by | Mar 24, 2025 | Business
The Coalition’s proposed nuclear sites in Queensland would not have access to enough water to operate or manage a nuclear incident, according to an explosive new report by the Queensland Conservation Council.
According to the Queensland Conservation Council, the proposed nuclear reactor in Callide would use more than double the water currently allocated to the existing Callide power station, while the proposed Tarong nuclear reactor would use 50 per cent more water than is allocated to the existing coal power station.
We’ve just hit 14 years since the Fukushima nuclear accident. This report shows that during the Fukushima emergency, the nuclear facility was flooded with 1.3 million cubic metres of sea water to prevent the plant from blowing up. There is no such water allocation for emergency response in Queensland dams, nor a storage solution for the potential millions of cubic metres of heavily radioactive water that such a disaster would create.
Queensland Conservation Council Director Dave Copeman says:
“The findings of this report are damning for the Coalition’s nuclear fantasy. There simply is not enough water available in the proposed locations to run nuclear facilities, and no plan for where to store irradiated water required for heat reduction in the case of an emergency. It would be a health and environmental catastrophe if highly irradiated water was returned to these dams.
“The Coalition is not being honest with farmers and the community about the realities of their nuclear scheme. At best it’s impractical, at worst it’s grossly irresponsible and could result in a major incident.
“We’ve seen during droughts that there’s not enough water for existing coal power stations, especially in Central Queensland, so coal units have to wind down their operation.
“So the Coalition’s ‘plan’ is to build the most expensive form of electricity generation that won’t be ready in time to replace our retiring coal power stations, and then won’t be available at times because of water constraints.
“You know what doesn’t use a lot of water? Renewable energy and it’s already powering 40 per cent of Australia.”
by | Mar 24, 2025 | Business
Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs on April 2 could shake global markets. Will BTC, XRP, and SOL rise or fall? Explore expert insights, market reactions, and economic forecasts.
Financial markets showed positive signs early Monday following reports suggesting that the upcoming tariffs announced by former President Donald Trump—set to be implemented on April 2—might be more measured than initially expected.
Bitcoin traded at around $87,280, marking a 3.49% increase over a 24-hour period, while Solana’s SOL token surged nearly 6.52% to $140.06.
These gains reflect an improved risk appetite, fueled by speculation that the tariffs may be more targeted rather than broad-based.
Key economic events in the coming days include Friday’s release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, and the Senate Banking Committee’s hearing with SEC nominee Paul Atkins and Comptroller of the Currency nominee Jonathan Gould on March 27.
Market participants are closely watching these developments, as they could further influence sentiment leading up to Trump’s tariff announcement.
The “Liberation Day” Tariffs: A Pivotal Economic Event
Trump has positioned the April 2 tariff rollout as a significant milestone, dubbing it “Liberation Day”. The tariffs are expected to target nations that impose trade restrictions on the United States, aligning with Trump’s long-held stance on trade fairness.
According to economic analyst Alex Krüger, the significance of this event could surpass any Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, with potential market reactions varying from a sharp rally to a steep decline, depending on the final details of the tariff policy.
While Trump’s previous tariff measures in February caused widespread market volatility—dragging down stocks and cryptocurrencies—there is cautious optimism that the upcoming tariffs will be more selective.
Officials close to the matter suggest that the new measures may not encompass all industries and could provide exemptions for key trading partners. This targeted approach may help mitigate some of the fears of an all-out trade war.
The Impact of Past Tariff Announcements on Markets
Historical trends suggest that markets react sharply to tariff policies. In February, Trump introduced a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, causing an immediate 8% drop in the total cryptocurrency market capitalization.
Bitcoin plummeted from around $105,000 to nearly $92,000. Similarly, U.S. equities suffered, with the S&P 500 declining by 7% and the NASDAQ falling 10% amid inflationary concerns and recession fears.
If the “Liberation Day” tariffs follow a similar trajectory, extreme volatility could ensue, particularly in risk-sensitive assets like cryptocurrencies and technology stocks.
Economists warn that a broad tariff implementation could lead to a 10-15% market correction, exacerbating financial instability.
The Global Response to Trump’s Trade Policies
The anticipation of the tariffs has already stirred reactions from major global economies. Chinese Premier Li Qiang has indicated that Beijing is preparing for “shocks that exceed expectations.”
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers described Trump’s approach as “seismic,” highlighting the potential for significant economic disruptions.
Meanwhile, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has taken proactive steps to de-escalate tensions by collaborating with the U.S. on immigration and drug control measures.
However, analysts believe these efforts may only provide temporary relief, as Trump’s broader trade agenda remains aggressive.
The Federal Reserve’s Stance on Tariffs and Inflation
Despite Trump’s tariff strategy, the Federal Reserve has maintained a dovish stance, retaining its forecast for two interest rate cuts this year.
The Fed views the inflationary effects of tariffs as transitory and believes that rate cuts will help stabilize the economy.
However, the central bank has acknowledged an increase in economic uncertainty due to the impending tariff measures.
The Road Ahead: Market Speculation and Policy Uncertainty
As April 2 approaches, investors are grappling with the potential outcomes of the tariff announcement. Some experts suggest that Trump may include sector-specific tariffs targeting industries such as automobiles, semiconductor chips, pharmaceuticals, and lumber.
If auto tariffs are included, they could significantly impact global supply chains, particularly for European and Japanese manufacturers.
While Trump has hinted at possible exemptions for certain allies, the specifics remain unclear.
Kevin Hassett, Director of Trump’s National Economic Council, has downplayed fears of widespread tariffs, suggesting that the market is overestimating their impact. However, uncertainty continues to loom over global trade and financial markets.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Trade Policy
Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs mark a pivotal moment in U.S. trade policy, with far-reaching implications for global markets. Whether these tariffs will be narrowly focused or broadly applied remains to be seen.
If they are implemented aggressively, they could fuel economic turbulence, while a more measured approach might reassure investors and stabilize financial markets.
With cryptocurrencies and equity markets responding to every development, traders and policymakers alike are preparing for potential volatility.
As the world awaits Trump’s final decision on April 2, the balance between economic protectionism and market stability hangs in the balance.
by | Mar 24, 2025 | Business
Discover XRP’s price outlook after the SEC lawsuit dismissal. Will XRP break the $3.40 resistance and surge to new highs? Explore key market trends, ETF potential, and expert predictions.
The digital currency ecosystem has been experiencing a significant recovery, with XRP at the center of attention. On March 19, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) officially ended its lawsuit against Ripple Labs, leading to a market-wide rally.
Following this update, XRP surged by 13%, triggering a shift in liquidation trends and investor sentiment.
According to CoinGlass data, XRP’s liquidation over the past 24 hours reached $36.96 million, equating to over 14,890,000 XRP.
Unlike previous patterns, where long or short traders dominated liquidations, this time, both groups experienced nearly equal losses—long traders lost $18.21 million, while short traders faced $18.75 million in liquidations.
This pattern was likely influenced by market uncertainty, as Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer hinted at a possible counter-appeal against the SEC, suggesting that the legal battle may not be entirely over.
Despite the market turbulence, XRP has maintained a strong bullish outlook, rising 7.89% within 24 hours to reach $2.496. Investors and analysts are now looking at potential catalysts that could push XRP to new heights in the coming months.
XRP’s Future: Legal Clarity, ETF Potential, and Market Growth
For over four years, the crypto market has closely followed the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple, which questioned whether XRP should be classified as a security.
The lawsuit’s prolonged nature has weighed heavily on investor confidence, but with its conclusion, XRP’s regulatory risk has been significantly reduced.
Ripple’s legal victory has already had immediate effects. Bitnomial has launched the first XRP futures contract in the United States, setting the stage for a possible XRP Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF).
Bloomberg currently estimates a 65% chance of an XRP spot ETF approval this year, as the SEC is unlikely to approve such a product with lingering regulatory concerns.
Institutional interest in XRP could skyrocket if an ETF materialize, further bolstering its market value.
XRP’s Price Projections: How High Could It Go?
With regulatory uncertainty lifting, many analysts believe XRP’s price could surpass its all-time high of $3.84. Some optimistic forecasts suggest XRP could reach $10 if institutional adoption and market momentum continue.
Even more ambitious projections see XRP potentially climbing to $100 or beyond if it becomes part of a larger financial framework, such as the Crypto Strategic Reserve proposed by the Trump administration.
Adding to the bullish sentiment, XRP’s network activity has surged by 400% since March, with whale investors accumulating more tokens.
Wallets holding between 1 million and 10 million XRP have increased their holdings by 10% in the past two months, amounting to 5.81 billion XRP worth approximately $14 billion. These large investors are signaling strong confidence in XRP’s long-term value.
Investor Sentiment: The 1,000 XRP Investment Theory
One of the most compelling narratives circulating in the XRP community is the idea that holding just 1,000 XRP could be a life-changing investment. At the current market price of $2.33 per XRP, 1,000 tokens are worth about $2,400.
If XRP reaches $100, that investment would be worth $100,000. Some enthusiasts even speculate that XRP could one day hit $10,000 per token, making a 1,000 XRP investment worth an astounding $10 million.
While such projections remain speculative, many investors are holding onto their XRP with the belief that its value will rise dramatically in the coming years.
Crypto market veterans caution that while the upside potential is high, investors should remain mindful of market volatility and conduct thorough research before making significant financial decisions.
Technical Analysis: Can XRP Break the $3.40 Barrier?
Currently, XRP is trading near $2.46 after experiencing resistance at $2.60. Despite a recent 4% pullback, technical indicators suggest that XRP could soon test higher resistance levels.
If the token surpasses $2.60, it could push toward $2.78 and $2.95 before challenging the seven-year resistance at $3.40.
On the other hand, if XRP fails to break out, it may retrace to support levels around $1.96. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Stochastic Oscillator (Stoch) indicate weakening bullish momentum, making the next few trading sessions crucial for determining XRP’s direction.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for XRP
XRP is at a pivotal moment in its history. With legal clarity, increasing adoption, and a strong technical setup, the token has the potential to achieve substantial growth. The SEC’s case resolution and the potential approval of an XRP ETF could serve as major catalysts for further price appreciation.
Additionally, growing investor confidence, whale accumulation, and increased network activity reinforce XRP’s position as one of the most promising assets in the crypto market.
While the future remains uncertain, the coming months could prove transformative for XRP and its investors. Those willing to hold onto their tokens may be rewarded as institutional interest grows and regulatory clarity fuels broader adoption.
Whether XRP reaches $10, $100, or beyond, the crypto market will be watching closely as this story unfolds.
by | Mar 24, 2025 | Business
In a world that never slows down, every second counts—especially for young Filipinos juggling school, work, and passion projects. The solution? Xpress, the homegrown ride-hailing app designed for the fast-paced Pinoy lifestyle.
Gone are the days of long jeepney lines, unpredictable transport, and the stress of being late. With just a tap, Xpress offers a seamless and flexible way to get around—whether it’s a quick motorcycle ride through traffic or a comfortable four-wheeler for important meetings. Even better, its BYD electric vehicle option ensures that every trip is a step toward sustainability.
More than just convenience, Xpress is Filipino innovation at its finest, supporting local drivers and catering to the unique struggles of commuting in the country. For the modern dreamer and doer, this isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about moving forward, faster.
So, when life gets hectic, don’t panic. Tap, ride, and go with Xpress—because the future belongs to those who hustle.
In a world that never slows down, every second counts—especially for young Filipinos like Ina. A.
Juggling school, work, and passion projects. The solution? Xpress, the homegrown ride-hailing app designed for the fast-paced Pinoy lifestyle.
Gone are the days of long jeepney lines, unpredictable transport, and the stress of being late. With just a tap, Xpress offers a seamless and flexible way to get around—whether it’s a quick motorcycle ride through traffic or a comfortable four-wheeler for important meetings. Even better, its BYD electric vehicle option ensures that every trip is a step toward sustainability.
More than just convenience, Xpress is Filipino innovation at its finest, supporting local drivers and catering to the unique struggles of commuting in the country. For the modern dreamer and doer, this isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about moving forward, faster.
So, when life gets hectic, don’t panic. Tap, ride, and go with Xpress—because the future belongs to those who hustle.
by | Mar 23, 2025 | Business
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – March 13, 2025 – Slope Master, a premier ski training provider, has partnered with Hextar World to establish Malaysia’s largest indoor ski training facility at Empire City in Kuala Lumpur. This collaboration marks a transformative moment for winter sports in Southeast Asia, aiming to make skiing and snowboarding accessible to people of all ages and skill levels.
Arthur Yap (Yap Ghai Pang), Founder and CEO of Slope Master, expressed his excitement about the partnership, aims to make indoor skiing a trending activity in Southeast Asia. “The partnership is a historic step for Malaysia’s winter sports culture. We hope to provide top-tier training opportunities for athletes while making indoor skiing accessible to all,” said Arthur Yap.
Arthur Yap (Yap Ghai Pang), an avid snowboarder and passionate winter sports advocate, identified the potential for indoor skiing in Malaysia despite the tropical climate. “Sports culture in Southeast Asia is growing, and skiing is becoming a part of that shift. As someone who has experienced the positive impact of sports, our goal is to inspire people across Southeast Asia to take up skiing and snowboarding,” Arthur Yap (Yap Ghai Pang) added.
Building a Ski Culture in Southeast Asia
Slope Master’s mission extends beyond providing a training facility—it’s about fostering a lasting ski culture in Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asia region. The state-of-the-art indoor center will cater to all levels of skiers, from beginners to professional athletes, offering year-round training in a climate-controlled environment.
“We’ve spoken to many young Malaysians eager to pursue winter sports but lacking regular training opportunities. This facility will provide year-round training, whether they aim to compete professionally or enjoy skiing recreationally,” said Arthur Yap. He also emphasized that the facility would nurture future champions in winter sports by offering a consistent platform for athletes to improve their skills.
“This is a game-changer for Malaysia, where winter sports opportunities have been limited,” Arthur Yap (Yap Ghai Pang) added. The new center will help close the gap for aspiring athletes, eliminating the need to travel abroad for training.
Strategic Location and Partnership with Hextar World
Slope Master chose to partner with Hextar World due to the strategic location of Empire City in Kuala Lumpur. “Empire City is a dynamic, vibrant hub that attracts diverse groups, from tourists to families to athletes. Its environment is ideal for an indoor ski facility, and we believe it will offer a world-class experience for our visitors,” Arthur Yap (Yap Ghai Pang) explained.
Hextar World, a new entertainment destination, will include a wide variety of attractions, including shopping, dining, and leisure options. Empire City’s prime location in the heart of Kuala Lumpur makes it a perfect fit for the indoor ski facility, drawing visitors from across Malaysia and beyond. “Empire City is the perfect place for Slope Master’s flagship facility. The location offers ample opportunities for collaboration with other entertainment ventures,” Arthur Yap (Yap Ghai Pang) added.
A Hub for Athletes, Families, and Enthusiasts
The indoor ski facility will cater to skiers of all levels, offering equipment rentals, professional lessons, and a retail space for ski and snowboarding gear. It will also host events, competitions, and training camps to elevate the sport of skiing in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
“We want to make indoor skiing a fun and accessible family activity. The facility will provide something for everyone—whether it’s a child experiencing snow for the first time or an athlete training for competition,” Arthur Yap (Yap Ghai Pang) said. The center will also introduce programs for schools, youth organizations, and families, aiming to encourage widespread participation in winter sports.
Arthur Yap (Yap Ghai Pang) emphasized that the facility would be instrumental in developing young talent. “The right environment is crucial for athletes to thrive. This facility will give Malaysian youth the chance to reach their full potential, and we believe it will be a launchpad for future Olympians in skiing.”
Hextar World: Transforming Malaysia’s Entertainment Landscape
Hextar World will redefine Malaysia’s entertainment sector with a diverse range of attractions, including entertainment complexes, retail outlets, and food venues. This variety makes it a key player in Malaysia’s entertainment and leisure market.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Slope Master as one of our first major tenants,” spokesperson of Hextar World said. “This collaboration is an integral part of our vision to create a world-class entertainment destination. We believe the indoor ski facility will be a main attraction, drawing visitors from across Malaysia and beyond.”
Looking Ahead
The indoor ski training center is expected to open in late 2025, becoming a key part of Empire City’s vibrant attraction ecosystem. Yap is optimistic about the future of skiing in Southeast Asia and the role Slope Master will play in making the sport more accessible.
“This is just the beginning. We’re excited about the future of skiing in Southeast Asia and the impact this facility will have on the sport. We’re proud to be part of Hextar World and look forward to creating something truly special for Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and beyond,” Yap concluded.
More information about Hextar World
~ Hextar World at Empire City secures major tenants ahead of 4Q2025 launch https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/747865
~ Hextar World at Empire City Sign Major Tenants, Set To Open In Fourth Quarter https://www.bernama.com/tv/news.php?id=2402756
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