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Bitcoin has long been celebrated as the digital gold, a peer-to-peer electronic cash system, and a reliable store of value. Portal To Bitcoin (PTB) is being recognized as one of the most transformative innovations in the crypto space. By serving as a direct gateway to Bitcoin’s liquidity, PTB bridges gaps that have long limited adoption and accessibility. Why Portal To Bitcoin Is A True Revolution Investor in crypto and blockchain, BATMAN, has identified Portal To Bitcoin as a transformative force in the crypto landscape. PTB is a decentralized protocol that is fundamentally changing the BTC exposure dynamic. According to the BATMAN post on X, PTB is a game changer, and it’s the essential key to unlocking a new era for BTC and the broader decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. The expert asserts that PTB allows seamless connection of Bitcoin to DeFi by providing a suite of products, making it more liquid and accessible than ever before. The protocol operates on a trust-minimized model, where there are no custodians, no wrapped tokens, only pure trust, and minimized access with Bitcoin. Meanwhile, this will enable every player to use their Bitcoin globally, without having to rely on gatekeepers or centralized entities. BATMAN concludes that this is what the ethos of BTC has always been about: permissions, trustless, and decentralized finance. Thus, any product that improves BTC utility in a way that respects its foundational principles should be welcomed. Diversification Beyond Land And Real Estate While the exposure to Bitcoin is being revolutionized around the world, financial analyst Gichuki Kahome has made a compelling case for including BTC in a diversified investment portfolio, specifically for Kenyan investors. Kahome advises allocating a 5-10% portion of a portfolio to BTC, viewing the flagship asset not as a speculative gamble but as a strategic long-term holding. The advisor’s perspective is based on the idea that BTC offers low correlation with traditional investments such as land and real estate, making it an ideal tool for better diversification. Kahome noted that BTC has averaged an astonishing 82% annual return in the last 10 years. While performance is not a guarantee of future results, he anticipates that Bitcoin will continue to deliver strong returns, with an expected average of 30% per annum in the next decade. Furthermore, the expert has underscored Bitcoin’s financial prowess. According to the expert, BTC is a superior hedge against the weakening of fiat currencies, particularly mentioning the Kenyan Shilling (KES) and the US Dollar (USD). He further states that BTC is digital gold, and it is a better store of value than gold itself.

Log in to today's North American session Market wrap for September 16 Trump shook markets today after signing Miran’s papers for him to join the Federal Reserve committee, just hours before the start of the central bank’s 2-day meeting. The Fed's independence is in question here with the move from Donald Trump to appoint his Economic Adviser at the FED just as the meeting commences. The move sent the US Dollar tumbling close to its 2025 lows (96.55 today vs. 96.37 on July 1st), igniting a new wave of selling. Dollar bears came back in force, with the Swiss franc standing out as the preferred hedge against the greenback’s weakness ahead of tomorrow’s session. This breakdown was actually highlighted throughout yesterday's DXY analysis but accelerated as markets received the Miran news. USDCHF is finishing the session down about 1% but was down about 1.20% at its lows. Furthermore, with the SNB's main rate at the border of 0%, in case a jumbo 50 bps cut takes place, the rate differential would decrease and rendering the CHF as an optimal hedge. This play is more fundamental for institutional participants who have billions of dollars that will be affected by tomorrow's decision. Nonetheless, the current market pricing is largely skewed towards a 25 bps. The curve steepened aggressively along the move in the US Dollar, and as can be seen on several of our FX articles, the US Dollar hit now lows on the year against the Euro and the CHF. On other subjects, Trump also announced fresh agreements with China on TikTok which will preview a call between the US President and China's Xi. Read More:Examining US bonds and the yield curve before the FOMC decisionSwiss franc leads majors as US session begins and reclaims 2025 crownGuide to the FOMC statement and September SEP: Key takeaways and what to watchCross-Assets Daily Performance Cross-Asset Daily Performance, September 16, 2025 – Source: TradingView Softs and energy commodities rallied, boosted again by the US Dollar slump. Concerning only energy commodities, they are getting targeted from bulls due to Russia's menaces to slow down production amid continued (and successful) Ukrainian attacks. Gold and metals had quite a mixed session with the bullion hitting the $3,700 landmark right before retracting in a hesitant afternoon. Traders will get more clarity after the Powell speech. For the rest, cryptos were mixed with BTC up small, some altcoins like OP, BNB and Polkadot leading the charge, while ETH retraced a bit. Equities also offered quite a weird session, with all of them trading to their all-time highs during the futures-only session (pre-open) before retracting as they hit Fibonacci-targets. This is typical of a low volume session but tomorrow should be quite different (and volatile). A picture of today's performance for major currencies Currency Performance, September 16 – Source: OANDA Labs As mentioned in the introduction, FX volatility was insane in today's session, particularly for a pre-FOMC day. Traders rushed to hedge their bets with the EUR and CHF which accelerated the move in the Dollar Index which had started in yesterday's session. Tomorrow will be very interesting, particularly in the EURUSD and USDCHF pairs. A look at Economic data releasing in tonight and tomorrow's sessions For all market-moving economic releases and events, see the MarketPulse Economic Calendar. The upcoming 24 hours in trading should offer one of the most intense session in a long while. The evening session will focus on the New Zealand Consumer Survey and the Japanese trade data for August but these will be relatively low-tier data compared to what's coming up tomorrow: The 17th of September session starts at 2:00 A.M. ET with the UK CPI that had previously surprised to the upside, notably pushing back cuts for the BoE (with none planned ahead of Thursday's rate decision). Let's see if tomorrow changes the theme. ECB's Lagarde will then continue her series of speeches at 3:30 A.M. at an annual ECB conference in Frankfurt which will also pre-empt the 5:00 A.M. CPI for the Eurozone. The NA session will then commence with Building Permits and Housing Starts at 8:30 A.M., followed by the Bank of Canada rate decision at 9:45 (a 25 bps cut is planned, but not fully priced) and will attract interest to its 10:30 press conference held by BoC Governor Macklem. The real session will start at 14:00 E.T. with the FOMC rate decision which has been anticipated for too long now. Keep an eye on the SEP's (discover what to focus on here) and most importantly, Jerome Powell's speech at 14:30. Safe Trades and successful trading ahead of the FOMC! Follow Elior on Twitter/X for Additional Market News, interactions and Insights @EliorManier Opinions are the authors'; not necessarily that of OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc. or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. The provided publication is for informational and educational purposes only. If you would like to reproduce or redistribute any of the content found on MarketPulse, an award winning forex, commodities and global indices analysis and news site service produced by OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc., please refer to the MarketPulse Terms of Use. Visit https://www.marketpulse.com/ to find out more about the beat of the global markets. © 2025 OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.

Analyst Austin Hilton has sounded a major XRP warning even as the price continues to consolidate. He declared that this is the last chance to get into the altcoin before its price goes on a parabolic run. Last Chance To Get In On XRP Before Its Q4 Bull Run In a YouTube video, Austin Hilton warned that this is the last chance for investors to accumulate XRP before its major bull run in the last quarter of this year. He noted that September was expected to be a slow month with little action from the altcoin, especially as investors wait on a Fed rate cut. The analyst further remarked that the altcoin has even outperformed expectations this month, considering that it was able to reclaim the psychological $3 level and has held well above support levels. However, Austin Hilton predicts that a greater run lies ahead for the altcoin, with liquidity set to return in the fourth quarter from both retail and institutional investors. Another bullish fundamental he alluded to is the fact that XRP is being taken off exchanges, which indicates that crypto whales are actively accumulating the token. This could lead to a supply shock, which could serve as a catalyst for higher prices. Bitcoinist reported that Coinbase’s reserves have crashed by 90% as whales move tokens off the exchange to hold for the long term. Meanwhile, four major crypto exchanges, including Binance, saw massive demand earlier in the month, leading them to add 1.2 million coins to meet this demand. The CryptoQuant analysis that pointed this out noted that the demand might have been coordinated and might have come from institutions. This comes ahead of the potential XRP ETFs launch, which is bullish for the altcoin’s price. Institutions Set To Flow Into The Altcoin With ETF Launch Institutions are set to inject new capital into the ecosystem with the launch of the first spot XRP ETF, which is happening this week. REX Shares confirmed that its REX-Osprey XRP ETF (XRPR) is coming this week. It noted that this will be the first U.S. ETF to deliver investors spot exposure to XRP. Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart stated that the REX-Osprey XRP ETF isn’t a “pure” spot ETF. He explained that it will hold spot directly and other spot XRP ETFs from around the world to get its exposure. The analyst also noted that the fund’s prospectus includes language that would allow it to invest in derivatives for exposure if needed. However, that won’t be the primary exposure method. The spot XRP ETFs could get a SEC approval in October, which is another factor that could serve as a catalyst for higher prices for the cryptocurrency heading into the fourth quarter. Seven fund issuers are currently awaiting the SEC’s approval to offer a 100% spot XRP ETF. At the time of writing, the XRP price is trading at around $2.97, down over 2% in the last 24 hours, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

In case you haven't seen our introduction to bond yields and an explanation on their recent moves, I formally invite you to read it over which may help you to understand some of tomorrow's moves. Recent movements in Bonds: Why are government bond yields rising so much as of late?What is the Fed Funds rate and why is the FOMC meeting so big? Tomorrow, and as-usual for every FOMC meeting, the Federal Reserve will decide whether or not to change its Main policy rate, the Fed Funds, currently locked between 4.25% to 4.50% (Effective Fed Funds is at 4.33%, but that's a technicity). You will usually see the higher bound of that range represented, which is why you usually hear the "4.50%" rate from US President Trump and media – We will use this rate for the article. You can read more on the Federal Funds rate directly from the FED website right here. The FOMC is closely watched due to all banks (Central Banks and all others), traders, investors using this rate as the main US Dollar financing rate. As the Reserve currency, the US Dollar and its supply will have a great influence on global yields, demand and prices. Read More: WTI Oil breaks out as Russia menaces with output cuts and USD weakness fuels energy rallyGuide to the FOMC statement and September SEP: Key takeaways and what to watchSwiss franc leads majors as US session begins and reclaims 2025 crownThe current US Treasury Yield Curve Current vs 2-year ago Yield Curve – Source: TradingView Small explanation on the yield curve The current curve (blue) is inverted –compared to a Flattening yield curve in purple– which means that the market expects that the yield on short-term obligations will be lower than on long-term ones. This is due to lower inflation expectations and a lower time compensation in the short run, compared to higher inflation expectations and higher risk to outstanding debt in the long run. The 2-Year yield is the closest to expiry and is the best view of where the market expects the Fed Funds rate to be within the next two years. The same is true for 5-year and longer-term yields, but these also include a time-risk premium (and of course, reflect demand). This is why, for example, 30-year yields will be tied to longer-run mortgages for consumers, as they tend to reflect longer-term risks for banks to lend. Also, one of the keys to understanding yields is that the higher the demand (or price), the lower the yield. Conversely, if fewer people want bonds, they will sell them, causing the yield to go up to attract more demand. One of the talks and curve pricing since Donald Trump's investiture is how wider deficits steepens the curve even more (pressure for lower short-term rates puts pressure towards higher rates in the long-run). A jumbo cut tomorrow would hence boost economic activity and markets would hence price higher future inflation. Current US Yields and change in today's sessions US Yields from the 2Y to 30Y and daily performance – September 16, 2025 – Source: TradingView As you can see, these yields are showing another form of the blue curve observed just before. With the current huge selling in the US Dollar, market participants are hedging for an eventual 50 bps which is leading to big steepening in the curve. When the 2Y Yield decreases more than the 30Y, this is considered Bull steepening: Bond traders bought more the front (short-term bonds) than the back (long-term bonds). Let's now look at different Bond charts and spot key levels for them. 2 Year US Treasury Bond US 2Y Bond, September 16, 2025 – Source: TradingView 10 Year Treasury Bond US 10Y Bond, September 16, 2025 – Source: TradingView This bond is traditionally seen as the benchmark for the safest and most liquid financial product. Watch a break of the most recent highs (113.86) for further continuation towards the September 2024 highs. You may also check the equivalent Yields on the charts. Any downside below the Key 112.50 pivot (Yield = 4.25% to 4.30%) should lead to further increase in the yield. It is extremely difficult to anticipate what will be said in such a key FOMC but all eyes will be on the statement (14:00 ET) and Powell's speech (14:30 ET). Watch for any clues on potential dovishness from Powell which may add more rates towards the end of 2025 (25 bps for each meeting, 3 meetings left is the current pricing). Any unexpected hawkishness could have different effects: Either take out rate cuts in 2025 (flattening the curve) or take out 2026 cuts (steepening the curve even more). Tomorrow will be essential for all assets, currencies and flows for the coming period. Of course, do not forget the Bank of Canada rate decisions at 9:30 tomorrow morning and the Bank of England rate decision at 7:00 on Thursday 18th. Safe trades and a successful FOMC session! Follow Elior on Twitter/X for Additional Market News, interactions and Insights @EliorManier Opinions are the authors'; not necessarily that of OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc. or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. The provided publication is for informational and educational purposes only. If you would like to reproduce or redistribute any of the content found on MarketPulse, an award winning forex, commodities and global indices analysis and news site service produced by OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc., please refer to the MarketPulse Terms of Use. Visit https://www.marketpulse.com/ to find out more about the beat of the global markets. © 2025 OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.

The XRP community often sees bold predictions about where the token’s price could go, with some supporters suggesting the price might one day hit $10,000. A well-known crypto analyst has explained that such a number is not realistic, even though the XRP price still has room for strong growth. His remarks give investors a more balanced perspective, focusing on what the market can actually support rather than unrealistic expectations. Analyst Debunks $10,000 XRP Price Target As Unrealistic The discussion picked up after pro-XRP commentator Xaif shared a video featuring market analyst Adam Stokes. In the video, Stokes made it clear that XRP is not going to reach the extreme $10,000 price predictions that often appear in online debates. He explained that he personally owns a large amount of the digital asset and would welcome such gains, but he stressed that it is simply not possible. According to him, there is not enough global capital to support that level of valuation. As he put it, “There’s just not enough money on planet Earth for that,” a remark that struck a chord with many XRP holders and gave more weight to the cautious side of the debate. For years, parts of the community have argued about where the XRP price could go, with some hoping for massive numbers far beyond current levels. The crypto analyst noted that while enthusiasm is strong, investors should not expect unrealistic outcomes that exceed what the market can actually support. By rejecting the idea of a $10,000 XRP, he brought the conversation back to what is achievable in real trading conditions. Stokes Predicts $5 to $7 As Realistic XRP Price Range While he dismissed the extreme forecast, Stokes still gave a positive outlook for XRP. The analyst expects the XRP price to reach $4 without much trouble and has placed a realistic price target of $5 to $7. For many holders, that price move could represent an increase from current levels. Reaching such levels would also mark a brand-new all-time high for XRP, proving that substantial growth is still possible even without chasing extreme numbers. Stokes’ view would suggest that the XRP price growth must stem from genuine capital inflows and stronger fundamentals, rather than mere wishful thinking. By highlighting $4 as reachable and setting $5 to $7 as his forecast range, he provided the community with a more precise and practical view of where the market may head, steadily backed by real demand and adoption. His conservative yet optimistic analysis strikes a balance between hope and reality. In this way, the report from Stokes shifts the conversation away from hype and towards achievable expectations that still leave room for excitement about the future of the XRP price.

Binance Coin (BNB), the native token of the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume, Binance, surged to a new all-time high on Tuesday, driven by speculation surrounding a potential agreement between Binance and the US Department of Justice (DOJ). This development comes in the wake of ongoing discussions regarding compliance monitoring requirements tied to Binance’s significant $4.3 billion settlement related to allegations of insufficient measures to prevent money laundering. Binance Negotiates With DOJ According to a report by Bloomberg, the crypto exchange is negotiating with federal prosecutors over the possibility of eliminating a key oversight condition that mandates the retention of an external compliance monitor. Sources familiar with the confidential discussions indicated that a successful negotiation could lead to a notable shift in the Department of Justice’s approach to independent oversight, particularly as the agency has already started to reduce the number of monitors initially appointed during the Biden administration. Under President Donald Trump’s administration, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), have been among the regulators shifting their stance towards digital assets. For instance, the SEC has opted to drop enforcement cases against Coinbase, Uniswap, Robinhood, and Binance. This comes after a harsh crackdown on the industry over the past couple of years, which resulted in the resignation of the exchange’s former CEO, Changpeng Zhao (CZ). BNB Outperforms Market The potential deal between Binance and the US Department of Justice has generated considerable demand for BNB tokens, contributing to the altcoin’s price rally which surpasses growth of 12% on the monthly time frame. In contrast, the broader digital asset prices have seen continued consolidation with Bitcoin (BTC) as the perfect example, consolidation for the past two weeks below all-time high levels of $124,000 reached last August. Following the news, BNB reached a high of $956. It is currently trading at $954 and still positioned to capitalize on the growing momentum for the exchange’s native token. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

Gold is showing moderate gains during the day, pausing near record highs reached earlier on Tuesday, though prices remain below the round level of 3700. Bulls have taken a breather after a sharp surge to new historic highs, preparing for potential changes in central bank policies. However, downward potential remains limited due to fundamentally supportive factors for the yellow metal. Strengthening confidence that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates this week is pushing the U.S. dollar close to yearly lows, which in turn boosts demand for this non-yielding precious metal. In addition, rising geopolitical risks amid the intensifying Russia–Ukraine conflict are driving capital into safe-haven assets such as gold. Nevertheless, gold bulls remain cautious and are in no hurry to open new positions due to the high degree of overbought conditions and potential risks tied to the Fed's upcoming decision. The main market focus will be the results of the two-day Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on Wednesday, along with updated economic forecasts. Close attention will also be paid to Chair Jerome Powell's press conference for signals regarding the future path of interest rates, which will have a significant impact on both the dollar and gold prices. Traders have raised expectations of more aggressive Fed monetary easing after the release of weak U.S. nonfarm payrolls data for August. According to CME Group's FedWatch tool, the probability of three rate cuts this year is viewed as very high. In the U.S. Senate, a vote was held to confirm Stephen Miran, an aide to President Donald Trump, to the Fed's Board of Governors. This decision came after a federal appeals court barred Trump from dismissing Fed Chair Lisa Cook, and just ahead of the FOMC meeting. As a result, the Fed's dovish rhetoric continues to pressure the dollar, thereby supporting gold. Geopolitical developments are also providing support. The escalation of the Russia–Ukraine conflict is limiting downside pressure on gold prices. In response to Israel's strike on Hamas leaders in Doha on September 9, an emergency summit of Arab and Islamic states was convened. In a joint statement, participants called for coordinated measures to suspend Israel's UN membership. From a technical perspective, the daily RSI remains well above the 70 level, signaling extreme overbought conditions and warranting caution ahead of further gains. Accordingly, XAU/USD may struggle to extend momentum beyond the round level of 3700. However, any significant corrective decline is likely to attract new buyers and find strong support around 3658. Further selling that pushes prices below the horizontal zone of 3630–3632 would bring gold toward the 3610–3600 level. A convincing break below the round level of 3600 would open the way to deeper losses, exposing the psychological level of 3500, with intermediate support near 3578, 3560, and 3540. The material has been provided by InstaForex Company - www.instaforex.com

Hype has been one of the standout performers in the crypto market this year, sustaining a powerful uptrend since April. Its relentless momentum has drawn the attention of both retail traders and institutions, with many analysts arguing that the token still has room to run as the broader market heats up. The narrative around Hype has been fueled by strong speculative interest and its growing presence in high-volume trading activity, which has made it a favorite among momentum-driven investors. However, questions are starting to surface about whether Hype’s rally is sustainable. Some analysts warn that momentum may be weakening, signaling that a correction phase could be looming. Data from Lookonchain underscores this concern: a whale who bought and staked 2 million HYPE—at an average entry price of $8.68 nine months ago—has now unstaked the position. With the tokens freshly unlocked, speculation is growing that this whale could take profits soon. Whether this move sparks broader selling pressure or the market absorbs it will be critical for Hype’s next phase. Hype Whale Unstakes $107M As Market Awaits Next Move Hype has been one of the most talked-about assets in crypto this year, climbing over 500% in value since April and cementing itself as a market leader in speculative momentum. Now, a major development involving one of its largest holders is capturing attention. According to Lookonchain, a whale who entered the market nine months ago with a massive position has just unstaked tokens worth over $107 million, raising speculation about potential profit-taking in the weeks ahead. The data reveals that nine months ago, this whale deposited $17.4 million in USDC into Hyperliquid through three wallets. From there, he accumulated 2 million HYPE at an average of $8.68, before distributing the tokens across nine wallets for staking. This accumulation has proven to be extraordinarily profitable. Just seven days ago, the whale applied to unstake the position, and 21 hours ago, the tokens were received back in full. With Hype’s current valuation, the stash is worth $107.2 million, translating into a staggering $89.8 million profit in less than a year. This event comes at a pivotal time for Hype. While the token’s explosive rally has kept momentum traders engaged, the size of the whale’s gains points to the likelihood of profit-taking. Whether the broader market can absorb such selling pressure or if it sparks a deeper correction will determine if Hype’s bull run can extend—or if a consolidation phase is next. Uptrend Faces First Signs of Cooling HYPE has been one of the strongest performers in the market since April, with its chart showing a consistent series of higher highs and higher lows. As of now, the token trades at $52.57, down 2.69% on the day, signaling a modest pullback after a sharp run that recently pushed the price above $56. Despite this decline, the overall structure remains bullish, with price action still well above key moving averages. The 50-day moving average ($45.48) and 100-day moving average ($43.38) are trending higher, providing dynamic support zones that could absorb selling pressure if momentum cools further. Meanwhile, the 200-day moving average ($32.02) remains far below current levels, highlighting the scale of HYPE’s appreciation in recent months. This correction appears to be a natural cooling phase within an established uptrend, especially after such aggressive gains. If buyers defend the $50–$52 range, HYPE could consolidate before making another attempt at reclaiming the $55–$56 zone. A decisive break above $56 would likely set the stage for further upside continuation. Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

Surge Battery Metals (TSXV: NILI) will partner with Australia’s Evolution Mining to advance the development of its flagship lithium project in Nevada, viewed as a potential low-cost producer of battery-grade material for the US market. On Tuesday, the Vancouver-based lithium developer announced that the companies have a non-binding agreement to form a joint venture on the Nevada North lithium project (NNLP), with a 77% interest held by Surge and 23% by Evolution. The agreement becomes binding once the companies conduct their respective due diligence and Surge completes an equity financing of at least C$3 million. The JV’s initial focus, it said, will be to complete a preliminary feasibility study (PFS) for NNLP for further evaluation. In June, Surge released a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) for NNLP, outlining a potential 42-year mine with annual lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) production of 86,300 tonnes. The project will be built in two phases, with Phase 1 costing nearly $3 billion and Phase 2 costing another $2.35 billion. Using an LCE price of $24,000/tonne as the base case, that study gave NNLP an after-tax net present value (at 8% discount) of $9.21 billion and an internal rate of return of 22.8%. Its operating cost is pegged at $5,097/t LCE, owing to the near-surface, high-grade mineralization at NNLP. The payback period is projected at 4.7 years. “The combination of low opex, great ROI, and the ability to produce large quantities of battery-grade lithium carbonate, including a peak of 109,100 tonnes in one year, showcases the Tier 1 status of NNLP,” Surge Battery Metals’ CEO Greg Reimer said at the time of the PEA release. Shares of Surge Battery Metals fell by 3.4% on the news, giving the company a market capitalization of C$49 million. JV details In Tuesday’s release, Reimer said the collaboration with Evolution on NNLP will combine the Australian miner’s “proven track record in mine development and operational excellence” with its own lithium expertise. As Evolution also holds various land packages within and around NNLP, the JV ownership interest will be based on the companies’ respective contributions of mineral claims to the venture. Under the terms, Evolution will contribute its 75% mineral interest in an 880-acre private land that was part of the PEA report, as well as 75% mineral rights in over 21,000 acres of private land in and around the property. Following the formation of the JV, Evolution will sole fund, in stages and subject to certain conditions, up to C$10 million for the completion of the PFS. In exchange, it will gain additional ownership interests in the JV. Upon satisfaction of this funding obligation, Evolution’s ownership interest in the JV will increase to 32.5%. Any additional expenditures of the JV shall be jointly funded by the parties on a pro rata basis.

For GBP/USD, the wave count continues to indicate the formation of an upward impulse structure. The wave pattern is almost identical to that of EUR/USD, since the only "culprit" remains the dollar. Demand for the U.S. currency is falling across the market in the medium term, leading many instruments to show nearly the same dynamics. At present, the formation of the assumed wave 5 is ongoing, within which waves 1 and 2 have already formed. The current wave structure raises no doubts. It should be remembered that much in the currency market now depends on Donald Trump's policies—not only trade-related. From time to time, positive news does emerge from the U.S., but the market remains focused on persistent economic uncertainty, contradictory decisions and statements from Trump, and the hostile, protectionist stance of the White House. There is also concern about Fed easing, which is now supported by more than just a weak labor market. The GBP/USD exchange rate rose by another 70 basis points on Tuesday. It might seem that the morning reports from the UK supported buyers, but I am almost certain that demand for the pound would have grown even without them. The main risk for the pound on Tuesday was a rise in unemployment. Had the indicator increased, the total rise over the past year would have been nearly 1%. During the same period, inflation doubled to nearly 4%. Higher unemployment could theoretically force the Bank of England to focus not only on price stability but also on the labor market, which is clearly "cooling" if unemployment is rising. However, the unemployment rate came in exactly as expected at 4.7%. Other UK reports carried less weight for the market. At this stage, it does not matter much that wage growth slowed slightly compared to the previous month or that new jobless claims came in slightly above forecasts. Monetary policy at the BoE will be influenced by the "big reports" such as inflation. Even in current conditions, inflation has reached levels that are already high regardless. The current inflation rate (a new report will be released tomorrow morning) can be compared to business activity indices. For business activity, any reading below 50 is considered negative. Similarly with inflation—any reading above 3–3.5% can be considered high. Whether inflation accelerated or slowed in a given month above this barrier matters less. For the most part, the pound continues to rise on the back of U.S. dollar weakness, while UK data is a secondary supporting factor—and one that does not always work in the pound's favor. General ConclusionsThe wave pattern for GBP/USD remains unchanged. The pair is in an upward impulse segment of the trend. Under Donald Trump, markets may face many more shocks and reversals that could have a significant impact on wave counts. For now, however, the base scenario holds together, while Trump's policies remain the same. The targets for the upward trend segment are located around the 261.8% Fibonacci level. At this stage, I expect continued growth within wave 3 of 5, with a target of 1.4017. The higher-scale wave count looks nearly perfect, even though wave 4 exceeded the high of wave 1. However, textbook-perfect wave counts exist only in theory. In practice, things are much more complicated. At present, I see no reason to consider alternative scenarios or introduce adjustments. Key Principles of My Analysis: Wave structures should be simple and clear. Complex structures are difficult to trade and often change.If there is no confidence in the market, it is better not to enter.Absolute certainty about direction is impossible. Always use protective Stop Loss orders.Wave analysis can be combined with other forms of analysis and trading strategies.The material has been provided by InstaForex Company - www.instaforex.com

The Ethereum price has been in a crucial consolidation phase, with analysts closely watching the next big move. After reclaiming the $4,500 level, the cryptocurrency is now facing one last obstacle before potentially breaking into uncharted territory. Crypto market expert Ted Pillows has set Ethereum’s next price target at $5,000, signaling a potential new all-time high. Ethereum Price Faces Major Hurdle Before $5,000 In a recent technical analysis published on X social media, Pillows explained that Ethereum has successfully reclaimed the $4,500 support level, a point that had previously been a stumbling block for bulls. Now, the market is laser-focused on its next price hurdle at $4,880, which has emerged as the final barrier before a potential breakout. According to his price chart, a daily candle close above the $4,880 resistance could open the doors to a fresh all-time high and quickly accelerate Ethereum’s momentum toward the $5,000 milestone. Just last month, ETH shocked the market by breaking its 2021 all-time high and climbing past $4,900. Now, the cryptocurrency looks ready for its next big move, with Pillows confirming $5,000 as the short-term target. Ethereum’s struggle around the $4,880 level comes from repeated failures to push higher at this point in previous sessions. Each rejection has reinforced $4,880 as a strong resistance, making it the decisive point for bulls to conquer. A clean break above it could invalidate bearish short-term pressure and potentially trigger an influx of buying volume. However, if Ethereum once again fails to hold above this level, the price could retreat to lower supports. Pillows identified the $4,200 – $4,400 range as the primary demand zone where buyers could step back in. This area has historically provided strong support and could act as a springboard for another attempt to retest the resistance. ETH Rejected At $4,650 But Holds Support In a follow-up analysis, Pillows noted that Ethereum failed to reclaim the $4,650 level, making its path to reach the $4,880 resistance even more difficult. The rejection at $4,650 has raised concerns of a near-term pullback, with the $4,500 region now being the key support to watch. If ETH holds above $4,500 and gains fresh bullish momentum, Pillows suggests that another attempt at reclaiming $4,650 could occur, potentially setting the stage for the long-awaited $4,880 breakout. On the downside, Ethereum maintains strong structural support between $3,800 and $4,000. This range has acted as a crucial demand zone during past corrections, absorbing selling pressure and enabling bulls to re-accumulate. For longer-term investors, Pillows noted that this support zone presents a significant buy-dip opportunity. He said that if ETH declines to this level, many altcoins would also enter attractive discount zones, presenting broader accumulation opportunities across the market.

The wave structure on the 4-hour chart for EUR/USD has not changed for several months, which is encouraging. Even during the formation of corrective waves, the integrity of the structure remains intact, allowing accurate forecasts. Wave patterns do not always look like textbook examples, but the current structure does. The upward trend segment continues to build, and the news backdrop largely supports not the dollar. The trade war initiated by Donald Trump continues. The confrontation with the Fed continues. The market's dovish expectations regarding Fed rates are growing. Market assessments of Trump's first 6–7 months in office are very low, despite 3% GDP growth in Q2. At present, it can be assumed that the construction of impulse wave 5 is ongoing, with potential targets extending up to the 1.25 level. Within this wave, the structure is complex due to the sideways movement observed in the past month. Nevertheless, waves 1 and 2 can be distinguished. Thus, I believe the instrument is now within wave 3 of 5. The EUR/USD exchange rate rose by several dozen basis points on Tuesday. The current movement fully aligns with both the news backdrop and the wave count. Therefore, I continue to expect only further growth. Of course, the wave count may require adjustments under news pressure, but so far in 2025 wave structures resemble textbook examples, with the news background not contradicting them in most cases. There remain plenty of reasons for the market to keep selling the troubled dollar. Every day one can list the same set of factors that continue to weigh on demand for the U.S. currency. The U.S. dollar continues to weaken while the president interferes with the independence of the central bank, attempts to remove FOMC officials, announces new tariffs and sanctions, and spends a significant portion of his term outside core economic policy matters. According to news agencies, approximately one-third of his second term has been spent on golf courses. Returning to the economic data. Today, the Eurozone released its industrial production report, showing a 0.3% increase in July. This is very weak growth, but the market will take it positively, as Eurozone production more often declines than grows. For the euro, however, this is not an issue. It continues to strengthen against the weakening dollar. Some additional support came from Germany's ZEW Economic Sentiment Index, which unexpectedly rose to 37.3 points compared to market expectations of 26.3 points. General conclusionsBased on the EUR/USD analysis, I conclude that the instrument continues to build an upward trend segment. The wave structure still fully depends on the news background tied to Trump's decisions, as well as the foreign and domestic policies of the new administration. The trend segment targets may extend up to the 1.25 level. Since the news backdrop remains unchanged, I continue to view purchases with first targets around 1.1875, equivalent to the 161.8% Fibonacci level, and higher. On a smaller scale, the entire upward trend segment is visible. The wave structure is not perfectly standard, as corrective waves differ in size. For example, the larger wave 2 is smaller than the inner wave 2 of 3. But such cases do occur. It is best to identify clear structures on the chart rather than fixating on every wave. The current upward structure raises virtually no doubts. Key principles of my analysis: Wave structures should be simple and clear. Complex structures are difficult to trade and often change.If there is no confidence in the market situation, it is better not to enter.Absolute certainty about the direction is impossible. Always use protective Stop Loss orders.Wave analysis can be combined with other types of analysis and trading strategies.The material has been provided by InstaForex Company - www.instaforex.com

Trade analysis and tips for trading the Japanese yen The test of 146.88 in the first half of the day occurred when the MACD indicator had already moved well below the zero line, which limited the pair's downward potential. A second test of 146.88, at the moment when MACD was in the oversold area, led to the implementation of Buy Scenario #2 and a 15-point rise in the yen. In the second half of the day, U.S. data will be released on August retail sales, industrial production, and manufacturing output. Weak figures would trigger another wave of yen strength, as the currency has recently shown signs of stabilization after a period of high volatility. A decline in U.S. retail sales would clearly signal weakening consumer demand, which in turn would reinforce concerns about slowing economic growth. Reduced industrial and manufacturing output would confirm this trend, putting additional pressure on the dollar. In this context, the yen — viewed as a safe-haven asset — could strengthen significantly as investors seek to reduce risk. The Bank of Japan, despite its cautious wait-and-see policy, has recently signaled the possibility of revising its strategy in the future. Expectations of such changes, combined with potential dollar weakness due to soft data, create a favorable environment for yen appreciation. Investors will closely watch the releases and market response to assess the potential for further strengthening of the Japanese currency. As for intraday strategy, I will rely more on Scenarios #1 and #2. Buy signal Scenario #1: I plan to buy USD/JPY today at the entry point around 147.12 (green line on the chart), targeting 147.53 (thicker green line on the chart). Around 147.53, I will exit buys and open sales in the opposite direction, aiming for a 30–35-point pullback. A rise in the pair can only be expected after strong U.S. data. Important! Before buying, make sure the MACD indicator is above the zero line and just starting to rise from it. Scenario #2: I also plan to buy USD/JPY today if there are two consecutive tests of 146.88, at the moment when the MACD indicator is in the oversold area. This would limit the pair's downward potential and trigger a reversal upward. Growth toward 147.12 and 147.53 can be expected. Sell signal Scenario #1: I plan to sell USD/JPY today after a break below 146.88 (red line on the chart), which will lead to a quick decline in the pair. The key target for sellers will be 146.48, where I will exit sales and immediately open buys in the opposite direction, aiming for a 20–25-point pullback. Pressure on the pair will return today if U.S. data is weak. Important! Before selling, make sure the MACD indicator is below the zero line and just starting to decline from it. Scenario #2: I also plan to sell USD/JPY today if there are two consecutive tests of 147.12, at the moment when the MACD indicator is in the overbought area. This would limit the pair's upward potential and trigger a reversal downward. A decline toward 146.88 and 146.48 can be expected. What's on the chart: Thin green line – entry price for buying the instrument;Thick green line – expected price for placing Take Profit or manually fixing profit, as further growth above this level is unlikely;Thin red line – entry price for selling the instrument;Thick red line – expected price for placing Take Profit or manually fixing profit, as further decline below this level is unlikely;MACD indicator – when entering the market, it is important to use overbought and oversold areas as guidance.Important. Beginner traders in the Forex market should be very cautious when making entry decisions. Before major fundamental reports are released, it is best to stay out of the market to avoid sharp price swings. If you decide to trade during news releases, always place stop orders to minimize losses. Without stop orders, you can lose your entire deposit very quickly, especially if you don't use money management and trade with large volumes. And remember, successful trading requires a clear trading plan, like the one presented above. Spontaneous trading decisions based on the current market situation are, by definition, a losing strategy for intraday traders. The material has been provided by InstaForex Company - www.instaforex.com

As the BNB’s price continues to soar, BNB Chain projects are leading Binance Wallet’s top ten Initial DEX Offerings (IDOs) list with up to 2,000x historical returns. BNB Chain Projects Top Binance Wallet The BNB Chain ecosystem has seen a strong performance recently, with the Binance Wallet leading among IDO launchpads in terms of profitability, driven by the massive returns of various projects built on the network. According to CryptoRank data, the Binance Wallet has a current Return of Investment (ROI) of 4,495% and an all-time high (ATH) return of 7,976%, surpassing most IDO launchpads in multiple timeframes. Additionally, seven of the top ten tokens with the ATH IDO returns on the Binance Wallet are BNB Chain projects, with historical returns ranging from 20x to 2,000x. Decentralized derivatives exchange MYX Finance has seen a 2,102x ATH IDO return, leading the BNB Chain projects on the Binance Wallet. CoinGecko data shows that the token currently has a market capitalization of $2.07 billion, ranking 72nd among all cryptocurrencies by this metric. OKZOO, a decentralized AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) network, comes second with a 413x return, followed by Alaya AI’s 40x, Myshell’s 36.8x, RICE AI’s 34.5x, Elderglade’s 24.5x, and Lorenzo’s 22x. Meanwhile, multiple BNB Chain projects among the top 20 tokens by IDO return in the Binance Wallet have achieved returns of over 15x, including Meet48, MilkyWay, Allo, Particle, and Bubblemaps. Dune data also shows that nearly two-thirds of Binance Alpha’s over 300 launched projects are BNB Chain tokens. Notably, the top five Alpha trading volume rankings are BSC projects, while eight of the top ten are from the BSC ecosystem. BNB’s Price Ready For $1,000? While the ecosystem surges, BNB, the network’s native token, continues its massive rally. The cryptocurrency is trading just 1.5% below its recent ATH and nearing the next crucial milestone, the $1,000 barrier. After hitting its previous ATH in August, the token traded within the $840-$900 area, but retested the lows during the start-of-September retrace. Its price broke out of the three-week range on Friday, turning the upper boundary into support over the weekend. On Sunday, BNB’s price surged to its $943 ATH before retracing to the $920-$935 local area. Market watcher CW noted that the cryptocurrency had formed a buying wall around $910, which served as support during the Monday retracement. Yesterday, the cryptocurrency was rejected from the local high and fell out of its two-day range, retesting the $910 level before bouncing. BNB reclaimed the $920 support and broke out of the $935 resistance level again on Tuesday morning, currently attempting to turn it into support. A successful breakout from this level would set the stage for a price discovery rally continuation, which targets the $1,300 mark, according to analyst Ali Martinez. On the contrary, a new rejection of this level could see the price retest the range lows again, and risk a drop to the $900 breakout level. As of this writing, BNB is trading at $936, a 7% increase in the weekly timeframe.

Trade analysis and tips for trading the British pound The test of 1.3628 occurred at the moment when the MACD indicator had already moved well above the zero line, which limited the pound's upward potential. Weak UK labor market data prevented pound buyers from achieving strong growth in the pair. However, there was no sharp decline either. A possible explanation for this dynamic is that the market had already priced in weak employment figures. In addition, speculative factors cannot be ruled out. Large players with significant resources may have taken advantage of the pound's temporary weakness to build long positions, betting on further strengthening after tomorrow's Fed meeting. In the second half of the day, U.S. data on retail sales for August, industrial production, and manufacturing output will be released. Weak results will likely lead to another wave of pound growth, supported by the diverging monetary policy trajectories of the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England. If U.S. figures disappoint, the market will receive additional confirmation of slowing U.S. economic growth, increasing the likelihood of further Fed easing even after tomorrow's meeting. Dollar pressure will intensify as investors revise their expectations for future interest rates. As for intraday strategy, I will rely more on scenarios #1 and #2. Buy signal Scenario #1: I plan to buy the pound today at the entry point around 1.3646 (green line on the chart), targeting 1.3671 (thicker green line on the chart). Around 1.3671, I will exit buys and open sales in the opposite direction, aiming for a 30–35-point pullback. A strong rise in the pound today can only be expected after weak U.S. data. Important! Before buying, make sure the MACD indicator is above the zero line and just starting to rise from it. Scenario #2: I also plan to buy the pound today if there are two consecutive tests of 1.3627, at the moment when the MACD indicator is in the oversold area. This would limit the pair's downward potential and trigger a reversal upward. Growth toward 1.3646 and 1.3671 can be expected. Sell signal Scenario #1: I plan to sell the pound today after a break below 1.3627 (red line on the chart), which will lead to a quick decline in the pair. The key target for sellers will be 1.3599, where I plan to exit sales and immediately open buys in the opposite direction, aiming for a 20–25-point pullback. Even with strong U.S. data, the pound is unlikely to collapse. Important! Before selling, make sure the MACD indicator is below the zero line and just starting to decline from it. Scenario #2: I also plan to sell the pound today if there are two consecutive tests of 1.3646, at the moment when the MACD indicator is in the overbought area. This would limit the pair's upward potential and trigger a reversal downward. A decline toward 1.3627 and 1.3599 can be expected. What's on the chart: Thin green line – entry price for buying the instrument;Thick green line – expected price for placing Take Profit or manually fixing profit, as further growth above this level is unlikely;Thin red line – entry price for selling the instrument;Thick red line – expected price for placing Take Profit or manually fixing profit, as further decline below this level is unlikely;MACD indicator – when entering the market, it is important to use overbought and oversold areas as guidance.Important. Beginner traders in the Forex market should be very cautious when making entry decisions. Before major fundamental reports are released, it is best to stay out of the market to avoid sharp price swings. If you decide to trade during news releases, always place stop orders to minimize losses. Without stop orders, you can lose your entire deposit very quickly, especially if you don't use money management and trade with large volumes. And remember, successful trading requires a clear trading plan, like the one presented above. Spontaneous trading decisions based on the current market situation are, by definition, a losing strategy for intraday traders. The material has been provided by InstaForex Company - www.instaforex.com

The euro has posted sharp gains on Thursday. In the North American session, EUR/USD is trading at 1.1867, up 0.90% on the day. The euro has not been at these levels since September 2021. German investor confidence crushes estimateGerman ZEW Economic Sentiment rose modestly in September to 37.3, up from 34.7 in August. This blew past the market estimate of 26.3 and the euro has responded with sharp gains. The survey of financial experts indicates cautious optimism, with the outlook for the export sector showing promise after a prolonged decline. At the same time, the index monitoring the current economic situation worsened, declining to -76.4 from 68.6, below the market estimate of -75.0. It has been a bumpy road for Germany, which is the only G7 economy that has not posted growth in the past two years. Once the locomotive that drove the eurozone economy, Germany finds itself the laggard of the bloc. US retail sales better than expected US retail sales for August were stronger than expected at 0.6% m/m. This was unchanged from an upwardly revised 0.6% in July and easily beat the market estimate of 0.2%. Retail sales increased across most sub-categories, as consumers showed they were in a spending mood despite a weaker job market and higher prices due to President Trump's tariffs. Annualized, retail sales jumped 5.0%, up from an upwardly revised 4.1% in August and above the forecast of 3.2%. At the same time, consumer sentiment has been softening, with consumers concerned about the impact of the tariffs. All eyes are on the Federal Reserve, which is widely expected to lower interest rates on Wednesday for the first time since December 2024. The money markets have fully priced in a rate cut, with a quarter-point reduction practically a given. Investors will be looking for clues about the possiblity of additional rate cuts before the end of the year. EUR/USD Technical EUR/USD has pushed above resistance at 1.1786, 1.1804 and 1.1844. The next resistance line is at 1.1908 There is support at 1.1751 and 1.1728 EURUSD 1-Day Chart, September 16, 2025 Opinions are the authors'; not necessarily that of OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc. or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. The provided publication is for informational and educational purposes only. If you would like to reproduce or redistribute any of the content found on MarketPulse, an award winning forex, commodities and global indices analysis and news site service produced by OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc., please refer to the MarketPulse Terms of Use. Visit https://www.marketpulse.com/ to find out more about the beat of the global markets. © 2025 OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.

Trade analysis and tips for trading the euro The test of 1.1778 occurred at the moment when the MACD indicator had just started moving up from the zero line, which confirmed the correct entry point for buying the euro and resulted in a 20-point rise. A sharp rise in eurozone business sentiment led to another strengthening of the euro. Investors welcomed the data pointing to a recovery in industrial production, easing fears of a possible recession in the region. At the same time, the U.S. dollar remains under pressure. Tomorrow's Federal Reserve decision, following recent labor market reports, could push the dollar even lower. Dollar weakness may also continue during today's U.S. session. In the second half of the day, disappointing U.S. reports on retail sales, industrial production, and manufacturing output are expected. Combined with already known labor market data, these figures could reinforce concerns about slowing U.S. economic growth. Falling retail sales usually signal weaker consumer activity. Declines in industrial and manufacturing output point to lower demand for goods and services, which may lead to reduced investment and job cuts. In this situation, the Federal Reserve may be forced to adjust its monetary policy. As for intraday strategy, I will rely more on scenarios #1 and #2. Buy signal Scenario #1: Buying the euro is possible today at 1.1821 (green line on the chart) with the target at 1.1848. At 1.1848, I plan to exit the market and also sell the euro in the opposite direction, aiming for a 30–35-point pullback from the entry level. Growth can be expected only after weak U.S. data. Important! Before buying, make sure the MACD indicator is above the zero line and just starting to rise from it. Scenario #2: I also plan to buy the euro if there are two consecutive tests of 1.1800, at the moment when the MACD indicator is in the oversold area. This would limit the downward potential of the pair and trigger a reversal upward. Growth toward 1.1821 and 1.1848 can be expected. Sell signal Scenario #1: I plan to sell the euro after reaching 1.1800 (red line on the chart). The target will be 1.1766, where I plan to exit sales and immediately buy in the opposite direction, aiming for a 20–25-point pullback. Pressure on the pair will return today if U.S. data is strong. Important! Before selling, make sure the MACD indicator is below the zero line and just starting to decline from it. Scenario #2: I also plan to sell the euro if there are two consecutive tests of 1.1821, at the moment when the MACD indicator is in the overbought area. This would limit the upward potential of the pair and trigger a reversal downward. A decline toward 1.1800 and 1.1766 can be expected. What's on the chart: Thin green line – entry price for buying the instrument;Thick green line – expected price for placing Take Profit or manually fixing profit, as further growth above this level is unlikely;Thin red line – entry price for selling the instrument;Thick red line – expected price for placing Take Profit or manually fixing profit, as further decline below this level is unlikely;MACD indicator – when entering the market, it is important to use overbought and oversold areas as guidance.Important. Beginner traders in the Forex market should be very cautious when making entry decisions. Before major fundamental reports are released, it is best to stay out of the market to avoid sharp price swings. If you decide to trade during news releases, always place stop orders to minimize losses. Without stop orders, you can lose your entire deposit very quickly, especially if you don't use money management and trade with large volumes. And remember, successful trading requires a clear trading plan, like the one presented above. Spontaneous trading decisions based on the current market situation are, by definition, a losing strategy for intraday traders. The material has been provided by InstaForex Company - www.instaforex.com

4% Rule Retirement Withdrawals: A Practical, Data-Informed Guide Executive Summary 4% rule retirement withdrawals provide a clear starting point for turning savings into inflation-adjusted income over a typical 30-year retirement. The approach begins with a 4% withdrawal in year one, then maintains the same dollar amount adjusted each year for inflation. Used with sensible flexibility, risk controls, and tax planning, it can anchor a dependable retirement paycheck without needless complexity. What 4% Rule Retirement Withdrawals Actually Mean The framework is simple by design. In the first year of retirement, you withdraw 4% of your total portfolio. In each subsequent year, you withdraw the same dollar amount plus an inflation adjustment. The goal is steady, predictable income that keeps pace with rising prices. Most research assumes a diversified mix of stocks and bonds and a 30-year horizon. Results depend on market returns, inflation, and disciplined rebalancing. Even so, 4% rule retirement withdrawals offer a practical benchmark that converts a lump sum into an understandable monthly paycheck. Where the Rule Came From and Why It Stuck The idea emerged from historical back-testing that asked a blunt question: what constant, inflation-adjusted withdrawal would have survived the worst 30-year stretches in market history for a balanced portfolio? Historic U.S. data show an initial ~4% withdrawal, adjusted for inflation, succeeded across every 30-year period in Bengen’s sample with 50–75% stocks, and Trinity-style replications report very high success rates (often ~95%+) for 4% real withdrawals over 30 years with balanced allocations. That record earned the method staying power. During strong return periods, portfolios commonly grow even while funding 4% inflation-adjusted withdrawals, leaving larger terminal wealth than at retirement start. In inflationary or stagnant periods, higher starting rates fail more often. The takeaway is practical, not theoretical. Begin near 4%, then adapt. How to Calculate Your Starting Withdrawal Total your investable assets. Include tax-deferred IRAs and 401(k)s, Roth accounts, and taxable brokerage funds. Multiply by 0.04. That figure is your year-one withdrawal. Create a monthly paycheck. Divide by 12 to set a consistent transfer to checking. Plan the annual step-up. Adjust last year’s dollar amount by the prior year’s CPI-U (or your plan’s chosen inflation index) to set the new year’s withdrawal. Illustrative Example Consider a $1,000,000 portfolio. Year one income is $40,000. If inflation runs 3% in year one, year two income becomes $41,200. The percentage withdrawn will float relative to market value, but the rule does not recalc the base unless you choose a more flexible variant. When 4% Rule Retirement Withdrawals Work Best Several conditions make the rule shine. Together they support stable income while protecting principal. Reasonable long-term returns. Stocks compound over time, and bonds add ballast. Moderate inflation. Annual raises stay aligned with portfolio growth. Disciplined rebalancing. You sell some winners and add to laggards, which controls risk. Flexible spending. You can pause extras or delay big purchases during down markets, even while the formula allows a raise. Under these conditions, 4% rule retirement withdrawals pair well with real-world spending habits and avoid unnecessary stress. Where 4% Rule Retirement Withdrawals Can Struggle No single rule can guarantee success. Three risks deserve focused attention and proactive planning. Sequence-of-Returns Risk Weak or negative returns early in retirement have outsized impact. If you withdraw a fixed inflation-adjusted amount while markets fall, the portfolio shrinks faster and has less fuel for recovery. Guardrails and cash reserves help counter this risk. High or Persistent Inflation Inflation automatically raises your paycheck. When price growth stays elevated, withdrawals rise quickly. If markets lag, the gap can strain the plan unless you cap raises or adopt a more flexible rule. Low Real Bond Yields Bonds reduce volatility, yet very low yields pull down expected returns. If stock returns are also subdued, a fixed 4% plus inflation path may run tight. Flexibility and annuity options can relieve pressure. Four Adjustments That Improve Your Odds Think of the 4% rule as a baseline. With a few small switches, you can reduce risk and keep lifestyle steady. 1) Guardrails Instead of a Fixed Raise Use researched ‘guardrail’ rules (e.g., Guyton-Klinger) that adjust spending up or down when a predefined threshold is breached, helping maintain sustainability without constant tinkering. 2) A Cash Bucket Covering Two to Three Years Holding roughly 1–3 years of withdrawals in cash or short-term bonds can reduce the need to sell risk assets in downturns, while recognizing that excess cash can modestly dampen long-run growth. Spend from this bucket during bear markets and refill it after strong years. This buffer means you avoid selling stocks at uncomfortable prices to pay the bills. 3) Partial Annuitization to Secure the Floor Use a portion of assets to buy a simple immediate annuity that covers non-discretionary bills. Social Security plus an annuity can fund housing, food, insurance, and utilities. The rest of your portfolio then supports flexible spending that can ebb and flow with markets. 4) Dynamic Spending Rules You Can Live With Inflation cap. Consider a spending ‘collar’ (for example, Vanguard’s dynamic-spending approach caps annual increases (e.g., +5%) and limits cuts (e.g., −2.5%) around a target), which can be paired with or instead of an inflation cap. Percent-of-portfolio method. Withdraw a constant percentage each year, say 4% to 4.5%, based on the current portfolio value. Income varies more, but the portfolio adjusts automatically. Skip the raise after down years. Hold last year’s dollar amount when the portfolio falls. Resume raises after recovery. Taxes and Account Order Matter More Than You Think Two retirees with identical portfolios can end with different after-tax outcomes. Smart sequencing can extend the life of 4% rule retirement withdrawals and reduce lifetime taxes. Know Your Account Types Tax-deferred. Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s are taxed as ordinary income when you withdraw. Roth. Roth IRA earnings are tax-free only on a qualified distribution (generally after age 59½ and once the 5-year holding period is met); earnings grow tax-free while inside the account. Taxable brokerage. In taxable accounts, interest is taxed at ordinary rates; qualified dividends and long-term capital gains are taxed at preferential 0%/15%/20% brackets when realized (non-qualified dividends are taxed at ordinary rates). Smart Sequencing Ideas Bridge-year conversions. Before required minimum distributions begin, consider modest Roth conversions while drawing cash from taxable accounts. This can smooth lifetime tax brackets. Gains and losses. Harvest gains strategically in low-income years and harvest losses to offset gains during market dips. Coordinate Social Security. Delaying Social Security past full retirement age increases your benefit via delayed-retirement credits (about 8% per year for those born in 1943 or later) until age 70; those deferral years can lower current taxable income and may create room for Roth conversions. Tax law evolves. The principle remains the same. Plan the order and size of withdrawals deliberately rather than letting taxes happen by accident. Social Security and Pensions: Your Essential Income Floor Your guaranteed income forms the base of your retirement budget. Social Security and any pension create the floor that covers essentials. The stronger that floor, the more freedom you have to vary portfolio withdrawals without stress. Delaying Social Security beyond full retirement age increases your monthly check by a set percentage each month (about 8% per year for those born 1943+), with no added increase after age 70. If you have family longevity or good health, that higher, inflation-adjusted income acts like insurance against outliving assets. If health concerns or cash-flow needs are urgent, earlier claiming may be sensible. Weigh taxes, risk tolerance, and household goals before deciding. Health Care and Long-Term Care: Plan for Lumpy Costs Medical spending can be irregular. Some years are light, while others spike because of surgeries or rehabilitation. Medicare helps at 65, yet premiums, deductibles, and uncovered services still add up. A dedicated health-care reserve or savings bucket prevents a single event from derailing your withdrawal plan. Most people become eligible for Medicare at 65; Part A/B coverage has premiums/deductibles, and Medicare generally doesn’t cover custodial long-term care, so plan for out-of-pocket or insurance solutions. Three Case Studies Case 1: Conservative Couple With a Strong Floor Bill and Mary have a $900,000 portfolio and receive $42,000 from Social Security. Their essential spending totals $70,000. 4% rule retirement withdrawals provide $36,000 in year one. Combined with Social Security, they cover the baseline and keep an $8,000 cushion for travel and gifts. They hold two years of withdrawals in cash. During a bear market, they pause the inflation raise and delay a car purchase. The plan stays on track, and they sleep well. Case 2: Moderate Assets, Flexible Wants Carla retires with $650,000 and delays Social Security until age 70. Essentials cost $48,000, and she wants $12,000 for travel and hobbies. She uses guardrails. In good years she takes an inflation raise. In down years she trims discretionary spending by 10% and skips the raise. She also performs Roth conversions in gap years before benefits begin. The result is lower lifetime taxes and a smoother ride under 4% rule retirement withdrawals. Case 3: Higher Spending, More Market Exposure Ron has $1.5 million and a pension that covers half of expenses. He wants $110,000 per year. The portfolio supplies $60,000 under the 4% framework, and the pension adds $50,000. He knows early-retirement market losses could threaten the plan. He sets aside three years of withdrawals in short-term bonds, halts raises after any down year, and staggers large purchases. With these tactics, 4% rule retirement withdrawals remain workable. Seven-Step Checklist to Build Your Plan Map spending. Separate essentials from wants. Include health care, taxes, and home maintenance. Estimate guaranteed income. Add Social Security, pensions, and annuities to define your floor. Set a starting rate. Use 4% as a baseline, then pressure-test 3.5% to 4.5% for your mix and risk tolerance. Choose a flexibility rule. Guardrails, percent-of-portfolio, inflation cap, or a hybrid. Document it. Stage your cash. Keep two to three years of withdrawals in cash or short-term bonds. Plan taxes. Decide which accounts to tap and whether to convert to Roth in low-tax years. Schedule reviews. Revisit annually. Confirm spending, rebalancing, and tax actions. Frequently Asked Questions Is the 4% rule too aggressive today? It depends on your asset mix, flexibility, and horizon. Recent research pegs a base-case starting rate around ~3.7% for a 30-year horizon, with higher or lower rates appropriate based on allocation and flexibility; if you need high confidence and limited flexibility, a rate in the mid-3% range is prudent. What if I retire earlier or later than typical? For longer horizons, consider a lower starting rate because assets must last more years. For shorter horizons, a slightly higher rate can be acceptable. Make changes deliberately and test them against realistic scenarios. Should I use a percent-of-portfolio method instead? With a fixed percentage, income tracks market value automatically. The tradeoff is variability. Many retirees prefer a hybrid, using fixed withdrawals for essentials and variable withdrawals for discretionary items. How much cash is enough? Two to three years of withdrawals is a common target. Less than one year can force sales at poor prices, while much more can slow long-term growth. How do required minimum distributions fit? RMDs from tax-deferred accounts are mandatory withdrawals that increase taxable income; coordinate by reducing other withdrawals to keep total spending constant. If you don’t need the cash, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (from an IRA, age 70½+) can satisfy part or all of the RMD and exclude that amount from your income (annual QCD limits are indexed: $105,000 for 2024 and $108,000 for 2025). What about big one-time purchases? Plan them in advance. Save toward the purchase or schedule it for a recovery year. You can also break a large expense into staged payments to reduce pressure on the portfolio. Practical Tips for a Smoother Retirement Paycheck Rebalance annually. Restore your target mix by trimming what outperformed and adding to what lagged. Automate income. Set monthly transfers from investment accounts to checking so your life runs on autopilot. Review insurance. Revisit Medicare choices, Medigap or Advantage, and property insurance each year. Keep costs low. Favor diversified, low-fee funds. Expenses compound against you over time. Document the rules. Write down your withdrawal policy, cash-bucket rules, rebalancing schedule, and the triggers that change them. Putting 4% Rule Retirement Withdrawals in Context Think of the rule as cruise control. On flat stretches, it works well. On steep hills, you might tap the brakes or add gas. 4% rule retirement withdrawals translate a portfolio into a predictable paycheck. Your adjustments handle the terrain you actually face. Because life changes, your plan should evolve. Markets shift, tax law moves, and health needs appear. A light-touch review each year preserves simplicity while keeping your strategy aligned with reality. Bottom Line on 4% Rule Retirement Withdrawals 4% rule retirement withdrawals offer a practical, time-tested way to turn savings into income that keeps up with inflation. Use the 4% starting point, then tailor the plan to your income floor, taxes, and risk tolerance. Add guardrails, stage a cash reserve, and coordinate account withdrawals. Review annually and make small adjustments when markets or personal needs change. With that approach, 4% rule retirement withdrawals become a dependable system rather than a rigid formula. Key Takeaways Start at 4% in year one, then adjust the same dollar amount for inflation each year. Protect against early losses with guardrails, rebalancing, and a two-to-three-year cash bucket. Coordinate withdrawals with Social Security timing, Roth conversions, and RMDs to reduce lifetime taxes. Customize the framework to your risk tolerance, health, and flexibility so it fits your life. Revisit the plan annually to keep 4% rule retirement withdrawals aligned with markets and goals. The post 4% Rule Explained: A Guide to Retirement Withdrawals first appeared on American Bullion.

Bitcoin (BTC) is trading in a sideways consolidation phase after hitting its all-time high near $124,000, with volatility keeping investors cautious. The price has been fluctuating in a relatively tight range, showing resilience but also failing to establish a clear directional trend. For many traders, this period feels like the calm before a potential breakout, as the market sits at what analysts describe as a pivotal setting. While short-term traders navigate intraday moves, long-term investors are focusing on structural signals that could define Bitcoin’s next phase. Top analyst Maartunn recently highlighted a significant on-chain dynamic: dormant whale coins are increasingly moving, and these transfers appear closely connected to recent price swings. Historically, such movements have often preceded stronger market reactions, either reinforcing bullish momentum or triggering corrective phases. This alignment between dormant whale activity and price volatility is fueling speculation that a decisive move may be imminent. With Bitcoin consolidating near critical levels, the coming days could set the tone for whether BTC attempts another push toward its highs or corrects further. Dormant Bitcoin Movements Align With Fed Decision According to onchain analyst Maartunn, a remarkable event just unfolded: 7,547 BTC aged between 3–5 years have moved onchain. This is no small occurrence, as coins of this age bracket are often considered firmly in the hands of long-term holders. Their sudden activity has historically acted as a precursor to major market moves. Maartunn emphasizes that investors should carefully note how this metric has consistently aligned with sharp price reactions in recent months. In his analysis, Maartunn presents data showing that every time this specific group of dormant coins becomes active, the Bitcoin market reacts with significant volatility. These swings can be bullish or bearish, but the common denominator is that they rarely go unnoticed. Essentially, when whales who have held coins for several years begin moving them, it signals strategic repositioning that tends to ripple across the broader market. This latest movement coincides with one of the most pivotal macroeconomic events of the year—the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision, scheduled for this week. The Fed’s choice, whether to cut rates by 25bps or 50bps, will dictate investor sentiment across all risk assets. For Bitcoin, the timing of dormant whale activity could amplify the impact of this decision, potentially setting the stage for a massive price swing in the days ahead. With BTC consolidating around $115K, the convergence of long-term whale moves and macroeconomic uncertainty underscores the fragility of the current market structure. Traders and investors alike are bracing for what could be the beginning of Bitcoin’s next decisive trend, fueled by both on-chain signals and global monetary policy. Technical Analysis: Testing Resistance Levels The 4-hour chart shows Bitcoin consolidating around $115,555, with the price holding above both the 50-day and 100-day moving averages, currently at $114,341 and $112,378, respectively. This setup indicates short-term bullish momentum, as BTC managed to defend higher lows after its September rebound. The next major resistance lies near $116,000, where sellers are actively defending. A breakout above this zone could open the path toward the key $123,217 resistance, last tested in mid-August. However, repeated failures to clear $116K increase the risk of short-term exhaustion, especially with uncertainty ahead of tomorrow’s Fed rate decision. On the downside, support is established around the $114,000 region, which aligns with the 50-day SMA. Losing this level could push BTC back toward $112,000, where both the 100-day SMA and prior demand clusters converge. As long as BTC holds above $112K, the broader structure remains constructive. Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

Gold extended its record-settling rally on Tuesday, breaking above the $3,700 mark for the first time ever, as bets continue to pile in for a Federal Reserve rate cut this week. Spot gold hit $3,702.84 per ounce for a new all-time high during the morning trading. It has since retreated to the $3,685 level, but remains above the previous record set on Monday. US gold futures shot up to $3,739.90 per ounce, before experiencing a similar pullback. Click on chart for live prices. The gains were supported by a falling US dollar, now sitting at lows not seen since July. A potential US rate cut this week, which has largely been priced in by the markets, has also been fueling the rally. In addition to the September cut, traders are also anticipating more rate reductions by the end of the year, as a string of US data gave indications of a weak labour market and no major inflation surprises. This would provide further boosts to gold, which tends to perform well under low-rate environments. “Global growth uncertainty and geopolitical risk continue to keep haven demand high, but the gold rally is being driven largely by anticipation of aggressive rate cuts from the Federal Reserve,” Zain Vawda, analyst at MarketPulse by OANDA, told Reuters. Gold’s hot run Bullion has now surged about 41% since the start of the year, outpacing major assets such as the S&P 500 index, and recently surpassed its inflation-adjusted peak reached in 1980. Analysts say the rally has been driven by a potent mix of sustained central bank buying, intensifying safe-haven flows and a global shift away from the US dollar. An increasing investment appetite has led to multiple banks adjusting their bullish forecasts for gold, with UBS recently upgrading its year-end target to $3,800. Earlier this month, Goldman Sachs said prices could even approach $5,000 an ounce if just 1% of privately-held US Treasuries shift to the precious metal. (With files from Reuters)

WTI prices have been erratic, even without a clear direction in the past few weeks. WTI Oil has been moving sideways, gradually decreasing, since early July. Forming an initial range from $65 to $70, then taking steps towards lower levels, August led another consolidation between $62 to $66. With Russia announcing it is close to reduce its oil output due to the heavy (and successful) drone attacks, prices have began an impulsive move higher. Moving towards the final months of the year, headlines still revolve around higher OPEC+ output but also a continuing Ukraine-Russia war (Trump said a few lines on this earlier), which notably shook up yearly flows throughout Ukraine’s efficacious attacks on Black gold, sold at a huge discount to sponsor the Russian aggression. At one point, Russian refinery production was reduced by 1/5, as mentioned in a recent Reuters piece. Despite this heavy supply, supplemental tariffs on russian oil buyers have formed consequent reversals at the recently reached quarterly lows. Friday seemed to provide an initial spike with Trump’s latest tariff headlines (as highlighted in our previous Oil piece) but quickly followed up with a selloff going into the weekend. This week, however, commodities are seeing a huge boost with LME Copper prices hitting new highs, Silver and Gold rallying yet again, and energy commodities seeing a heavy boost. The common denominator, the US Dollar, is getting ravaged, which helps this ongoing rally. Trump's Chief Economist Miran has been signed to join the FED as an intermediate member, right before the FOMC meeting began, which has contributed to further weakness in the USD (= FED Independence challenged), giving a further boost to US Oil prices. Anyway, let's have a close look at Oil charts and levels to see how the current flows are changing the previous narrative. Has a bottom been found for petrol? Read More:Guide to the FOMC statement and September SEP: Key takeaways and what to watchSwiss franc leads majors as US session begins and reclaims 2025 crownGold (XAU/USD) Soars to Breach $3700/oz. FOMC Meeting Next, Will the Rally Continue?US Oil 1H Chart US Oil 1H Chart, September 16, 2026 – Source: TradingView The double bottom mentioned in Friday's analysis has indeed come into play despite the breakout not gaining direct traction (prices first retraced to the lows of the $63 support). However, with the current impulsive move breaking the $63.84 range-high resistance, Oil prices don't have much to stop them before the $65.5 to $66 Pivot region (Blue square). The 1H RSI is not in overbought territory just yet and prices are forming an imminent tight bull channel (bull candles overlapping each other, valid until one bear candle closes below the previous). The current pre-FOMC volatility is rare, so expect tomorrow to be even more volatile, particularly depending on what Jerome Powell says. Let's take a small step back to spot where we are on the bigger picture. WTI Oil 8H Chart After forming a double bottom at the lows of its intraday descending channel, Oil is heading higher on strong bull candles. The two 8H bullish candles formed after yesterday's 1% up-move have helped to breach the 50-period Moving Average. With RSI momentum also going in positive territory, the only hurdle for sellers will be the mid-level of the channel. Such momentum will find it difficult to hold such a line (which tends to act more on indecisive moves). Follow the strong flows from today's session and look at the US Dollar (EURUSD or DXY are two good guides to today's action) Levels to place on your WTI charts: Resistance Levels Higher timeframe pivot $65 to $66200-period MA 66.42July mid-range $67 resistanceSupport Levels 50-period MA $64May range Support $63 to $64 (currently testing)Current consolidation lows $61.84 to $62$60.5 Low of May Range Safe Trades! Follow Elior on Twitter/X for Additional Market News, interactions and Insights @EliorManier Opinions are the authors'; not necessarily that of OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc. or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. The provided publication is for informational and educational purposes only. If you would like to reproduce or redistribute any of the content found on MarketPulse, an award winning forex, commodities and global indices analysis and news site service produced by OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc., please refer to the MarketPulse Terms of Use. Visit https://www.marketpulse.com/ to find out more about the beat of the global markets. © 2025 OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.

PayPal is reshaping the way money moves across apps, borders, and currencies with its new launch – PayPal Links. This is a new feature that lets users send or receive money through a one-time personalized link. For the first time, crypto is a part of the experience. Users can now transfer Bitcoin ($BTC), Ethereum ($ETH), PayPal USD ($PYUSD), and more, directly to PayPal, Venmo, and even some external wallets. The roll-out will begin in the US before expanding to international markets later this year. These upgrades are all a part of the PayPal World framework, which aims to connect billions of wallets globally. This move is a milestone for crypto adoption, pushing peer-to-peer payments beyond speculation and into a real everyday use. Within this context, the spotlight is increasingly likely to soon turn to solutions like the Best Wallet app and its $BEST token. This versatile wallet app offers decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) experiences with a lot more flexibility than those offered by PayPal. PayPal Links: Mainstream Evolution of Peer-to-Peer PayPal Links introduces a new, streamlined way to handle P2P payments. By creating a personalized, one-time link, users can request or send funds and drop it into any conversion over text, email, or chat. Each link is private, expires after 10 days if unclaimed, and ensures that funds are transferred instantly once accepted via PayPal’s app. However, the most significant part of this launch is crypto integration. With PayPal Links, users can also send $BTC, $ETH, $PYUSD, and more across not just PayPal and Venmo, but also other wallet apps. This closes the gap between mainstream banking apps and crypto-native rails, allowing millions of users to interact with crypto in a familiar P2P flow. By embedding crypto into everyday transfers, PayPal is helping legitimize digital assets as a part of everyday life, setting the stage for broader adoption across both traditional and decentralized ecosystems. Why This Matters for Crypto Adoption Peer-to-peer payments were one of the core tenets of Satoshi Nakamoto’s original vision for Bitcoin. PayPal’s latest update brings that vision one step closer to fruition. With 400M+ active accounts, PayPal’s integration of $BTC, $ETH, $PYUSD, and other crypto assets instantly expands the global reach of crypto payments. Venmo is already seeing its highest total payment volume growth in three years, suggesting strong consumer appetite for digital-first transfers. Stablecoins add another dimension to this. PayPal’s $PYUSD is being positioned for cross-border transactions, where the stablecoin rails are estimated to cut remittance costs by up to 95%. Combined with the PayPal World framework, which connects potentially billions of wallets, the stage is being set for faster, borderless movement of money. For investors, this development doesn’t just strengthen crypto’s utility. It also highlights the growing demand for the best hot wallets – like the Best Wallet app, which extends P2P functionality beyond PayPal’s centralized rails, and into full Web3 ecosystems. Best Wallet: The Next-Gen Crypto Gateway PayPal’s move to integrate crypto into P2P payments marks a milestone. However, it still functions as a centralized bridge. That leaves an opportunity for crypto-native solutions like Best Wallet, a self-custodial, multi-chain, AI-powered Web3 wallet designed to take P2P finance to the next level. Best Wallet already offers a smooth, PayPal-like user experience, but with true wallet-to-wallet interoperability between blockchains and dApps. The narrative is clear: PayPal is normalizing crypto for hundreds of millions of users, and many will seek out wallets that provide improved flexibility, security, and decentralization that PayPal cannot. That fits in extremely well with Best Wallet’s plan to dominate 40% of the global crypto wallet market by the end of next year. And it’s using the Best Wallet Token to nail the brief. How $BEST Is Driving Global Domination Best Wallet’s native $BEST token powers utilities like higher staking rewards, governance rights, fee discounts, access to presales, and loyalty perks. This gives you financial incentives far beyond what traditional fintech apps like PayPal can offer. From an investor perspective, $BEST is perfectly positioned as a high-upside retail play that complements Bitcoin and Ethereum’s utility in this new era of payments. We’re already seeing investors catch on to this, too. The Best Wallet Token ($BEST) presale has raised close to $16M and is attracting more mindshare on social media by the day. And considering its place alongside PayPal’s narrative, this figure is likely to grow significantly. Right now, you can buy $BEST for $0.025645 and stake it for 83% APY. Take a look at our How to Buy the Best Wallet Token guide to do just that. From centralized rails to decentralized gateways, money is moving faster and more globally than ever before. And $BEST could be one of the biggest winners as P2P adoption continues to accelerate. Our Best Wallet Token price prediction shows that $BEST has the potential to reach $0.035215 by the end of the year – and $0.07 by 2030. That’s a significant ROI of 37.3% and 172.9% respectively. So, be sure to grab your spot in the Best Wallet Token presale before the crowd catches on. Authored by Aaron Walker, NewsBTC – www.newsbtc.com/news/paypal-crypto-p2p-payments-best-wallet

Titan Mining (TSX: TI) said it will start commissioning a new graphite demonstration facility in upstate New York – a key step toward building the first integrated US graphite supply chain in more than 70 years. Commissioning of the plant is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter, Vancouver-based Titan said Tuesday in a statement. Product qualification and sales should start early next year. The facility – located on Titan’s Empire State mine property in Gouverneur, NY, next to an operating zinc mill – is designed to process natural flake graphite from the company’s Kilbourne graphite mine. Titan, the fourth-largest zinc producer in the US, aims to supply graphite for battery, defense and industrial applications. The plant is about 170 km north of Syracuse. “Today marks a pivotal moment for US graphite independence,” Titan CEO Rita Adiani said in the statement. “We have fast-tracked the construction of the facility which represents a critical step toward establishing a secure, domestic supply of graphite in the United States.” All the natural graphite used in the US is imported, with China accounting for about half of supply. Both the US Department of Energy and the Department of Defense have designated graphite as a critical mineral for batteries, semiconductors, and defense systems. Planned expansion Titan’s new facility will initially be capable of producing 1,200 tonnes of graphite a year. A planned expansion to 40,000 tonnes would enable Titan to supply about half of the domestic natural graphite market, according to the company. Federal and state officials, including Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, State Senator Mark Walczyk and Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, toured the site last week. Kilbourne was discovered in 2023. The deposit comprises an open pit constrained inferred resource of 22 million short tons at an average grade of 2.91% graphitic carbon for contained graphite of 653,000 tons, Titan said in its maiden resource estimate in December. Titan shares rose 0.7% to C$1.46 Tuesday morning in Toronto, giving the company a market value of about C$199 million.

Sunrise Energy Metals (ASX: SRL), an Australian scandium explorer backed by Robert Friedland, is being lined for a potential loan from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) for its Syerston project in central New South Wales. As stated in a letter of interest, announced by the company Tuesday, EXIM would provide a debt financing up to $67 million. Based on current estimates, this amount represents approximately half of the project development costs, the company said. The Syerston project, located 450 km west of Sydney, hosts one of the world’s largest and highest-grade scandium deposits, with nearly 46 million tonnes of measured and indicated resources at a grade of 414 parts per million. The resource was recently updated and has double the contained metal (19,000 tonnes) over its previous estimate. The EXIM, in its letter, cited the Syerston scandium project as a potential candidate to support the development of a reliable and secure supply chains for the US industry. The mineral sits at the heart of some of the most important civilian and defence sector technologies, from semiconductors that power mobile communications to aerospace and automotive applications. The US accounts for approximately 90% of the overall demand, but its rival China controls most of its supply, making the mineral easily exposed to supply chain disruptions. “Global supply remains tight since China’s export controls were imposed in April 2025, positioning Syerston as a strategically important source for future scandium supply,” Sunrise’s managing director Sam Riggall said in a press release last week. Friedland, co-chair of Sunrise, said the letter from EXIM underscores the importance of scandium to the US, with the metal serving as a critical component in key sectors. “As a key ally of the United States, Australia’s significant endowment of strategic metals positions it to be an important supplier in the future,” he stated. Should the company proceed with a formal loan application, the bank will conduct due diligence to determine if a final lending commitment would be made based on its criteria and the project’s eligibility. “We are encouraged by this strong show of support by EXIM for the financing and development of the Syerston scandium project. We expect it to strengthen our engagement with customers to secure off-take arrangements as we move the project towards a final investment decision and development,” Riggall added. The company is currently in the process of completing a feasibility study for Syerston, expected in mid- to late October 2025. In addition to Syerston, Sunrise also holds a nickel-cobalt project in NSW. This project, which shares the same name as the company, is said to host the largest cobalt deposit outside the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a contained cobalt resource of 170,000 tonnes.

Highland Copper (TSXV: HI) has received a significant boost for its Copperwood project in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM) issuing a non-binding letter of interest for up to $250 million in debt financing. The potential funding would cover a substantial share of the project’s estimated $400 million capital cost, moving one of the United States’ few fully permitted copper developments closer to construction. The proposed support comes under Washington’s Make More in America initiative, aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains for critical minerals, and could also qualify under EXIM’s China and Transformational Exports program. Shares of Highland Copper were up 9% on Tuesday morning, giving the company a market capitalization of C$88.4 million (US$64.3 million). Copperwood is fully permitted and backed by a completed feasibility study. The underground operation is designed with a mine life of more than 10 years, processing about 6,800 tonnes per day. Highland Copper is advancing detailed engineering as it prepares for a construction decision. Copperwood will be mined using the room-and-pillar underground method, with an estimated processing rate of 6,800 tonnes per day. Once in operation, the project will produce a copper concentrate for shipment to smelters, adding new domestic supply at a time when US policymakers are prioritizing secure access to critical minerals. While the Export-Import Bank’s letter indicates strong interest, it is non-binding. A final commitment will depend on a full financing application, due diligence, underwriting, and board approval. The bank has outlined an initial repayment schedule of 11 years. CEO Barry O’Shea said the potential financing highlights Copperwood’s strategic importance for US copper supply and its role in the region’s economy. “Copperwood will provide a reliable domestic source of copper, support Michigan’s economy and operate responsibly, aligned to Michigan’s stringent environmental standards,” he said.