In the heart of the tumultuous flood that engulfed part of a road in Nam Kat Village, Muang Xai District, Oudomxay province, an awe-inspiring story unfolded on Monday as Sone, a pregnant woman in labor, who was unable to get to the hospital, was miraculously rescued to safety by relatives and villagers with the help of a crane.
Oudomxay Woman Stuck in Floods Gives Birth After Being Rescued by Crane to Safety

Laos Sees Highest Trade Deficit of 2023 in July at USD 166 Million
Laos’ imports and exports totaled over USD 1 billion in July; exports were valued at USD 429 million, while imports were approximately USD 595 million, resulting in a trade deficit of USD 166 million, the highest reported this year.
“JD-Just Dating” App’s Online Dating Survey in Hong Kong Reveals: 70% Have Met Online
Women More Proactive Than Men in Seeking Romance, Preferring “Mature Men”


Desirable Qualities in a Partner: Hong Kong Women Prefer Men with Slight Belly Over Muscles
Hashtag: #jd #justdating #datingapp
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Keelung City Promotes its Beauty as a Coastal and Mountain City In NATAS Holidays

In recent years, the Keelung city government has been actively promoting tourism to the Singapore market, hoping to introduce Keelung, a mountainous harbor city with the best cruise ship homeport in Asia, to the Singapore public and let them know about Keelung’s rich tourism resources and splendid nature, such as the Waimushan Seaside Scenic Area, which was selected as one of the “Top 10 Attractive Waters” in Taiwan, and the Heping Island Park, which is rated as one of the 21 most beautiful sunrise scenes in the world, etc. What’s more, for Singapore foodies who love Taiwanese food, a visit to Keelung’s Miaokou Night Market can practically cover almost all of Taiwan’s classic culinary delights, offering a rich travel experience for those who visit Keelung, Taiwan.
At the exhibition, the Keelung City Government will also prepare highlight videos accompanied by a variety of bilingual promotional materials in Chinese and English as a reference to visitors to the travel show, hoping to introduce and familiarize the people of Singapore with Keelung. The Keelung City Government enthusiastically welcomes Singaporean visitors to explore this city full of surprises and encourages them to embark on a fascinating journey to Keelung.
Hashtag: #KeelungCity
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
EquitiesFirst Podcast Series II, Episode 1: How to Invest in Artificial Intelligence in Asia-Pacific?
Our collaborative effort aims to navigate the nuanced financial landscapes, highlighting challenges and opportunities, thereby empowering listeners to make well-informed investment decisions based on EquitiesFirst equities-based financing insights.
EquitiesFirst Financing: Riding the Wave of Asia-Pacific Investments
With the brand-new series, we continue our exploration of the finance world, examining various aspects of the Asia-Pacific investment ecosystem. Our opening episode takes a focused look at AI investment, exploring the emerging opportunities and risks associated with this revolutionary technology.
With Asia-Pacific’s AI spending set to hit $49.2 billion in 2026, led by China, Australia, and India, we explore the diverse industry applications of AI, from agriculture to e-commerce. As the rise of generative AI heralds new investment opportunities, we also address governance and ethical considerations and discuss strategies for businesses and investors to improve returns while mitigating risks.
In the following EquitiesFirst Podcast episodes, we will delve into the impact investing landscape, along with the thriving start-up ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific. These compelling topics continue to underline EquitiesFirst equities-based investment as the key commitment to navigate this rapidly evolving region.
EquitiesFirst Partnership: Insights and Intelligence from the Experts
In tandem with The Economist Impact, EquitiesFirst is primed to offer its audience an insightful exploration of the Asia-Pacific investment landscape. This unique partnership continues our commitment to providing the most compelling, up-to-date insights on EquitiesFirst funding opportunities, potential risks, and the evolving dynamics in this region.
EquitiesFirst remains a leading player in risk management and equities-based financing, with a proven track record in fostering robust investment strategies. Through this podcast series, we reaffirm our mission to guide investors as they explore and navigate the dynamic investment landscape in the Asia-Pacific region.
Hashtag: #EquitiesFirst #EquitiesFirstHoldings #EquitiesFirstInvestment
https://www.linkedin.com/company/equitiesfirst/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Equities First Holdings
Founded in 2002, EquitiesFirst is a global investor specializing in long-term equities-based financing. EquitiesFirst’s approach overcomes traditional limitations and redefines the financing experience through providing efficient access to capital for listed companies, entrepreneurs and investors against publicly traded securities. The total value of loans transacted is more than US$4.5 billion as of January 2023.
Headquartered in Indianapolis, USA, EquitiesFirst maintains an international footprint of twelve offices in eight countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, China (Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing), South Korea, Thailand, Singapore and Australia (Sydney, Perth and Melbourne). EquitiesFirst is licensed and/or registered in all jurisdictions where required.
EquitiesFirst is the pioneer of Progressive Capital – a partnership approach to investment, rooted in respect, mutual interest and understanding. EquitiesFirst delivers liquidity solutions that are vital, transformative and move partners forward.
For more information, please visit www.equitiesfirst.com/.
Disclaimer
This Document is intended solely for accredited investors, sophisticated investors, professional investors, or otherwise qualified investors, as may be required by law or otherwise, and it is not intended for, and should not be used by, persons who do not meet the relevant requirements. The content provided herein is for informational purposes only and is general in nature and not targeted to any specific objective or financial need. The views and opinions expressed in this Document have been prepared by third parties and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of EquitiesFirst. EquitiesFirst has not independently examined or verified the information provided herein, and no representation is made that it is accurate or complete. Opinions and information herein are subject to change without notice. The content provided does not constitute an offer to sell (or solicitation of an offer to purchase) any securities, investments, or any financial products (“Offer”). Any such Offer shall only be made through a relevant offering or other documentation which sets forth its material terms and conditions. Nothing contained in this Document shall constitute a recommendation, solicitation, invitation, inducement, promotion, or offer for the purchase or sale of any investment product by First Holdings, LLC or its subsidiaries (collectively, “EquitiesFirst”), nor shall this Document be construed in any way as investment, legal, or tax advice, or as a recommendation, reference, or endorsement by EquitiesFirst. You should seek independent financial advice prior to making an investment decision about a financial product.
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United Kingdom: Equities First (London) Limited is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”). In the UK, this Document is only being distributed and made available to persons of the kind described in Article 19(5) (investment professionals) and Article 49(2) (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.) of Part IV of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (”FPO”) and any investment activity to which this presentation relates is only available to, and will only be engaged in with, such persons. Persons who do not have professional experience in matters relating to investment or who are not persons to whom Article 49 of the FPO applies should not rely on this document. This Document is only prepared for and available to persons who qualify as Professional Investors under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive.
©2023 Equities First Holdings Hong Kong Limited. All rights reserved
OctaFX turns 12: here are a dozen most crucial financial market events of the past year
From AI hype to uncertain China’s reopening: join the international broker OctaFX as it compiles the 12 most important events that shaped the Forex market in the past year.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 9 August 2023 – The past year thoroughly shook the financial markets and had a lasting impact on the Forex market. As OctaFX celebrates its 12th anniversary, the company took this opportunity to compile a list of the most important events in the world of finance, along with their implications for investors and traders in 2023 and 2024.

- The end of the U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate hike cycle.
Starting in March 2022, the U.S. regulator began tightening the monetary policy to combat accelerating inflation. Ten rate hikes followed, including four consecutive 75 basis point increases. By early May 2023, the rate peaked at 5–5.25%, where it stayed for two months. In July, the Fed raised the rate again by 25 basis points, from 5.25% to 5.5%. This aggressive tightening earned the label ‘historic’ from analysts.
- The inflationary shock is over.
Until the beginning of 2023, developed countries were grappling with record inflation, attributed to pandemic-induced demand stimulus, supply shocks, and disruptions in the supply chain. By June 2022, the U.S. reported a 9.1% consumer inflation peak, while in October, the U.K. and the EU inflation peaked at 11.1% and 10.6%, respectively. Thanks to the efforts of central banks worldwide, inflations began to show signs of retreat towards the end of 2022. In June 2023, the U.S. economy reported a 3% inflation rate, with other countries also showing a decline in consumer inflation.
- The euro falls below parity with the U.S. dollar.
Inflation fever and decisive actions by regulators caused investors to avoid risk and actively invest in safe-haven assets. Due to the central banks of Europe and the U.K. acting with a time lag compared to the U.S. Fed, there was a gap in rates and yields of government bonds. As a result, the dollar index against world currencies reached a 20-year high in October 2022, leading to the euro’s exchange rate against the U.S. dollar falling to 0.9880.
- Malaysia proposes the establishment of the Asian Monetary Fund.
The global trend of de-dollarisation is gaining momentum, especially in Malaysia, where the establishment of the Asian Monetary Fund (AMF) was proposed as an alternative to IMF. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reintroduced the concept of the AMF in March 2023, citing the economic strength of countries like China and Japan. His proposal was supported by China and some Southeast Asian countries, reflecting a growing desire among BRICS countries to move away from the dollar-centric financial system.
- Brazil and China establish the yuan-based clearing house for direct settlement.
On 29 March 2023, China and Brazil announced the establishment of a clearing house to facilitate direct settlement between the two countries without converting their currencies into dollars. This move aimed at making transactions cheaper and faster, ultimately bolstering trade and investment expansion. China has been Brazil’s key partner for the past 13 years, with its trade turnover amounting to $150 billion in 2022. Additionally, Brazil has been a major recipient of Chinese investments, mainly in the development of oil fields.
- China’s economy restarts after zero-Covid policy.
Following its emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic, China experienced a remarkable economic recovery. By mid-2023, the country’s economic activity, domestic tourism, and international travel nearly fully rebounded, leading to numerous agreements to facilitate international business and trade. To address uneven growth in the first five months of 2023, the Chinese government implemented measures to support businesses and boost consumption while maintaining tight monetary and fiscal policies.
Amidst an ongoing recession in G7 and EU countries, China’s reopening and deepening relations with the Middle East and BRICS nations have significant implications for de-dollarisation and deglobalisation. According to the IMF’s April 2023 Growth Outlook Survey, the Asian region will account for about 70% of global growth, while the G7 and EU economies will shrink, resulting in a 7% decline in global GDP. At the same time, the IMF raised its growth forecast for Asia-Pacific economies to 4.6% in 2023.
‘These deglobalisation processes are causing a decline in the popularity of the dollar, leading to an increase in the dollar money supply and its consequent depreciation. However, these shifts are global in nature and might extend over the long term,’ said Kar Yong And, the OctaFX financial market analyst.
- Cryptocurrencies face an uncertain future.
The cryptocurrency market experienced a turbulent 2022, with sharp fluctuations in the value of Bitcoin causing panic among investors. Reports of cryptocurrency exchanges facing insolvency added to the overall uncertainty. On 11 November 2022, FTX, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States, triggering negative sentiment across the crypto world. Subsequently, on 22 November 2022, Bitcoin plummeted to its lowest level in two years at $15,480. In the same month, BlockFi, a digital asset lending company, also filed for bankruptcy in the U.S., citing the collapse of FTX and instability in the cryptocurrency markets. Despite this turbulence, the cryptocurrency market has shown resilience, rebounding by 86.5% from the previous year’s lows, with Bitcoin currently valued at $29,868.
- The rise of AI.
AI has quickly become a buzzword in the tech world after OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot was released in November 2022. Investors are eager to be part of the success witnessed by tech giants such as Microsoft, Alphabet, Nvidia, and smaller but up-and-coming companies that have announced their AI projects. This heightened interest has triggered a sharp surge in tech stocks, with Nvidia, for example, recording a 217% increase since the beginning of 2023. Nvidia’s fourth-quarter financial results exceeded expectations. Consequently, more than 20 analysts reported confidence in continued growth, and Goldman Sachs raised the price target for the Nvidia stock.
- The banking crisis in the United States and Europe.
During the economic downturn caused by COVID-19, the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank gradually raised interest rates. Consequently, national short-term bonds ceased to deliver expected returns and became unprofitable. Many banks were forced to sell them at a lower price to secure liquidity. Furthermore, the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank resulted in a massive outflow of deposits, causing multi-billion dollar losses for commercial banks and leading some to shut down their operations.
The situation reached a critical point in March 2023 when three American banks went bankrupt within five days, followed by one European bank. The bankruptcies of Silvergate Bank and Signature Bank came at the height of turbulence in the U.S. banking sector, while American Silicon Valley Bank and European Credit Suisse succumbed to the banking panic. However, the situation has stabilised for now, and there are no immediate signs of further escalation.
- Oil in a downtrend after peaking in value.
Oil prices experienced significant fluctuations, peaking in June 2022 at $125 per barrel for Brent crude after a sharp spike in March of the same year. However, a year later, Brent’s value plummeted to $79 per barrel, marking a 36% decrease from its peak. Such fluctuations in oil prices are closely tied to the state of the global economy. As economic conditions worsen, the cost of oil tends to rise, making the oil and gas industry an attractive defence against inflation for investors. When the purchasing power of money weakens, the value of tangible assets such as real estate, commodities, and hydrocarbons increases. As soon as the economic situation improves, the value of oil decreases.
‘The increasing popularity of gas, driven by its economic advantages, and the introduction of non-U.S. dollar settlements for oil transactions between several countries are likely to further harm oil prices in the future, with a potential downtrend reaching the $50–55 range for Brent crude within the next 2–3 years,’ said Gero Azrul, a full-time trader from Malaysia with over fourteen years of experience.
- Gold buying by central banks reaches the highest level in 55 years.
Against the backdrop of turmoil in the banking sector, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and a difficult economic situation, the role of gold as a safe-haven asset is coming to the fore. According to World Gold Council’s quarterly outlook, central banks bought almost 400 tons of metal in the third quarter of 2022, which is the highest level in 55 years. In the first quarter of 2023, central banks bought 228 tons of gold—a 20-year high.
‘As an alternative to the declining U.S. dollar, gold’s demand from central banks is set to be further supported by investment demand from gold ETFs. Additionally, consumer demand for gold is expected to rise alongside the global recovery in consumer activity, particularly in Asia. The combination of these factors is likely to push the value of gold against the U.S. dollar to above $2,500 in 2023–2024,’ Ambrose Ebuka, a financial expert and host of educational webinars from Nigeria, commented. ‘Technically speaking, gold is attempting to break out from its major resistance level of $2,070 and establish new highs.’
- Green technology pushes the prices of lithium, cobalt, and nickel up.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the market for metals and minerals needed to produce electric cars, wind turbines, solar panels, and other green technologies has doubled over the past five years. Lithium demand tripled, cobalt rose by 70%, and nickel increased by 40%. The market size of metals and minerals required for green technology in 2022 amounted to $320 billion, doubling in value from 2017.
‘According to the global carbon budget aiming to keep global warming below 1.5 °C, net worldwide anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to zero by 2050 or within the range of 2045-2055. Lithium, cobalt, nickel, and some other metals, often referred to as critical minerals, play a vital role in facilitating the energy transition and reducing CO2 emissions, making them crucial in the fight against global warming. Therefore, the upward trend in their prices is expected to continue,’ said Ambrose Ebuka.
As financial markets continue to experience turbulence, opportunities arise for those well-informed. The world economy is facing a significant test of deglobalisation, with the reset of business cycles leading to a shift in the value of oil and the U.S. dollar downwards. At the same time, gold is predicted to rise over the next two years. Investors must stay vigilant in navigating these changes to capitalise on opportunities they provide in the financial markets.
Hashtag: #OctaFX
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About OctaFX
OctaFX is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services already utilised by clients from 180 countries with more than 42 million trading accounts. Free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools they provide help clients reach their investment goals.
The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.
OctaFX has also won more than 60 awards since its foundation, including the ‘Best Online Broker Global 2022’ award from World Business Outlook and the ‘Best Global Broker Asia 2022’ award from International Business Magazine.
BingX Supports Layer 2 Tokens Deposits On Linea, zkSync, Arbitrum, Base and Optimism Chain For The Next 100X Coins
In a groundbreaking move, BingX, a prominent global cryptocurrency exchange, has rolled out an innovative feature called Multiple Deposit Addresses. This new offering is set to redefine how users interact with blockchain networks, offering enhanced convenience, security, and flexibility within the trading platform.
Hashtag: #BingX
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About BingX


Analysts Suggest DigiToads (TOADS) Presale to Make Big Gains
Analysts also suggest the strong demand for DigiToads (TOADS), a new cryptocurrency project that is designed to be a decentralized platform. Analysts believe that TOADS could make big gains if BTC does bounce. This is because TOADS is a new project with a lot of potential, and it could benefit from the increased interest in the cryptocurrency market.
Anticipating a Bitcoin (BTC) Bounce from $29K to $35K
Amidst the crypto turbulence, the question arises: Is a Bitcoin (BTC) bounce on the horizon? With its current value hovering around $29K, some experts believe that a potential upward trajectory could push it to $35K. As the pioneer and leader of the cryptocurrency world, Bitcoin holds the largest market cap and has established itself as a reliable digital asset over the years. This recent dip in its price might just be a temporary setback, as historical patterns have shown Bitcoin’s ability to recover from similar situations.
Investors and enthusiasts are watching closely, considering the potential for a bullish movement. The crypto market is famously unpredictable, but Bitcoin’s resilience and historical performance make it an intriguing asset for those searching for a good crypto to buy. While short-term fluctuations are common, the long-term potential of Bitcoin remains a focal point for both seasoned and new investors, as it continues to be regarded as one of the best cryptocurrencies to invest in. Only time will tell whether Bitcoin is gearing up for another remarkable ascent, reinforcing its role as the anchor of the digital currency space.
Analysts Point to Potential Impressive Gains for DigiToads (TOADS) Presale
In the fast-evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies, DigiToads (TOADS) is capturing significant attention, particularly through its highly anticipated presale. With a presale that has already raised a substantial $6.7 million, it’s evident that investor interest in DigiToads is reaching new heights. Scheduled to conclude on August 15, 2023, the presale has been meticulously designed to set the stage for DigiToads’ future success. The token launch is set for August 21, 2023, adding to the excitement of what lies ahead.
The presale comes at a current price of $0.05 per TOADS, a promising entry point for a good investment opportunity. This represents an impressive 400% increase from its initial stage. The launch price is projected to be $0.055, showcasing a remarkable 450% increase.
DigiToads’ presale is truly remarkable, showcasing a well-structured tokenomics model with precise allocations that underline its commitment to growth and sustainability. The total supply of 585 million tokens has been meticulously apportioned to various essential aspects, ensuring a comprehensive and dynamic ecosystem. Of the total tokens, 405.35 million are exclusively reserved for the presale phase, reflecting the project’s strong start and investor confidence. Additionally, 76.99 million tokens are allocated for Community Growth & Liquidity, fostering a robust and engaged user base. Another 42.66 million tokens are dedicated to Competitions & Prizes, fostering a vibrant and interactive community. Furthermore, the allocation of 30.75 million tokens towards development and upgrades underscores DigiToads’ commitment to continuous improvement.
This thoughtfully designed tokenomics model not only instills trust among investors but also supports DigiToads’ long-term vision. By effectively channeling tokens into different avenues, DigiToads aims to strike a harmonious balance between community engagement, technological advancement, and overall growth.
Conclusion
As the cryptocurrency market navigates its fluctuations, speculation abounds about a potential Bitcoin (BTC) bounce. While Bitcoin’s trajectory remains uncertain, analysts are shining a spotlight on DigiToads (TOADS) presale, foreseeing substantial gains. Amidst these dynamics, DigiToads emerges as a notable contender, potentially solidifying its position as one of the best DeFi cryptos. The unique blend of P2E gaming, strong tokenomics, and the promise of potential returns positions DigiToads as one of the best DeFi coins to invest in.
Visit DigiToads Presale
Mint DigiToads NFTs Here
Buy DigiToads NFTs on OpenSea
Join the community
Contact Details
DigiToads
marketing@digitoads.world
Company Website
https://digitoads.world
Hashtag: #BlockchainDigest
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