Revolut to Launch Payments Platform in India, Aims for 20 Million Users by 2030

Economic

Summary:

Revolut, the London-based digital finance company, is expanding its global reach by launching a payment platform in India, one of the largest digital payments markets...

Revolut Expands to India with Ambitious Growth Targets

Revolut, a leading digital finance firm based in London, announced on Wednesday its plans to launch a payments platform in India. This marks a significant milestone for Revolut as it enters one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing digital payments markets.

Revolut is targeting a bold customer base of 20 million by 2030 in India. The platform will initially offer services to 350,000 users who are on a waitlist, before expanding to the broader market. Indian users will be able to make both domestic and international payments through Revolut’s partnerships with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Visa. This move aligns with the company's broader strategy to expand its global footprint.

Investment in Local Technology

As part of its commitment to the Indian market, Revolut has invested over 40 million pounds in localizing its technology to comply with India’s stringent data sovereignty rules. This is the only market where Revolut has made such a substantial investment in technology to meet local regulatory requirements, emphasizing its dedication to long-term success in India.

Revolut’s entry into India comes as part of a broader global expansion strategy. Last month, the fintech firm revealed that it was exploring the possibility of acquiring a U.S. bank and launching credit cards in its home market. Revolut is betting heavily on India, not only because of its large population and growing digital payments sector but also due to the country’s increasing adoption of fintech solutions.

Revolut’s entry into India reflects the increasing competition in the global digital payments landscape. With its strong growth ambitions and substantial investment in local infrastructure, Revolut is positioning itself as a major player in India’s dynamic fintech market. The company’s success in India will be a key part of its broader global expansion, and it will be closely watched by investors and competitors alike.

Source: Reuters

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Economic

Global M&A Activity Soars as Megadeals and Rate-Cut Hopes Fuel Dealmaking

The global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape is witnessing a powerful resurgence, with executives increasingly confident about executing large-scale deals despite ongoing geopolitical risks. Megadeals are at the forefront of this surge, as companies seek to enhance their market positions, diversify portfolios, and adapt to changing economic environments.

A key factor propelling the M&A market is the rise of megadeals transactions valued at billions of dollars that have dominated the headlines. These large-scale acquisitions are reshaping industries, particularly in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and energy. The volume of M&A deals has surged, signaling that companies are actively pursuing strategic growth opportunities through acquisitions.

Executives are shrugging off concerns about geopolitical uncertainties, including trade tensions and political instability, and focusing on long-term growth and market positioning. The ability to access new markets, acquire cutting-edge technologies, and streamline operations is driving the increase in deal activity.

Rate-Cut Expectations Boost M&A Optimism

Another factor fueling M&A activity is the growing anticipation of interest rate cuts, particularly in the United States. With central banks, including the Federal Reserve, signaling a shift toward more accommodative monetary policies, companies are eager to take advantage of lower borrowing costs. Reduced interest rates make financing deals more affordable and attractive, further motivating executives to pursue acquisitions.

As the cost of capital decreases, the appetite for dealmaking intensifies. Companies are more willing to engage in M&A transactions, leveraging favorable conditions to strengthen their competitive edge.

Geopolitical Concerns Fade into the Background

Despite the backdrop of geopolitical concerns, such as trade wars and economic uncertainties in regions like the U.S. and China, executives are demonstrating resilience in their approach to M&A. The focus has shifted toward the strategic advantages that deals can bring, rather than being deterred by external challenges. This shift in mindset reflects the increasing importance of adapting to market dynamics and leveraging acquisitions as a tool for business expansion.

The growth of the global M&A market is also indicative of the broader economic optimism surrounding recovery from the pandemic's impact. With more favorable conditions in terms of interest rates and market dynamics, dealmaking is set to remain a key driver of growth in various industries.

Outlook: A Strong M&A Pipeline

Looking ahead, the global M&A pipeline remains strong, with many more megadeals anticipated in the coming months. As executives continue to adjust to evolving market conditions, the appetite for transformative deals is likely to persist. Analysts predict that 2025 could be another banner year for M&A activity, with companies positioning themselves for future growth by capitalizing on opportunities in both established and emerging markets.

In conclusion, the global M&A engine is roaring back to life, powered by strategic megadeals and favorable economic conditions, including expectations of rate cuts. With companies focusing on long-term growth and market positioning, the future of dealmaking looks promising.

Source: CNBC

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Economic

Commodity

Gold Hits Record High as Investors Flock to Safe Haven Amid Economic and Geopolitical Uncertainty

On October 7, 2025, gold surged to an all-time high, crossing the $4,000 per ounce mark, driven by increasing demand for the precious metal as a safe-haven asset. This surge comes amid a combination of factors, including mounting economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability, and expectations of further interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve. With these pressures weighing on the markets, investors are increasingly turning to gold, viewed as a hedge against inflation and currency volatility.

As markets grapple with weak currencies and concerns over credit, many investors are seeking refuge in gold. The recent rally has reminded many of J.P. Morgan's famous 1912 statement, “Gold is money, everything is credit.” This shift away from fiat currencies and traditional paper assets is evident, with prominent investors like Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio recommending that portfolios allocate up to 15% to gold, echoing sentiments from the 1970s when similar economic conditions were prevalent.

Dalio’s recommendation stands in contrast to the more conventional financial advice of a 60-40 split between stocks and bonds, suggesting an increased emphasis on alternative assets like gold and commodities due to concerns over inflation and economic instability. For investors seeking safer avenues in the current climate, Dalio’s suggestion offers a clear strategy to hedge against potential financial turbulence.

The Debate Over Gold’s Utility and Value

Not all investors agree on the value of gold. Warren Buffett, known for his skepticism of gold, has famously criticized its lack of utility, saying that it gets dug out of the ground, melted down, and guarded without providing income or tangible benefits. His stance highlights a major philosophical divide in the investment world: some see gold as a timeless store of value, while others question its role in a modern, income-driven investment strategy.

Despite Buffett's objections, gold has clearly emerged as a leading asset in times of uncertainty, particularly in the face of volatile markets. As the precious metal nears the $4,000 mark, investors appear to be ignoring past critiques in favor of securing their wealth against broader economic risks.

Nvidia-OpenAI Partnership and Market Reactions

Meanwhile, in the technology sector, Nvidia’s partnership with OpenAI continues to attract significant attention. Nvidia recently announced plans to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI to build out the infrastructure needed for artificial intelligence, further propelling the AI boom. However, there are signs that the market may be overly optimistic about the profitability of AI-driven ventures. As AI investments increase, analysts are beginning to question whether the high valuation of tech stocks, like Nvidia, can be sustained in the face of narrow margins, as seen in Oracle’s recent performance.

Despite these concerns, the AI industry’s rapid growth has generated significant investor enthusiasm. The S&P 500, influenced heavily by tech stocks, reached new highs recently, but investors remain cautious about the long-term sustainability of the AI market. As the market adjusts to these dynamics, gold’s steady rise presents a contrasting investment opportunity, appealing to those seeking stability in an uncertain global economic environment.

Looking Ahead: A Potential AI Bubble?

The potential for an AI bubble is a growing concern among analysts, especially as stocks driven by AI enthusiasm continue to climb. Josh Brown, CEO of Ritholtz Wealth Management, noted that while some AI projects hold real value, the overall market sentiment may be overly inflated. As the tech sector faces scrutiny, investors are finding it increasingly challenging to discern which projects will deliver long-term value.

In contrast, the gold market continues to show resilience, driven by factors such as de-dollarization, geopolitical risk, and economic uncertainty. The precious metal’s latest rally suggests that investors are leaning toward stability and risk mitigation as the broader market experiences heightened volatility.

As the price of gold rises to new heights, it serves as a reminder of its enduring appeal in times of crisis. Investors are closely monitoring the gold market’s next moves, while also navigating the complex landscape of technology stocks and the potential for an AI-driven bubble.

Source: CNBC

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Samantha Luan

Cryptocurrency

Forex

Economic

Ethereum price failed to extend gains above $4,750 and declined. ETH is now consolidating and might struggle to rise above $4,600 in the short term.

● Ethereum started a downside correction below $4,620 and $4,600.

● The price is trading below $4,600 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.

● There was a break below a key bullish trend line with support at $4,560 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD.

● The pair could continue to move down if it trades below $4,420.

Ethereum Price Corrects Gains

Ethereum price extended gains above $4,600 and $4,620, like Bitcoin. ETH price even tested the $4,750 resistance zone before the bears appeared. A high was formed at $4,759 and the price corrected some gains.There was a move below the $4,620 and $4,600 levels. Besides, there was a break below a key bullish trend line with support at $4,560 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD. The pair even tested the $4,440 zone and is currently consolidating losses.

Ethereum price is now trading below $4,550 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. On the upside, the price could face resistance near the $4,520 level and the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the recent decline from the $4,759 swing high to the $4,435 low.

The next key resistance is near the $4,550 level. The first major resistance is near the $4,600 level or the 50% Fib retracement level of the recent decline from the $4,759 swing high to the $4,435 low. A clear move above the $4,600 resistance might send the price toward the $4,650 resistance. An upside break above the $4,650 region might call for more gains in the coming sessions. In the stated case, Ether could rise toward the $4,720 resistance zone or even $4,750 in the near term.

More Losses In ETH?

If Ethereum fails to clear the $4,600 resistance, it could start a fresh decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $4,440 level. The first major support sits near the $4,420 zone.A clear move below the $4,420 support might push the price toward the $4,320 support. Any more losses might send the price toward the $4,250 region in the near term. The next key support sits at $4,150.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACD–The MACD for ETH/USD is losing momentum in the bullish zone.

Hourly RSI–The RSI for ETH/USD is now below the 50 zone.

Major Support Level – $4,420

Major Resistance Level – $4,600

Source: TradingView

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Samantha Luan

Cryptocurrency

Forex

Economic

It’s still not uncommon for a domestic builder or plumber to ask for payment in cash. Soon, they might ask for Tether or another stablecoin instead.Bankers, consultants and regulators have spent a lot of time thinking about the challenge these constant-value crypto tokens pose to bank deposits. There’s also real concern about their use in terror financing, drug trafficking and money laundering. But for the UK and Europe especially there’s a much more banal problem with billions at stake — everyday, low-level tax dodging. This helps explain why governments on the eastern side of the Atlantic are far more determined to be involved in stablecoins than the US is.

Missed tax revenue is a pain and, over the past 20 years or so, European governments have worked hard to close the gap between what they think they should be collecting and what they actually bring in. The main successes have been in capturing value-added taxes (VAT) a big revenue raiser for most European countries. (The US doesn’t have a nationwide VAT, only state-level sales taxes.)

When I was much younger, there was a street in central London full of electronics shops that would all offer big discounts for cash on TVs, stereo equipment and so on. They’ve all gone. In the UK, uncollected VAT has shrunk to just 0.3% of gross domestic product in 2021-2022 from 0.8% of GDP in 2005-2006, according to a study by the Office for Budget Responsibility last year. That’s equivalent to cutting missed revenue by about £5 billion ($6.7 billion), a decent sum. Europe has also cut its losses, to missing only 7% of expected VAT in 2022 from more than 11% in 2018 (although the trend has begun to reverse in some countries).The growth of electronic payments, using credit or debit cards, and the decline of cash have been major contributors. The lows for missed taxes in Europe were in 2020 and 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic when lockdowns meant face-to-face transactions where cash could be used were cut to a minimum.

In some countries, forcing businesses to accept electronic payments was a deliberate revenue strategy. Following its debt crisis in 2015, Greece made it mandatory for thousands of small firms to install card machines in 2017 or face fines of €1,500 ($1,755). That year, nearly 30% of expected VAT wasn’t paid; the shortfall declined to 11% in 2023, according to the latest European Commission figures.There have been other initiatives to tackle VAT dodging in the UK and Europe, such as electronic invoicing and making tax collection digital. But the increasing predominance of electronic payments just makes it much harder for any trader to keep business off the books and out of the tax records.

Here’s where stablecoins like Tether pose a problem — they enable private, person-to-person anonymous exchange, just like cash. Yes, the blockchain records transactions, but tracing the history of a cryptocoin that has been stolen or ended up in the hands of criminals is different to scrutinizing the card receipts of a bar’s food and drink sales, for example.Hence the Bank of England and the European Central Bank both want to be involved in any local stablecoin that becomes a significant means of payment. There are, of course, serious financial stability and other monetary reasons for this, but if British and European stablecoins are connected to a central bank and only issued by regulated entities, governments can be more sure that transactions will be properly recorded.

For the ECB, the answer is to issue its own digital euro, a version of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). Some recoil at this idea, imagining that the central bank will be able to track all of their private financial activity – indeed the US House of Representatives passed a bill this year that stops the Federal Reserve issuing a CBDC of its own. But European officials downplay these concerns.Philip Lane, the ECB’s chief economist, expects people to hold digital euro accounts at their bank or a regulated payments company, he wrote in a September article. That would mean digital euros have their value and stability guaranteed by the central bank, while only leaving the same trail of private information that exists with deposit money.

In contrast, the BOE doesn’t want to issue a CBDC for people to use directly, but does want any systemically significant stablecoin to keep its reserves on deposit at the central bank. That is to protect commercial banks from lots of people all cashing in their stablecoins at the same time — and to protect stablecoin issuers from a bank suffering a run on its deposits.On top of this, BOE Governor Andrew Bailey has said that issuers also need safeguards against operational failings, such as cyberattacks, frauds or just bad technology. These risks demand some kind of deposit-like insurance, to ensure ordinary people don’t lose their means of payment, and advance arrangements of how to wind up a failing coin issuer — like the resolution plans that banks have.

All this will tie digital pounds and euros into the electronic-payments and record-keeping systems that Brits and Europeans use today. And I wouldn’t be surprised to see further rules and controls to limit how much people can use other stablecoins that aren’t officially sanctioned. After all, even in the US Tether is launching an on-shore American version of its coin to ensure it meets the standards passed into US law this year.For the determined criminal and tax evader, non-sanctioned coins will still be attractive – less costly to handle or store than bank notes, and harder to lose, destroy or have stolen. But in the UK and Europe, the authorities’ determination to keep these new forms of money on a leash will make it harder for tradespeople and businesses to use less traceable coins – and to skip a bit of tax – to any material degree. That’s a good thing, even if you can’t get a cash discount from your plumber or electronics store.

Source: Bloomberg Europe

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Economic

New Zealand’s Central Bank Slashes Rates to Stimulate Economic Recovery

On October 7, 2025, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) surprised markets by cutting its official cash rate (OCR) by 50 basis points, bringing it to 2.5%. This marks the lowest level for the OCR since July 2022 and comes as the central bank seeks to support economic growth amid growing concerns over sluggish domestic activity. Economists had anticipated a smaller cut of 25 basis points.

The RBNZ’s decision is largely driven by weak economic performance in New Zealand, which saw its GDP contract by 1.1% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, a worse-than-expected result compared to the 0.9% contraction forecast by economists. The central bank cited slow growth in disposable incomes and house prices as key factors weighing on economic activity. However, the RBNZ also highlighted that lower interest rates were starting to support a recovery in consumption, offering a silver lining for future growth.

Inflationary Pressures Subside Amid Weak Growth

Despite concerns over economic growth, inflationary pressures in New Zealand have moderated. The RBNZ expects inflation to return to its target range of 1-3% by the first half of 2026. Headline inflation was recorded at 2.7% for the second quarter of 2025, near the upper end of the RBNZ's target band. This reduction in inflation has given the central bank more confidence in its decision to cut rates further.

While inflation remains relatively contained domestically, the global economic environment continues to present challenges. The RBNZ acknowledged the impact of trade restrictions, tariffs, and ongoing global economic policy uncertainty, particularly in relation to the effects on supply chains and international trade volumes. However, the bank noted that global trade and economic activity have remained resilient so far, with positive growth forecasts for New Zealand’s key trading partners, especially China and Taiwan.

Outlook for New Zealand’s Economy

Looking ahead, the RBNZ forecasts that New Zealand’s economy will continue to face challenges from slow growth, particularly in 2026. Despite a better-than-expected outlook for key trading partners, including a raised growth forecast for China by the World Bank, New Zealand’s domestic growth is expected to remain subdued.

The central bank’s recent rate cut, while intended to stimulate demand and economic activity, is part of a broader effort to manage the complexities of global economic uncertainty. By reducing borrowing costs, the RBNZ hopes to encourage consumer spending and investment, particularly as the economy recovers from the contraction in the second quarter.

In the long term, the RBNZ faces a delicate balancing act between fostering economic recovery and managing inflationary pressures, with the potential for slower growth in 2026. The central bank's focus will likely remain on maintaining economic stability while mitigating the challenges posed by both domestic and global factors.

As New Zealand's economic landscape evolves, policymakers will continue to monitor inflation and growth trends to ensure that the country remains on a path toward sustainable economic recovery.

Source: CNBC

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Cryptocurrency

Economic

Trump Memecoin Issuer Aims to Raise $1 Billion for Digital Asset Treasury Company

Fight Fight Fight LLC, the company behind the controversial $Trump memecoin, is seeking to raise at least $200 million, potentially up to $1 billion, to establish a digital-asset treasury (DAT) to help stabilize and accumulate the struggling token. The company, run by Bill Zanker, a long-time friend and promoter of Donald Trump, is currently working to finalize the fundraising, though the deal is not yet confirmed.

The $Trump memecoin, which was launched days before Trump's second presidential inauguration, experienced an initial surge in popularity but quickly plummeted in value. The token is currently trading around $8, significantly down from its peak of $44 in January 2025. In response, Zanker has devised the DAT strategy in an effort to boost the coin’s value and revive its market presence.

The proposed treasury company would accumulate large quantities of the token, hoping to raise its value through controlled supply and strategic support. The move is seen as an attempt to reverse the fortunes of the token, which has struggled in recent months after its initial hype.

$Trump Memecoin Struggles with Volatility and Decline

Despite efforts to promote and maintain interest in the $Trump memecoin, its value has continued to fall, with only about 35% of its supply currently in circulation. According to Messari, the remaining tokens are mostly locked and held by entities associated with Trump, including Zanker’s company. The total supply of the coin is capped at 1 billion tokens, with 800 million initially locked and controlled by Trump-affiliated entities.

Over the summer, Zanker had also planned to launch a Trump-branded "wallet" to enable users to trade and hold the memecoin, along with other digital assets. However, this plan fell through due to a dispute with another Trump-linked crypto company, World Liberty Financial. Despite this setback, Zanker remains committed to promoting the memecoin, and the new digital-asset treasury initiative could help reinvigorate its market position.

Rising Interest in Digital Asset Treasuries

The push for digital-asset treasuries comes at a time when interest in such initiatives is growing within the crypto industry. According to PitchBook, over 80 companies focused on accumulating various cryptocurrencies have been launched in 2025 alone, although many of these businesses have seen their stock prices fall after initial surges.

The Trump family has become increasingly involved in the cryptocurrency industry, expanding its reach with ventures like Bitcoin mining, stablecoins, a Bitcoin treasury, and exchange-traded funds. This broader involvement in the digital asset space has provided additional support for the $Trump memecoin’s efforts to regain market confidence.

Trump’s Crypto Influence and the Future of the Memecoin

Despite the struggles, there’s still significant backing for the $Trump memecoin. High-profile crypto figures, such as Justin Sun, a major holder of the token and an adviser to World Liberty Financial, have been involved in the memecoin’s promotional events. In May, Sun attended a dinner with top holders of the coin, further cementing the token’s presence within the larger crypto ecosystem.

Moving forward, the success of the $Trump memecoin’s treasury plan will depend on its ability to stabilize the token and restore investor confidence. With more coins being unlocked and brought into circulation, the market value of the token will likely continue to fluctuate in the coming months. The ultimate goal of the digital-asset treasury is to raise the coin’s price and reestablish its place in the cryptocurrency landscape.

In the broader context, the continued exploration of digital-asset initiatives by the Trump family and associated entities reflects the increasing prominence of cryptocurrencies and digital finance in global markets. Whether the $Trump memecoin can regain its former popularity remains to be seen, but the latest treasury plan offers a potential lifeline for the token’s future.