The Arakan Army battles for legitimacy

Political

Tensions in Northern Myanmar

Summary:

The Arakan Army (AA) has captured significant territory in Rakhine State and is striving to establish itself as the legitimate government by providing public services and infrastructure.

The Arakan Army (AA) has captured significant territory in Rakhine State and is striving to establish itself as the legitimate government by providing public services and infrastructure. But the AA faces a legitimacy crisis due to its status as a rebel group, which hampers international recognition and disrupts trade, particularly with Bangladesh.

The AA's handling of the Rohingya refugee crisis is crucial, as its discriminatory actions and prejudices against the Rohingya undermine its efforts to gain positive international standing. The region is suffering from a severe humanitarian crisis, worsened by Cyclone Mocha and ongoing conflicts, necessitating extensive rebuilding efforts. To achieve legitimacy, the AA must overcome these governance and humanitarian challenges.

On 20 December 2024, the Arakan Army (AA) announced that it had captured the headquarters of the Myanmar junta’s Western Command — one of 14 similar commands scattered throughout the country. The Western Command was the second to fall into rebel hands, the first being the Northeastern Command, which was taken by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army in August 2024. The AA holds 13 of the 17 townships in Rakhine State and declared in October 2024 that it would transform the whole state into a junta-free zone.

The AA is attempting to govern the territories it has captured by establishing infrastructure and providing public services, like levying taxes, initiating a vaccine program and introducing a judicial program. But despite significant military advances in 2024, the AA faces considerable obstacles in achieving liberation from Burmese domination, as formulated in their doctrine, ‘The Way of Rakhita’.

It emphasises the right of Rakhine people to create their own destiny, free from external influence. Having captured a large swath of territory and enjoying popular support from Arakanese people, the AA has begun portraying itself as the legitimate government of Arakan by creating so-called ‘departments’ to implement policies and provide public services.

But the AA is experiencing an international legitimacy crisis. Its status as a rebel group has hindered its attempt to engage with other countries on an equal basis. Though Bangladeshi authorities initially declined any contact with the AA, the country’s home advisor admitted that the government maintains links with both the AA and the junta to protect Bangladeshi interests.

The Myanmar–Bangladesh border being under AA control has prompted Bangladesh to establish an unofficial channel with the AA. Yet the AA still has a long way to go before being recognised as the legitimate government of Arakan.

Trade between Rakhine State and Bangladesh has halted. The last cargo vessel to leave Maungdaw in Rakhine State arrived in Bangladesh on 3 December 2024. Though the AA has attempted to revive stalled trade, Dhaka has not responded favourably. In December 2024, a consignment of rice sacks, accompanied by a tax receipt signed by an AA official was seized at a Bangladeshi port.

There is some hope that the AA will gain recognition. In March 2024, representatives from the AA met with an Indian MP to discuss the construction of a road under the Indian-funded Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project. This indicates it may only be a matter of time before both domestic and foreign stakeholders engage with the new reality in Arakan.

Whether Bangladesh will establish a relationship with the AA partially depends on whether the AA is willing to accept Rohingya refugees. Bangladesh’s foreign advisor has stressed that ‘peace and stability in the region would remain unattainable without resolving the Rohingya crisis, which necessitates their safe and secure repatriation to Myanmar’.

Bangladesh has declared that it will no longer accept additional Rohingya refugees. With the AA having near–complete control of Rakhine State, the responsibility falls on the AA to take the lead in repatriation efforts. The way in which the AA handles the issue could affect its image internationally.

Rohingya activists stationed in third countries consistently criticise the AA’s high-handed treatment of Rohingya civilians. 28 Rohingya organisations have called on the AA to uphold the rights of ethnic minorities. A report published in November 2024 states that the AA killed dozens of Rohingya with aerial bombs in August and forcibly evacuated them from Maungdaw town without providing assistance. These events underscore the tension between the AA and the Rohingya population.

The AA harbors prejudices against the Rohingyas, describing Rohingya armed groups such as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army as ‘Muslim extremists’. This attitude stems from the fact that these groups collaborated with the junta and were involved in violence. The junta’s forceful conscription of Rohingyas into the military only exacerbated existing racial conflict. The way in which the AA resolves the Rohingya issue will decide whether it is hailed as a benevolent force or condemned as another genocidal armed actor.

International human rights watch group Fortify Rights recently published a statement condemning AA for human right violations. The statement cited footage of AA soldiers torturing and executing two individuals who seem to be captured Rohingya soldiers from the junta’s army and urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate. Although AA had admitted to the killings, it had rejected the ICC’s involvement as unnecessary, arguing that it has necessary mechanisms in place to deal with such cases. The case is one among many in which the international perception of AA can change due to the way it handles Rohingya issues.

Beyond the Rohingya question, the Arakan region as a whole faces a severe humanitarian crisis. The AA’s siege and the junta’s irresponsibility have caused starvation in some towns and the conflict has led to insufficient medical aid. Those fleeing Arakan to other regions are facing various difficulties, such as rising rents, discrimination and restriction on movement. Refugees sheltering in the Ramree township are in need of urgent help and 2 million Rakhine residents are on the brink of starvation. Cyclone Mocha — which made landfall on Rakhine coast — destroyed basic infrastructure and 85 per cent of existing camps for internally displaced persons (IDP). In Sittwe, only 10,634 of the 76,090 IDPs received assistance. Some people do not have homes to return to, as towns and villages were razed by the junta’s airstrikes. The AA needs to rebuild the Arakan region from scratch before it can function fully again — with much left to do for the AA to become a legitimate government.

Htet Hlaing Win is a former student at University of Yangon, Myanmar. He now works as a contributor to Myanmar session for Asia in Review published by the German-Southeast Asian Center of Excellence for Public Policy and Good Governance.

Source：Eastasiaforum

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Economic

The 20th-century Cold War was defined by nuclear weapons. Today, a new cold war is being waged, with artificial intelligence (AI) as the ultimate weapon. The stakes are arguably even higher, as nations compete for control of a technology that promises to redefine our world.

The US: Leading the charge in AI supremacy

The US is aggressively pursuing AI dominance. Project Stargate, a massive private-sector initiative worth US$500 billion (RM2.22 trillion) aims to solidify America’s dominance in AI development and infrastructure. Announced by President Donald Trump, Stargate is a private-sector-led endeavour led by tech giants like OpenAI chief executive officer Sam Altman, and Oracle chairman Larry Ellison and backed by SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son. It aims to build powerful data centres in Texas, centralising AI infrastructure and serving as the nerve centre for AI-powered applications like ChatGPT and beyond.

Further reinforcing this push, the CHIPS and Science Act provides substantial funding for semiconductor development — a critical component of AI advancement. Additionally, the US has strategically imposed export controls to restrict China and other competing nations from accessing advanced AI chips and manufacturing equipment, aiming to curb their progress.

China: A formidable challenger

China is the US' primary rival in the AI arena. Its New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan sets an ambitious goal of achieving global AI leadership by 2030. Heavily backed by state-controlled enterprises, China is investing extensively in AI research, chip manufacturing, and surveillance technology.

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI lab, showcased its innovation by developing a powerful open-source AI model for under US$6 million, rivalling systems like GPT-4 and Llama. The DeepSeek-R1 model is trained at a significantly lower cost and requires a tenth of the computing power of comparable AI models such as OpenAI's GPT-4o. While the model isn't fully open-source due to the unavailability of training data, the release of "open-weight" models is a significant step. DeepSeek's AI Assistant, powered by DeepSeek-V3, has overtaken rival ChatGPT to become the top-rated free application available on Apple's App Store in the US. Alibaba's Qwen 2.5 AI model, launched recently, has outperformed even DeepSeek V3 in benchmark tests.

India: An emerging AI powerhouse

The back-to-back announcements of advanced AI models from Chinese companies have raised some questions in India too. What is stopping it from developing its own foundational AI model? This was partly answered by IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a recent press conference. India's investment in over 18,000 high-end graphic processing units (GPUs) demonstrates its commitment to building robust computing facilities, essential for AI applications, model training, and algorithm development. Compared to global model computation costs of US$2.50 to US$3 per hour, India’s AI Model computation will cost less than 100 rupees (US$1.15 or RM5.06) per hour after a 40% government subsidy, significantly lowering the entry barrier for AI development.

Additionally, India is hosting DeepSeek on Indian servers after rigorous security protocol checks, allowing developers, coders, and researchers to benefit from its open-source code. The US$1.25 billion IndiaAI mission will further fuel AI startups and enhance the AI ecosystem.

The European Union: Championing ethical AI

While the EU may not be at the forefront of raw technological power, it is taking a leading role in ensuring AI aligns with human rights and ethical standards. The Artificial Intelligence Act seeks to regulate AI technologies, prioritising responsible and ethical implementation.

Malaysia: The rising star of Asean

As Asean chair in 2025, Malaysia is positioning itself as a key player in the region's AI development. With a focus on becoming a digital innovation hub, Malaysia has launched the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) to guide its AI strategy. The NAIO's priorities include developing a code of ethics, a regulatory framework, and a long-term AI action plan. Budget 2025 provides further support through incentives for high-tech companies, R&D, and talent development.

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corp (MDEC) has successfully onboarded 140 AI solution providers, generating RM1 billion in revenue. AI is projected to contribute significantly to Malaysia's economy, with expectations of generating approximately US$115 billion in productive capacity by 2030.

Malaysia's AI ascent: Securing a spot in the big leagues

To compete in the global AI race, Malaysia must prioritise several key areas.

1. Bolstering AI research: Malaysia needs a significantly stronger AI research ecosystem. While some initiatives exist, the funding gap compared to leading nations is vast. Top Chinese universities, for example, receive immense research funding, dwarfing that of many countries' entire academic communities. Bridging this gap requires a concerted, long-term government-industry-academia partnership focused on increasing funding for fundamental AI research, fostering industry-academia collaboration, and attracting top AI talent.

2. Closing the digital talent gap: The US, China, and India have a considerable advantage due to their readily available pool of digital talent. Despite efforts by MDEC and TalentCorp, Malaysia faces a talent shortage, especially in data science and AI. This gap is widening. A two-pronged approach is necessary: In the short term, facilitating the import of international experts to address immediate needs. Simultaneously, a long-term strategy is crucial, building a robust talent pipeline through deep industry-academia collaboration, investing in education and training to equip Malaysians with advanced AI expertise.

3. Democratising compute power: Malaysia should establish an affordable common compute facility, equipped with substantial GPU capacity, to support the development of a secure, indigenous AI model. This shared resource lowers the barrier to entry for students, researchers, and startups. The ultimate goal is to provide cloud-based AI services to a broad range of users, including academia, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups, research institutions, government agencies, and other approved entities, fostering widespread AI adoption.

4. Leading in AI safety: As Asean chair in 2025, Malaysia can lead the region in responsible AI development by establishing an Asean AI Safety Institute. Operating on a hub-and-spoke model, the institute would collaborate with regional research institutions, academia, and the private sector. This collaborative approach ensures safe and ethical AI development, solidifying Malaysia's vision as a hub for digital innovation and ethical AI in Asean.

The stakes: Who will write the ultimate code?

The AI race is a battle for influence and power. AI has the potential to reshape economies, military strategies, and even global narratives. Unlike the nuclear arms race, there's no clear end. The crucial question is not simply who wins, but how this competition will shape our future. Will it inspire unprecedented innovation and collaboration, or will it deepen existing divides? The AI race is happening now, and its outcome will define the 21st century.

Source: Theedgemarkets

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ING

Economic

A respectable outcome for January job creation with fewer than feared downward revisions to historical data have cemented expectations that the Fed will not be cutting rates imminently. There are still lingering concerns about the quality of jobs being added, but an improving trend in jobs creation since late summer means the Fed will hold rates until 3Q.

Downward revisions, but with stronger near-term momentum

There is a lot to unpack in today’s US jobs report. January non-farm payrolls came in at 143k, below the 175k consensus, but there were 100k of upward revisions to the past two months and the unemployment rate came in at 4% versus 4.1% previously and expected. Average hourly earning rose 0.5% month-on-month, but the average working week dropped to 34.1 hours – matching the lows of the pandemic period. That in itself looks a pretty solid report and would justify the Federal Reserve holding rates steady for now.

We also get a whole load of revisions – the payrolls series is being adjusted for updates to the births-deaths model and changes to seasonal adjustment factors, while the unemployment rate is adjusted to take account of new population estimates, although changes were small.

With regards to the non-farm payrolls, the benchmark revisions were not as severe as initially proposed. The provisional estimate from August was for 818k of downward revisions over the 12 months to March 2024, but this is now reported as 598,000. Revisions to subsequent data mean that for 2024 as a whole the average monthly payrolls gain is now 166,000 versus 186,000 previously reported. More significantly October, November and December jobs have been revised higher, so we have a stronger trend at the end of 2024 than previously thought. As such it doesn't support the case for any near-term Fed easing.

Monthly change in non-farm payrolls (000s)

This chart above the revisions. The blue bays were the original monthly change in non-farm payrolls and the grey bars are the new published series. The orange line is the new 3M moving average and you can clearly see the improvement over the latter part of 2024.

Job quality remains an issue

Once again we come to the issue of the quality of the jobs being added. Originally we had 78% of all jobs created in the US since December 2022 were in the three sectors of government, leisure & hospitality and private education & healthcare services. The revisions show it is now 88%! We believe those three sectors tend to be lower paid, less secure and more part-time. This also helps to explain the drop in the average working week to just 34.1 hours. Note that previously 5.2mn jobs had been added between December 2022 and December 2024. Now it is 4.7mn between December 2022 and January 2023.

Contribution to cumulative jobs gains since December 2022 (000s)

Solid jobs market and sticky inflation to keep the Fed on hold until the third quarter

Looking at the overall picture we see the downward revisions were not as deep as thought while the trend over recent months has been stronger non-farm payrolls growth than expected. With the unemployment rate at just 4% and with next week's core CPI MoM reading expected to come in at 0.3% MoM the Fed is very likely to be on hold for several more months – remember we need to be tracking at 0.17% MoM to deliver 2% year-on-year inflation.

We remain cautious on the composition of jobs. We’d be much happier if it was tech, construction, business services, transport & logistics, manufacturing – the traditional growth engines of the US economy – that were driving employment growth, but we can’t have everything. Nonetheless, we think the Fed will be on hold until the third quarter of the year.

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ING

Economic

German industry ended the year on a weak footing, dropping by 2.4% month-on-month in December, from +1.3% MoM in November. On the year, industrial production is down more than 3%. At the same time, exports grew by 2.9% MoM in December, while imports increased by slightly more than 2% MoM, widening the trade surplus.

While the catch-up in exports points to some frontloading ahead of looming tariffs, the renewed weakening of industrial production confirms the structural weakness.

Today's data point is yet another in a series of disappointing industrial figures over the past two years. The slump in German industry continues. German industrial production remains about 10% below its pre-pandemic levels some five years after the onset of Covid-19. Manufacturing capacity utilisation is at lows comparable only to those seen during the financial crisis and the initial lockdowns. This paints a rather unflattering picture of a nation known as an industrial powerhouse.

Looking ahead, besides some rather technical rebounds, a substantial recovery of German industry is not in sight, yet. Inventories have continued to increase, instead of turning, and have now been at elevated levels for more than a year. At the same time, order books have started to bottom out but even after yesterday’s strong December increase, they are not filled enough to kick-start a much-needed turn in the inventory cycle.

Add to this looming tariffs on the EU and the expected modern version of ‘beggar-thy-neighbour’ policies by the new US administration, and the outlook for German industry remains anything but rosy. This is not just because of the potential impact on German exports, but more so the effect on German investments if companies were to move production to the US.

All in all, today's industrial data once again underlines that industry has been and will remain a drag on German growth.

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Glendon

Economic

When it comes to buying and selling assets—whether it's stocks, cryptocurrencies, or other financial instruments—choosing the right type of order is essential for executing trades efficiently and at the right price. Two of the most common order types used in trading are market orders and limit orders. Both play a critical role in how trades are executed, but understanding the differences between the two can help you make more informed decisions, especially when you're aiming to optimize your trading strategy.

In this article, we will explore what market orders and limit orders are, how they work, their advantages and disadvantages, and which order type you should consider using based on your trading goals.

What is a Market Order?

A market order is an instruction to buy or sell an asset immediately at the current best available price. Market orders are typically executed quickly because they are filled by the next available counterparty willing to meet the price. Essentially, when you place a market order, you're saying, "I want to buy or sell this asset right now at the best price available."

Market orders are often used by traders who prioritize speed and efficiency over price control. This is common in fast-moving markets or for liquid assets, such as major stocks or popular cryptocurrencies, where the price doesn't fluctuate dramatically in short timeframes.

Advantages of Market Orders:

Speed: Market orders are executed quickly, often immediately, because they are filled by the best available bid (for selling) or ask (for buying).

Simplicity: Placing a market order is straightforward, and you don't need to worry about setting specific price levels.

Liquidity: Market orders work best in highly liquid markets, where there are many buyers and sellers willing to transact at similar prices.

Disadvantages of Market Orders:

Uncertainty in Price: Since market orders are filled at the best available price, there is a risk of slippage, meaning that you may end up buying at a higher price or selling at a lower price than you expected, especially in volatile markets.

Potential for Worse Pricing: In less liquid markets, your market order might get filled at a less favorable price because there aren't enough buyers or sellers at the price you anticipated.

What is a Limit Order?

A limit order is an instruction to buy or sell an asset at a specific price or better. For a buy limit order, the trade will only execute at the limit price or lower, while for a sell limit order, it will only execute at the limit price or higher. Limit orders give traders more control over the price at which their orders are executed, but they come with the risk that the order may not be filled if the market doesn't reach the specified price.

For example, if you want to buy Bitcoin at $30,000, you can place a limit order to buy at that price. If Bitcoin’s price doesn’t fall to $30,000, the order won’t be executed.

Advantages of Limit Orders:

Price Control: Limit orders allow you to control the price at which you buy or sell. This is especially useful in markets where prices can be highly volatile or when you're looking for specific entry or exit points.

Avoid Slippage: Unlike market orders, limit orders help you avoid slippage by ensuring that the order is only filled at a price you are comfortable with.

Strategic Positioning: Limit orders can help you place buy orders below the current market price or sell orders above it, allowing you to take advantage of price movements without actively monitoring the market.

Disadvantages of Limit Orders:

No Guarantee of Execution: The biggest disadvantage of a limit order is that there is no guarantee it will be executed. If the market doesn’t reach your specified price, the order remains unfilled.

Delay in Execution: Depending on the market conditions and how far your limit price is from the current market price, limit orders may take time to fill or may never be filled at all.

When Should You Use Market Orders?

Market orders are ideal for traders who prioritize speed over price precision. Here are some scenarios where you might consider using a market order:

High Liquidity Markets: If you are trading highly liquid assets like major stocks or popular cryptocurrencies (such as Bitcoin or Ethereum), a market order can be effective because there are many participants, and price slippage is less likely.

Urgency: If you need to enter or exit a position quickly (e.g., in response to breaking news or a significant price move), a market order guarantees immediate execution.

Small Positions: If you’re trading small quantities of an asset, market orders can help ensure that your trade is filled promptly without much price fluctuation.

When Should You Use Limit Orders?

Limit orders are ideal for traders who are willing to wait for a specific price and are more concerned with price control than immediate execution. Here are some situations where you might opt for a limit order:

Price Precision: If you have a specific price target in mind (e.g., buying a stock at a certain support level or selling it at a desired profit), a limit order allows you to control the price at which the order is executed.

Avoiding Slippage: If you're trading in volatile markets or with assets that have low liquidity, limit orders can protect you from unexpected price changes.

Long-Term Strategy: If you're planning to hold an asset for the long term and are comfortable with waiting for a favorable price, placing a limit order ensures that you don't overpay or undersell.

Which Should You Use: Market Orders or Limit Orders?

Ultimately, whether you should use a market order or a limit order depends on your trading strategy, goals, and the market conditions.

Use a market order

when you need speed and efficiency, particularly in fast-moving, liquid markets, or when you’re trading small quantities.

Use a limit order

if you are focused on price control, want to avoid slippage, or are willing to wait for the market to reach your preferred entry or exit price.

Many traders use a combination of both order types based on different situations. For example, they might place a market order for quick execution on highly liquid assets and use limit orders for more strategic trades where price precision is crucial.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between market orders and limit orders is crucial for any trader, whether you're a novice or a seasoned investor. Each order type offers distinct advantages and is suited to different trading goals and market conditions. By knowing when to use market orders and when to opt for limit orders, you can better manage your trades, minimize costs, and make more informed decisions in your trading journey.

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Glendon

Economic

Inflation and deflation are two fundamental economic concepts that shape the financial landscape of countries, businesses, and individuals. While both involve changes in price levels, they have opposite effects and implications for the economy. Understanding these trends is crucial for making informed financial decisions, whether you're managing personal savings, running a business, or investing in the stock market.

What Is Inflation?

Inflation refers to the sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services over time. When inflation occurs, each unit of currency buys fewer items than before, effectively reducing purchasing power. Moderate inflation is often seen as a sign of a growing economy, but excessive inflation can lead to economic instability.

Causes of Inflation

Demand-Pull Inflation: Occurs when demand for goods and services exceeds supply, driving prices up.

Cost-Push Inflation: Results from rising production costs, such as higher wages or raw material prices, which are passed on to consumers.

Monetary Inflation: Happens when there is too much money in circulation, often due to central bank policies like quantitative easing.

Effects of Inflation

Positive: Encourages spending and investment as people seek to avoid future price increases.

Negative: Reduces purchasing power, erodes savings, and can lead to uncertainty in the economy.

What Is Deflation?

Deflation is the opposite of inflation, characterized by a sustained decrease in the general price level of goods and services. While lower prices might sound beneficial, deflation can signal economic trouble and lead to a vicious cycle of reduced spending and investment.

Causes of Deflation

Reduced Demand: A decline in consumer or business spending can lead to excess supply and falling prices.

Technological Advancements: Improved productivity and efficiency can lower production costs and prices.

Tight Monetary Policy: Central banks reducing money supply or increasing interest rates can trigger deflation.

Effects of Deflation

Positive: Increases the purchasing power of money, benefiting savers.

Negative: Discourages spending and investment, as consumers and businesses anticipate further price drops. This can lead to layoffs, reduced production, and economic stagnation.

Inflation vs. Deflation: Key Differences

Aspect	Inflation	Deflation
Price Levels	Rising	Falling
Purchasing Power	Decreases	Increases
Economic Impact	Can stimulate spending and growth	Can lead to reduced spending and recession
Central Bank Response	May raise interest rates to control inflation	May lower interest rates to stimulate demand

Navigating Inflation and Deflation

Understanding these economic trends can help individuals and businesses adapt their strategies:

During Inflation: Invest in assets like real estate, commodities, or inflation-protected securities (e.g., TIPS). Avoid holding too much cash, as its value erodes over time.

During Deflation: Focus on preserving capital, paying down debt, and investing in high-quality bonds or defensive stocks.

Governments and central banks also play a critical role in managing these trends through monetary and fiscal policies, such as adjusting interest rates or implementing stimulus measures.

Conclusion

Inflation and deflation are powerful forces that shape economies and influence financial decisions. While moderate inflation is generally seen as healthy for economic growth, deflation can signal underlying issues and pose significant challenges. By understanding the causes, effects, and strategies to navigate these trends, individuals and businesses can better prepare for economic uncertainties and make informed decisions.

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Economic

Bitcoin (BTC) may have been the first cryptocurrency to capture global attention, but it certainly isn’t the only one making waves in the world of digital currencies. In fact, there are numerous cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin that are paving the way for innovations in blockchain technology, decentralization, and finance. If you’re interested in diversifying your cryptocurrency knowledge or investments, it’s important to explore some of the most prominent altcoins available today.

Here are 10 key cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin that you should keep an eye on:

1. Ethereum (ETH)

Often regarded as the second-most popular cryptocurrency, Ethereum is more than just a digital currency. Unlike Bitcoin, which focuses on peer-to-peer transactions, Ethereum enables developers to create decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. Its blockchain also supports the creation of tokens for various use cases, such as stablecoins and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Ethereum’s transition to Ethereum 2.0, which promises to make the network more scalable and energy-efficient, has increased its appeal.

Key Feature:

Smart contracts and decentralized applications.

2. Binance Coin (BNB)

Originally launched as a utility token for discounted trading fees on the Binance exchange, Binance Coin has grown into one of the largest cryptocurrencies by market cap. It powers the Binance ecosystem, which includes decentralized finance (DeFi) services, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and more. Binance Coin is also used to pay for transaction fees on Binance Smart Chain (BSC), one of the most popular alternatives to Ethereum for decentralized applications.

Key Feature:

Used across the Binance ecosystem and Binance Smart Chain (BSC).

3. Cardano (ADA)

Cardano aims to provide a more sustainable and scalable alternative to Ethereum. Built by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson, Cardano is a proof-of-stake blockchain platform that emphasizes peer-reviewed research and formal methods in its development process. The network aims to support smart contracts, dApps, and DeFi protocols, making it a serious contender to Ethereum’s dominance.

Key Feature:

Focus on sustainability, peer-reviewed research, and scalability.

4. Solana (SOL)

Solana is known for its high-speed transaction processing and scalability. With the ability to process thousands of transactions per second (TPS), Solana has emerged as a strong competitor to Ethereum. Solana’s blockchain is designed to be fast, secure, and cost-effective, making it ideal for decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and Web3 applications.

Key Feature:

High-speed and low-cost transactions.

5. Polkadot (DOT)

Polkadot is a multi-chain network designed to enable different blockchains to interoperate and communicate with each other. By connecting isolated blockchains, Polkadot aims to create a decentralized web where data and value can be transferred seamlessly across networks. The DOT token is used for governance, staking, and bonding on the Polkadot network.

Key Feature:

Interoperability between different blockchains.

6. Ripple (XRP)

Ripple is a payment protocol and cryptocurrency designed for fast and low-cost international money transfers. XRP, the native cryptocurrency of the Ripple network, facilitates cross-border transactions between financial institutions, providing liquidity in real-time. Despite facing regulatory challenges, Ripple remains a leader in global remittances and payment solutions.

Key Feature:

Cross-border payments and liquidity for financial institutions.

7. Chainlink (LINK)

Chainlink provides decentralized oracle services, allowing smart contracts on blockchain platforms like Ethereum to securely interact with external data sources, APIs, and payment systems. By bridging the gap between on-chain and off-chain data, Chainlink has become an essential component for DeFi applications, supply chain tracking, and other industries that rely on data feeds.

Key Feature:

Decentralized oracles for smart contract automation.

8. Litecoin (LTC)

Launched in 2011 by Charlie Lee, Litecoin is a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency that operates similarly to Bitcoin but with some notable differences. Litecoin offers faster transaction times and lower fees compared to Bitcoin, making it an attractive alternative for everyday transactions. It is widely accepted by merchants and is often considered the "silver" to Bitcoin's "gold."

Key Feature:

Faster transactions and lower fees compared to Bitcoin.

9. Dogecoin (DOGE)

Originally created as a joke based on the famous “Doge” meme, Dogecoin has gained popularity thanks to its active online community and high-profile endorsements from celebrities like Elon Musk. While it’s not as technically advanced as other cryptocurrencies, Dogecoin is known for its low transaction costs and fast confirmation times, making it a popular choice for tipping and microtransactions.

Key Feature:

Community-driven and used for microtransactions.

10. Stellar (XLM)

Stellar is a blockchain network designed to facilitate fast, low-cost cross-border payments. It aims to connect banks, payment systems, and individuals to streamline the global remittance process. The Stellar network uses lumens (XLM) to facilitate transactions and provide liquidity for payment services. It’s particularly focused on helping the unbanked and facilitating international transfers.

Key Feature:

Cross-border payments and financial inclusion.

Conclusion

The cryptocurrency landscape is vast, and while Bitcoin remains the most widely known and adopted digital asset, there are many other cryptocurrencies that are paving the way for new technological innovations. From Ethereum’s decentralized applications to Solana’s high-speed transactions and Polkadot’s blockchain interoperability, these altcoins offer unique use cases and investment opportunities.

As the cryptocurrency space continues to evolve, understanding the various tokens and their value propositions is essential for anyone looking to engage in the ecosystem, whether you’re an investor or just someone curious about the future of digital currencies. Keep an eye on these 10 key cryptocurrencies and their development as they could play a significant role in shaping the financial world of tomorrow.

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The Arakan Army battles for legitimacy

Source：Eastasiaforum

The Global Ai Race: The New Cold War

The US: Leading the charge in AI supremacy

China: A formidable challenger

India: An emerging AI powerhouse

Malaysia: The rising star of Asean

Malaysia's AI ascent: Securing a spot in the big leagues

The stakes: Who will write the ultimate code?

Source: Theedgemarkets

US Jobs Report Better Than Feared

Downward revisions, but with stronger near-term momentum

Monthly change in non-farm payrolls (000s)

Job quality remains an issue

Contribution to cumulative jobs gains since December 2022 (000s)

Solid jobs market and sticky inflation to keep the Fed on hold until the third quarter

German Industrial Production Disappoints in December, While Exports Show Some Front Loading

Market Orders and Limit Orders: Which Should You Use?

What is a Market Order?

Advantages of Market Orders:

Disadvantages of Market Orders:

What is a Limit Order?

Advantages of Limit Orders:

Disadvantages of Limit Orders:

When Should You Use Market Orders?

When Should You Use Limit Orders?

Which Should You Use: Market Orders or Limit Orders?

Use a market order

Use a limit order

Conclusion

Inflation vs. Deflation: Understanding Economic Trends

What Is Inflation?

Causes of Inflation

Effects of Inflation

What Is Deflation?

Causes of Deflation

Effects of Deflation

Inflation vs. Deflation: Key Differences

Navigating Inflation and Deflation

Conclusion

10 Key Cryptocurrencies Beyond Bitcoin You Should Know

1. Ethereum (ETH)

Key Feature:

2. Binance Coin (BNB)

Key Feature:

3. Cardano (ADA)

Key Feature:

4. Solana (SOL)

Key Feature:

5. Polkadot (DOT)

Key Feature:

6. Ripple (XRP)

Key Feature:

7. Chainlink (LINK)

Key Feature:

8. Litecoin (LTC)

Key Feature:

9. Dogecoin (DOGE)

Key Feature:

10. Stellar (XLM)

Key Feature:

Conclusion