Institutional Services - The collaboration supports safeguarded collateral mirroring, providing institutions with efficient trading and bank-grade asset protection [1]

UK to appoint ‘digital markets champion’ to lead tokenization efforts: report https://t.co/vkBhoHI32T ...

Government Initiatives - UK government will appoint a Digital Markets Champion to digitize its financial markets [1]

According to Bloomberg, the UK will appoint a Digital Markets Champion to coordinate private-sector tokenization efforts in wholesale financial markets, and establish a Dematerialisation Market Action Taskforce to oversee the phase-out of paper share certificates. The initiative seeks to modernize asset issuance, trading, clearing, and settlement using blockchain and AI. https://t.co/GC4MMxfMpK ...

📈 NEW: S&P Dow Jones Indices has launched the S&P Digital Markets 50—its first-ever index combining 15 cryptocurrencies with 35 crypto-linked stocks.(h/t @barronsonline) https://t.co/Sn5xNvsWLz ...

Core Viewpoint - GBT Technologies Inc. has authorized a non-binding indication of interest to acquire all shares of Two Hands Corporation, with a proposed offer of US $0.00625 per share, which includes the assumption of Two Hands' outstanding debt obligations [1][2]. Group 1: Strategic Interest - The acquisition of Two Hands is seen as a strategic move to enhance GBT's initiatives in digital markets, technology, fintech, and the Gig Economy [3]. - Two Hands is transitioning into an investment holding company and has launched a Digital Asset Treasury and Trading Desk, partnering with More Money Ltd for expertise in crypto and blockchain [3]. Group 2: Regulatory Steps - Two Hands is planning a shareholder meeting in November 2025 to approve its change in business direction, aligning with GBT's goal to reposition as a merchant banking platform [4]. Group 3: Leadership Commentary - The CEO of GBT believes that integrating Two Hands' initiatives could accelerate GBT's development plans and create long-term value [5]. Group 4: Transaction Status - The indication of interest is non-binding and subject to negotiations, due diligence, and regulatory approvals, with no assurance that a definitive agreement will be reached [5]. Group 5: Company Overview - GBT Technologies is transitioning into Wertheim & Company, a global merchant banking platform, and aims to leverage its equity holdings and strategic initiatives in financial services and crypto asset management [6][7].

In Venezuela, cash is no longer king. Now, it is digital markets that are helping some Venezuelans cope with the returning scourge of inflation https://t.co/Y1pcTnXQT5Photo: Getty Images https://t.co/mNDmxikF4k ...

A total of 14 zeros have been removed from Venezuelan banknotes since 2007. Yet digital markets are thriving—and those are beyond the regime’s control https://t.co/sL2mbMCNRf ...