Why the psychology of ‘utang’ matters for the economy

MANILA, Philippines – Debt or “utang” is not just a financial tool anymore. It has become the lifeline that keeps many Filipino families afloat.

With consumer spending making up about 70 percent of the economy, every peso that is spent helps keep the economy moving. When households continue to buy, businesses thrive. However, when they cut back, the effects ripple throughout the economy.

https://business.inquirer.net/551330/why-the-psychology-of-utang-matters-for-the-economy

Gold rally lifts Philippine dollar reserves to 11-month high

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ gross international reserves rose to $108.8 billion in September, marking the highest level in 11 months. This increase was primarily driven by higher gold prices, which boosted the value of the central bank’s holdings.

The figure climbed from $107.1 billion in August, reflecting gains from global gold prices, investment income, and foreign currency deposits by the national government.

https://business.inquirer.net/551297/gold-rally-lifts-ph-dollar-reserves-to-11-month-high

Bank Insider Gets 9-Year Jail Term for Gold and Cash Theft

TOKYO, Oct 7 — The Tokyo District Court sentenced former Mitsubishi UFJ Bank assistant branch manager Yukari Yamazaki to nine years in prison on October 6 for stealing approximately 400 million yen worth of gold bars and cash from a bank safe deposit vault.

During the trial, the defense argued that weaknesses in the bank’s security system had allowed Yamazaki to repeatedly commit the thefts. However, the court dismissed this claim in its ruling.

The court stated that the defendant, who had earned the bank’s trust and held a position of responsibility, exploited security systems in a way that only someone in her limited position could, effectively rendering the safeguards powerless.

The court further declared that Yamazaki’s actions were strongly deserving of condemnation.

https://newsonjapan.com/article/147179.php

Canara Robeco AMC’s Rs 1,326 cr IPO to open on Oct 9

Canara Robeco Asset Management Company has set a price band of Rs 253-266 per share for its upcoming Initial Public Offering (IPO), valuing the company at approximately Rs 5,300 crore at the upper end. The Rs 1,326 crore IPO is scheduled to open for subscription on October 9 and will close on October 13. Additionally, anchor investors will be able to participate in a one-day bidding session on October 8, as per the company’s public announcement.

This IPO is a pure Offer For Sale (OFS) of 4.98 crore equity shares, with no fresh issue component. Under the OFS, the promoters—Canara Bank and ORIX Corporation Europe NV (formerly Robeco Groep NV)—will be selling 2.59 crore and 2.39 crore shares respectively. Canara Bank currently holds a 51% stake in Canara Robeco, while ORIX Corporation owns the remaining shares.

Since the IPO is entirely an OFS, Canara Robeco will not receive any proceeds from the public issue. Instead, the funds raised will go directly to the selling shareholders.

**About Canara Robeco**

Canara Robeco’s core activities include managing mutual funds and providing investment advice focused on Indian equities. It holds the distinction of being the country’s second-oldest asset management company. The state-run lender Canara Bank initially floated the company in 1993, later partnering with Robeco (now part of ORIX) in 2007.

The company operates in a competitive market alongside established players such as HDFC Asset Management Company, Nippon Life India Asset Management, and UTI Asset Management Company.

**Issue Allocation and Management**

The IPO has been allocated as follows:
– 50% reserved for Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs)
– 35% for retail investors
– 15% for non-institutional investors

SBI Capital Markets, Axis Capital, and JM Financial will act as the book running lead managers for this issue.

Shares of Canara Robeco are expected to be listed on stock exchanges on October 16.

**Additional Context**

In December 2024, Canara Bank received approval from the Reserve Bank of India to divest its stake in life insurance and mutual fund ventures. Following this, the IPO of Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company—a complete OFS comprising 23.75 crore equity shares—is set to open for public subscription from October 10 to October 14.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/corporate-gallery/canara-robeco-amcs-rs-1326-cr-ipo-to-open-on-oct-9

Canara Robeco AMC’s Rs 1,326 cr IPO to open on Oct 9

Canara Robeco Asset Management Company has fixed a price band of Rs 253-266 per share for its upcoming Initial Public Offering (IPO), valuing the company at approximately Rs 5,300 crore at the upper end. The IPO, amounting to Rs 1,326 crore, is scheduled to open for subscription on October 9 and close on October 13.

Ahead of the public subscription, the one-day bidding for anchor investors will take place on October 8, as per the company’s public announcement.

This IPO is a complete Offer For Sale (OFS) of 4.98 crore equity shares, with no fresh issue component. Under the OFS, the promoters—Canara Bank and ORIX Corporation Europe NV (formerly Robeco Groep NV)—will sell 2.59 crore shares and 2.39 crore shares, respectively. Canara Bank currently holds a 51% stake in Canara Robeco, while ORIX Corporation owns the remaining stake in the asset management company.

Since the IPO is entirely an OFS, Canara Robeco will not receive any funds from the public issue. Instead, the proceeds from the sale will go directly to the selling shareholders.

Canara Robeco primarily engages in managing mutual funds and providing investment advice on Indian equities. It is recognized as the country’s second oldest asset manager. The state-run lender, Canara Bank, originally founded the company in 1993 and later partnered with Robeco—now part of ORIX—in 2007.

Operating in a highly competitive space, Canara Robeco faces competition from established listed players such as HDFC Asset Management Company, Nippon Life India Asset Management, and UTI Asset Management Company.

The IPO allocation is divided as follows: 50% reserved for Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs), 35% for retail investors, and 15% for non-institutional investors. SBI Capital Markets, Axis Capital, and JM Financial are appointed as the book running lead managers for this issue.

Shares of Canara Robeco are expected to list on stock exchanges on October 16.

In a related development, Canara Bank announced in December 2024 that it had received approval from the Reserve Bank of India to divest its stakes in life insurance and mutual fund ventures. The IPO of Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company, a complete OFS involving 23.75 crore equity shares, is scheduled to open for public subscription from October 10 to October 14.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/corporate-gallery/canara-robeco-amcs-rs-1326-cr-ipo-to-open-on-oct-9

Pi Network sheds $18B in six months: ‘That’s basically a rug pull’

**Key Takeaways**

– Pi Network’s token, PI, has plunged over 90%, erasing nearly $18 billion in market capitalization and fueling fresh rug pull claims.
– Without addressing community concerns and supply growth issues, PI could remain under downward pressure in the coming months.

**Why Is Pi Network Facing Rug Pull Claims Again?**

Since its debut in March, the Pi Network [PI] price has crashed over 90%, reigniting allegations that the project might be a rug pull. At launch, the price soared to $2.79, pushing the market capitalization to approximately $18 billion amid a wave of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). However, the price has since slipped below $1 and plunged further to around $0.26, wiping out more than $16 billion in market cap over the past six months.

A pseudonymous crypto market commentator known as Mr Spock weighed in on the situation, stating, “Pi crashed over 90% from its highest position, that’s basically a rug pull.”

**Hype and Speculative Interest Fade**

Back in May, Pi Network faced similar rug pull accusations after the team allegedly established a $100 million venture fund amid more than six years of unmet expectations and broken promises. Many community members believed that this fund—partly sourced from internal revenue and mining activities—was diverted for external purposes rather than being reinvested into the ecosystem.

This backlash contributed to the token’s inability to rebound in May, dragging the price down below $0.50. Despite the sour market sentiment, data from Pi Scan indicated some continued accumulation of PI tokens. Over the past 24 hours alone, a net flow of $112.3 million was recorded, meaning more PI tokens flowed out of exchanges than into them, which suggests buying activity.

**Derivatives Data Show Collapse in Speculative Interest**

Despite signs of accumulation, speculative interest has sharply declined. While there has been some improvement in the futures market demand, overall speculative interest dropped by more than 10 times. According to Glassnode, PI’s Open Interest (OI)—the total value of open contracts in the derivatives market—plummeted from nearly $120 million to about $20 million.

This sustained bearish pressure reflects the community’s growing frustration and feeling of being sidelined by the Pi Network team.

**Inflationary Pressure Weighs on Price**

Another major factor dragging down PI’s price is inflationary pressure. Since May, the circulating supply of PI tokens has surged by over 1 billion tokens, exacerbating downward price pressure.

**What’s Next for PI?**

Unless the Pi Network team addresses community concerns and carefully manages token supply growth, PI could continue to face heavy downward pressure. Rebuilding trust and stabilizing the token economy will be critical to any future recovery efforts.

*Stay tuned for updates on Pi Network and other cryptocurrency developments.*
https://ambcrypto.com/pi-network-sheds-18b-in-six-months-thats-basically-a-rug-pull

All set for Maynilad’s P45.8-B stock debut

MANILA, Philippines – Maynilad Water Services Inc. is moving closer to its P45.8-billion initial public offering (IPO) this month after receiving approval from the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

The operator of the local bourse announced in an advisory on Monday that Maynilad would offer up to 2.3 billion shares at a price of up to P20 each.

This development marks a significant step for Maynilad as it prepares to enter the public market, aiming to raise substantial capital through the IPO.
https://business.inquirer.net/551033/all-set-for-maynilads-p-45-8-b-stock-debut

Gov’t debt service surged by 257% in Aug. to P664.7B

The government’s debt service burden more than tripled in August, driven by higher amortization payments following a mammoth settlement of maturing bonds.

Debt payments surged by 257 percent year-on-year to P664.7 billion, according to the latest cash operation report from the Bureau of the Treasury.

This increase brought the total debt service payments for the first eight months of the year to P1.54 trillion, remaining nearly flat compared to the previous period.
https://business.inquirer.net/550897/govt-debt-service-surged-by-257-in-aug-to-p664-7b

Shiba Inu Price Prediction: Can SHIB Reclaim $0.00005 While AlphaPepe Becomes the Best Crypto to Buy Now

**Shiba Inu (SHIB) Tests Key Resistance Levels Amid Meme Coin Resurgence**

Shiba Inu (SHIB), one of the world’s most recognized meme coins, is once again testing key resistance levels after months of consolidation. Following a wave of renewed retail activity, analysts are speculating whether SHIB can reclaim the $0.00005 mark and reignite its legendary 2021-style momentum.

However, while SHIB continues its steady recovery, attention is also shifting to a new name in the meme coin space: AlphaPepe (ALPE). With strong presale traction, growing liquidity, and unique tokenomics, AlphaPepe is already being hailed by analysts as the best crypto to buy now for investors chasing the next breakout meme project.

### Shiba Inu’s Path Toward $0.00005

Shiba Inu is currently trading around $0.000028, reflecting a 6% uptick in the last week. After a prolonged period of low volatility, trading volumes on SHIB have started to climb again, signaling that buyers are returning.

**Technical Setup**
– **Support Levels:** $0.000025 remains the critical support zone, tested multiple times over the past month.
– **Resistance Levels:** $0.000032 and $0.000038 are the next major resistance zones before the psychological barrier at $0.00005.
– **Indicators:** On-chain data shows reduced whale sell-offs and modest accumulation among mid-tier wallets, often a precursor to upward momentum.

If SHIB can maintain its position above $0.000030 and Bitcoin remains stable near $120K, analysts predict a possible move toward $0.000045–$0.00005 in the short term.

### Ecosystem Growth

Beyond price movements, Shiba Inu’s developers are pushing forward with **Shibarium**, the project’s Layer-2 scaling solution. The network has already surpassed 10 million transactions, boosting SHIB’s utility and network confidence.

Moreover, Shiba Inu’s burn mechanisms continue to play a crucial role. Over 410 trillion tokens have been removed from circulation since launch, slowly tightening supply and building upward price pressure for the long term.

### Market Sentiment: Meme Coins Return to the Spotlight

With meme coins regaining momentum across social media, sentiment around SHIB has improved significantly. Search trends show Shiba Inu price queries rising sharply since early October.

Analysts say that if retail interest continues to build, meme tokens like SHIB and PEPE could see a Q4 resurgence similar to the one that fueled 2021’s record rallies.

However, the competition has evolved. A new generation of meme coins combining hype with structured tokenomics is beginning to dominate. At the front of that pack sits **AlphaPepe**.

### AlphaPepe: The Best Crypto to Buy Now in 2025

While SHIB has matured into a long-term community token, AlphaPepe represents the explosive side of the meme market.

Priced at just $0.006, the project has already raised over $245,000, gained nearly 2,000 holders, and seen its second USDT liquidity pool surpass $5,000 — signaling steady growth ahead of listing.

**Why AlphaPepe Stands Out**
– **Instant Token Delivery:** Unlike many presales that lock tokens until listing, AlphaPepe gives investors immediate access, building trust.
– **Staking Rewards:** Holders can earn up to 85% APR, encouraging long-term participation instead of quick flips.
– **Audited and Verified:** AlphaPepe has achieved the maximum BlockSafu audit score, giving it a credibility edge in the meme sector.
– **Viral Community:** Thousands of users across X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram are driving engagement with meme campaigns and influencer shoutouts.

AlphaPepe’s success lies in its timing — entering the market just as meme sentiment returns and retail liquidity floods back into smaller-cap projects.

### Price Projections

Analysts forecast AlphaPepe could rally from $0.006 to $0.50–$1 after listings, potentially mirroring early Dogecoin and SHIB gains. If meme coin mania continues into 2026, AlphaPepe could become one of the fastest-growing assets in the sector.

### SHIB vs AlphaPepe: The Meme Coin Spectrum

Shiba Inu now functions as the established, stable side of meme investing — supported by real infrastructure and community governance. AlphaPepe, on the other hand, is the high-volatility growth play with massive near-term upside potential.

For investors, both represent different strategies:
– **SHIB:** Longer-term holders seeking consistency.
– **AlphaPepe:** Those chasing the next explosive meme breakout.

This balance between legacy and innovation defines the current meme coin cycle, where AlphaPepe is emerging as the bridge between both worlds.

### Conclusion

Shiba Inu’s gradual recovery is fueling optimism across the meme market. With Shibarium expanding and whale accumulation resuming, a move toward $0.00005 looks achievable in the coming months.

Yet the real speculative excitement is surrounding AlphaPepe, which has quickly become the best crypto to buy now for investors seeking exponential returns. With its unique tokenomics, audit transparency, and explosive community growth, AlphaPepe is positioning itself as 2025’s breakout meme coin — potentially following in Shiba Inu’s early footsteps, but with even greater speed.

### Useful Links
– Website: [Insert website URL]
– Telegram: [Insert Telegram link]
– X (Twitter): [Insert X link]

### FAQs

**Q1: What is Shiba Inu’s price target for 2025?**
Analysts forecast SHIB could climb toward $0.00005 in the short term, with long-term targets near $0.00008 if Shibarium adoption grows.

**Q2: What makes AlphaPepe the best crypto to buy now?**
Its combination of instant delivery, staking rewards, verified audits, and viral marketing sets it apart from other presales.

**Q3: How much has AlphaPepe raised so far?**
Over $245,000 with nearly 2,000 holders and an expanding liquidity base.

**Q4: Could AlphaPepe deliver 100x returns like SHIB once did?**
Analysts believe it’s possible if meme market liquidity remains strong through 2026.

**Q5: Is it too late to buy SHIB?**
Not yet. SHIB remains a strong long-term community token, but newer projects like AlphaPepe offer higher short-term upside.

*This publication is sponsored. Coindoo does not endorse or assume responsibility for the content, accuracy, quality, advertising, products, or any other materials on this page. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before engaging in any cryptocurrency-related actions. Coindoo will not be liable, directly or indirectly, for any damages or losses resulting from the use of or reliance on any content, goods, or services mentioned. Always do your own research.*

**Author**
*Krasimir Rusev* is a journalist with many years of experience covering cryptocurrencies and financial markets. He specializes in analysis, news, and forecasts for digital assets, providing readers with in-depth and reliable information on the latest market trends. His expertise and professionalism make him a valuable source for investors, traders, and anyone following the dynamics of the crypto world.
https://coindoo.com/shiba-inu-price-prediction-can-shib-reclaim-0-00005-while-alphapepe-becomes-the-best-crypto-to-buy-now/

MAGGIE PAGANO: Cash is still king, right? Wrong

If you have heard reports of a rather sweaty woman in gym gear running around the streets of Saffron Walden brandishing a crisp £50 note and cursing under her breath, that was me.

After the gym, I had stopped off at the health food shop to stock up on a few things, giving the assistant the £50 tucked into my leggings. The assistant refused my money.

“But surely it’s legal tender,” I cried, “you can’t refuse it!”

She didn’t budge, saying that head office had told them not to take £50 notes because of fakes.

Off I went to the butcher’s shop opposite, where I know the staff, asking if they could break the note. Same again—no £50 notes accepted. But they suggested I try a bank.

Not such a bad idea. However, my bank, Barclays, closed long ago and now there are only two banks left in town.

So, I ran to Nationwide, where there was a long queue. Explaining the problem, I asked the waiting customers if I could ask the cashier to change the note. They all said yes, of course.

One gentleman took one look at my Queen’s-headed note and said with great confidence that it wasn’t a fake. That felt like a small victory.

There was so much chatter that the cashier stepped out to take a look at the offending note. He agreed it was genuine. Yeah, another victory.

“But are you a Nationwide customer?” he asked.

It felt like a trick question — and it was. Nationwide does not change money if you are not a customer.

As you can imagine, by then I was ready to raise an Essex peasants’ revolt against shops that don’t take money and banks that don’t change banknotes.

As luck would have it, one of the kind ladies in the queue opened her wallet, checked her cash, and offered to change my £50.

My first call is to the Bank of England.

**Can vendors refuse to take cash?**

Yes, says the press officer, they can. Even though cash is legal tender, it’s a concept with a narrow technical definition in law related to contracts, and no one is obliged to accept it in exchange for goods.

But why is cash usage shrinking so fast?

Is it because vendors find cash messy to deal with? Are business owners being forced by payment giants to go digital so they can be charged more? Or do people simply prefer using cards or, increasingly, mobile payment apps?

Probably a bit of each — chicken and egg.

Whatever the reason, cash is under the kibosh.

It made up just 9 per cent of payments last year, compared to being used for half of all transactions a decade ago. It is predicted to fall to 4 per cent over the next ten years.

Yet here’s the thing: what happens in emergencies?

Imagine if a cyber hack or indeed cyber warfare brings down the banks? Or if there are blackouts, as happened in Spain and Portugal recently? Or other crises, such as another lockdown or war?

Being resilient is why countries such as Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands have warned their citizens to always keep cash in reserve. They are also introducing new legislation ensuring vendors must accept cash.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is also alert to the dangers.

All households have been advised by the ECB to store cash at home in case digital systems fail — because they will.

In contrast, the Bank of England does not have the mandate to give such warnings; that’s up to the Government.

Interesting, though, that its Governor, Andrew Bailey, told a recent Citizens’ Panel in Wolverhampton that he always carries cash with him in case of emergencies.

Does that include any £50 notes, I wonder?
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/comment/article-15164391/MAGGIE-PAGANO-Cash-king-right-Wrong.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

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