Money

Why the world is right to worry about China’s economy

Published

2 years ago

September 6, 2023

ticker NEWS

China’s economic stability is increasingly under scrutiny as it grapples with deflation and a host of internal challenges.

The country saw a decline in consumer prices in July, marking the first time this has occurred in over two years.

Several factors are contributing to China’s economic downturn. These include a rising burden of local government debt, weakened imports and exports, difficulties in the housing market, and a surge in youth unemployment.

These issues are causing unease not only within China but also among global observers. Concerns are growing about the potential repercussions for the international economy.

China’s economic health is increasingly seen as a barometer of the global economy, and any significant downturn in the world’s second-largest economy could have far-reaching consequences.

Country Garden deal

Country Garden, one of China’s largest property developers, has found itself ensnared in a dire financial crisis, with estimated debts of 1.43 trillion yuan ($196 billion) recorded by the close of 2022. This week, the company reported staggering losses of 48.9 billion yuan for the first half of this year.

These ominous developments have ignited widespread concerns that the beleaguered company could face a collapse, potentially sending shockwaves through China’s already beleaguered economy. The nation is grappling with record-high levels of youth unemployment and a decline in consumer spending.

China’s remarkable economic ascent has, in large part, been fueled by the property and construction sectors, which collectively constitute approximately a quarter of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

In a significant move to stave off an immediate financial catastrophe, Country Garden’s bondholders convened this week to vote on the postponement of a 3.9 billion yuan ($535 million) bond repayment, providing the company with a lifeline to regain its financial footing. Had the bondholders rejected this extension, Country Garden would have faced the ignominious distinction of becoming the largest Chinese real estate firm to default since its rival, Evergrande, encountered a similar fate in 2021.

However, the latest reports suggest that bondholders have decided to grant Country Garden a reprieve, agreeing to extend the bond repayment deadline until 2026. The company itself has yet to officially confirm the outcome of the vote.

Money

Gold plunges as investors react to Middle East ceasefire

Gold prices fall over 2% to below $4,000, as investors shift from safe-haven assets after Gaza ceasefire news.

Published

2 days ago

October 10, 2025

ticker NEWS

Gold prices fall over 2% to below $4,000, as investors shift from safe-haven assets after Gaza ceasefire news.

Gold prices have fallen sharply, dropping over two per cent to below $4,000 per ounce, as investors took profits following the announcement of a Gaza ceasefire agreement. The deal between Israel and Hamas triggered a shift away from safe-haven assets, with silver and platinum also sliding.

The U.S. dollar strengthened as markets responded to the news, making precious metals more expensive for foreign buyers. Analysts say the pullback is likely temporary, with long-term demand for gold and silver expected to remain strong amid global instability and rising debt levels.

Market experts warn that volatility will continue as geopolitical tensions persist, even as short-term optimism grows around the Middle East peace process.

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Money

Gold and silver prices drop after Gaza ceasefire

Gold dips below $4,000/oz amid profit-taking and Gaza ceasefire; silver also softens from record highs

Published

2 days ago

October 10, 2025

Ahron Young

Gold dips below $4,000/oz amid profit-taking and Gaza ceasefire; silver also softens from record highs

In Short:
– Gold prices fell over 2% to below $4,000 per ounce due to a stronger dollar and profit-taking.
– Silver eased to $48.93 per ounce, influenced by market activity and ongoing high demand despite supply issues.

Gold prices fell over 2% on Thursday, dropping below $4,000 per ounce. The decline followed a strong rise earlier in the year and was influenced by a stronger dollar and profit-taking after a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.Spot gold decreased to $3,959.48 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures for December delivery settled at $3,972.6.

Silver also experienced a slight decline, easing from its record high to $48.93 per ounce. The dollar index increased, making gold more expensive for overseas buyers.

Traders noted increased activity in the market as profit-taking coincided with reduced tensions in a historically volatile region.

An independent metals trader stated that while gold and silver may need to consolidate further, the underlying demand drivers remain intact.

Market Overview

Gold surpassed $4,000 per ounce on Wednesday, reaching $4,059.05, boosted by geopolitical tensions and strong demand from central banks. The asset has gained about 52% this year, reflecting a significant increase due to various economic factors. The U.S. central bank’s decision to cut rates in September also contributed to the rally, with expectations for future cuts in the coming months.

Silver’s price increase of 69% this year is tied closely to similar economic trends impacting gold. Notably, liquidity issues in the silver market are being exacerbated by strong demand and tight supply conditions. Other precious metals, such as platinum and palladium, also saw declines during this period.

Money

North Korean hackers steal $2 billion in crypto

North Korean hackers steal over $2 billion in cryptocurrency, marking the largest annual total in history

Published

3 days ago

October 9, 2025

Ahron Young

North Korean hackers steal over $2 billion in cryptocurrency, marking the largest annual total in history

In Short:
– North Korean hackers stole over $2 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025, nearly tripling last year’s total.
– A shift to social engineering tactics has led to increased targeting of high-net-worth individuals for cyber attacks.

North Korean hackers have reportedly stolen over $2 billion in cryptocurrency assets in 2025, setting a record with three months still left in the year.

Data from blockchain analytics firm Elliptic indicates that this amount nearly triples the total stolen last year, accounting for approximately 13% of North Korea’s estimated GDP and raising the regime’s total crypto theft to over $6 billion since 2017.

A significant portion of the 2025 theft is attributed to the February hack of cryptocurrency exchange Bybit, which amounted to $1.46 billion.

The FBI has linked this breach to state-sponsored North Korean hackers, who exploited weaknesses in Bybit’s wallet management system. More than 30 additional cyber attacks have also been associated with North Korea this year, including notable breaches at LND.fi and WOO X.

Shift In Tactics

A shift in methodology among North Korean hackers has been observed, as they now focus on social engineering rather than technical exploits. According to Elliptic, the primary vulnerability lies with individuals rather than technology.

High-net-worth individuals and corporate executives are increasingly targeted due to their relatively weaker security measures.

The hackers utilise deceptive tactics, including phishing schemes and fake job offers, to access private cryptocurrency wallets. Intelligence reports suggest that the stolen funds are used to finance North Korea’s nuclear programmes.

The regime has also improved its money laundering techniques by employing various cryptocurrencies and mixing methods to obscure fund origins. Blockchain analysts are actively tracking these stolen assets, with notable progress achieved in identifying recoverable funds.