USDC stablecoin issuer Circle launched the public testnet for its Layer-1 blockchain network Arc Tuesday, with participation from over 100 companies including BlackRock, Visa and Amazon Web Services. Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire said the project has “remarkable early momentum,” in a press release. “Arc presents the opportunity for every type of company to build on enterprise-grade network infrastructure—advancing a shared vision that a more open, inclusive, and efficient global economic system can be built n ...

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong is committed to enhancing its international financial market's high-quality development through institutional and product innovation, empowering enterprises, and facilitating capital flow [1][2] Group 1: Policy Initiatives - The Hong Kong government is focusing on attracting new capital, exploring new markets, and creating new growth points [1] - Measures include optimizing the listing mechanism, facilitating overseas companies to list in Hong Kong, improving trading arrangements and efficiency, and simplifying the issuance process for structured products [1] - The government is also promoting the issuance and trading of RMB securities in Hong Kong and advancing financial technology applications to enhance market efficiency and investor experience [1] Group 2: Market Performance - In the first nine months of this year, Hong Kong welcomed 69 new stock listings, with total IPO fundraising exceeding HKD 180 billion, more than doubling compared to the same period last year, making it the highest globally [2] - The market has shown active trading performance, with an average daily turnover exceeding HKD 250 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of over 100% [2] Group 3: Global Standing - Hong Kong's competitive position as a global financial center continues to improve, recognized by international investors [1] - In the latest Global Financial Centers Index, Hong Kong ranked among the top three in banking, investment management, insurance, and financing, highlighting its unique advantages as a key asset and wealth management hub in Asia [1]

In the next 48 hours or so, there will be two major market-moving events. The Federal Reserve and Jerome Powell will announce new interest rates tomorrow, and US President Donald Trump will meet with Premier Xi Jinping the day after. Regardless of the outcome, the BTC USD price will move. So far, there are hints of strength. Even though Bitcoin bulls should build on the series of higher highs posted over the weekend, what’s crucial for structure traders is whether the digital gold will float above $110,00 ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the rising issue of debit card and check fraud, highlighting the vulnerabilities consumers face compared to credit card fraud protection [4][5]. Group 1: Fraud Trends - Debit card fraud is increasingly prevalent, with a Federal Reserve survey indicating that it is the payment method most targeted by fraudsters [4]. - Check fraud has risen by 10% in 2024 compared to the previous year, indicating a growing concern in this area [2]. Group 2: Consumer Protections - Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, consumers are limited to $50 in losses for fraudulent credit card transactions reported within 60 days, while debit cards offer less protection, with potential losses up to the entire amount stolen if reported after 60 days [5]. - Consumers have a year to report check fraud, but many banks require notification within 30 to 14 days after the bank statement is sent out [5]. Group 3: Prevention Measures - To protect against debit card fraud, consumers are advised to monitor their bank accounts regularly, avoid unsolicited communications, and never share sensitive information over the phone [9][10]. - For check fraud, using permanent markers for writing checks and mailing them directly from the post office are recommended practices [11].

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is prioritizing the development of the e-HKD for wholesale applications due to its greater potential value in large transactions compared to daily retail use [1][2]. Group 1: e-HKD Development Focus - The HKMA announced its decision to focus on wholesale applications after a second phase of e-HKD trials, which assessed usability and efficiency in both retail and wholesale scenarios [2][5]. - The e-HKD is recognized as a digital version of fiat currency built on blockchain technology, which is free of credit risks, making it desirable for financial institutions in large-valued transactions [2][4]. Group 2: Future Applications and Partnerships - Financial institutions have already utilized the e-HKD for wholesale interbank cross-border settlements and securities transactions, with the HKMA aiming to attract more large financial institutions and companies for future pilot projects [5][7]. - The HKMA has not provided a specific timeline for the wholesale application of the e-HKD, indicating that the rollout will depend on advancements in technology and user attitudes towards central bank digital money [6]. Group 3: Industry Collaboration - The HKMA expressed encouragement regarding the gradual increase in wholesale applications of the e-HKD by financial institutions and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with the industry on the CBDC and tokenization journey [7].

Core Viewpoint - Gold prices have experienced volatility, with a recent decline below $4,000 per ounce due to progress in US-China trade talks, which has reduced demand for safe-haven assets [1][2]. Group 1: Market Performance - Gold prices rebounded by 0.9% on Tuesday after a 3.2% drop the previous session, as US and China negotiators reported agreements on tariffs and export controls [2]. - Gold has decreased from a record high of over $4,380 per ounce, but remains up more than 50% year-to-date, supported by central bank purchases and investor strategies to avoid sovereign debt [3]. - Spot gold rose to $4,015.35 per ounce, while silver advanced after a significant loss, and platinum edged lower [6]. Group 2: Expert Insights - Analysts from Citigroup predict that gold prices may decline to $3,800 per ounce in the next three months due to the US's shift towards deal-making with China and changing gold-price momentum [5]. - Chris Weston from Pepperstone Group Ltd. noted the difficulty in predicting the bottom of the gold market, suggesting a tactical approach to buying after price dips [4]. - John Reade from the World Gold Council indicated that central bank demand for gold is not as strong as before, and a deeper correction could be beneficial for professional dealers [4]. Group 3: Federal Reserve Context - The Federal Reserve is widely expected to lower interest rates by 25 basis points in its upcoming policy meeting, which could further influence gold demand as higher yields typically reduce interest in non-yielding assets like gold [6]. - The market is also considering potential candidates to succeed Fed Chair Jerome Powell, which may impact future monetary policy and market sentiment [7].

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 Financial Street Forum emphasizes the achievements of China's economic and financial development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, highlighting the commitment to high-quality financial development and risk prevention under the leadership of the central government [1][2]. Group 1: Economic and Financial Development - The focus is on enhancing the adaptability of the financial sector to better support sustainable economic and social development. This includes promoting a new financial service model that balances direct and indirect financing, investment in goods and people, and aligns financing terms with industrial development [1]. - The aim is to effectively support the construction of a modern industrial system and new productive forces, contributing to a new development pattern and ensuring that financial services are equitable and beneficial to the public [1]. Group 2: Reform and Opening Up - There is a strong commitment to deepening reforms and expanding openness in the financial sector to enhance its dynamism and vitality. This involves addressing issues through supply-side structural reforms and improving the layout of financial institutions [2]. - The goal is to achieve new progress in the construction of a modern financial institution system and elevate the quality and resilience of the financial industry, while also expanding the level of openness [2]. Group 3: Financial Development and Security - The strategy includes better coordination between financial development and security, ensuring that risk prevention remains a top priority. This involves actively adapting to changes and maintaining a solid foundation to prevent systemic financial risks [2]. - There is an emphasis on enhancing regulatory effectiveness and collaborating to strengthen the global financial safety net [2].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent developments in China's macro-prudential management system, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive framework to mitigate systemic financial risks and enhance monetary policy effectiveness [1][5][7]. Group 1: Macro-Prudential Management System - The People's Bank of China (PBOC) is focusing on four key areas to improve the macro-prudential management system: better coverage of the relationship between macroeconomic operations and financial risks, financial market operations, systemically important financial institutions, and the spillover effects of international economic and financial market risks [1][2]. - The PBOC plans to strengthen additional supervision for systemically important financial institutions, including banks and insurance companies, to align regulatory measures with their significance [1][2][5]. Group 2: Monetary Policy Tools - The PBOC announced the resumption of open market operations for government bonds, which had been suspended due to market imbalances. This move aims to enhance liquidity management and stabilize the bond market [9][10]. - The central bank's decision to restart government bond trading is seen as a response to increased issuance of government bonds and local government bonds, facilitating better coordination between monetary and fiscal policies [9][10]. Group 3: Digital Currency Development - The PBOC is establishing a digital renminbi international operation center and a digital renminbi operation management center in Beijing to promote the development and management of digital currency [12]. - Future efforts will focus on optimizing the digital renminbi management system and enhancing its positioning within the monetary hierarchy, supporting more commercial banks to become operational entities for digital renminbi [12][13].

Oct 27, 2025 5:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time Pinnacle Bancshares Announces Results for Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2025 Share JASPER, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Robert B. Nolen, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Bancshares, Inc. (OTCBB: PCLB), today announced Pinnacle's third quarter results of operations. Pinnacle's net interest margin was 3.20% and 3.17% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, compared to 3.24% and 3.18% for the three and nine months ende ...

Core Insights - The Fizz Credit-Building Visa® Card offers a unique approach to credit building by combining debit card features with a credit limit, allowing users to build credit while avoiding interest charges and hidden fees [1][5][17] - The card requires a membership fee, which may deter some users compared to traditional credit options like secured credit cards [1][6][13] Fizz Card Overview - Membership fees are set at $59.99 per year for students and $129.99 for non-students [4][6] - The card provides a cash-back rewards structure, offering 3% cash back in a chosen category, up to 25% cash back on daily deals, and up to 100% cash back on Friday deals [4][8] - Fizz card usage and payments are reported to major credit bureaus, which can help users build their credit history [5][12] Functionality and Features - The Fizz card is linked to a bank account, with a credit limit based on the account balance, capped at $1,000 [8][37] - Daily AutoPay and SafeFreeze features are designed to help users manage payments and avoid missed payments [6][8] - Users can earn cash-back rewards by making purchases at eligible retailers after finding offers in the Fizz app [7][11] Target Audience - The Fizz card is particularly suited for students looking to build their credit history, as it offers lower membership fees and user-friendly features [12][13] - The card may not be as appealing to non-students due to higher fees and the availability of other credit options with no annual fees [13][34] Comparison with Other Cards - Compared to traditional secured credit cards, the Fizz card has a membership fee but offers a unique cash-back rewards structure [25][28] - Other credit cards, such as the Capital One Quicksilver Secured and Discover it® Student Cash Back, may provide better rewards rates and no annual fees, making them more attractive alternatives [25][33]