Bitcoin’s Modest Rally Cut Short, Price Tumbles Back Below $61K

Advertisements

Stagflationary U.S. economic data and hawkish remarks from a Fed speaker appeared to sour the bullish mood.

The price of bitcoin (BTC) fell sharply in the U.S. morning hours Friday, reversing a move that had seen the world’s largest crypto climb as high as $63,500.

As good of an excuse as any for catalysts were disappointing U.S. economic data and hawkish remarks from Dallas Fed President Lori Logan. The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Survey for May tumbled to 67.4 from 77.2 previously. That missed economist forecasts for 76.0 by a mile. Perhaps more disturbingly, one-year inflation expectations rose to 3.5% from 3.2% previously and against forecasts for 3.2%. It was only one week ago when Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell scoffed at stagflation concerns, saying he was seeing neither the “stag” nor the “flation.”

As for the Dallas Fed chief, Logan this morning said there were “uncertainties” about whether current Fed policy is sufficiently restrictive and noted “important upside risks to inflation.”

The news combined to send the U.S. dollar and bond yields modestly higher, but had little effect on stocks. Bitcoin, on the other hand, retreated quickly, tumbling at one point more than 4% from the day’s high to $60,700. At press time, the price had bounced a hair to $61,000, lower by 0.6% over the past 24 hours. The broader CoinDesk 20 Index is up 0.15% over the same period.

Hai Phong: Free hot air balloon rides at 2024 Red Phoenix Flower Festival

Advertisements

Announced by Ms. Tran Thi Hoang Mai, Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Hai Phong City, the 2024 Hot Air Balloon Festival will grace the city from May 11 to May 15, 2024, under the theme “Fly up, Hai Phong! Brighten up the heritage area.” This marks the festival’s debut at the Red Phoenix Flower Festival, promising a unique and unforgettable experience.

The festival is set to captivate spectators with a lineup of 26 hot air balloons, including three colossal multi-colored level 7 balloons, 17 level 1 balloons, and six ground decorative balloons. Accompanying the balloons are 30 skilled pilots and technicians ready to ensure smooth operations and safe flights.

Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to embark on complimentary hot air balloon rides, ascending to heights ranging from 30m to 50m, and even explore the interiors of the giant balloons. The festival will feature various locations across the city, including the Front Yard of the Political-Administrative Center Square in the North Song Cam urban area, the City Theater Square, and the Tam Ky Flower Garden along the Tam Bac River bank.

Adding to the festival’s grandeur, the opening night on May 11 will showcase 14 to 16 level 1 hot air balloons and ground balloons at East-West Avenue in the North of Cam River Urban Area, illuminating the evening with their majestic presence. The Hot Air Balloon Festival will officially kick off on the morning of May 12 at the city’s Opera House Square.

Funded through social initiatives, the event invites residents and visitors alike to register for complimentary hot air balloon flights, offering a unique perspective of Hai Phong City from above. This initiative aims to showcase the city’s beauty and charm while providing a memorable experience for all attendees.

Dogecoin Appears Headed for a ‘Golden Cross’

Advertisements

A DOGE price pattern that presaged the early 2021 surge looks set to recur.

Dogecoin (DOGE), the world’s largest meme cryptocurrency by market value, seems headed toward a repeat of the bullish “golden cross” technical pattern that presaged the early 2021 surge.

DOGE, which has a market cap of about $22 billion, has demonstrated remarkable performance this year, with a price surge of over 70% and significantly outpacing the near 50% increase in bitcoin (BTC), the largest cryptocurrency, according to CoinDesk data.

The 50-week simple moving average (SMA) of the meme token’s spot price is now trending north and looks set to cross above the 200-week SMA in the upcoming weeks, confirming a golden cross. In other words, near-term price momentum could soon outperform long-term momentum, potentially evolving into a prolonged bullish trend.

Momentum traders frequently use moving-average crossovers as a part of a structured approach to identifying entry and exit points in the market.

The DOGE price topped its 200-week SMA in March, breaking out of a prolonged sideways consolidation, and has since established a foothold above the critical average.

The impending golden cross would be the first in over three years. The previous one, seen in early January 2021, presaged a four-month rally that saw prices surge over 8,000% to a record 76 cents on Binance.

That said, past data does not promise future results. And that’s particularly true in the case of moving average crossovers, which tend to lag prices and have been known to trap traders on the wrong side in traditional markets.

Besides, meme coins like DOGE lack real-world use cases and are mainly driven by speculation, which makes them more sensitive to fiat liquidity conditions and global interest-rate expectations.

During DOGE’s early 2021 run, interest rates were near or below zero worldwide, which catalyzed unprecedented risk-taking across all corners of the financial market. That’s not the case any more, with rates in the U.S., the world’s largest economy, at multiyear highs above 5%.

Ho Chi Minh City tops Vietnam’s livability chart

Advertisements

Recently, a governance program initiated by the United Nations Development Program in Vietnam evaluated people’s satisfaction with government performance, ranking Ho Chi Minh City as the most livable locality in the country.

As one of Vietnam’s largest residential hubs and a key economic center in the South, Ho Chi Minh City has magnetized generations of residents from across the nation. Its allure lies in abundant career prospects, improved public services, and a lower risk of natural disasters.

Vietnam has experienced rapid urbanization, with nearly 40% of its population residing in cities by 2023. Ho Chi Minh City’s population, estimated to exceed 9 million by the end of 2023, is projected to surpass 16.8 million by 2040, posing challenges like housing shortages, traffic congestion, and pollution.

Similar urbanization challenges are observed globally. For instance, Cairo’s population surged from 6 million in 1965 to over 22 million by 2023, leading to stress and strain on resources. China’s urban population rose from 19.39% in 1980 to nearly 66.16% in 2023, resulting in issues like air and water pollution.

Urbanization is a worldwide trend, with over 60% of the population expected to live in cities by 2030. To enhance livability, cities worldwide are addressing infrastructure deficits, environmental concerns, and inequality in access to opportunities, striving to create cohesive and sustainable urban spaces.

Korean tourists flock to Vietnam for summer vacations

Advertisements

Data from the Korean booking platform Yeogi Eottae reveals a significant uptick in hotel booking requests for Vietnam and the Philippines from June to August, compared to the same period last year. Requests have tripled for Vietnam alone, signaling a growing preference for Southeast Asian destinations among Korean travelers.

Mr. Kim Yong-gyeong, the head of Yeogi Eottae, notes the remarkable increase in tourism demand for Southeast Asian countries, underlining the region’s popularity among Korean vacationers.

Hanoi leads the trend index for Korean tourists in Vietnam, according to Rankify Korea’s recent announcement. This index, which takes into account search volumes and Google Trends data, ranks Da Lat and Ha Long Bay next in line, showcasing the allure of these destinations to Korean travelers.

These trends align with the broader picture of tourism in Vietnam, where Korea remains the largest source market. With 1.6 million arrivals in the first four months of 2024 alone, comprising nearly 26% of total arrivals, Korean tourists continue to play a significant role in Vietnam’s tourism landscape.

Custom Car Exhaust Solutions for All Vehicle Types

Advertisements

Whether it’s for cars, trucks, bikes, or even specialist vehicles like off-road rigs or high-speed sports cars, custom exhaust systems may greatly improve car performance, effectiveness, and sound. These are a few custom car exhaust choices made for different car makes and models:

1. Autos:

Performance Car Exhaust Systems: Replace your factory exhaust systems with high-flowing exhausts designed for efficiency. Headers for greater power and a powerful sound are an option, as are axle-back systems (which replace rear portions) and cat-back systems (which replace everything from the catalytic converter back).

Mufflers and Resonators: To fine-tune exhaust notes and tone and reduce drone or loud noises while enhancing performance, bespoke mufflers and resonators may be fitted.

Exhaust Tips: To add visual appeal and give the vehicle a sportier or more dynamic appearance, attractive car exhaust tips composed of various materials, such as carbon fiber or stainless steel, may be fitted.

2. Trucks and SUVs: 

Performance Headers: Torque and horsepower can be increased by switching to aftermarket headers, especially on trucks that you tow or haul with. Greater Diameter Pipes: Cars with larger diameter exhaust piping, especially larger pick-up trucks with increased engine output, can increase efficiency and power by reducing back pressure. Performance mods such as diesel exhaust systems built especially for a certain type of diesel motor, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems, and diesel particulate filters (DPF) are exhausts built especially for diesel trucks.

3. Motorcycles: 

Aftermarket Exhaust Systems – Slip-on mufflers, complete exhaust systems, & aftermarket headers Bikes can have custom exhaust systems installed, such as slip-on mufflers or complete exhaust systems, as well as aftermarket headers that give bikes more power and a louder exhaust noise more indicative of the class of bike. 

Catalytic converter deletes – Racing converters or complete catalytic converter deletes are often illegal for on-road use but can be added for racing or track use to gain more power. Heat Shields and Aesthetic Improvements – Exhaust covers and custom heat shields made from stainless steel or carbon fiber. It can improve appearance and protect riders from extreme heat.

4. Specialty Vehicles: 

Off-Road Vehicles: Off-road vehicles’ custom car exhaust systems might incorporate elements made to survive severe settings, heat-resistant coatings, or high-clearance exhaust systems.

Performance Cars: Exhaust systems designed specifically for high-performance autos, like titanium exhausts or valved exhaust systems with variable sound levels or race-oriented configurations used on racetracks, can be beneficial.

Considerations For Tailored Exhaust Solutions:

Materials: You can choose from titanium, aluminized steel, or stainless steel. Regarding weight, resistance to corrosion, and resilience, each material has unique benefits.

Legal Compliance: Make sure that any custom car exhaust changes abide by all applicable local laws & emissions standards, particularly those about noise levels and pollution control equipment.

Performance Objectives: Whenever selecting custom exhaust parts, decide if power increases, improved sound quality, fuel economy, or a combination of these are the main priorities.

Professional Installation: To guarantee correct fitment, performance advantages, and adherence to safety and emissions regulations, custom car exhaust improvements frequently need to be installed by professionals.

Things To Take Into Account For Customised Car Exhaust Solutions: 

Materials: Stainless steel, aluminized steel, or titanium are your options. Every material has different advantages in terms of toughness, weight, and corrosion resistance.

  • Legal Compliance: Verify that any modifications made to the exhaust system adhere to all relevant local ordinances and emissions regulations, especially those that deal with noise levels and pollution control devices.
  • Performance Objectives: When choosing custom exhaust components, determine what your top priorities are: more power, better sound quality, fuel efficiency, or a mix of these.
  • Professional Installation: Custom exhaust upgrades often require expert fitting to ensure proper fitment, performance benefits, and compliance with safety & emissions laws.

Pros Of Custom Car Exhaust Systems:

1. You Can Increase Your Gas Mileage:

There will be an improvement in the fuel efficiency of your car. Performance exhaust systems are going to provide the biggest benefit out of all of them. Cat-back systems, nevertheless, may also be helpful. More rapidly and readily, gases can leave the engine because of a free-flowing exhaust. While not particularly significant, every little bit counts especially when it comes to reducing the amount of petrol used.

2. Noise Of The Car Exhaust:

Although not for everybody, many car owners find the exhaust’s stronger sound and richer tone to be pleasant. When the car is rapidly accelerating, you may locate mufflers for high-flow exhaust systems that sound good. Customized systems with unlawful street-legal exhaust systems won’t be built by silencer companies. There can be some limitations as a result.

3. System Coatings For Exhausts:

Custom coatings are frequently used to reduce heat under the vehicle, protect the exhaust, and improve the aesthetics of the exhaust system. Brightly polished stainless steel pipes are a popular feature on display vehicles.

Reducing The Amount Of Emissions Is One Option:

While a performance car’s unique exhaust system isn’t necessary for everyone, it’s a smart place to get going if you are interested in maximising the power of your vehicle’s motor.

Conclusion – Custom Car Exhaust Solutions:

Custom car exhaust systems provide a variety of choices suited to various car models, resulting in increased efficiency, better sound quality, and improved looks. These exhaust improvements may prove tailored to match individual tastes, performance objectives, and legal constraints for automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, or specialty vehicles. This improves the whole driving or riding sensation. For the greatest outcomes and adherence to regulations, it is crucial to take into account some variables and obtain expert advice.

South Korea opens doors to foreign medical practitioners amid healthcare crisis

Advertisements

This move aims to address severe staff shortages caused by the ongoing strike, now in its 12th week. The Ministry plans to change rules under the Medical Services Act to expand the tasks foreign medical license holders can do, including “medical assistance.” This addition is important to prevent harm to community health in case of a medical disaster.

Under the new rules, foreign license holders can provide medical services with approval from the Health Minister. While specifics about what they can do are not yet known, the Ministry promises to authorize essential services during the crisis.

The decision comes as several medical professors join the strike in solidarity with junior doctors. They’re protesting the government’s plan to set quotas for medical school admissions.

With the crisis now at “severe” status, the South Korean government recognizes the urgency. This move is a departure from normal procedures and shows the seriousness of the staffing shortage during the strike. The last time such a severe alert was issued was during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As South Korea deals with this unprecedented challenge, welcoming foreign doctors shows a commitment to protecting public health and ensuring care continues despite the crisis.

VanEck’s MarketVector Starts Index to Track the Largest Meme Coins

Advertisements

The index contains a variety of dog-themed coins and other popular meme tokens.

VanEck’s MarketVector has jumped on the meme coin bandwagon, starting a new index based on the highly popular token category.

MarketVector’s Meme Coin Index, which trades under the symbol MEMECOIN, tracks the top six meme tokens. The largest holdings of the meme coin index include Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), and Pepe (PEPE). Other holdings include dogwifhat (WIF}, Floki Inu (FLOKI), and BONK.

Based on the performance of its constituents, MarketVector’s new index would be up over 195% on a yearly basis. For comparison, the CoinDesk 20, which measures the 20 largest tokens except stablecoins, is up 97% during the same period, while bitcoin (BTC) has risen 123%.

Meme coins have a market cap of $51 billion, according to CoinGecko, and the MarketVector index tracks $44.67 billion of it.

Some investment managers who previously spoke to CoinDesk believe that the meme coin craze will continue due to low fees on Solana, allowing users to make small bets for potentially large profits, unlike previous manias hindered by high Ethereum fees.

Recently, a new category of meme tokens called PoliFi has come into the spotlight. The market cap of the new token category surged to $586 million as the election season heats up.

One token in particular, BODEN, is up 16% after former President Donald Trump made a comment about it at a campaign event, while Trump-themed MAGA is up 28% and TREMP 142%.

Crypto Monthly Trading Volume Drops for First Time in Seven Months to $6.58T

Advertisements

Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency by market value, fell nearly 15% in April, ending a seven-month streak.

Cryptocurrency trading volume cooled in April, registering the first decline in seven months as escalating geopolitical tensions and slower inflows into U.S.-listed spot ETFs weighed over the digital assets market.

The cumulative volume in spot and derivatives markets fell by 43.8% to $6.58 trillion, a sharp retracement from March’s record high of $9.12 trillion, according to a report by London-based digital assets data provider CCData.

Derivatives fell out of investor favor again as activity in the futures and options market declined by 47.6% to $4.57 trillion. Meanwhile, the spot market volume suffered a relatively measured drop of 32.6% to $2.01 trillion.

“This decline followed unexpected macroeconomic data, an escalation in the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East, and negative net flows from U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs, leading to major crypto assets retracing the gains they made in March,” CCData said in a report shared with CoinDesk.

Bitcoin (BTC), the leading cryptocurrency by market value, fell nearly 15% to under $60,000 last month, snapping a seven-month winning trend. The sell-off came as an overheated bull market ran into broad-based risk aversion characterized by renewed tensions in the Middle East, dwindling probability of rapid Fed rate cuts this year and strength in the dollar index.

The CoinDesk 20 Index, a measure of the most liquid digital assets, traded nearly 20%, and the total crypto market capitalization slipped by 16.8% to $2.177 trillion.

While Binance remained the largest crypto exchange by volume, its combined spot and derivatives market share fell to 41.5%. The exchange’s spot market trading volume tanked 39.2% to $679 billion in April, recording the first decline since September 2023.

“The decline in Binance’s market share also coincided with the news that its founder and previous CEO, Changpeng Zhao, was sentenced to four months in prison for the violation of U.S. money laundering laws,” CCData noted.

Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao stepped down after pleading guilty to U.S. criminal charges in November and was replaced by Richard Teng. Since then, Binance’s spot market share has increased from 30.8% to 33.8%, CCData said.

MSB’s Digital Leap: Revolutionizing Banking with AI-Driven Solutions and Open Banking Integration

Advertisements

At the forefront of the 2024 Banking Industry Digital Transformation summit, Vietnam Maritime Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MSB) showcased a suite of innovative technological solutions aimed at fully catering to the evolving demands of their clientele, with a particular focus on corporate entities, organizations, entrepreneurs, and family-run businesses in today’s digital landscape.

For individual clients, MSB offers the luxury of conducting transactions entirely online, encompassing everything from account creation to the application, issuance, and oversight of financial products like debit/credit cards, insurance policies, and loans.

For its commercial clients, MSB unveiled two key offerings: MSB Pay, a versatile payment platform aligned with open banking principles, facilitating seamless integration with enterprise systems such as hospitals, educational institutions, and e-commerce platforms to bolster large-scale billing and payment operations; and M-Flash, a swift credit facility for businesses, providing up to 2 billion VND with immediate, AI-driven approval in a mere 4 minutes.

Leveraging its technological prowess and extensive data from the national data ecosystem, including tax, invoicing, and demographic information, MSB has revolutionized the credit process with its M-Power and M-Flash products, delivering an exceptional user experience. This digital transformation has led to a surge in new customers via online channels, accounting for roughly 70% of the total in the past year, and a customer satisfaction index of 80.2 out of 100. Nearly 5,000 enterprises have secured credit through digital avenues, with a cumulative credit limit nearing 52,000 billion VND, including close to 1,000 billion VND facilitated through embedded solutions on digital platforms like Misa and Solv.

MSB’s Pay solution has garnered impressive outcomes, with 9,000 businesses, family shops, 127 educational entities, and 10 medical facilities utilizing its payment and cash management services via the MSB Merchant app, resulting in approximately 400,000 transactions and a monthly turnover of around 800 billion VND.

Moreover, MSB has harnessed its technological edge and rich data resources to streamline the entire credit issuance process. Over 5,000 businesses have benefited from 52,000 billion VND in loans distributed through digital channels, with the assessment process taking just minutes.

Ms. Dinh Thi To Uyen elaborated: “Harnessing machine learning and robust data analytics, we’ve developed a system capable of granting approvals within 4 minutes. By integrating our solutions with Fintech partners like Misa, we’re not just tapping into a business’s financial records but also linking with tax databases, allowing us to instantly refresh our understanding of a business’s health. This results in a dynamic information system that enables us to extend immediate credit offerings to clients upon their initial registration and provision of basic details.”

The Saigon – Phan Thiet train runs daily from May 2024

Advertisements

The SPT2/SPT1 Saigon – Phan Thiet train pair runs daily starting from May 2024, accompanied by various services such as 3-4-star resort accommodation, bus services, and motorbike rental to serve tourists during the summer season.

The railway industry increases train operations to serve tourists during the summer. Illustration photo: TTXVN

Starting from May 2024, the railway sector operates the SPT2/SPT1 train pair on the Saigon – Phan Thiet route daily instead of only running on certain days of the week as before. This increase in train services aims to meet the high demand for passenger travel during the summer, with prices ranging from 169,000 to 294,000 dong per ticket per trip depending on the seat type and departure date.

The SPT2 train departs from Saigon station at 6:30 a.m., arriving at Phan Thiet station at 10:50 a.m. The SPT1 train departs from Phan Thiet station at 1:00 p.m., arriving at Saigon station at 5:30 p.m. The train stops to pick up and drop off passengers at Saigon, Di An, Bien Hoa, Long Khanh, Gia Ray, Gia Huynh, Binh Thuan, and Phan Thiet stations.

Furthermore, upon arrival at Phan Thiet station, passengers can utilize additional services for easier transportation, such as bus services from Phan Thiet station to Long Son, Suoi Nuoc, and vice versa, or renting motorbikes directly at the station. Passengers can purchase bus tickets at Saigon station, on the Saigon – Phan Thiet train, or through the ticket sales hotline.

Passengers traveling by train are also provided with a new all-inclusive service package including round-trip train tickets, bus tickets, and one-night stay at a 3-4-star resort, priced from only 1,110,000 dong per combo.

Additionally, the SPT1/SPT2 trains have added passenger pick-up stations at Gia Ray station (Xuan Loc district, Dong Nai province) and Gia Huynh station (Tanh Linh district, Binh Thuan province).

@Thesaigontimes

Reviving the legacy: Chu Dau Pottery embodies Vietnamese culture

Advertisements

Nestled along the banks of the Thai Binh River, Chu Dau village in Hai Duong province was once a thriving hub of high-end ceramics in Vietnam. Dating back to the 13th – 14th centuries, its pottery flourished during the 15th – 16th centuries before fading into obscurity due to historical upheavals.

Chu Dau ceramic vase in Topkapi Saray Museum in Türkiye. Photo: Topkapi Saray Museum (Istanbul)

Rediscovery struck in an unexpected way when an official from the Japanese Embassy stumbled upon a vase adorned with lotus flowers and chrysanthemums at the Takapisaray Museum in Türkiye. On the ancient vase, there are 13 Chinese characters inscribed “大 和 八 年 匠 人 南 策 州 裴 氏 戲 筆”, meaning “Painted for pleasure by Bui Thi, a craftsperson of Nam Sach Phu in the 8th year of Ta Ho (A.D. 1450)”. This chance encounter sparked a quest to uncover Chu Dau’s lost artistry

Archaeological excavations unearthed tens of thousands of artifacts, revealing a once-vibrant industry. Chu Dau ceramics were even found in sunken ships off the coasts of the Philippines and Vietnam, attesting to their global reach.

With concerted efforts from scholars, authorities, businesses, and artisans, Chu Dau pottery has experienced a revival in its hometown. Utilizing a unique rice husk ash glaze, artisans craft ceramics with remarkable durability and distinctive crackle patterns.

Ceramic products are created by the meticulous hands of artisans. Photo: Chu Dau Pottery

Beyond their resilience, Chu Dau ceramics bear motifs steeped in Vietnamese cultural identity. Artisans meticulously restore ancient patterns, employing traditional underglaze painting techniques to ensure each piece is a testament to the nation’s heritage.

From traditional vases to spiritual objects and household items, Chu Dau ceramics exude elegance and sophistication. Intricately gilded with gold accents, these treasures embody the five elements, blending tradition with luxury.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Thuc, General Director of Chu Dau Ceramic Joint Stock Company, emphasizes the importance of blending tradition with modernity. Chu Dau Potters cater to evolving consumer tastes by innovating designs while preserving cultural authenticity.

Chu Dau ceramic plate of the 15th century, artifact of Dresden Museum, Germany.

Today, Chu Dau ceramics enjoy international acclaim, gracing the homes of discerning collectors worldwide. Selected as diplomatic gifts and cultural ambassadors, they carry the essence of Vietnamese identity to the global stage, ensuring that Chu Dau’s legacy endures for generations to come.

Kapanda: The Easy Way to See Vietnam

Advertisements

Say hi to Kapanda! It’s a new website where you can book trips around Vietnam. You can find it at https://kapanda.com. It’s a place where you can get bus tickets, train rides, car trips, and tours, all with a few clicks.

Local Touch:
Kapanda is special because it works with Vietnamese people who know their country best. They help you travel around Vietnam and show you cool places, like a local friend would.

Book in a Snap:
You don’t need to worry about how to book your travel in Vietnam anymore. Kapanda makes it super easy. Whether you want a bus to the mountains, a train to the city, or a car for a road trip, Kapanda has you covered.

Help Whenever You Need:
Kapanda knows that questions can pop up anytime. That’s why they have friendly people ready to chat with you 24/7. If you need help or just want to know the best places to go, they’re there for you.

Real and Fun:
When you use Kapanda, you’re getting the real Vietnam experience. The bus rides, train trips, and car tours are all run by folks from Vietnam. Plus, it’s a fun way to travel!

Good for Everyone:
Kapanda cares about Vietnam and the people who live there. They choose services that are good for the planet and help local businesses grow. Traveling with Kapanda means you’re doing something good, too.

Safe Rides:
Feeling safe is important when you’re traveling. Kapanda checks all the buses, trains, and cars to make sure they’re safe for you and your family.

Tasty Tours:
Vietnam has yummy food, and Kapanda can help you try it. They offer tours where you can eat like you live there and taste new things you might end up loving.

For All Travelers:
It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling alone, with friends, or with your family. Kapanda has something perfect for everyone. They love helping people have a great time in Vietnam.

Join the Fun:
When you book with Kapanda, you’re not just traveling. You’re joining a group of people who love exploring. You’ll make memories and maybe even new friends.

Get Going:
Are you excited to explore Vietnam? Let Kapanda help you. Check out https://kapanda.com and get ready for an amazing trip.

So, go ahead and start your adventure with Kapanda. Vietnam is waiting for you!

U.S. Financial Industry to Explore Sharing Ledger Technology for Multiasset Transactions

Advertisements

The New York Innovation Center of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York will act as a technical observer.

Citi, JPMorgan, Mastercard, Swift and Deloitte are among major companies with an interest in financial services teaming up to explore sharing ledger technology by simulating multiasset transactions in U.S. dollars.

The research project, titled Regulated Settlement Network (RSN) proof-of-concept (PoC), will explore the potential of bringing commercial-bank money, wholesale central-bank money and securities such as U.S. Treasuries and investment-grade debt to a common regulated venue, according to a statement shared with CoinDesk.

The New York Innovation Center of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York will act as a technical observer.

“In today’s digital economy, financial market infrastructures may need to settle a host of digital assets within well-defined legal frameworks. Citi looks forward to exploring the opportunities of this project,” Debopama Sen, global head of payments at Citi Services, said in the statement.

In the U.S., ideas such as central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) have become contentious. While the U.S. Federal Reserve’s Chair Jerome Powell has told lawmakers that the Fed has zero interest in a system in which it would have a view into user data, CBDCs have become a presidential election Issue.

The program’s participants are not committed to any future phases of research once the first is complete. The collaboration was focused on gaining “further consensus on the use of shared ledger technology in the U.S. financial system,” and the findings will be published once concluded, the statement said.

“The application of shared ledger technology to dollar settlements could unlock the next generation of market infrastructures – where programmable settlements are 24/7 and frictionless,” said Raj Dhamodharan, executive vice president for blockchain and digital assets at Mastercard.

The program will be managed by the securities industry’s internal standards organization, the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA). Other participants include TD Bank N.A., U.S. Bank, USDF, Wells Fargo, Visa and Zions Bancorp.

Rediscovering Inspiration in Labor

Advertisements

In contemporary society, we witness a trend among young people—an inclination towards confrontations with authority, dreams of idyllic escapes from work, and a disdain for the virtue of hard work. However, let us remember, my friend, that diligence and hard work are the bedrock of prosperity, a truth echoed by the wealthiest individuals throughout history.

Recently, I delved into the biography of America’s pioneering billionaire and titan of the oil and gas industry, John Davison Rockefeller Sr. (1839-1937). What struck me was a poem, composed by Rockefeller himself at the age of 86, offering profound insights into labor and leadership, diametrically opposed to today’s prevailing workplace ethos. It reads:

“I was early taught to work as well as play,
My life has been a long, happy holiday;
Full of work and full of play—
I dropped the worry on the way—
And God was good to me every day.”

Rockefeller Sr.’s poetic reflection subtly dispels modern fantasies of rebellion, indolence, and entitlement in the workplace. He portrays his professional journey not merely as a series of tasks or conquests but as a harmonious blend of labor and leisure, intertwined facets of existence. This holistic perspective underscores the significance of maintaining emotional equilibrium and a positive outlook in our professional endeavors.

By affirming, “In my childhood, I was taught to work and play,” Rockefeller directly challenges the notion that work is merely a burdensome necessity. Instead, he posits that work should be as enriching and gratifying as leisure—a remedy to the contemporary quandary of burnout or aimlessness in the workforce. Rockefeller himself was not born into privilege; it was the exigencies of life that compelled him to learn the delicate balance of toil and recreation from a tender age.

The line, “A holiday so long, so happy – I define life,” underscores the importance of cherishing life’s experiences, including the fulfillment found in work. This stands in stark contrast to today’s culture, where work is often construed as a relentless pursuit, each milestone demanding more than the last. Rockefeller invites us to discover contentment in our roles, irrespective of our position in the corporate hierarchy.

Of particular poignancy is his admission, “Oh, where did I let go of my depression,” a testament to his ability to shed the burdens and anxieties that often accompany professional ambition. This relinquishment of worry fosters personal well-being and cultivates a healthier, more conducive work environment. It underscores the notion that leadership and success stem from resilience and optimism, not from cutthroat competition or dominance.

Finally, his acknowledgment, “And God has been with me every day,” reflects not only humility and gratitude—qualities often eclipsed by the relentless pursuit of advancement—but also serves as a reminder that success is not solely a product of individual efforts but also of fortuitous circumstances and the support one receives along the journey. It begs the question: could a lack of gratitude be hindering the progress of today’s youth?

Rockefeller’s poetic legacy challenges us to reassess our professional lives. Instead of fostering environments marked by discord with authority, a propensity for idleness, and an insatiable thirst for advancement, let us strive to cultivate workplaces imbued with joy and appreciation. In embracing grace, equilibrium, and progress, we transform our careers into fulfilling journeys, where success is not merely measured by achievements but by the satisfaction derived from the path traveled.

Exit mobile version