Category Archives: finance

Schwab: Majority of Retail Investors Plan to Up ETF Allocations

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**Retail Investors’ Appetite for ETFs Continues to Grow, Says Charles Schwab Asset Management Report**

Retail investors are increasingly enthusiastic about exchange-traded funds (ETFs), both experienced and potential users, according to the 14th annual “ETFs and Beyond” report from Charles Schwab Asset Management.

“It’s a continuation of the momentum we have been seeing. Investors continue to indicate they anticipate more of their investment portfolios going into ETFs in the future, such that they are actually thinking about a future where, in some cases, within five years, they may have an ETF-only portfolio,” said David Botset, head of strategy, innovation and stewardship at Schwab Asset Management.

### Survey Overview

The survey gathered responses from 2,000 retail investors, evenly split between those currently holding ETFs in their portfolios and those who do not. Among respondents with ETF holdings, 66% began investing in ETFs within the past five years, while 32% started investing before 2019. The findings were announced during the Schwab Impact conference held recently in Denver.

### Key Findings on ETF Usage

An overwhelming 93% of investors with ETF holdings consider ETFs a necessary part of their portfolio, and 82% identified ETFs as their preferred investment vehicle. Looking ahead, 61% reported plans to increase their ETF allocations in 2025, while 75% said they are likely to invest in another ETF within the next two years.

Currently, ETFs make up about 27% of these investors’ portfolios. They expect this allocation to grow to 34% within the next five years. Notably, 62% said they would shift money from individual stock investments into ETFs, and 51% would pull from mutual funds for this purpose. A smaller group (38%) intends to invest new money into ETFs.

### New vs. Experienced ETF Investors

Investors who began using ETFs in the past five years tend to plan larger increases in their ETF allocations compared to those with longer experience. Approximately half of both groups expect modest increases in the next year. However, 30% of newer investors plan significant increases, versus only 12% of experienced investors.

Regarding portfolio composition, 70% of newer ETF investors are open to allocating their entire portfolio to ETFs, compared with 49% of experienced investors. Similarly, 15% of new investors and 29% of experienced investors plan to maintain their current investment levels.

### Generational Differences

Millennial investors show the strongest enthusiasm for ETFs. Thirty-two percent plan significant increases in ETF holdings over the next year, compared to 20% of Gen X investors and only 6% of baby boomers. Additionally, 66% of millennials would consider an ETF-only portfolio, whereas just 42% of Gen X and 15% of baby boomers said the same.

### Interest Among Non-ETF Investors

Among investors without current ETF holdings, nearly half (48%) indicated they are likely to invest in an ETF within the next two years.

### Preferred Investment Strategies

The majority of surveyed investors (53%) build their ETF portfolios primarily around core strategies, supplemented by some tactical or niche holdings. Another 18% allocate their entire ETF portfolio to core strategies. U.S. equities remain the most popular asset class, with 52% planning to invest in it. Bonds/fixed income and cryptocurrency follow closely, each favored by 45% of respondents.

Other popular asset classes include emerging markets equities (41%), real assets (40%), international developed markets (29%), and alternatives (26%).

David Botset noted, “The majority of ETF investors are either using ETFs to establish a core investment portfolio, or they are doing a core investment portfolio with a small portion that is a little bit more tactical. An ETF, used in that way, can really serve the needs of a large variety of investors. In the same way that for many, many years, mutual funds have been serving that exact purpose. But ETF investors are seemingly using ETFs more and more in lieu of mutual funds.”

More than half of investors (54%) planned to invest in dividend ETFs. Single-stock ETFs came in second, with 36% interest.

### Passive vs. Active ETF Preferences

Investors showed a preference for passive ETFs when tracking U.S. equities, bonds/fixed income, international developed markets, and cryptocurrency. Conversely, active management was preferred for emerging market equities (39% active vs. 35% passive) and alternative investments (35% active vs. 32% passive).

The top reason for choosing actively managed ETFs was the potential to outperform index funds, cited by 63% of respondents. Other reasons included access to alternative strategies (51%), potential downside protection (45%), and access to specific funds or asset managers (41%).

### Factors Influencing ETF Choice

Total cost emerged as the most important factor for ETF selection, with 59% of respondents citing it—an increase of 200 basis points from the 2024 survey. The reputation of the ETF provider also influenced decisions for 55%.

Other factors, such as the ETF’s brand name (40%) and approach to investment stewardship (39%), were less critical in investors’ choices.

Both current ETF investors and those without ETF holdings expressed strong interest in optimizing tax strategies using ETFs (60% and 49%, respectively). Furthermore, investing in long-term trends and macro themes was important to 55% of current ETF investors and 39% of non-ETF investors.

### About the Survey

The annual study was conducted between July 25 and August 14, 2025. Eligible participants were aged 25 to 75, held at least $25,000 in investable assets, and if they did not already invest in ETFs, were at least somewhat familiar with the products. Independent research company Logica Research conducted the survey on behalf of Charles Schwab Asset Management.

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This comprehensive report highlights the growing acceptance and enthusiasm for ETFs among retail investors and underscores the evolving preferences shaping ETF investment strategies.
https://www.wealthmanagement.com/etfs/schwab-majority-of-retail-investors-plan-to-up-their-etf-allocations

PENGU’s 22% fall – What happens now that the buy signal is live?

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**Why Did PENGU’s Price Crash Today?**

Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) memecoin experienced a significant price drop of over 10% today, primarily driven by leveraged shorts piling in near the $0.0157 level. This aggressive shorting pushed the price lower amidst broader market weakness following Bitcoin’s dominance surge since the October 10 crash.

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**What Are Pundgy Penguin Traders Watching Next?**

Top wallets currently hold approximately 97% of PENGU, suggesting a potential rebound if the price can reclaim support around $0.0177 soon. This area is critical for confirming any recovery and shifting the market sentiment back to bullish.

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**PENGU Falls 10% but Flashes a ‘Buy’ Signal**

Over the past 24 hours, PENGU’s price slid more than 10%, accumulating nearly a 22% loss since the beginning of November. Despite the bearish price action, the Cumulative Volume Delta (CVD) indicates some recovery—improving from -$326 million last week to -$64 million currently—implying sellers might be losing momentum.

Additionally, the MACD recently turned faintly green, signaling that bulls are becoming alert to a monthly discount that’s less than a week old. Supporting this positive outlook, Ali Charts’ analysis highlights a buy signal from the TD Sequential indicator around the $0.015 zone, which is roughly two-thirds down from the late August highs of $0.045.

For the bullish momentum to gain traction, PENGU must flip the $0.01772 to $0.01900 zone from resistance to support. While these indicators offer some hope, the overall chart structure remains bearish on both daily and hourly timeframes at the time of writing.

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**Top Traders Stay Long Despite Volume Spike**

Data from Nansen AI reveals that 24-hour trading volume surged to $241.7 million—nearly 48 times the daily average. This volume spike coincided with the price drop, signaling heavy distribution activity.

Nevertheless, the top-performing PnL traders are holding firm, maintaining 97% of their positions. Notably, one wallet accumulated an additional $75,000 worth of PENGU, backing a short-term bullish bias. Still, despite these signs of accumulation, the broader structure stays bearish on both hourly and daily charts.

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**Leverage and Shorts Push Prices Lower**

Aggregate exchange data shows cumulative shorts at $7.68 million, significantly outnumbering longs at $3.67 million. The most intense leveraged short positions—ranging from 25x to 50x—clustered around the $0.01579 price level.

Binance alone accounts for $3.35 million in shorts compared to $1.77 million in longs. This imbalance confirms that the recent downward pressure was primarily triggered by leveraged derivatives traders, rather than spot market selling.

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**Conclusion**

While derivatives-driven shorting led to the recent price drop, the strong holding by whales and emerging buy signals point to bottom-seeking behavior rather than a complete market recovery. If spot demand increases and PENGU can reclaim the $0.0177 support level, this accumulation by top traders may limit further downside and set the stage for a potential rebound.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/pengus-22-fall-what-happens-now-that-the-buy-signal-is-live/

Evergy Selects Kigen To Strengthen Grid Resilience Across Private and Public Networks

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**Evergy Selects Kigen’s Secure eSIM OS and eIM to Maximize Grid Reliability with Automated Failover Across Private and Public Networks**

Evergy, one of the largest investor-owned utilities in the Midwest United States serving 1.7 million customers across Kansas and Missouri, has selected Kigen, the global leader in eSIM and iSIM technology, to strengthen grid resiliency.

By adopting Kigen’s secure eSIM OS and eIM solution, Evergy is unifying private LTE and public networks into an automated connectivity layer. This creates a foundation for more reliable operations in the face of severe weather, growing energy demand, and the complexity of distributed energy resources (DERs).

Reliability is central to Evergy’s strategy, alongside affordability and sustainability. As utilities integrate distributed energy resources, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), and dynamic billing, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity becomes critical.

Severe thunderstorms, storm-related outages, and routine network upgrades can all disrupt real-time telemetry that forms the “heartbeat” of a modern grid. Without automation, managing tens of thousands of IoT devices at scale would create unacceptable risks to both service continuity and cost efficiency.

Evergy’s LTE network already spans 100 sites, supporting thousands of IoT sensors, AMI, and operational technology devices. With an expansion expected to reach tens of thousands of devices, failover between private and public networks must be seamless. Manual approaches cannot keep pace at this scale.

“As we modernize our grids, uninterrupted device data means visibility and preparation against outages from both the fast-changing energy transition and unpredictable severe weather. Taking control of our infrastructure requires network availability, and automation is the foundation on which dynamic billing and AI can build. Kigen eSIMs and the eIM, configured to Evergy’s needs, enable us to set a new benchmark in grid resiliency—what has long been the holy grail of resilient, intelligent grids,” said Bill Franzen, Evergy lead radio engineer.

Kigen’s secure eSIM OS and SGP.32-compliant eIM solution give Evergy the flexibility to manage connectivity dynamically through eSIMs provisioned with multiple operator profiles. Kigen eSIM OS for IoT and consumer devices includes configurable features such as its network rescue and recovery applet, which enables dynamic, automated failover between private LTE and preferred public networks based on business rules.

These operations are centrally managed through Kigen Pulse, allowing control at fleet scale—by geography, asset type, or site—ensuring continuity of operations, reducing lifecycle costs, and supporting broader goals of capital efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Cybersecurity is paramount in critical infrastructure. Evergy’s deployment relies on the Kigen eIM hosted at its Dublin site, which is fully certified under the GSMA Security Accreditation Scheme for Subscription Management (SAS-SM). This site operates the Kigen eIM solution to the latest GSMA SGP.32 IoT eSIM specification, providing both assurance of compliance and the trusted foundation required for secure, grid-ready operations.

“Building in dynamic automation for scaled failover and recovery, we enable Evergy’s vision to design for improved reliability, resilience, and operational intelligence. As utilities navigate the energy transition, uninterrupted connectivity is the foundation for AI, dynamic billing, and DER integration. With Kigen’s configurable eSIM OS and SGP.32-compliant eIM, utilities can take control of their connectivity and create the intelligent grids the future demands,” said Vincent Korstanje, CEO at Kigen.
https://iotbusinessnews.com/2025/11/03/evergy-selects-kigen-to-strengthen-grid-resilience-across-private-and-public-networks/

Malaysia’s central bank sets three-year roadmap to pilot asset tokenization

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Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the country’s central bank, has unveiled a three-year roadmap to explore and test asset tokenization across the financial sector. The initiative aims to drive innovation and modernization through blockchain-based digital assets, enhancing efficiency and accessibility in financial services.

As part of the roadmap, BNM will launch proof-of-concept (POC) projects and live pilots via its Digital Asset Innovation Hub (DAIH), established earlier this year. The central bank announced this development on Friday, emphasizing its commitment to advancing digital asset technologies.

A key component of the roadmap is the creation of an Asset Tokenization Industry Working Group (IWG). This group will coordinate industry-wide exploration, facilitate knowledge sharing, and identify regulatory and legal challenges surrounding asset tokenization. Co-led by BNM and the Securities Commission (SC), the IWG will initially focus on foundational use cases that demonstrate clear economic value.

### Focus on Real-World Asset Tokenization

BNM clarified that the tokenization efforts will concentrate on real-world assets rather than cryptocurrencies. Highlighted use cases include:

– **Supply chain financing** to expand credit access for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
– **Tokenized liquidity management** for faster settlement processes
– **Islamic finance applications** to automate Shariah-compliant transactions

Additional areas of interest encompass programmable payments, green finance initiatives, and 24/7 cross-border trade settlements.

### Exploring MYR-Denominated Tokenized Deposits and Stablecoins

The central bank also plans to study the role of Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)-denominated tokenized deposits and stablecoins. This exploration aims to preserve the “singleness of money” while enabling more efficient digital settlement mechanisms. Furthermore, the integration of wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) will be examined as part of the broader digital asset strategy.

### Regional Collaboration and Industry Feedback

Malaysia seeks to align with other leading Asian regulators such as Singapore’s Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Hong Kong’s Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) by piloting asset tokenization projects to modernize financial infrastructure across the region.

Industry stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the discussion paper until March 1, 2026, enabling collaborative development of the regulatory and operational framework.

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### Malaysia’s Regulator Proposes Faster Crypto Listings

In a related development, Malaysia’s Securities Commission (SC) proposed a new framework in July aimed at accelerating cryptocurrency listings on approved exchanges. Under the proposal, exchanges would be permitted to list certain digital assets without requiring prior approval from the regulator.

However, listed assets must meet specific conditions, including undergoing public security audits and having been traded for at least one year on platforms compliant with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. This move seeks to balance market innovation with investor protection and regulatory oversight.

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**Related:**
– Malaysia launches Digital Asset Hub to test stablecoin and programmable money
– Tokenized money market funds emerge as Wall Street’s answer to stablecoins

Bank Negara Malaysia’s roadmap signals a significant step toward embracing digital innovation in the financial sector, positioning Malaysia as a key player in the evolving landscape of tokenized assets.
https://cointelegraph.com/news/malaysia-central-bank-roadmap-pilot-asset-tokenization?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound

CORZ Has Major Upside Following Failed CRWV Takeover

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Investment bank Macquarie has upgraded Core Scientific (CORZ) to an outperform rating from neutral, raising its price target on the stock by nearly 90% to $34 from $18. This move follows the collapse of the proposed merger deal between Core Scientific and CoreWeave (CRWV).

The failed merger came as no surprise, according to analysts Paul Golding and Marni Lysaght, who noted in their Thursday report that shareholder opposition was evident from reports and proxy recommendations. Despite the setback, Macquarie’s analysts view the outcome positively, as it gives Core Scientific greater flexibility to lease its near-term power capacity to AI tenants.

Core Scientific shares responded positively, rising 4.5% in early trading to around $21.70.

The analysts highlighted that Core Scientific’s 1.5 gigawatt (GW) power portfolio includes 590 megawatts (MW) already leased to CoreWeave, with an additional 1 GW gross—and roughly 700 MW billable—currently under load study. Management expects to sign at least one new colocation customer by the fourth-quarter earnings report. Macquarie noted that securing a new tenant could accelerate revenue diversification and underscore Core Scientific’s competitive advantage in high-performance computing buildouts.

Meanwhile, Jefferies commented that Core Scientific is moving forward with renewed focus after shareholders rejected the proposed merger with CoreWeave. According to analysts led by Jonathan Petersen, Core Scientific exits the merger process retaining 1.5 GW of existing and planned billable power capacity, with minimal capital expenditure tied to the now-defunct deal.

Throughout the merger talks, Core Scientific continued to expand its data center business, positioning itself to sign new tenants and power contracts by the end of the year. Jefferies emphasized that signing a new tenant would be a key milestone in diversifying revenue streams and reducing reliance on CoreWeave.

Jefferies currently holds a buy rating on Core Scientific shares, with a price target of $28.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/corz-has-major-upside-following-failed-crwv-takeover/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=corz-has-major-upside-following-failed-crwv-takeover

Louisiana set aside funds to bridge the SNAP gap — but not everyone will get some

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On the eve of federal SNAP benefits being deposited into recipients’ accounts, Louisiana is taking additional steps to support its residents.

The state is stepping in to fill the gap for the 1 in 5 Louisiana residents who rely on the program. However, this extra assistance will only be available to certain individuals within that group.
https://www.npr.org/2025/10/31/nx-s1-5592911/louisiana-set-aside-funds-to-bridge-the-snap-gap-but-not-everyone-will-get-some

BlockchainFX ($BFX) vs Blockdag: The Top Crypto Presale Everyone’s Talking About Right Now

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What if one crypto could connect traditional finance with digital assets, giving investors both daily rewards and real-world spending power? That’s exactly what BlockchainFX (FX) is doing while the market watches closely. Meanwhile, Blockdag continues to make headlines in October 2025, attracting attention for its rapid growth but also facing scrutiny as experts question its long-term structure and investor transparency.

BlockchainFX (FX) has quickly emerged as one of the best cryptos for high ROIs, offering a unique mix of real utility, reward mechanics, and security. Investors are drawn to its live presale where more than $10.4 million has already been raised at a current price of $0.029, targeting a $0.05 listing. This article will cover the latest developments and updates of BlockchainFX and Blockdag.

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### BlockchainFX Visa Card: Turning Crypto Rewards Into Real-World Spending Power

The BlockchainFX Visa Card gives users the ability to spend their crypto earnings globally in both online and physical stores. This innovation bridges the gap between crypto and traditional finance by connecting directly to users’ trading accounts for instant profit access.

It’s a lifestyle feature designed for investors who want their digital gains to have real-world impact. With cashback rewards and global usability, BlockchainFX is more than an investment platform—it becomes a financial tool that brings convenience, liquidity, and modern banking together.

The Visa Card solidifies BFX as a lifestyle-centric trading brand that appeals to both crypto traders and everyday consumers, reinforcing its potential as the best crypto to buy now.

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### Institutional-Grade Security and Compliance: Setting New Standards for Trust

Security is one of BlockchainFX’s strongest selling points. The platform has been audited by two of the industry’s most respected firms, Coinsult and CertiK, both confirming full compliance and safety.

Additionally, the team is KYC verified by Solidproof, a German auditing firm known for its rigorous verification protocols. BlockchainFX employs multi-signature custody and regulatory-grade protection similar to traditional financial institutions.

For investors evaluating the next big crypto, this level of transparency provides a confidence rarely seen in presale projects.

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### Dual Rewards System: Earn BFX and USDT Simultaneously

BlockchainFX rewards its holders in both BFX and USDT, creating daily passive income even for those who are not actively trading. Up to 70% of all trading fees are redistributed to the community, establishing consistent earning potential that supports long-term holding.

This dual reward structure is a standout feature for investors who prefer sustainable returns over short-term hype. It transforms every transaction on the BlockchainFX ecosystem into a potential income stream, reinforcing its reputation as one of the top crypto presales available today.

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### Presale Snapshot and $1,000 Investment Scenario

Built on Ethereum with a total supply of 3.5 billion tokens, BlockchainFX aims for a $0.05 listing price. In its current presale stage, BFX is priced at $0.029 with over $10.4 million raised and more than 16,000 participants joining.

Unsold tokens will be burned, and liquidity will be locked post-launch to ensure price stability and long-term trust. Investors can also use the limited-time code **CANDY40** to receive 40% more tokens during the presale.

A $1,000 investment today would secure roughly 34,483 tokens, which becomes 48,276 with the bonus. At a $0.05 listing, this would be worth approximately $2,414. If the token reaches $1, that same investment could be worth more than $48,000.

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### Blockdag: A Growing Project With Uncertain Edges

Blockdag has been making noise in the market for its hybrid architecture combining Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) technology with a Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism.

Its design enables faster transactions and enhanced scalability, aiming to push blockchain speeds beyond current limitations. However, despite its technical innovation, the project has recently faced community concerns regarding transparency and founder credibility.

While Blockdag focuses on technical performance, BlockchainFX’s broader ecosystem—incorporating usability, passive income, and verified audits—gives it a more stable and attractive outlook for investors seeking real utility.

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### Comparing BlockchainFX and Blockdag

| Feature | BlockchainFX (FX) | Blockdag |
|————————|————————————————|———————————-|
| **Rewards Model** | Dual earnings in BFX and USDT | No active reward system |
| **Real-World Usability**| Visa Card for spending and cashback | Primarily technical infrastructure|
| **Security Verification**| Audited by Coinsult and CertiK; KYC by Solidproof | Limited verification disclosure |
| **Liquidity & Burn** | Locked liquidity and token burn confirmed | Transparency under question |

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### Why BlockchainFX Is the Ultimate Investment Choice

BlockchainFX stands out as a presale designed with real-world value and investor protection at its core. Its combination of verified audits, deflationary mechanics, and practical features like the Visa Card make it one of the best cryptos for high ROIs.

The dual reward system adds reliability that ensures steady returns even before the official launch. Investors seeking the next big crypto find reassurance in BlockchainFX’s strong foundation and transparency.

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### $500,000 BFX Giveaway: The Celebration of the Presale

To celebrate its presale, BlockchainFX is hosting a $500,000 giveaway where 20 winners will share the prize pool. The top winner receives $250,000 worth of tokens, followed by $100,000 for second place and $50,000 for third.

Fourth and fifth places will earn $30,000 and $20,000 respectively, sixth to tenth will take $10,000 each, and the rest will receive $1,000 each.

Participants can enter by buying BFX, leaving a TrustPilot review, following on X, joining Telegram, or posting about the project on Reddit or TikTok. Completing all these tasks grants bonus entries.

The giveaway will launch once the presale sells out.

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### Conclusion

The market is filled with promising presales, but BlockchainFX leads the conversation with real functionality, verified audits, and consistent reward potential. While projects like Blockdag showcase impressive technology, BlockchainFX delivers a complete ecosystem blending trading, earning, and spending into one platform.

For investors eyeing the best crypto to buy now, the window of opportunity is open—but closing fast. With the presale nearing its $11 million soft cap and the **CANDY40** bonus still active, BlockchainFX positions itself as the top crypto presale to watch before it hits global exchanges.

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### For More Information

– **Website:** [Insert Website Link]
– **X (Twitter):** [Insert X Handle]
– **Telegram Chat:** [Insert Telegram Link]

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*This publication is sponsored. Coindoo does not endorse or assume responsibility for the content, accuracy, quality, advertising, products, or any other materials on this page. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before engaging in any cryptocurrency-related actions. Coindoo will not be liable, directly or indirectly, for any damages or losses resulting from the use of or reliance on any content, goods, or services mentioned. Always do your own research.*

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### About the Author

**Krasimir Rusev** is a reporter at Coindoo with many years of experience covering cryptocurrencies and financial markets. He specializes in analysis, news, and forecasts for digital assets, providing readers with in-depth and reliable information on the latest market trends. His expertise and professionalism make him a valuable source of information for investors, traders, and anyone following the dynamics of the crypto world.
https://coindoo.com/blockchainfx-bfx-vs-blockdag-the-top-crypto-presale-everyones-talking-about-right-now/

Distressed by Maine health insurance rate hike | Letter

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I have lived over half of my life in Maine, and I consider myself lucky. I have always been employed and had health insurance through my employers. Because of this, I have never had to worry about paying for the health care my family needs. We have never experienced food insecurity or had to choose which bills to pay to make our budget work.

Unfortunately, we are the exception—and it’s about to get worse.

Recently, the Maine Bureau of Insurance approved a 23.9% rate increase for 71,000 Maine residents who get their coverage through the ACA marketplace. Additionally, there is a 17.5% increase for residents covered by small employers with fewer than 50 employees. These rate hikes are driven by multiple factors, including the rising cost of drugs and medical services, as well as the potential loss of premium tax credits at the end of the year.

I can’t turn away from the fact that many families may now have to choose whether to keep their insurance or not. They may have to decide if they can make do with less coverage—or none at all—and hope they don’t experience significant health issues.

This situation makes me wonder: will mothers still get the prenatal care they need? Will children see their primary care providers regularly to avoid long-term health problems?

And those are just my concerns for the coming year. What happens if we experience more rate increases and uninsured patients begin using the emergency room as their primary care?

Who pays for that, and how?

Can we really afford to let this happen in Maine—and across the country?
https://www.centralmaine.com/2025/10/31/distressed-by-maine-health-insurance-rate-hike-letter/

Digital Euro Faces Uncertain Future as Brussels Rethinks Its Purpose

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The European Union’s Digital Euro Faces a Critical Crossroads

The European Union’s long march toward a digital euro has hit a crossroads. In Brussels, lawmakers are debating whether the continent even needs a central bank digital currency or if private innovation might already be fulfilling that role.

For years, the European Central Bank (ECB) has envisioned a public digital currency that would anchor Europe’s payment system in the 21st century. But a new parliamentary proposal could dramatically slow that momentum.

A Conditional Approach to the Digital Euro

The initiative, introduced by Fernando Navarrete of Spain’s center-right EPP group, argues that a digital euro should only exist if the private sector fails to build a seamless European payment network. In other words, the ECB’s project would become a backup plan, not the default future.

If approved, this “conditional” approach would redefine the EU’s digital finance agenda by prioritizing commercial innovation before central-bank intervention.

Private Competition First

Navarrete’s draft report envisions a “market test” before any online version of the digital euro goes live — a process that would require Brussels to confirm the absence of a pan-European retail payment system before giving the ECB the green light.

His argument is straightforward: if companies can deliver efficient, borderless payment systems on their own, there may be no reason to spend billions of euros building a state-run alternative.

“The ECB has been calling for a solution — public or private — to connect Europe’s payment systems,” Navarrete told reporters. “The private market should have the first chance to do that.”

Concerns and Criticism

Critics warn that this approach could derail years of technical and political progress.

The ECB views the digital euro not as competition to banks but as a guaranteed European alternative to U.S.-based payment networks such as Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal.

A Split Vision for Europe’s Money

The timing of Navarrete’s report has raised eyebrows. It arrived just as the ECB announced plans to begin pilot testing the digital euro in 2027, with a possible rollout in 2029.

This coincidence underscores a growing divide between the bloc’s technocrats, who want to move forward swiftly, and lawmakers, many of whom fear the ECB is moving too fast without sufficient proof of public need.

Navarrete insists he is not trying to kill the project. “I’m not for or against the digital euro,” he said. “But we must ensure stability and proportionality.”

The Offline Digital Euro Compromise

While the online version faces pushback, Navarrete’s plan supports developing an offline digital euro. This version would function more like digital cash stored locally on secure devices and transferrable even without internet access.

He argues this offline model would preserve Europeans’ right to hold central bank money “under all circumstances” without destabilizing the banking sector.

The report also calls for strict limits on how much digital euro any one person can hold — a safeguard against deposit flight from commercial banks during periods of stress.

ECB’s Response and Next Steps

The ECB has responded cautiously, describing the proposal as a “constructive step” toward Parliament’s position while reaffirming its commitment to completing preparatory work.

“Europe needs a payments system that works everywhere and for everyone,” said Executive Board Member Piero Cipollone, adding that the digital euro project remains vital for economic sovereignty.

Despite this, the central bank faces an uphill political battle. With several parties skeptical about the necessity of a digital euro, reaching consensus could take years. Legislative negotiations are not expected to conclude before mid-2026.

Between Sovereignty and Market Reality

Europe’s digital currency debate captures a larger philosophical divide: Should the future of money be designed by central banks or discovered by the market?

For ECB supporters, a digital euro symbolizes independence — a European answer to American and Chinese payment dominance.

For skeptics, it is a bureaucratic solution in search of a problem.

Navarrete’s proposal effectively challenges the ECB to prove its relevance: if private firms can unify Europe’s fragmented payment systems, the digital euro may never need to exist.

Whether that bet pays off will depend not on ideology, but on what happens first — innovation from the market, or exhaustion from Brussels.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice.

Source: Coindoo agencies.

https://coindoo.com/digital-euro-faces-uncertain-future-as-brussels-rethinks-its-purpose/

Smoke shops in Philly suburbs mislead consumers by selling ‘straight-up marijuana,’ district attorney says

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Hundreds of unregulated smoke shops selling hemp products in the Philadelphia suburbs are using fraudulent lab reports that leave customers “dangerously uninformed” about the potency of the drugs they’re taking, according to a Montgomery County grand jury report released Thursday.

The 10-month investigation, led by the district attorneys of Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester counties, examined a patchwork of businesses launched in recent years to take advantage of federal laws allowing hemp products to be sold legally with low levels of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele called an “unintended consequence” of the 2018 Farm Bill the proliferation of unregulated smoke shops selling a wide range of products that claim to meet legal standards but are actually much stronger than advertised.

“What we found in a lot of them is they’re selling straight-up marijuana,” Steele said at a news conference Thursday.

Narcotics detectives from all three counties went undercover to purchase products from smoke shops and have them lab-tested for potency. The grand jury found that more than 90% of the edibles, THC vapes, and loose flower products analyzed exceeded federal standards. Many were mislabeled or backed by dubious certificates from suppliers.

“This deception means that adults and children alike are exposed to substances whose potency and risks are hidden from view,” the report states.

Steele highlighted the most troubling facet of the smoke shop industry: products often marketed toward children and sold to anyone who walks through the door. Some shops also carry other intoxicating substances, including kratom and tianeptine, which have been linked to hospitalizations and substance abuse issues.

The grand jury report details nine incidents in the past year where children were sickened after ingesting THC products commonly sold at these shops.

“They’re selling illegal products without oversight, and without concern for the health of Pennsylvanians, especially without regard for the health of our children,” Steele said.

The 107-page report calls on state lawmakers to impose standards for product safety and require testing at accredited labs. It also urges the establishment of a minimum age limit of 21 for THC products and regulation of THC marketing with the same rigor as tobacco and nicotine products.

Additionally, the report recommends lawmakers create clear definitions of marijuana derivatives—such as Delta-8, Delta-10, and THCA—to prevent them from being sold under the banner of “legal hemp.”

Steele noted that Montgomery County’s 240 smoke shops now outnumber schools and have turned vague federal hemp laws into a lucrative business.

“People are hiding behind that, saying this is Farm Bill compliant,” he said.

Joining Steele at the news conference were Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn and Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe, who described the deceptive practices of smoke shops as “flagrant” and “unsustainable.”

In Chester County, De Barrena-Sarobe has already issued 16 search warrants at smoke shops, arrested some lawbreakers, and seized more than half a million dollars in cash and other proceeds. Steele’s office has taken similar actions when illegal activities are discovered.

“People that are selling drugs out of their stores—selling marijuana—that’s a felony,” Steele said. “If you continue on in this way, plan on getting arrested.”

The grand jury report comes amid Pennsylvania’s ongoing, slow-moving efforts to legalize recreational marijuana. Such a move would create clear standards and a licensing process for drug sales. Currently, state lawmakers are considering establishing a cannabis control board to lay the groundwork for regulating marijuana derivatives.

Steele emphasized that the problems found at smoke shops are separate from the state’s licensed medical marijuana dispensaries, noting that the legal industry has been negatively impacted by unregulated stores circumventing taxes and restrictions on cannabis.

Last week, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday joined colleagues nationwide in a joint letter urging Congress to close the loophole that has allowed “intoxicating hemp-derived THC products” to flourish in businesses prioritizing profits over public safety and health.

Steele warned that smoke shops in the region openly market products appealing to kids and teens. He displayed a photo from the grand jury report showing packages of edible THC products found in local shops.

“You’ve got Cheetos with marijuana leaves on it,” he said.
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