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Crypto Crime Investigation (C.C.I) Enhances Singapore’s Safety with Innovative Pig Butchering Fraud Recovery Technology

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Crypto Crime Investigation (C.C.I) is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking Pig Butchering fraud recovery technology, a vital initiative aimed at protecting Singaporean citizens from the increasingly prevalent and sophisticated scams known as pig butchering. This innovative technology is designed to assist victims in recovering lost assets and to promote a safer digital environment in Singapore’s rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape.

Pig butchering is a deceptive scheme where scammers build fraudulent relationships with victims, eventually convincing them to invest significant amounts of money into fake cryptocurrency projects. As this type of fraud continues to grow, C.C.I is dedicated to providing robust solutions that empower individuals and safeguard their financial well-being.

“Our mission is to create a safer digital space for everyone in Singapore,” said Daniel Richards, Spokesperson of C.C.I. “With our new Pig Butchering fraud recovery technology, we not only aim to help victims reclaim their lost funds but also to educate and protect our community from these malicious tactics.”

C.C.I’s Pig Butchering fraud recovery technology incorporates advanced analytics, machine learning, and collaboration with law enforcement to effectively identify, trace, and recover funds lost to these scams. Key features of this technology include:

1. Fraud Detection Algorithms: Real-time monitoring of transactions to identify patterns and red flags indicative of pig butchering schemes.

2. Asset Recovery Process: Streamlined procedures for victims to report incidents and access support for recovering lost funds.

3. Education and Outreach: Comprehensive resources and training sessions aimed at raising awareness about pig butchering and other cryptocurrency scams.

4. Partnerships with Authorities: Collaboration with local law enforcement and regulatory bodies to enhance the effectiveness of fraud prevention and recovery efforts.

In addition to implementing this technology, C.C.I is committed to fostering awareness and education within the community. Through workshops, webinars, and informational resources, C.C.I aims to equip Singaporeans with the knowledge needed to recognize and avoid falling victim to pig butchering and other fraudulent schemes.

As Singapore continues to establish itself as a global leader in digital finance, C.C.I is dedicated to ensuring that its citizens can engage confidently in the cryptocurrency space, free from the threats posed by scammers.

For more information about C.C.I’s Pig Butchering fraud recovery technology and initiatives, please visit www.cryptocrimeinvestigation.com or contact: info@cryptocrimeinvestigation.com

Daniel Richards

Spokesperson 

Crypto Crime Investigation (C.C.I) 

info@cryptocrimeinvestigation.com

www.cryptocrimeinvestigation.com   

About Crypto Crime Investigation (C.C.I) 

Crypto Crime Investigation (C.C.I) is an organization focused on combating crypto-related fraud and cybercrime. Through innovative technology, community education, and collaboration with law enforcement, C.C.I strives to protect individuals and promote a secure digital economy.

U.S. Treasury removes Francisco Javier D’Agostino from sanctions list after independent review

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The United States Treasury Department has removed Francisco Javier D’Agostino from its sanctions list following an independent review that confirmed his business activities were not connected to Venezuelan government operations. The news was disclosed by EFE, which reported that the decision also applied to several of his companies, including Elemento Oil & Gas and Element Capital Advisor Limited.

The sanctions, imposed in January 2021, were based on suspicions that his companies were involved in the illegal trade of Venezuelan oil. As a result, his assets were blocked and his business transactions restricted within the United States financial system.

After months of investigation, OFAC concluded that the commercial operations directed by D’Agostino did not serve any government interests and were entirely independent from the Maduro regime. Consequently, his name was removed from the SDN List.

In addition to this case, D’Agostino was involved in a legal conflict in Spain over a failed real estate transaction involving the Son Galcerán estate. The Mallorca court ruled in his favor in the dispute against Manuel March Cencillo, grandson of Juan March Ordinas, and ordered the return of €2.4 million along with €300,000 for damages.

Since 2019, the Venezuelan businessman has lived in Mallorca, where he remains active in the investment and business sectors.

Expert Forensic Analysis in Investigating Crypto Investment Scams and Recovering Lost Funds

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The allure of cryptocurrency investment, with its potential for high returns, has unfortunately attracted a darker side: sophisticated and deceptive scams. Victims of these scams often feel lost and hopeless, believing their digital assets are gone forever. However, a glimmer of hope exists through the expertise of forensic analysis, and specialized crypto recovery firms like Tawny Swift are leading the charge in investigating these fraudulent schemes and recovering lost funds.

The Rise of Crypto Scams: A Complex Landscape

The decentralized and often anonymous nature of cryptocurrency transactions makes it a prime target for fraudsters. These scams range in complexity, from simple “pump and dump” schemes to elaborate Ponzi schemes disguised as legitimate investment opportunities. Victims often find themselves lured by promises of guaranteed profits and social media endorsements, only to discover their funds have disappeared into the digital ether.

The challenges in investigating these cases are numerous. Crypto transactions are pseudonymous, making it difficult to pinpoint the perpetrators. Additionally, the rapid movement of funds across multiple exchanges and wallets, often involving complex obfuscation techniques, can make tracking stolen assets incredibly difficult. This is where specialized forensic expertise becomes critical.

Tawny Swift: Leading the Way in Crypto Recovery

Tawny Swift is recognized as a leading crypto recovery firm, specializing in the forensic analysis required to trace, investigate, and potentially recover lost funds from cryptocurrency scams. They leverage a deep understanding of blockchain technology, on-chain analytics, and the intricacies of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Their approach combines technical proficiency with a keen understanding of the psychology behind these scams, allowing them to build strong cases and maximize the chances of asset recovery.

The Power of Forensic Analysis

Tawny Swift’s methodology goes beyond simply tracking transactions. Their forensic experts delve deep into the blockchain, utilizing advanced tools and techniques to:

a. Trace Transaction Flows: They meticulously track the movement of stolen crypto funds across multiple wallets and exchanges, even when attempts are made to obfuscate the trail. This involves visualizing transaction graphs, identifying patterns, and uncovering the connections between different digital addresses.

b. Identify Scammer Networks: By analyzing on-chain data and transaction patterns, they can often identify the individuals and groups behind the scams, even if those individuals are using pseudonyms or multiple accounts.

c. Locate Hidden Assets: Scammers often employ complex strategies to hide stolen funds, moving them through multiple layers of exchanges and mixing services. Tawny Swift’s experts utilize proprietary techniques to uncover these hidden assets and follow them wherever they may lead.

d. Gather Evidence: The detailed forensic analysis provides critical evidence that can be used in legal proceedings, helping clients to pursue legal action against the perpetrators of these scams and recover their lost funds through civil recovery proceedings.

The Importance of Early Intervention

The key to successful crypto recovery often lies in the speed of response. The longer a scam goes unchecked, the harder it becomes to trace and recover stolen crypto funds. Tawny Swift emphasizes the importance of early intervention, encouraging victims to seek expert help as soon as they suspect they have been targeted by a fraudulent scheme. Prompt action allows them to begin the investigation quickly, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Recovering lost funds from crypto scams is not a straightforward process. It requires a collaborative approach involving the expertise of Tawny Swift, the cooperation of cryptocurrency exchanges, and the willingness of law enforcement agencies to pursue these cases. While there is no guarantee of success, the application of cutting-edge forensic analysis significantly increases the odds of recovering lost assets.

As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, so too will the tactics of fraudsters. Tawny Swift remains committed to staying at the forefront of crypto forensic analysis, adapting their methods and tools to counter the ever-changing landscape of digital scams. By combining technical expertise with a dedication to helping victims, they are making a vital contribution to the integrity of the cryptocurrency ecosystem and helping to restore hope to those who have been impacted by these devastating crimes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the battle against cryptocurrency investment scams is a challenging one, but it’s not a lost cause. With the expertise and dedication of firms like Tawny Swift, there is a path to

recovering lost or stolen crypto funds and holding fraudsters accountable. By leveraging the power of forensic analysis, victims have a fighting chance at regaining what they lost and contributing to a safer, more secure cryptocurrency future.

Asia’s Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator Launches in Singapore: Pioneering Crypto Crime Investigation (C.C.I)

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Singapore, [06/12/24] – In a groundbreaking move to enhance digital asset security and bolster consumer confidence in the cryptocurrency market, the Crypto Crime  Investigation (C.C.I) program has officially launched in Singapore. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the fight against crypto-related crime and fraud across Asia.

As cryptocurrencies continue to gain popularity and acceptance, the rise in cybercrime and fraud linked to these digital assets has become a pressing concern for governments, businesses, and individuals alike. The C.C.I program aims to equip professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively investigate and combat crypto crime, fostering a safer environment for digital transactions.

The C.C.I program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential topics such as blockchain analysis, forensic investigations, legal frameworks, and best practices for identifying and tracing illicit cryptocurrency transactions. Participants will receive certification upon completion, positioning them as trusted experts in the field of crypto crime investigation.

“We are excited to introduce the Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator program in Singapore, a hub for innovation and technology in Asia,” said Daniel Johnson, Spokesperson of the C.C.I program. “Our mission is to empower individuals and organizations with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of cryptocurrency investigations. By providing certified professionals, we aim to enhance trust in the cryptocurrency ecosystem and support law enforcement in their efforts to combat cybercrime.”

The launch of the C.C.I program comes at a crucial time as regulatory bodies across the region are increasingly focused on creating frameworks for the cryptocurrency industry. As governments seek to protect consumers and maintain market integrity, the need for skilled investigators has never been more vital.

The C.C.I program is open to law enforcement officials, compliance officers, financial analysts, and anyone interested in pursuing a career in crypto crime investigation. With a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical training, participants will emerge ready to tackle the challenges of the evolving digital landscape.

For more information about the Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator program and to register for upcoming courses, please visit www.cryptocrimeinvestigation.com  or contact [info@cryptocrimeinvestigation.com].

About C.C.I

The Crypto Crime Investigation (C.C.I) program is dedicated to providing professional training and certification in the field of cryptocurrency crime investigation. With a focus on innovation and excellence, C.C.I aims to create a network of certified experts across Asia who are committed to strengthening the integrity of the digital asset ecosystem.

Media Contact:
Daniel Johnson  
Spokesperson 
Crypto Crime Investigation  
info@cryptocrimeinvestigation.com   
www.cryptocrimeinvestigation.com

C.C.I Launches as the Ultimate Recovery Platform for Crypto Investors Targeted by Scams

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Nevada, Florida – In response to the growing concern over cryptocurrency investment scams, C.C.I (Crypto Crime Investigation) proudly announces its official launch as the premier recovery platform dedicated to helping ambitious crypto investors reclaim their lost assets. With an increase in fraudulent activities in the digital currency space, C.C.I aims to provide a comprehensive solution for victims of scams, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to recover their investments.

Cryptocurrency has transformed the financial landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities for growth and investment. However, this rapid evolution has also attracted a wave of malicious actors who exploit unsuspecting investors through deceptive schemes. According to recent reports, losses from crypto scams have reached staggering figures, leaving many individuals devastated and searching for answers.

C.C.I is committed to changing this narrative. With a team of experienced investigators, legal experts, and cybersecurity specialists, C.C.I offers a robust platform that equips victims with the tools they need to navigate the complex world of crypto recovery. The platform provides:

  • Expert Investigations: Our team conducts thorough investigations into reported scams, utilizing advanced techniques to track down lost assets and gather evidence that can aid in recovery efforts.
  • Legal Support: C.C.I connects victims with legal professionals who specialize in cryptocurrency law, ensuring they receive the guidance needed to pursue their claims effectively.
  • Education and Awareness: We believe that prevention is key. C.C.I provides resources and educational materials to help investors recognize potential scams and protect themselves in the future.
  • Community Support: C.C.I fosters a supportive community where victims can share their experiences, learn from one another, and find solace in knowing they are not alone in their journey.

“We understand the emotional and financial toll that crypto scams can have on individuals and families,” said Daniel Johnson, Spokesperson of C.C.I. “Our mission is to empower victims by providing them with a dedicated platform that not only helps them recover their lost assets but also educates them on how to navigate the increasingly complex world of cryptocurrency.”

As part of its launch, C.C.I is offering a free initial consultation for individuals who believe they have been victims of crypto scams. This allows potential clients to receive expert advice and understand their options without any financial commitment.

For more information about C.C.I and how it can assist crypto investors in recovering their lost assets, please visit www.cryptocrimeinvestigation.com or contact us at www.cryptocrimeinvestigation.com .

About [ Crypto Crime Investigation ] C.C.I

C.C.I (Crypto Crime Investigation) is a leading recovery platform dedicated to assisting crypto investors who have fallen victim to scams. With a team of seasoned professionals in the fields of investigation, law, and cybersecurity, C.C.I strives to provide effective solutions for asset recovery while fostering a community of support and education for its users.

Contact:
Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson
C.C.I – Crypto Crime Investigation
info@cryptocrimeinvestigation.com
www.cryptocrimeinvestigation.com

Here’s what we know about the suspect in the latest Trump assassination attempt

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Local authorities said the U.S. Secret Service agents protecting Trump fired at a man pointing an AK-style rifle with a scope as Trump was playing on one of his Florida golf courses in West Palm Beach.

Here are five things to know about what happened Sunday to the Republican presidential nominee.

Who is the suspect?

Law enforcement officials said the man who pointed the rifle and was arrested is Ryan Wesley Routh. The officials identified the suspect to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation.

The suspect dropped the weapon and fled in an SUV and was later taken into custody in a neighboring county, authorities said. A motive is unclear. Local authorities said the gunman had two backpacks hanging on a fence and a GoPro camera.

Routh was convicted in 2002 of possessing a weapon of mass destruction, according to North Carolina Department of Adult Correction online records.

The records do not provide details about the case. But a News & Record story from 2002 says a man with the same name was arrested after a three-hour standoff with police. The story says he was pulled over during a traffic stop, put his hand on a gun and barricaded himself inside a roofing business. Routh was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and possessing a weapon of mass destruction, “referring to a fully automatic machine gun,” according to the News & Record.

CNN also reported that Routh, 58, has been living in Hawaii but also was a construction worker in North Carolina.

His criminal record shows eight arrests, and his social media posts claim involvement in Ukraine’s war against Russia as well as efforts to recruit people to fight on behalf of Kyiv.

Meanwhile, his son, Oran Routh, said his alleged actions don’t fit with what he knows about his father.

“Ryan is my father, and I don’t have any comment beyond a character profile of him as a loving and caring father, and honest, hardworking man. I don’t know what’s happened in Florida, and I hope things have just been blown out of proportion, because from the little I’ve heard, it doesn’t sound like the man I know to do anything crazy, much less violent. He’s a good father, and a great man, and I hope you can portray him in an honest light,” Oran Routh said, according to CNN.

How did this happen?

Local authorities said the gunman was about 400 yards to 500 yards away from Trump and hiding in shrubbery while the former president was playing a round of golf at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.

Ric Bradshaw, sheriff of Palm Beach County, said that when people get into the shrubbery around the course, “they’re pretty much out of sight.” Bradshaw said the entire golf course would have been lined with law enforcement if Trump were the sitting president, but because he’s not, “security is limited to the areas the Secret Service deems possible.”

Trump’s protective detail has been higher than some of his peers because of his high visibility and his campaign to seek the White House again. His security was bolstered days before the July assassination attempt in Pennsylvania because of a threat on Trump’s life from Iran, U.S. officials said.

What has Trump said since the attempt?

In an email to supporters, Trump said: “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!”

His running mate, JD Vance, and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said they spoke with Trump after the incident, and both said he was in “good spirits.” Trump also checked in with several Fox News hosts.

Fox News host Sean Hannity, a close friend of the former president’s, said on air that he spoke with Trump and his golf partner, Steve Witkoff, afterward. They told Hannity they had been on the fifth hole when they heard a “pop pop, pop pop.” Within seconds, he said Witkoff recounted, Secret Service agents “pounced on” Trump and “covered him” to protect him.

Moments later, Witkoff said, a “fast cart” with steel reinforcement and other protection was able to whisk Trump away.

Hannity said Trump’s reaction after this happened — and when it was clear that everyone, including Witkoff, was safe — was to quip that he was sad he hadn’t been able to finish the hole since he “was even and had a birdie putt.”

What is Vice President Kamala Harris saying?

Harris, Trump’s Democratic opponent in the presidential election, posted on X that she had been briefed on the reports of gunshots fired.

“I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America.”

The White House said President Joe Biden and Harris would be kept updated on the investigation. The White House added it was “relieved” to know Trump is safe.

What’s next?

Trump has not announced any changes to his schedule and is set to speak live on X on Monday night from his Mar-a-Lago resort to launch his sons’ crypto platform.

Meanwhile, the leaders of a congressional bipartisan task force investigating the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump said they have requested a briefing by the Secret Service.

“We are thankful that the former President was not harmed, but remain deeply concerned about political violence and condemn it in all of its forms,” Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., and Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., said in a statement. They said the task force will share updates.

U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Florida Democrat who is part of the task force, said he “will seek answers about what happened today and then.”

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Buckle up for this 36-hour span that will soon take markets on a rollercoaster ride

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The world economy’s tectonic plates will shift this week when a US easing cycle begins, just as officials from Europe to Asia set policy against a backdrop of brittle markets.

A 36-hour monetary rollercoaster will start with the Federal Reserve’s probable decision to cut interest rates on Wednesday, and finish on Friday with the outcome of the Bank of Japan’s first meeting since it raised borrowing costs and helped sow the seeds of a global selloff.

Along the way, central banking peers in the Group of 20 and beyond that are poised to adjust their own policy levers include Brazil, where officials may tighten for the first time in 3 1/2 years, and the Bank of England. The UK central bank faces a delicate judgment on the pace of its balance-sheet unwind, and may also signal how ready it is to ease further.

South African policymakers are anticipated to cut borrowing costs for the first time since 2020, while counterparts in Norway and Turkey may keep them unchanged. 

The Fed decision will take center stage, with jittery traders debating whether officials will judge a quarter-point cut to be adequate medicine for an economy showing signs of losing momentum, or whether they’ll opt for a half-point move instead. Clues on the Fed’s future intentions will also be pivotal.

But for all the end to suspense that the US announcement will bring, investors are likely to stay on edge at least until the BOJ is done, in a decision that’s bound to be scrutinized for clues on its next hike. 

Focusing minds will be memories of market ructions a few weeks ago amid the unwind of yen-centered carry trades after its rate increase in July. 

And that’s not all: China could be in the limelight too, with a monetary announcement by officials there anticipated at some point — days after data showed that the world’s second-biggest economy is suffering signs of spiraling deflation.

US and Canada

When Fed policymakers sit down Tuesday for the start of their two-day meeting, they’ll have fresh figures on the state of consumer demand. While overall retail sales in August were likely held back by slower activity at auto dealers, receipts at other merchants probably posted a healthy advance.

Despite signs of consumer resilience, a Fed report out the same day is expected to show lingering malaise in factory output. Looming November elections and still-high borrowing costs are restraining capital spending.

On Wednesday, government figures are seen showing that housing starts firmed up last month after sliding in July to the lowest level since May 2020. National Association of Realtors data on Thursday will probably show contract closings on previously owned home sales remained weak, though. 

Canada’s inflation reading for August is likely to show continued deceleration in both headline and core measures. A slight uptick wouldn’t knock the Bank of Canada off its easing path, however, while cooler-than-expected data may boost calls for deeper rate cuts.

Asia

BOJ chief Kazuo Ueda is bound to get a lot of attention after the board sets policy on Friday. 

While economists are unanimous in predicting no change to borrowing costs, how the governor characterizes the trajectory could jolt Japan’s currency, which has already spooked yen-carry traders by outperforming its peers so far this month. 

Elsewhere, 1-year medium-term lending and loan prime rates in China are expected to be kept unchanged, and Indonesia’s central bank is tipped to hold its policy rate steady for a fifth month. Authorities in Taiwan decide the discount rate on Thursday.

On the data front, Japan’s key consumer inflation gauge is seen ticking higher a tad in August, backing the case for the BOJ to eye a rate hike in coming months. 

Japan, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia will release trade figures, while New Zealand is set to report second-quarter data that may show the economy contracted a smidgeon versus the prior quarter.

Europe, Middle East, Africa

Several central bank decisions are scheduled in the wake of the Fed’s likely easing. Given their dependence on dollar-denominated energy exports, Gulf states may follow the US lead automatically with rate cuts of their own. 

Here’s a quick roundup of other announcements due in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, mainly on Thursday:

  • While no rate change is expected from the BOE, investors await a crucial judgment on whether it will accelerate the wind-down of its bond portfolio to keep gilt sales steady before a year when an unusually high amount of debt matures. Hints on the pace of future rate cuts will also be eagerly awaited, amid speculation that officials will soon ramp up easing to aid the economy.
  • Norges Bank is seen keeping its deposit rate at 4.5%, with analysts focusing on any adjustments to projections for easing early next year. While slowing inflation has increased bets on a first cut in December, Norwegian officials may stick to their hawkish stance with the labor market robust and the krone near multi-year lows.
  • Central banks in Ukraine and Moldova are also scheduled for decisions.
  • Turning south, Turkey’s central bank is set to keep its key rate at 50% for a sixth straight meeting as it waits for inflation to slow further. The pace of annual price growth has dropped from 75% in May, but remains as high as 52%. Officials hope to get it close to 40% by year-end.
  • With data on Wednesday predicted to show South Africa’s inflation slowed to 4.5% in August, the central bank may cut borrowing costs for the first time since 2020 a day later. Governor Lesetja Kganyago has said the institution will adjust rates once price growth is firmly at the 4.5% midpoint of its target range, where it prefers to anchor expectations. Forward-rate agreements, used to speculate on borrowing costs, are fully pricing in a chance of a 25-basis-point rate cut.
  • Angola’s decision may be a close call between a hike and a hold. While inflation is easing, the currency has weakened almost 7% since August against the dollar.
  • On Friday, Eswatini, whose currency is pegged to South Africa’s rand, is expected to follow its neighbor and lower rates.

Elsewhere, comments from European Central Bank officials may be scrutinized for any hints on the path of future easing after a second cut to borrowing costs. Several governors are scheduled to appear, and President Christine Lagarde will deliver a speech in Washington on Friday.

Speaking over the weekend, hawkish policymakers Joachim Nagel and Pierre Wunsch warned that the ECB needs to remain on alert on inflation, even as the latter acknowledged that more rate cuts are likely if the central bank’s base scenario comes to fruition.

Other things to watch include euro-area consumer confidence on Friday, and outside the currency zone, Swiss government forecasts on Thursday. 

Turning south, data on Sunday showed Israel’s inflation accelerated more than expected last month, to 3.6% year on year, as the war in Gaza strains the economy and the government’s spending soars.

In Nigeria on Monday, data will likely show inflation slowed for a second straight month in August, to 32.3%. That’s as the impact on prices of a currency devaluation and temporary removal of fuel subsidies last year continue to wane. 

The measures were part of reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu after he took office in May 2023.

Latin America

Brazil’s central bank meets against the backdrop of an overheating economy, above-target inflation, unmoored CPI expectations and government fiscal largesse.

Putting it all together, investors and analysts expect to see tighter monetary policy for first time in 3 1/2 years on Wednesday. The consensus is for a 25 basis-point hike to 10.75%, with another 75 basis points of tightening to follow by year-end, taking the key rate to 11.5%.

Six July economic reports from Colombia should underscore the resilience of domestic demand that has analysts marking up their third- and fourth-quarter growth forecasts. 

The pace of retail sales may build on June’s positive print, which snapped a 16-month slide, while the early consensus has GDP-proxy data showing a rebound in activity after June’s mild slump.

Paraguay’s rate setters meet with inflation running slightly above the 4% target. Analysts surveyed by the central bank see a 25 basis-point cut by year-end.

After roughly 10 months of President Javier Milei’s so-called shock therapy, this week is set to offer some telling data on the state of Argentina’s economy.

Budget data may show the government posted an eighth straight monthly budget surplus in August, while that same scorched-earth austerity contributed to a third straight quarterly contraction in output.

Meanwhile, data for Peru published Sunday showed the economy grew significantly in July, resuming a recovery that had suddenly stalled a month earlier. 

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Another assassination attempt on Trump jolts topsy-turvy presidential campaign

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Just two months after a shooter nearly killed Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania, a second assassination attempt Sunday on the former president further jolted a campaign that has already seen unprecedented twists and turns.

So far, the political impact is unclear, in contrast with the first attempt, which sparked an outpouring of reactions from lawmakers around the world and the business community while prompting some top observers to predict a Trump victory in November.

“My ‘controversial’ take on the gunshots near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach today: We need to wait for the facts to be determined before reacting,” GOP polling expert Frank Luntz posted on X.

The latest incident happened while Trump was playing golf at his club in West Palm Beach, Fla., with Steve Witkoff, a friend and top donor.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told reporters that a Secret Service agent who was performing a security sweep a few holes ahead spotted a rifle barrel with a scope sticking out of a fence and opened fire on the suspect. Trump was about 300-500 yards from the incident.

A witness saw a man flee the scene and took a picture of his car, which Bradshaw described as a black Nissan. With that information, authorities tracked down the vehicle on Interstate 95, where the Martin County Sheriff’s Office arrested him.

Martin County Sheriff William D. Snyder told reporters that the suspect was “relatively calm” when detained. “He was not displaying a lot of emotions. Never asked, ‘What is this about?’”

Bradshaw said the witness was taken to Martin County and identified the suspect, who was later revealed to be Ryan Wesley Routh. An AK-47-style rifle, a backpack, and a Go-Pro camera were found at a fence outside Trump’s golf club.

The Secret Service said Trump is safe, and the FBI announced it is investigating the incident as an assassination attempt.

Trump’s Secret Service protection

Because Trump is not a sitting president, Bradshaw said his security was more limited, though he suggested it would be ramped up further. After the shooting in Pennsylvania, it was beefed up.

“If he was, we would have had this entire golf course surrounded. But because he’s not, security is limited to the areas that the Secret Service deems possible,” he explained at the press briefing. “So, I would imagine that the next time he comes to the golf course, there’ll probably be a little bit more people around the perimeter. But the Secret Service did exactly what they should have done.”

Meanwhile, there are less than two months before Election Day, and polls remain tight. That’s despite a topsy turvy race. A week after the first assassination attempt on Trump, President Joe Biden ended his re-election bid and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who quickly secured the Democratic Party’s support, picked running mate Tim Walz, and raised more than $500 million.

Last week, the first and only debate between Trump and Harris took place, with Harris widely regarded as the winner.

Markets and the campaign

Financial markets have been volatile as they followed all the wild swings in the campaign. After Biden’s disastrous debate performance against Trump in June, the “Trump trade” saw the dollar and crypto rally while U.S. bonds fell.

The first assassination attempt and Trump’s defiant reaction to it fueled that trade further. In fact, hours after the shooting, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced his support for Trump. The tech billionaire has since helped start a pro-Trump super PAC and even interviewed him on his X social media platform.

But Harris’s elevation to the top of the ticket sparked a wave of enthusiasm among Democrats who pulled even with Trump in the polls, unwinding the Trump trade.

On Sunday evening, U.S. stock futures were little changed. The S&P 500 was flat, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq pointed 0.1% lower. Bitcoin dipped 0.66% to $59,441, and Brent crude futures rose 0.34% to $71.85 a barrel.

Markets were already bracing for a critical week, as the Federal Reserve meets Tuesday and Wednesday with Wall Street widely expecting Chairman Jerome Powell to announce a rate cut amid signs of slowing inflation and a cooling labor market.



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You might start seeing Instagram comments on Threads soon

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Instagram might roll out a way to share comments on other Instagram posts to Threads, according to Alessandro Paluzzi, who often reverse engineers Meta’s social media apps to find coming features.

Paluzzi shared an image showing that when commenting on an Instagram post, there could be a new dropdown menu that lets users choose to share the comment only to Instagram or “also share on Threads.”

Meta has made a few moves to integrate Threads with its other platforms in the past, such as showing Threads posts on Instagram or Facebook (and, later, letting users opt out of that). The Twitter-like short-posting social network also lacks DMs of its own, but users can still receive or send messages through Instagram.

The bigger effort, of course, is Meta’s slow work integrating Threads with the fediverse. The company’s moves to do so include being able to actually see replies from the fediverse under their posts, and, more recently, others’ posts.

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Donald Trump is safe after shots were reported in his vicinity in Florida

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Donald Trump was safe after gunshots were reported in his vicinity Sunday afternoon in Florida, his campaign and the Secret Service said.

It was not immediately clear whether the reported shots were targeted at the Republican presidential nominee.

The U.S. Secret Service said it was investigating and that the incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. “The former president is safe,” according to the Secret Service.

Roughly two months ago, Trump was shot during an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, and a bullet grazed his ear.

Trump had returned to Florida this weekend from a West Coast swing that included a Friday night rally in Las Vegas and a Utah fundraiser.

The campaign did not immediately provide any additional details.

No injuries were reported, according to a spokesperson for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.

The White House said President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, had both been briefed and would be kept updated on the investigation. The White House added they were “relieved” to know Trump is safe.

A law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation said officials were trying to determine whether the shots were fired near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course or on the grounds. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Trump often spends the morning playing golf, before having lunch at the Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach, one of three he owns in the state.

Trump has had a stepped-up security footprint since the assassination attempt in July. When he has been at Trump Tower in New York, a lineup of dump trucks have parked in a wall outside the building. And at outdoor rallies, he now speaks from behind an enclosure of bulletproof glass.

A message sent to campaign officials seeking information on the security status and location of Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, was not immediately returned.

Max Egusquiza, of Palm Beach, described the emergency response outside Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course.

“From what I saw 5 black unmarked SUVs blocked in a grey Mercedes in front of the golf course. There were about 20 or more cop cars flying from nearby streets,” he said.

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