Coffee with MarkZ 08/11/2023

Thank you MarkZ for all your time, and encouragement daily….. PDK

MarkZ  Update- Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim

MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context.  Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions

Member: Good morning MarkZ, mods and everyone. It’s a great day! I can just FEEL IT!!!

Member: let the weekend, begin!!!!

Member: Mark-are we thinking it’s this weekend or looking at another week yet?

MZ: I could be wrong but I honestly think we will see it before the 20th….so for this weekend or next week…I do not know that answer. But I don’t think I have ever felt this good about things. 

Member: I sure wish we knew what the hold ups have been….

Member: My money is on bad guys with power do not want to lose us all as slaves …they enjoy stealing from us and controlling us all. ….

MZ:  I am still waiting on an update from redemption center folks. As of yesterday they thought they were only on call this weekend. But they are prepared. They said if they are on call….they can be at work within an hour and start seeing folks. So I am not worried if they are only on call this weekend. 

MZ: Nothing out of the bond side. Bond folks had expected to have dollars by yesterday…I have yet to have an update as of this morning….

Member:  (From Dinar Guru)  Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat   Article:  "CENTRAL BANK THREATENS EXCHANGE COMPANIES WITH UNPRECEDENTED MEASURES"  Quote:  "The Central Bank of Iraq issued new directives that included strict measures on exchange companies, reaching the point of withdrawing their licenses and denying them access to the window of buying and selling currency."  WOW!  So the CBI is VERY serious and its about time!

MZ: Yes- they are very serious and they have a lot to rein in for this event. 

MZ: “Dana Gas receives $80 million from Iraq’s Kurdistan region”  oil is absolutely flowing in the Kurdistan region. I think this is a solid sign that the money is moving and so is the HCL (hydrocarbon law) . This is a big one in my book……

Member:  Iraq supposedly has huge veins of gold that have not been mined ...

Member: I think Iraq first ..then RV…Dinar starts low then floats. Ask MM, Frank  and Ariel.

MZ: It absolutely could be a float. But that is not what I hear from my banking side.  A float in-market and since our dinar is being claimed through the oil for dinar program and paid over time….we will get a contract price.  Both stories make sense. I am just telling you what my sources and I believe.  But anything under $1.30 doesn’t make sense for them…mathematically…for their budget and what they need to accomplish. 

Member: If it’s a float-how will exchanging it at a contract rate work?

MZ: I am told they will still have redemption areas……they will still have trained staff to prove the validity of your currency.…I am also told if it comes in at a float they will offer you a multi cucrrency account so you can deposit it  and hold it as Iraqi dinar….

MZ: But the goal was to be in the $4 range…..lets see which way they go. 

Member: Is it true dong could go as high as $3.00 rate. 

MZ: There are a lot of rumors that the dong could go at $3.00 per dong. When I first started I was hoping for .36 cents. I was told recently about $2.25…but as of late….many of my banking folks say about $3.00.   This would be just huge. 

MZ: “ Iran gets $10 Billion of assets after dealing with the US”  I think this is part of the breakthrough in Iran…..and why I think the rial will be in the first basket. I am feeling very comfortable on that front. 

MilitiaMan joins the stream

MZ: Good morning MilitiaMan……there is sure a lot going on in Iraq. 

MM: Happy to be here

MZ: I am feeling good about Iraq and the HCL….where do you think we are at?

MM: Just getting started this morning but, they are doing a lot with the budget and finalizing  disbursements and allocations. They are getting ready to spend money. Some of those time frames are coming on us quickly. 

MM: I have paid attention most to Sudani the last few days and he has stated that there are some advanced projects that need to be funded by a specific time or at least on the table by the 15th. the 24th is also a big date. These things have to be done and everything sorted for them to get the country up and running.  So things will be happening in a few days to next week. 

MM: We did see yesterday some interesting talks between the US and Iran. Getting money together from Korea and Iraq to go to Iran. That was kind of a big deal You mentioned money movement and yes…there is money moving. It has already started. 

MM: Iran is one of the biggest trading partners with Iraq. An article released this morning says they are expecting 12 Billion in trade. 

MM: Talking about the bond market. That it is supposed to be all taken care of which I find fascinating. The process they are going through is supposed to help facilitate money movement. Hopefully, at any time. 

MM: I think things are pretty darn exciting. 

MZ: When do you expect to do your next update? Will you try to do one this evening as news warrants?  

MM: I have to knuckle down today and get into the news. I was planning on doing something this evening. 

MZ: Do you think there will be a contract rate or a float?

MM: My take is a float won’t work in a digital world. I just don’t see it. I think they are going to make an adjustment to their Reel Effective Exchange Rate (REER) and I hope and expect it will be better than it was in a previous era. 

MM: When I first got into this- the IMF had shut them down from $3.22 …so, when they reinstate- I think they will start there…maybe add some for inflation , and they probably will do a “managed float” as they will need it for stable products . The higher the rate=the cheaper it is to rebuild the country. . Things will be a lot cheaper with a higher exchange rate. 

MM: They need stability in pricing as they import almost everything. It will be a lot cheaper if they have a bigger rate. 

MZ: I agree with you. If they come in low and expect it to float- that will cause stability issues. They are going to want a currency that stays within a 2% range….imo. year to year and day to day. They don’t need a rate that swings wildly. 

MM: We are on the same page. Let’s cross our fingers and hope for the best. They have the natural resources…They have the revenue streams…..They are clawing back a lot of money and there are a lot of arrests. They are really going after the corruption in Iraq. 

MM: Al Sudani has had a shake up in his office yesterday …There has been a lot of people getting busted. There was a crime ring that stole $3 trillion dinar. That is a lot of money coming back to Iraq. I hear hundreds have been arrested. 

MM: Once they start spending that budget – that is where we come in . That is going to be an exciting time frame. Maybe I will talk about that this evening. 

MZ: I am looking forward to your update this evening. If you get anything good….please share, and I will do the same with you. Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us today

MM: I appreciate it and will see you all this evening. 

Mod:  PLEASE FOLLOW AND SUBSCRIBE TO MILITIA MAN & CREW: https://www.youtube.com/@MilitiaManCrew ALSO FOUND ON Patreon community that is CONTENT DEEP at https://www.patreon.com/mmandcrew

Member: markZ - if you are aware if VK (Vincent Kennedy) he posted just after midnight last night a TikTok video of an RV (motor coach) He has a “comm” in every single post he drops.. I find that exciting!

Member: Bank Story- My mom’s friend went to a Wells Fargo in Oregon and demanded “Rainbow Currency”  They gave it to her. 

MZ: Wow- we seriously need to see pictures of that. 

Member: I am very excited to see our new gold backed USN money. Be sure to get a picture so we all can see it. 

Member:  I am so excited and trying not to be excited about being excited. It's like trying to recap a champagne bottle.

Member: Thanks to all the Mods for all you do! Happy Friday, all

Member: Thank Mark and Militiaman…….very exciting times. 

Member: Continued prayers for everyone in Lahaina, Maui…..such a horrible tragedy. 

The CBD Gurus join the stream at the end. Please listen to the replay for their information 

“THE INFORMATION IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR GENERAL & EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE ANY PROFESSIONAL & LEGAL ADVICE.” PLEASE CONSIDER EVERYTHING DISCUSSED IS IN MARKZ’S OPINION ONLY

SATURDAY GO TO: Odysee at: https://odysee.com/@theoriginalmarkz:e OR THE RUMBLE CHANNEL: https://rumble.com/user/theoriginalmarkz

DINAR IRAQ AND DONG VIETNAM: NEWS OF IRAQ UPDATE, 11 AUGUST

 WEDNESDAY APPROVED A PREREQUISITE FOR THE PREPARATION OF AN OIL AND GAS LAW WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN BAGHDAD

Baghdad – NAS

The Kurdistan Regional Council of Ministers on Wednesday approved a prerequisite for the preparation of an oil and gas law with the federal government in Baghdad, which is based on “constitutional foundations.”

According to the statement of the Kurdistan Council of Ministers, a copy of which was received by NAS, (August 9, 2023), “the Council held its weekly meeting under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and in the presence of Deputy Chairman of the Council Qubad Talabani, and dealt with a number of topics on its agenda.”

The statement explained that “at the beginning of the first paragraph of its agenda, the Council of Ministers reviewed the results of the visit of the delegation of the Kurdistan Regional Government to Baghdad, related to the preparation of the draft federal oil and gas law jointly between the federal government, the Kurdistan region and the Iraqi provinces producing oil and gas, based on the constitutional articles related to the oil and gas sector.”

The Prime Minister stressed “the need to prepare a draft oil and gas law at the level of federal Iraq, based on the provisions of the constitution related to the oil and gas sector, and these constitutional articles must form the main pillar for this, as clearly stipulated in the constitution, and the draft law should have the approval of the federal government, the Kurdistan region and the oil-producing provinces in Iraq, reflecting the principles of the federal system in the country, as proven in the constitution.”

The Prime Minister stressed “the need to respect the agreements concluded between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government on the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the region.”

Barzani stressed “the importance of having a law regulating the oil and gas sector at the level of Iraq, provided that it complies with the principles of regulating this sector and with the federal system of the Iraqi state, as stated in the constitution.”

In the second paragraph of the meeting’s agenda, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Quistan Mohammed presented a draft project (the system of the Fund for the Care and Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities, Special Needs and Short Stature), which was prepared in the light of Law No. 22 of 2011, which aims to activate the role of the Fund in collecting revenues collected in this field, and then re-spending them in order to provide the necessary services for people with disabilities and short stature by providing all the care, rehabilitation and social development they need, as well as supporting them. In various economic, community, health and educational fields, under this system, provided that a board of directors of the Fund shall be formed that includes representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities, special needs and short stature, as they will have equal powers with government agencies in making decisions related to the management of the Fund.”

After discussions and deliberations, the Council of Ministers unanimously approved the law and directed the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in coordination with the relevant ministries and organizations to take the necessary measures after the entry into force of this law.

-----

THE DILEMMA OF THE DOLLAR AND BLACK REMITTANCES.. AN EXPECTED “DUEL” BETWEEN THE “FEDERAL” AND NEW IRAQI BANKS

Today, Wednesday (August 9, 2023), the expert in banking affairs, Nasser Al-Kinani, confirmed that banks affiliated with political parties are behind the dollar crisis in Iraq.

Al-Kinani told “Baghdad Today” that “it is no secret to everyone that there are many banks in Iraq belonging to influential political parties and figures, and these banks are the ones causing the dollar crisis in Iraq, as they work on black transfers and some illegal banking movements.”

And he indicated that “the political protection of some of these banks is a reason why they are not held accountable by the competent Iraqi authorities,” noting that “US sanctions are imposed on them, to prevent misuse of the dollar currency.”

And it is likely that “the continuation of the work of these banks outside international standards means imposing new US sanctions on new banks during the next stage.”

The Dollar Battle:

In early August, Prime Minister Muhammad Shia’ al-Sudani revealed the details of the dollar crisis, which he described as a “battle”, announcing at the same time the arrest of a network of “major speculators” linked to speculators in the Kurdistan region.

Last July, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 14 Iraqi banks, in a move described as a “campaign” against Iran’s dealings in dollars .

The Wall Street Journal quoted US officials as saying: “The move came after the disclosure of information indicating that the targeted banks were involved in money laundering and fraudulent transactions .”

The newspaper added, “Some of these operations may relate to individuals subject to sanctions, which increases fears that Iran will benefit from it .”

“The main danger of sanctions in Iraq is definitely related to Iran, ” the US official added.

With names.. 14 Iraqi banks punished:

“Baghdad Today” learned that the sanctions affected banks (the Islamic Advisor for Investment and Finance, the Islamic Qartas for Investment and Finance, as well as the Islamic Spectrum, Elaf Bank, Erbil Bank for Investment and Finance, the International Islamic Bank, Trans-Iraq Bank, Mosul Bank for Development and Investment, Al-Rajih Bank, Sumer Commercial Bank, Trust International Islamic Bank, and Ur Islamic Bank And the Islamic World Bank for Investment and Finance, as well as Zain Iraq Islamic Bank for Investment and Finance.

The currency market is experiencing unprecedented confusion, which called on merchants and bankers to stop selling the dollar in light of the accelerating disparity, hoping to limit potential huge losses, which could put the government in an embarrassing position.

"Bull of the Day: Shift4 Payments (FOUR)", 11 AUGUST

 Shift4 Payments (

FOUR - Free Report)  is a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) that is a provider of integrated payment processing and technology solutions. The company provides omni-channel card acceptance and processing solutions, including credit, debit, contactless card, Europay, Mastercard and Visa, QR Pay, and mobile wallets, as well as alternative payment methods.

FOUR has been underperforming most tech companies, up only 12% on the year. For the most part, the stock has been sideways since making its initial 2023 gains back in January.

The company recently posted a positive earnings report and analysts are taking estimates higher. Investors should be watching the stock for potential technical support, followed by a move higher into the end of the year.

About the Company 

The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The stock has a Zacks Style Score of “A” in Growth and Momentum, but “C” in Value. The Forward PE is 24 and the stock has a market cap of $5 billion.

FOUR employs 2,300 employees and operates in Europe, Japan, and North America.  

Q2 Earnings Beat 

In early August, FOUR beat earnings expectations by 51%. This was the sixth straight EPS beat that stretches back to early 2022. Since the start of this earnings streak, the stock is up 40%.

Looking at the quarter, Q2 came in at $0.74 v the $0.51 expected. Adjusted EBITDA was $110M v the $66M last year.

Shift4 Payments raised its FY23 guidance, now seeing End-to-End payment volume at $108-114B v the $104-110B prior. This is an increase of 45-54% year over year.

Gross revenues, adjusted EBITDA, and FCF for FY23 were also taken higher.

Analyst Estimates 

Analysts reacted to EPS and the guidance raise by lifting estimates across the board.   

Since earnings, estimates for the current quarter have gone from $0.66 to $0.69 or 5%. Next quarter is where it gets impressive, with estimates going from $0.65 to $0.78 over the last 7 days. This is a 20% jump, which is almost matched by a 15% jump in the current year.  

Looking at the numbers for next year, estimates have gone from $3.02 to $3.34 over the last 7 days or 11%.

Since earnings, multiple analysts have taken price targets higher for FOUR:

UBS reiterated the stock with a Buy and took its price target to $100, up from $93. 

Credit Suisse reiterated FOUR with an Outperform and raised their price target to $80 from $75.

Morgan Stanley maintained its Underweight but lifted its price target to $52 from $50.

The Technicals

The stock started the year out around the $50 level and then marched to $75, good for about a 50% move. Since April, the stock has traded in a sideways range between $60 and $70.

As FOUR drifts lower on market weakness, investors should be watching support levels for potential buys. The 200-day MA resides at $61 and would likely be a big spot for bulls. This would front-run the $60 level which has been support four times since the April lows.

If a larger market sell-off hits the stock, the $52.50 area is the 61.8% retracement drawn from November lows to April highs.

For the bulls to take charge, the price needs to get over the $67 level. This would be a move above both the 50-day and 21-day MA. That scenario would not only bring more attention to the stock, but it would also signal a potential break of the $70 resistance.

Bottom Line 

While FOUR has been trading sideways during market strength, there are reasons to believe that an eventual up move could come as we close out the year.

Estimates are headed higher and if that earnings momentum continues, we should see the bulls eventually take out that resistance that has held the stock down since April.

https://www.zacks.com/commentary/2135318/bull-of-the-day-shift4-payments-four?art_rec=home-home-featured_zacks_rank_stocks-ID01-txt-2135318

"STEPS OF IRAQ FOR ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT & INVESTMENT REVIVAL", 11 AUGUST

 Development Fund.. a step for economic advancement and investment revival

Economical 2023/08/10
 Baghdad: Haider Fleeh Al-Rubaie

Specialists in economic affairs praised the government’s approach to establishing the “Development Fund for Iraq,” stressing the 

importance of the step in achieving a package of achievements, 

including allowing various forms of financing partnerships such as loans, international grants, and allocations from the general budget, or issuing financing bonds and local and international partnerships with the private sector. 

And while they indicated that the fund would develop and diversify non-oil resources, 

they pointed out that the development path project would be the real nucleus of the work of the Iraq Fund.

The Prime Minister, Muhammad Shia'a al-Sudani, revealed that 

"the cabinet approved the system of the Iraq Fund for Development, and 

we are working to form a board of directors, and 

we have received offers from Arab and foreign investment funds to participate in the fund, as well as 

we have received requests from the private sector to implement projects within the Iraq Fund for Development." 

The fund can achieve many economic and development goals, foremost of which is the possibility of improving the investment environment, launching sustainable development, finding solutions to economic, social and environmental crises, as well as creating a qualitative change in the adoption of technology and modern systems in management, as well as its ability to finance projects that address gaps in the powers of ministries..

The fund can also create job opportunities through investment projects, develop human capital and skills to match market requirements, in addition to its ability to attract the financial mass of the private sector and employ it in projects.

In addition to the many economic advantages that the fund can achieve, the financial advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Mazhar Muhammad Salih, believes during his interview with "Al-Sabah" that 

"the Iraq Fund is one of the strategic methods for investing in major development projects across the provinces and has the ability to provide backlinks." 

and frontally with production chains and other investments in a correlative manner. 

Saleh explained that the fund is characterized by providing two important directions, which are the 

sustainability of financing throughout the life of the implementation of the strategic project without stumbling, which means high implementation efficiency through a network of interconnected investments, as well as 

allowing various forms of financing partnerships such as loans, international grants, allocations from the general budget, or the issuance of financing bonds. Or local or international partnerships with the private sector, depending on the nature of the project and its internal and external extensions.

The financial advisor believes that the "Development Road Project" will be the true nucleus of the work of the Iraq Fund and its associated networks of industrial cities, infrastructure, etc., as well as the possibility of this new economic formation becoming the planning, financing, and executive investment arm, whether independently of the government or through strategic partnerships. with the private sector.

Counselor Saleh suggested, 

"Creating an effective management description for the fund that has three pillars at once, the 

first of which is economic and engineering planning for the strategic projects that the fund will undertake to approve, and the 

second is the establishment of an administrative and engineering technical apparatus that undertakes follow-up on the implementation of projects upon their approval and monitors completion rates, accuracy of implementation, and control of exchange, in When the 

third pillar is concerned with financing management and the flow of incoming and outgoing sources of funds, meaning the accuracy of spending on projects.

In addition, the economist, Dr. Hussein Jaber Al-Khakani, confirmed to Al-Sabah that 

“the establishment of a development fund is an important direction and sound thinking and the adoption of scientific solutions in the face of crises, and that 

seriousness and readiness for speedy implementation and the use of successful experiences of countries in this field represent a successful step.” And a good starting point for the government in its early works.

In order for the Fund to succeed, Al-Khakani urged that 

it “be independent financially and administratively and not be under the umbrella of any ministry, 

but rather be linked to the Prime Minister or the Council of Ministers, in order for it to have freedom of movement in implementing government policy and the activities for which it was established,” stressing at the same time, 

He stressed the importance of the fund working "in a private sector way in management, employment, investment and contracting with experts and consultants with the specializations it needs to enable it to perform its work in the best way." 

-----

Prime Minister: The unified treasury account will be an added contribution to anti-corruption measures 

 Politics 08-9-2023, 16:19
Baghdad – conscious 

Today, Wednesday, Prime Minister Muhammad Shia'a Al-Sudani affirmed that the unified treasury account will be an added contribution to anti-corruption measures.

The media office of the Prime Minister stated, in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that 

"Prime Minister Muhammad Shia'a al-Sudani chaired today, Wednesday, a meeting to follow up on the completion of the unified treasury account and electronic payment procedures at POS points of sale."  The statement added, "During the meeting, they reviewed the progress made in completing the unified treasury account , and the subsequent positive indicators that are reflected in the national financial and banking system."  

Al-Sudani stressed, according to the statement, that "these steps come within the government's efforts to implement financial and banking reforms, and the unified treasury account will be an added contribution to anti-corruption measures and limiting the ability of corrupt people to exploit loopholes."  And he directed, "to make an amendment to the electronic payment system No. 3 of 2014, as well as the adoption of the electronic receipt document as a substitute for the paper receipt, as part of a series of procedures towards employing and approving electronic payment at POS points of sale in an expanded manner, in the public and private sectors." 

https://www.ina.iq/191194--.html 

, and the subsequent positive indicators that are reflected in the national financial and banking system."  

Al-Sudani stressed, according to the statement, that "these steps come within the government's efforts to implement financial and banking reforms, and the unified treasury account will be an added contribution to anti-corruption measures and limiting the ability of corrupt people to exploit loopholes."  And he directed, "to make an amendment to the electronic payment system No. 3 of 2014, as well as the adoption of the electronic receipt document as a substitute for the paper receipt, as part of a series of procedures towards employing and approving electronic payment at POS points of sale in an expanded manner, in the public and private sectors." 

https://www.ina.iq/191194--.html 

DINARLAND UPDATE, 11 AUGUST

 MilitiaMan (KTFA)

Article quote:
“Financial Experts for the adoption of the slogan ‘Our Dinar‘ “

The Iraqi people are about ready to start focusing in on their currency.  The Central Bank is doing so and now even financial experts are out there trying to get the media and other entities to be on board.

It’s pretty powerful they’re talking about Iraq is going to join the global financial system.  Well, they’re not going to do that with a program rate of 1310.  They would have done it already…

MarkZ

[via PDK]

News is still quiet. Even things specific from Iraq has been quiet for me…So far no changes in rates…

…Somebody making a reservation at a very expensive hotel in California, went online to try to book a room. As he was about to pay – he noticed something new on the website. They take different currencies as payment- a list of 30 or 40 of them from different countries… including  Iraq and Vietnam …The question was asked “Do you know what this means?”  and the booking agent said “I know exactly what this means-all the currencies are getting ready to be in line 1 to 1 with each other.“   There are even McDonalds now that you can pay with multiple currencies… Different people at well connected places are starting to hear this…its getting out.

Bruce (The Big Call)

[via WiserNow]

…we were looking forward from about three or four different sources to this going…meaning notifications either Tuesday or Wednesday…Now, the way it stands now, we have not received notifications…but it definitely makes Thursday…definitely in play…Let’s see what happens over the next few days.

"IRAQ BOOTS ON THE GROUND REPORT" BY FIREFLY, 11 AUGUST

 [Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]

FIREFLY: Bank friend says he still thinks we’re going to see one more change to maybe 1166 or maybe 1000 then it will get good.

FRANK: I told you the very same thing that there would be one more exchange rate change before the final official exchange rate to start to float and then they can get it to 1166 and they can come out at $1.16 which is fine with me.

FIREFLY: Some kind of new edition of oil and gas law about to be revealed.

FRANK: When you see what this new addition to the HCL law is and you see that it is in position to be presented to the citizens then dog gone it that tells you there is a new exchange rate to give sovereignty to the citizens of Iraq…

Question:
“If Iraq goes to 1 to 1 are we also 1 to 1 even internationally?”

Yes, immediately, instantly.  For example a 25000 note at 1 to 1 for you becomes…a value of $25,000.

THE BIG CALL HIGHLIGHTS, 11 AUGUST

 Thurs. 10 Aug. 2023 Bruce, The Big Call The Big Call Universe (ibize.com)  667-770-1866, pin123456#

• Bond Holders were looking to be notified on Fri. 11 Aug. and get access to their funds on Sat. 12 Aug.
• Tier 4b should be notified  to receive appointments to exchange foreign currencies and redeem Zim bonds within 48 hours of Bond Holders.
• The BRICS Summit was Aug. 22-24
• Gold/asset-backed USN should be announced between Aug. 18-21
• At 4 am this morning Thurs. 10 Aug. the direct payment system was activated to send funds internationally person to person.
• Redemption Center Staff have been on the job since last Tues. 8 Aug.
• The EWS (Emergency Wireless System) will be tested at 2:20 pm EST on Fri. 11 Aug.
• Right now International Martial Law was in place across the Globe and in 7 states and 70 US cities that were considered hot spots.