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Donald Trump directed his Secretary of Labor Thursday to reevaluate past guidance on 401(k) regulation in a win for private equity that could unlock trillions in assets. Getty Images President Donald Trump signed his long-awaited executive order paving the way for 401(k) providers to offer access to private equity investments on Thursday, opening the floodgates to what the private equity industry has long salivated over, as a huge untapped reserve of funds. With $12.2 trillion in defined contribution workplace accounts like 401(k)s and another $16.8 trillion in individual retirement accounts, according to the Investment Company Institute, individuals’ retirement savings could prove spectacularly fruitful for Wall Street if even a small amount of them are allocated to private equity and credit. But these and other alternative assets typically come with higher fees, and plan administrators and sponsors (meaning employers) have been concerned courts could rule that they are breaching their fiduciary obligations under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 by offering these products. “The challenge that has slowed adoption in defined contribution has really been from a litigation standpoint—plan sponsors are reluctant to make available investments that include private markets for fear of being sued,” says Dan Cahill, head of U.S. defined contribution at Swiss-based private equity firm Partners Group. “It will be on the Secretary of Labor to understand how we can stifle that litigation to allow for innovation to occur.” Thursday’s executive order aims to provide legal cover to sponsors, asking the Secretary of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, to review and consider rescinding guidance issued by President Joe Biden’s labor department that was read as discouraging the prospect of private assets in 401(k)s. The order also covers other alternative asset classes like real estate and cryptocurrencies. It doesn’t put any policy into effect immediately and simply asks Chavez-DeRemer to clarify this guidance within 180 days, but it didn’t take that long for Chavez DeRemer to hint that her conclusion will be in favor of private equity. “The federal government should not be making retirement investment decisions for hardworking Americans, including decisions regarding alternative assets,” she said in a statement shortly after the executive order was signed, adding that the order supports efforts to “eliminate unfair one-size-fits-all approaches” to retirement investing. Private equity firms that have been clamoring for looser regulations ever since Trump reclaimed the presidency are finally getting their wish, following a springtime marked by tariff-fueled uncertainty that slowed dealflow and fundraising efforts. Most of the biggest players in private equity have been laying the groundwork to court more retail investors all year—Blackstone teamed up with Vanguard and Wellington Management in April to develop strategies combining public and private markets, one of several partnerships that have sprouted up among blue-chip firms. Skeptics fear that high fees and more complex investing strategies will do more harm than good to retirees. Private equity evangelists counter that with fewer companies going public in the last 20 years, diversified access to the entire market needs to include private equity, the same way index funds gave investors access to the whole stock market 50 years ago. Plus, those who have or are still earning traditional pensions have long reaped the rewards of private equity, with public pension funds allocating 23% of their portfolios to alternatives on average, while 401(k) savers haven’t had the same options. “For decades, public pension funds have invested in private assets because they deliver strong returns over the long term and are a smart, safe way to diversify retirement savings,” said Will Dunham, president and CEO of the American Investment Council, a private equity lobbying organization, in a statement echoing the language of the executive order. “President Trump’s EO is a great step that will help all Americans enjoy the same benefits of stronger returns.” Partners Group, which launched a private equity fund aimed at the U.S. defined contribution market in 2015, has been at the forefront of lobbying the federal government since then, arguing for more protection against excessive fee lawsuits. Trump’s Labor Department sent a lawyer representing the firm an information letter in 2020 expressing openness to private markets in 401(k) plans, but when Biden took office a year later, that progress was reversed. Today, Partners Group has a modest sum of about $125 million of the firm’s $174 billion in assets in its U.S. defined contribution products, Cahill says, and will have to accelerate working alongside its private equity peers to develop and market products that will be suitable for retirement accounts. Cahill stresses that the best avenue for private equity in 401(k)s is through professionally-managed target date funds or other diversified managed accounts, instead of as a separate option on a menu that individual workers choose from. Marc Pinto, global head of private credit at Moody’s, anticipates that the executive order will lead to a proliferation of products like so-called evergreen funds which offer periodic liquidity, but cautions that “if these new investments don’t live up to their promise, asset managers could face lawsuits and regulatory heat.” Moody’s has also raised concerns about blending illiquid assets with flexible withdrawal features, and it will likely take time before major retirement plan providers like Vanguard and Fidelity develop mainstream products addressing these concerns. The ideal endgame for private equity firms is to be incorporated into target date funds, which have grown to hold about $4 trillion in assets and are now the default investment option in many 401(k) plans. These funds offer daily liquidity, but proponents of private equity argue there will be ways to incorporate small allocations to illiquid alternatives without introducing excessive risk. “Target date funds will always be daily liquid, but there is a sentiment that everything within the target date fund must also be daily liquid, and I think that will evolve,” says Cahill. “These funds have smart managers who have been managing portfolios for a long time. They’ll know exactly what they can access and what’s best to access at the right times.” More from Forbes ForbesInside Private Equity’s $29

Pi Network’s price has slipped into the red zone once more, falling 7% in the last 24 hours to trade at around $0.39. This drop comes amid debates about when – or if – Binance will finally list Pi Coin. The Buzz Around August 15 The speculation about a possible August 15 listing did not come out of nowhere. Back in February, Binance Square ran a poll that attracted nearly 295,000 participants. A massive 86% of them voted in favour of Pi Coin’s listing, showing strong community support. Recently, a user directly asked crypto analyst Dr. Altcoin: “What do you think of August 15? Will Binance list Pi?” Expert Says: Not Yet Dr. Altcoin responded that he does not believe Binance will list Pi Coin in August. He also said the Pi Core Team (PCT) is not yet ready to fully disclose its Open Mainnet roadmap or tokenomics. In his view, it’s still a “waiting game” for both the community and the exchange. Why the Delay? According to Dr. Altcoin, Binance is well aware of Pi’s strong foundation, large community base, and significant potential. At the same time, the PCT is taking a slow and calculated approach – perfecting the Pi blockchain, running stress tests, and fine-tuning the system before going public. Question Asked: What do you think of August 15? Will Binance list Pi? My Answer: I have addressed this question before. I do not think Binance is ready to list Pi in August, and I also do not believe the Pi Core Team is ready to be fully transparent about its Open Mainnet… — Dr Altcoin (@Dr_Picoin) August 10, 2025 Pi Network currently has over 400,000 active nodes, making it one of the most distributed blockchain networks in the world. Experts believe it could process huge transaction volumes at high speed once fully operational. Dr. Altcoin remains bullish on Pi’s future, saying he has a five-year investment outlook and continues to buy Pi weekly. Whether Binance lists the coin now or later, he says, does not change his strategy. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

The latest Ripple news is shaking the market, but it’s the quiet accumulation in GambleFi upstart Rollblock that could matter more right now. As Ripple deals with a new downgrade and a high-profile Wall Street jab, Rollblock continues to attract the kind of big-money accumulation rarely seen in early-stage presale projects.  Top analysts see RBLK as a serious contender for 50x returns in 2025, making it one of the top cryptocurrencies to watch in the months ahead. Rollblock Sees Surge in Whale Activity Savvy whales and institutional players are quietly building significant positions in Rollblock (RBLK), drawn to its blend of Web3 innovation, deflationary tokenomics, and consistent revenue generation.  The platform’s 12,000+ AI-powered games span poker, blackjack, and live sports prediction leagues, all backed by a Gaming Anjouan license and a SolidProof audit for maximum transparency. Deposits can be made via Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, and Mastercard, with every payout locked into the Ethereum blockchain to guarantee fairness and complete transparency. RBLK’s staking crypto model is designed to keep supply tight while generously rewarding loyal holders. Up to 30% of the platform’s revenue is used to buy back tokens from the market – 60% of these buybacks are burned to reduce the total supply, and the remaining 40% funds are used for staking rewards of up to 30% APY.  With a hard cap of one billion tokens, it’s a low market cap crypto positioned superbly for long-term value appreciation, and this built-in scarcity is exactly what sets the presale apart from the flood of other iGaming tokens that lack both supply discipline and a true deflationary model. Key points for investors include:  • Over $15 million in bets processed• Revenue-backed, deflationary buyback-and-burn cycle• Fully regulated with transparent operations• Presale is selling fast at $0.068, raising $11.4 million• Major exchange listings due later this year Watch the full lowdown from Freddie Finance right here: https://youtu.be/qztj3p8uy_c?si=U1TVQ94C6Anvi6Vp and see what has him so excited! XRP Battles the Critics XRP is trading at $3.28 today https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/xrp/, up 13.77% in the last week of trading despite a round of criticism from Wall Street veteran Fred Krueger. In a post that lit up social media, he claimed “not one actual human being” uses XRP for anything real. His comments triggered a wave of community pushback, with former Ripple director Matt Hamilton replying: “I literally just sent some XRP to help out a friend. I am in the UK, they are in the US. It was the easiest, cheapest, and fastest way.” This public spat has reignited the debate over Ripple’s cryptocurrency use case. Supporters point to XRP’s ledger transactions for NFTs and DeFi tokens, while critics argue these are niche activities.  For investors comparing the top altcoins, the question now is whether XRP can grow adoption fast enough to compete with high-potential crypto plays like Rollblock. Ripple Vs. RBLK Comparison  Token Price Market Cap Revenue Share Potential Upside RBLK $0.068 Low 30%  50x+ Ripple $3.28 Very High None 2x–4x Could Rollblock Outperform Ripple? While Ripple dominates news headlines for its community’s defense against Wall Street critics, Rollblock is pulling in whales with its scarcity, revenue model, and institutional-ready structure. In a year where capital is chasing the best altcoins and the next big crypto plays, the gap between sentiment and fundamentals could not be clearer.  For investors seeking the best low market cap crypto with a legitimate path to 50x returns, the smart money already knows which way to move. Discover the Exciting Opportunities of the Rollblock (RBLK) Presale Today! Website: https://presale.rollblock.io/ Socials: https://linktr.ee/rollblockcasino  Disclaimer and Risk Warning The content featured on Coinpedia’s press release page is provided for informational purposes only. Coinpedia does not endorse, verify, or take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any press releases or associated materials. Any views, opinions, or statements expressed in these press releases are those of the respective issuers and do not reflect the opinions or positions of Coinpedia. Coinpedia is not liable for any content, products, services, or actions mentioned in the press releases. Readers should independently verify the information before taking any actions related to the subject matter of the releases. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

PEPE and the Ethereum-based GameFi protocol Rollblock are both in the spotlight, but while one battles short-term volatility, the other is built for long-term, compounding gains.  Analysts say RBLK could climb 50x in the months ahead, making it one of the best cryptos to invest in during 2025. Here’s what has got investors so excited. Rollblock Set to Dominate Q3 Presales Rollblock (RBLK) is more than another run-of-the-mill Web3 gaming platform, it’s a fully licensed GambleFi ecosystem on Ethereum offering over 12,000 AI-powered games, including poker, blackjack, and sports prediction leagues with thousands of real-time fixtures.  Players can enjoy instant deposits through Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, and Mastercard, while every single wager and payout is protected by Ethereum smart contracts for verifiable fairness and security. Licensed under Anjouan Gaming and audited by the team at SolidProof, Rollblock merges crypto governance with mainstream usability. Its staking crypto model rewards loyalty with some of the highest APYs in the space. Up to 30% of platform revenue funds token buybacks, 60% of those tokens are burned to reduce the supply forever, and 40% are paid to loyal stakers in the community. With a hard cap of just one billion tokens, these best low market cap crypto mechanics ensure scarcity going forward.  It has been the case now for some time that Ethereum whales have been accumulating RBLK ahead of major exchange listings later this year, a sign that this high potential crypto is on institutional radars. Why Ethereum investors are piling into RBLK now:  • Over $15 million in bets placed since launch• Deflationary buyback-and-burn model tied to real revenue• Multi-currency fiat and crypto payment solutions• Presale already 82% sold at $0.068 with more than $11.4 million raised• Presale end date to be announced in under two months As @Rollblockcasino stated: “The old way is broken. Unfair odds. Zero transparency. Greedy middlemen. RollBlock is flipping the script.”  Find out what made Crypto Nautic so bullish here: https://youtu.be/vF8vIHIvjfE?si=uQsATqLU1fCmYW6b.  Pepe (PEPE) Battles to Hold Momentum PEPE is up 8.46% on August 9 to $0.00001228. Top trader and analyst @RISK noted recently, “PEPE is showing renewed strength after rebounding sharply from its daily support area… The current move suggests a potential continuation toward the $0.00001300 target zone.”  The post goes on to highlight Pepe’s rising volume and higher lows, both pointing to sustained buyer interest at these levels. As one of the best meme coins on the market, PEPE has proven it can deliver sharp rallies when technicals align. However, with no DeFi token utility or deflationary economics, long-term growth is less predictable compared to low cap crypto gems like Rollblock.  Traders see short-term potential for a breakout to $0.00001300, but holding above the $0.00001200 level will be critical in the coming days. RBLK VS Pepe: Which Ethereum Project has the Most Potential? Token Price Market Cap Revenue Share Potential Upside RBLK $0.068 Low 30%  50x+ PEPE $0.00001228 High None 2x–3x Could RBLK Outperform Meme Coins? PEPE may deliver quick wins for traders who can time the market, but Rollblock’s fundamentals offer a rare mix of stability, scarcity, and high-yield rewards that long-term investors actively seek.  With a deflationary supply, real revenue streams, and Ethereum whale accumulation already underway, RBLK could not only outpace nearly every top altcoin in 2025 but also cement itself as one of the most sustainable growth stories in the entire cryptocurrency market. Discover the Exciting Opportunities of the Rollblock (RBLK) Presale Today! Website: https://presale.rollblock.io/ Socials: https://linktr.ee/rollblockcasino  Disclaimer and Risk Warning The content featured on Coinpedia’s press release page is provided for informational purposes only. Coinpedia does not endorse, verify, or take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any press releases or associated materials. Any views, opinions, or statements expressed in these press releases are those of the respective issuers and do not reflect the opinions or positions of Coinpedia. Coinpedia is not liable for any content, products, services, or actions mentioned in the press releases. Readers should independently verify the information before taking any actions related to the subject matter of the releases. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

There’s been growing talk in the crypto and finance world about possible connections between Ripple and BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager. While some of this chatter edges into conspiracy territory, several experts believe the two companies may be more closely aligned than most people realize. Moving in Lockstep In an interview with Paul Barron Network, Jake Claver, Managing Director of Digital Ascension Group and CEO of Syndicat Lee, said that Ripple and BlackRock often seem to move in unique lockstep. This does not mean they are officially partnered, but their actions and goals sometimes appear to pace each other. After the 2008 financial crisis, BlackRock built a reputation for stepping in to help maintain market stability. Some see it as almost a proxy for the U.S. government in terms of managing financial shocks. Ripple’s technology, especially XRP, is designed for fast settlement and liquidity movement, which are tools that could also help cushion major economic disruptions. Why XRP Could Be a Liquidity Tool One theory is that if there was ever a large shock to the economy, XRP could be used as a liquidity buffer. By quickly moving value across markets and settling transactions on the XRP Ledger (XRPL), the asset could help prevent financial systems from breaking under stress. This concept is not new. In 1933, the U.S. revalued gold to help offset debt. Doing the same today with gold would require astronomical prices. Some estimates suggest $30,000 per ounce. Instead, using a digital asset like XRP, which can be instantly moved and scaled globally, could be a modern alternative for restoring balance sheets. The Wall Street Connection Over the past few years, several well-known Wall Street veterans have moved into the blockchain space. Some are now involved in projects linked to XRP or the XRPL ecosystem. The suggestion is that institutions like BlackRock may already have seeds planted in these new financial systems. For example, there have been unconfirmed rumors that BlackRock’s powerful Aladdin investment system has been tested on the XRPL. If true, this would show direct interest from one of the biggest financial players in Ripple’s infrastructure. Why This Matters Now The current period is compared by some to the birth of the internet, but this time it is the birth of a new global financial system. Trust in traditional money systems is shaky, with inflation pushing up costs for everyday goods. For many, blockchain could be a way to bring that trust back. If BlackRock and Ripple are indeed quietly aligned, it could mean that XRP plays a much bigger role in the future financial landscape than many expect. Whether this happens soon or years down the line, both companies appear to be positioning themselves for a world where traditional finance and blockchain are deeply interconnected. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

Ethereum price also surged recently, passing $4,000 to hit $4,198.35 with a healthy 7.63% boost. While ETH market capitalization rises to $506.79 billion and trading volume jumps 32.7%, crypto traders are also eyeing the horizon for emerging altcoins.  One project that has been flying under the radar but is moving quietly is Remittix, valued at $0.0895, which will soon deploy its beta wallet. The DeFi innovator promises to disrupt traditional payments and could replace ETH by offering instant, low-cost cross-border payments. Ethereum’s Market Power and Hunt for Next Altcoins Ethereum continues to be a force to be reckoned with in decentralized finance, its blockchain driving millions of DeFi projects, centralised exchanges and decentralised exchanges across the globe. Its staking protocols and smart contracts power much of the crypto space’s activity. But higher gas prices and scalability problems have some investors turning to low gas fee crypto alternatives and emerging altcoins with genuine utility. Most are hoping for the next major crypto launch that integrates crypto staking, genuine utility and fast transaction times. Remittix is one of those as a potential project among the top crypto under $1 tokens. How Remittix Is Creating Real-World Impact Remittix is addressing a $190 trillion cross-border payments problem by providing frictionless fiat-to-crypto transactions into bank accounts in more than 30 nations. Supporting 40+ cryptocurrencies and 30+ fiat currencies at the time of launch, it bridges traditional finance and blockchain in real-time. The RTX token currently trades at $0.0895 with over $18.6 million generated and over 586 million tokens sold during its presale. Investors are also rewarded with a 50% bonus on tokens, making it one of the greatest crypto projects of 2025. Top Remittix features: Foreign exchange conversion with open rates in real-time Mobile-first beta wallet coming in Q3 2025 Security audited by blockchain experts CertiK Designed for both crypto newbies and experts $250,000 giveaway for community building Its deflationary tokenomics and cross-chain DeFi design are geared towards long-term adoption in freelancers, remitters and merchants seeking cheap, fast payments. Gaining Momentum Pre-Beta Wallet Release As presale momentum rapidly gains, Remittix is becoming a top contender in the next 100x crypto environment. The upcoming release of the beta wallet will facilitate easy cross-border payments with minimal gas fees and user-friendly interfaces. As decentralized exchange listings and centralized exchange draw near, Remittix’s utility-driven paradigm differentiates it from hype tokens. For investors seeking undervalued crypto projects with real passive income potential, Remittix offers a rare opportunity to invest early in a project with growing usage and future-proofed use cases. Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their project here: Website: https://remittix.io/ Socials: https://linktr.ee/remittix $250,000 Giveaway: https://gleam.io/competitions/nz84L-250000-remittix-giveaway Disclaimer and Risk Warning The content featured on Coinpedia’s press release page is provided for informational purposes only. Coinpedia does not endorse, verify, or take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any press releases or associated materials. Any views, opinions, or statements expressed in these press releases are those of the respective issuers and do not reflect the opinions or positions of Coinpedia. Coinpedia is not liable for any content, products, services, or actions mentioned in the press releases. Readers should independently verify the information before taking any actions related to the subject matter of the releases. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

XAG/USD up 0.24% on Friday, on track to end week over 3.5% higher. Price surged more than 6% since July 31 low at 50-day SMA of $36.20. Bullish harami pattern confirmed after breaching July 31 high of $37.26. Silver Price advances for the fourth time in the week, poised to end above $38.00 a troy ounce and close to weekly highs of $38.50 as traders prepare for the weekend. Broad US Dollar weakness across the board and increasing bets that the Federal Reserve might reduce rates at the September meeting, supported the grey metal advance. XAG/USD trades with daily gains of 0.24%, set to end the week up by more than 3.50%. XAG/USD Price Forecast: Technical outlook XAG/USD sits $1.50 shy of resting the yearly high after retreating below the 20-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) to test the 50-day SMA at 36.20 on July 31. Since then, Silver has rallied more than 6%, sparked by the formation of a ‘bullish harami,’ confirmed by the crucial breach of the July 31 high of $37.26. The grey metal climbed sharply and cleared the 20-day SMA at $38.06, further cementing its upward bias. However, buyers need to breach the $39.00 so they can test the YTD high of $39.52, before challenging $40.00. On the flip side, although momentum is bullish, confirmed by price action and the Relative Strength Index (RSI), traders could not price out a reversal. If Silver dives below the 20-day SMA and $38.00, then sellers could pile on to push prices toward $37.00, aimed to test the 50-day SMA at $36.85. XAG/USD Price Chart – Daily Silver FAQs Silver is a precious metal highly traded among investors. It has been historically used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. Although less popular than Gold, traders may turn to Silver to diversify their investment portfolio, for its intrinsic value or as a potential hedge during high-inflation periods. Investors can buy physical Silver, in coins or in bars, or trade it through vehicles such as Exchange Traded Funds, which track its price on international markets. Silver prices can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can make Silver price escalate due to its safe-haven status, although to a lesser extent than Gold’s. As a yieldless asset, Silver tends to rise with lower interest rates. Its moves also depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAG/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Silver at bay, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to propel prices up. Other factors such as investment demand, mining supply – Silver is much more abundant than Gold – and recycling rates can also affect prices. Silver is widely used in industry, particularly in sectors such as electronics or solar energy, as it has one of the highest electric conductivity of all metals – more than Copper and Gold. A surge in demand can increase prices, while a decline tends to lower them. Dynamics in the US, Chinese and Indian economies can also contribute to price swings: for the US and particularly China, their big industrial sectors use Silver in various processes; in India, consumers’ demand for the precious metal for jewellery also plays a key role in setting prices. Silver prices tend to follow Gold’s moves. When Gold prices rise, Silver typically follows suit, as their status as safe-haven assets is similar. The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, may help to determine the relative valuation between both metals. Some investors may consider a high ratio as an indicator that Silver is undervalued, or Gold is overvalued. On the contrary, a low ratio might suggest that Gold is undervalued relative to Silver. Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. 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EUR/USD trades at 1.1648, easing 0.14% but holding close to the 1.1700 mark. Reports suggest Trump–Putin meeting next week could lead to ceasefire in Eastern Europe. Euro’s upside capped by stronger USD and speculation over Waller’s potential nomination as next Fed Chair. The EUR/USD consolidates near the week’s highs, shy of testing the 1.1700 figure on a week in whichthe US Dollar is poised to finish the week with over 1.84% losses against its peers. The hangover of last week’s US Nonfarm Payroll figures, and subsequent worse-than-expected employment data, underpins the Euro, due to increasing chances that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will resume its easing cycle. The EUR/USD trades at 1.1648, down 0.14% daily, as market mood is upbeat due to the chance that the Ukraine-Russia war could end. News of a possible Trump-Putin meeting next week leads some to expect a deal that could halt hostilities in Ukraine. The shared currency reacted positively to the newswires, though it failed to edge higher as the Greenback staged a comeback, gaining 0.14% on Friday in the US Dollar Index (DXY). Besides the data, the nomination of the Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Stephen Miran and rumors that Fed Governor Christopher Waller could be nominated as the next Fed Chair to succeed Powell, capped the Euro’s advance to retest the YTD peak of 1.1829. In the meantime, the St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem hit the wires, turned slightly more neutral, contrary to his hawkish stance, and said the Fed faces risks to both its inflation and jobs goals. A muted economic docket in the European Union (EU) left traders adrift to ongoing developments in the US, alongside the usual geopolitical risks. Next week, the EU’s docket will feature inflation figures in Italy and Germany, the release of the ZEW Economic Survey in Germany and the EU. Additionally, traders will eye the release of the EU’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) print for Q2 2025. Across the Atlantic, the US economic calendar will include remarks from Fed officials, the latest Initial Jobless Claims, Retail Sales figures, and the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment survey. Daily digest market movers: Euro rally stalls as the US Dollar advances Thursday’s US Jobless Claims rose by 226K, exceeding estimates, and the previous week’s number showed that the labor market is softening. Nevertheless, what sounded the alarms was Continuing Claims for the week ending July 26, which rose by 1.97 million, its highest level since November 2021. This and the latest inflation figures in the US indicate that a stagflationary scenario looms, which could be further confirmed by next week’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. Recent weakness in the labor market, alongside higher prices, raised concerns among economists, as read in a Bloomberg headline, “Stagflation Concerns Ripple Through Wall Street as Tariffs Hit.” The US Dollar Index , which tracks the performance of the buck’s value against a basket of its peers, is up 0.10% at 98.14. Fed’s Musalem added that between tariffs and job growth taking a hit, “there are risks on both sides of our mandate, and when that happens, when you have risks on both sides, you have to take a balanced approach, which means you have to think about the likelihood of missing on each side of the mandate, the size of the potential miss, and how long that miss will be in place.” The latest economic data released in the US spurred investor speculation that the Fed might resume its easing cycle at the upcoming September FOMC meeting. Odds for a 25 bps cut are at 88%, according to Prime Market Terminal (PMT). On the European Central Bank (ECB) front, the easing cycle seems to be on pause for the September meeting, with 88% odds for the ECB to keep rates unchanged and a slim 12% chance of a 25 bps rate cut. Technical outlook: Bulls’ lack of strength keeps EUR/USD below 1.1700 The EUR/USD’s rally lost steam at just under the 1.1700 level after breaking above the 20-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) at 1.1624. Although the Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains in bullish territory, it has turned slightly downward, an indication that buyers are losing steam. However, remaining above its neutral line suggests consolidation lies ahead. A sustained move above 1.1700 would open the door for a climb toward 1.1800, followed by a test of the yearly high at 1.1829. Otherwise, a break back below the 20-day SMA would expose the 50-day SMA at 1.1604 and the 1.1600 handle, with further weakness targeting the 1.1500 level. Euro FAQs The Euro is the currency for the 19 European Union countries that belong to the Eurozone. It is the second most heavily traded currency in the world behind the US Dollar. In 2022, it accounted for 31% of all foreign exchange transactions, with an average daily turnover of over $2.2 trillion a day. EUR/USD is the most heavily traded currency pair in the world, accounting for an estimated 30% off all transactions, followed by EUR/JPY (4%), EUR/GBP (3%) and EUR/AUD (2%). The European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt, Germany, is the reserve bank for the Eurozone. The ECB sets interest rates and manages monetary policy. The ECB’s primary mandate is to maintain price stability, which means either controlling inflation or stimulating growth. Its primary tool is the raising or lowering of interest rates. Relatively high interest rates – or the expectation of higher rates – will usually benefit the Euro and vice versa. The ECB Governing Council makes monetary policy decisions at meetings held eight times a year. Decisions are made by heads of the Eurozone national banks and six permanent members, including the President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde. Eurozone inflation data, measured by the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), is an important econometric for the Euro. If inflation rises more than expected, especially if above the ECB’s 2% target, it obliges the ECB to raise interest rates to bring it back under control. Relatively high interest rates compared to its

AUD/USD climbs for the fourth straight day, buoyed by a weaker US Dollar and rising expectations of a September Fed rate cut. Markets are fully pricing in a 25 basis point rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) on August 12, which would bring the cash rate down to 3.60%. All major Australian banks including ANZ, CBA, NAB and Westpac expect further easing, with year-end rate forecasts around 3.35%. The Australian Dollar (AUD) is consolidating gains against the US Dollar (USD) on Friday, buoyed by weakness in the Greenback amid growing expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will cut interest rates in September, following soft labor market data and signs of a slowing US economy. At the time of writing, the AUD/USD pair is trading around 0.6520 during the American session, heading into the weekend poised to post weekly gains of approximately 0.80%. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the value of the Greenback against a basket of six major currencies, remains pinned near a two-week low, hovering around the key 98.00 psychological mark. Attention now shifts to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) monetary policy decision. At its last meeting on July 8, the RBA unexpectedly kept the cash rate at 3.85% when a cut was almost fully priced in by interest rate futures. Markets are now also fully pricing in a 25 basis point rate cut at the upcoming RBA policy meeting on August 12, which would bring the official cash rate down to 3.60%. According to a recent Reuters poll, economists believe the central bank could cut again before the end of the year, with some even forecasting the rate to drop to 3.10% by early 2026. Signs of a cooling labor market and easing inflation are supporting the case for further policy easing. Australia’s trimmed mean CPI dropped to 2.7%, and the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.3% in June. That said, all of Australia’s major banks – ANZ, CBA, NAB, and Westpac – expect rates to be 3.35% at the end of this year. According to several economists, the RBA may signal as early as next week that its rate-cutting cycle is nearing an end, potentially dampening market expectations of a deeper easing path. The shift comes as central banks globally weigh the lingering impact of the Trump administration’s tariffs on inflation and growth outlook. RBA Governor Michele Bullock has also flagged heightened external risks, citing the fragile global outlook and ongoing US-China tariff tensions, which could feed into imported inflation and disrupt commodity flows, a key factor for Australia’s trade-reliant economy. Traders are also closely watching trade developments between the United States and China. Talks to extend the current 90-day tariff truce, which is set to expire on August 12, are reportedly progressing, with both sides showing cautious optimism. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested on Thursday that an extension is “likely,” although a final decision awaits President Trump’s approval. Looking ahead, next week could prove pivotal for the Australian Dollar, with multiple catalysts on deck. In addition to the RBA’s highly anticipated rate decision, Australia will release key labor market figures and the Q2 Wage Price Index, both of which could influence the central bank’s forward guidance. In the United States, upcoming inflation and consumer data, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Producer Price Index (PPI), Retail Sales, and the preliminary reading of the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index for August, will help shape expectations around a potential Fed rate cut in September. Meanwhile, any developments in US-China trade negotiations could further sway risk sentiment, leaving AUD/USD exposed to heightened volatility as the week unfolds. RBA FAQs The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) sets interest rates and manages monetary policy for Australia. Decisions are made by a board of governors at 11 meetings a year and ad hoc emergency meetings as required. The RBA’s primary mandate is to maintain price stability, which means an inflation rate of 2-3%, but also “..to contribute to the stability of the currency, full employment, and the economic prosperity and welfare of the Australian people.” Its main tool for achieving this is by raising or lowering interest rates. Relatively high interest rates will strengthen the Australian Dollar (AUD) and vice versa. Other RBA tools include quantitative easing and tightening. While inflation had always traditionally been thought of as a negative factor for currencies since it lowers the value of money in general, the opposite has actually been the case in modern times with the relaxation of cross-border capital controls. Moderately higher inflation now tends to lead central banks to put up their interest rates, which in turn has the effect of attracting more capital inflows from global investors seeking a lucrative place to keep their money. This increases demand for the local currency, which in the case of Australia is the Aussie Dollar. Macroeconomic data gauges the health of an economy and can have an impact on the value of its currency. Investors prefer to invest their capital in economies that are safe and growing rather than precarious and shrinking. Greater capital inflows increase the aggregate demand and value of the domestic currency. Classic indicators, such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, employment, and consumer sentiment surveys can influence AUD. A strong economy may encourage the Reserve Bank of Australia to put up interest rates, also supporting AUD. Quantitative Easing (QE) is a tool used in extreme situations when lowering interest rates is not enough to restore the flow of credit in the economy. QE is the process by which the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) prints Australian Dollars (AUD) for the purpose of buying assets – usually government or corporate bonds – from financial institutions, thereby providing them with much-needed liquidity. QE usually results in a weaker AUD. Quantitative tightening (QT) is the reverse of QE. It is undertaken after QE when an economic recovery is underway and inflation starts rising. Whilst in QE the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) purchases government and corporate bonds

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