Did you know that you can make healthy food items like fruits, veggies, and nuts even more beneficial by simply combining them with simple ingredients and items? Fitness coach Ralston D’Souza recently took to Instagram to share some of these simple food combinations and here’s all you need to know about it.
Ralston D’Souza (@ral.livezy) is a popular health influencer and fitness coach who believes in changing lives through fitness. He often talks about food and how one should eat it right to reap the benefits. Recently, he shared a video recommending “Food Combinations You Must Have”. He spoke about how adding simple things to food can elevate its nutritional value and make it even more beneficial.
He started by talking about how adding a little salt to watermelon is very good for your health. This is because the potassium in the fruit combines with the sodium of the salt, and helps balance your electrolytes. Next, he said eating almonds with dark chocolate is another amazing food combination. He explained that the healthy fats and vitamin E from almonds come together with the flavanols of chocolate to help enhance antioxidant activities in the body and support heart health.
Adding on, Ralston shared that soaking oats with yoghurt helps improve your gut health. The reason for this is that the prebiotic beta-glucan from the oats and the prebiotics in yoghurt help support good gut bacteria. Next, he recommends pairing broccoli with mustard. The enzymes in mustard help activate and boost the absorption of sulforaphane, which is a powerful antioxidant in broccoli that has anti-inflammatory properties.
Ralston’s last recommendation is a simple addition of some lemon juice to green tea. He shared that the vitamin C in lemon will help enhance the absorption of catechins, the powerful antioxidants that are found in green tea.
Also Read:
P.S. – This article is based on information available online and is for informational use only. Curly Tales recommends consulting a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary changes or if you have any questions or concerns regarding a medical condition.
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/ral.livezy
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The XRP price remains in a tight range this week as attempts to recover encounter substantial resistance. The Ripple token was trading at $2.20 on Monday, a few points below this month’s high of $2.360. This article assesses what XRP whales are doing and whether they are sending a message of what to expect.
Ripple Whales are Accumulating
One of the best approaches in crypto analysis is to assess the actions by whales or large sophisticated investors. These investors often act ahead of other retail investors. In this context, they often buy before a surge occurs and then exit their positions once an asset surges.
Santiment data shows that XRP whales have continued to accumulate these coins. The platform divides Ripple holders into groups such as those holding between 1 million and 10 million coins, and so on. 1 million XRP tokens are today valued at over $2.1 million.
XRP whales holding between 100k and 1 million coins have increased their holdings from 6.54 billion coins on April 10 to 6.58 billion today.
Similarly, those holding between 1 million and 10 million coins have boosted their positions from 3.81 billion tokens in November last year to 5.85 billion today. Bigger whales with between 10 million and 100 million coins hold 7.76 billion coins today, higher than the year-to-date low of 6.54 billion.
Most recently, the most acquisitive of these whales are those holding between 100 million and 1 billion tokens, totaling over 9.37 billion coins.
These whales are likely sending a message that the XRP price will continue to do well in the coming months. For example, they are likely buying ahead of the XRP ETF approval surge. The odds of that approval stand at over 80%. Recent data shows that the recently approved leveraged XXRP ETF has accumulated over $63 million in assets despite its 1.89% expense ratio.
The daily chart reveals that the XRP price remains in a tight range as it has failed to break the barrier at $3 despite the recent gains. Positively, it has formed a falling wedge pattern on the daily chart. Also, the accumulation/distribution indicator has continued rising, validating the whale activity.
The Ripple price has also remained above the 50-day moving average and is forming a bullish pennant pattern. Therefore, the price will likely experience a strong bullish breakout in the coming weeks, with the next point to watch being the psychological level of $3, approximately 40% above the current level. A jump above that level could lead it to the resistance level of $5.
Gold price drifts higher to around $3,245 in Monday’s early Asian session.
US tariff uncertainty boosts the safe-haven flows, supporting the Gold price.
US NFP rose by 177K in April vs. 130K expected.
The Gold price (XAU/USD) trades in positive territory near $3,245 during the early Asian session on Monday. The renewed concerns over the US recession and US-China trade relations provide some support to safe-haven assets like Gold. The US ISM Services Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for April will be in the spotlight later on Monday.
While the Chinese Commerce Ministry indicated Beijing was considering an offer from the US to hold talks over US President Donald Trump’s 145% tariffs, the two sides still seem far apart. Trump avoided answering the question if there will be trade deals this week, saying there ‘could’ be. The uncertainty surrounding tariff boosts the safe-haven flows, benefiting the precious metal.
The rising bets that the Fed will cut its interest rate in June raise non-yielding bullion’s appeal. “The labor report leaves little doubt that the FOMC will keep rates on hold this week, and the bar for cutting is now even higher for June,” said Michael Feroli, head of U.S. economics at JPMorgan.
Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) in the United States (US) rose by 177K in April, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on Friday. This figure followed the 185K increase (revised from 228K) seen in March and came in above the market consensus of 130K. Additionally, the Unemployment Rate remained unchanged at 4.2% in April, as expected, while the Average Hourly Earnings held steady at 3.8% YoY in the same reported period.
Gold FAQs
Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government.
Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves.
Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal.
The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.
On the other hand, improved market sentiment and a risk-on trade could drag the yellow metal lower and lead to some profit-taking in Gold’s safe-haven. Trump eased tensions with the US Fed, saying that he will not remove Jerome Powell as Fed Board Chairman before his term ends in May 2026. Nonetheless, Trump reiterated his belief that the Fed should cut interest rates at some point
Tepid US growth was partially overshadowed by encouraging employment data and trade tensions relief.
The European Central Bank maintained its dovish stance despite modest economic progress.
EUR/USD seems to have completed its bearish corrective slide and may soon resume its bullish run.
The EUR/USD pair stayed under mild selling pressure for the second consecutive week, but settled on Friday at around 1.1350, pretty much unchanged from the opening. Investors are still wary about the US Dollar (USD) given the White House’s tariffs policy potential effects on the local economy.
Additionally, United States (US) data released in the last few days indicated a slowing performance throughout the first quarter of the year, also a result of trade-war concerns. On the contrary, European Union (EU) macroeconomic figures were unimpressive but painted a better picture.
As the week comes to an end, investors shift the focus to global trade developments and the upcoming Federal Reserve (Fed) monetary policy announcement.
European data and the European Central Bank
The EU released the April Economic Sentiment Indicator, which contracted to 93.6 from 95.00 in March. Additionally, the Union released the preliminary estimate of the Q1 Gross Domestic Product (GDP), indicating the economy grew by 1.2% on a yearly basis and by 0.4% in the quarter, beating expectations of 1.0% and 0.2%, respectively. Finally, the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) rose by more than anticipated in April, according to preliminary estimates, up 2.2% year-on-year (YoY) vs the 2.1% expected.
Meanwhile, Germany released March Retail Sales, down on a monthly basis by 0.2%, better than the -0.4% anticipated by market players. The German Q1 (GDP) showed the economy grew 0.2% in the quarter, according to preliminary estimates. The figure matched expectations, while improving from the Q4 2024 reading of -0.2%. Inflation in the country, as measured by the HICP, increased by 2.2% year-on-year (YoY), down from the previous 2.3% but above the 2.1% expected.
Tepid EU data kept the door open for additional rate cuts. European Central Bank (ECB) officials delivered dovish messages, supporting the case for another 25 basis points (bps) rate cut when they meet in June.
Among others, ECB policymaker Olli Rehn stated on Monday that the central bank may need to lower interest rates below the neutral level to support the economy, given materializing downside risks. He even called for larger interest rate cuts. Also, ECB Philip Lane noted he would not pre-commit to any path and said the growth forecast would see only a moderate markdown.
A fragile economy and persistent trade tensions leave no room for anything other than further cuts.
US economy shrinks, employment fails ahead of Fed
Unimpressive US data limited USD advances despite the de-escalation of global trade tensions.
Consumer Confidence, as measured by CB, fell to 86 in April, its lowest since October 2021. Also, the preliminary estimate of the US Q1 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) also missed expectations, as the economy contracted at an annualized pace of 0.3% against the anticipated 0.4% expansion, and sharply down from the previous 2.4%. The April ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), on the contrary, posted 48.7, down from the 49 posted in March, but better than the 48 expected.
Inflation in the US, as measured by the change in the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, edged lower to 2.3% on a yearly basis in March from 2.5% in February. The figure missed expectations of 2.2%. The core annual PCE Price Index rose 2.6%, down from the 3% increase reported in February and in line with analysts’ estimates.
Employment-related figures were tepid, although the April Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report brought a positive surprise ahead of the weekly close.
Earlier in the week, the US released the April ADP Employment Change report, which showed that the private sector added measly 62K new job positions, much worse than the 108K expected, while below the previous 147K. Also the number of job openings in the country on the last business day of March stood at 7.19 million, as reported in the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), easing from the previous 7.48 million openings (revised from 7.56 million) reported in February and below the market expectation of 7.5 million. Finally, Initial Jobless Claims for the week ended April 26 rose by 241K, worse than the 224K anticipated and the previous weekly figure of 223K.
On Friday, the NFP showed the country added 177K new job positions in April, surpassing the expected 130K and not far from the 185K posted in March. The Unemployment Rate held steady at 4.2% as expected, while annual wage inflation, as measured by the change in the Average Hourly Earnings, held steady at 3.8%, below the 3.9% expected.
Federal Reserve taking centre stage
The macroeconomic calendar has little relevant to offer in the upcoming days. The US will release the April Services PMI, foreseen at 50.6, down from the March reading of 50.8. As for the EU, the focus will be on Germany Factory Orders, seen increasing by 2.2% in March, and EU Retail Sales for the same period.
The Fed will gather all the attention, announcing the monetary policy decision on Wednesday. Fed officials are widely anticipated to keep the benchmark interest rate on hold this time, floating between 4.25% and 4.50%. Uncertainty related to trade tensions translates into potentially higher inflation coupled with a slowdown in economic activity, forcing policymakers to stay put ahead of a clearer picture emerges.
Chairman Jerome Powell is expected to repeat the need to wait and see, with the focus on progress towards the 2% inflation goal. Questions about his relationship with President Donald Trump within the press conference are likely, yet Powell will likely dodge those as usual.
Trump trade war developments
In the meantime, global trade tensions continue, impacting the market’s mood. Headlines were mostly discouraging throughout the first half of the week, as headlines coming from China indicated no negotiations were underway. As days went by, back and forth between Washington and Beijing continued, with both sides waiting for the opposite one to take the first step, something that has not yet happened.
Still, comments from Trump pointing to ongoing negotiations with other major trade counterparts brought some relief to financial markets. On Thursday, US President Trump noted progress on talks with some Asian countries, including India and Japan. Regarding China, Trump stated that there’s a “very good” chance of making a deal with China, yet added that any deal with Beijing has to be in US terms. Meanwhile, a Beijing-backed outlet reported that United States officials have contacted their Chinese counterparts for talks.
Finally, White House trade advisor Peter Navarro down-talked data, saying, “I got to say just one thing about today’s news, that’s the best negative print I have ever seen in my life,” while saying he likes “where we’re at now.”
The mood improved ahead of the weekly close thanks to the optimism related to such headlines.
EUR/USD technical outlook
The weekly chart for the EUR/USD pair shows extreme conditions continue to recede, while the bearish potential seems well-limited. Technical indicators retreated from their recent highs, but remain within overbought territory, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator consolidating around 70. At the same time, the pair develops above all its moving averages, with a bullish 20 Simple Moving Average (SMA) extending its advance below the 100 and 200 SMAs. The longer one stands at around 1.0830, which is too far away to be considered a relevant support, yet at the same time, it reflects EUR/USD bullish momentum.
The daily chart shows EUR/USD bounced from a bullish 20 SMA currently at around 1.1300. The 100 and 200 SMAs grind north over 500 pips below the current level, in line with the dominant bullish strength. Finally, technical indicators are stuck around their midlines, barely bouncing while losing the bearish strength from the previous sessions. Overall, it seems the downward correction is complete and EUR/USD may soon resume its upward strength.
Immediate resistance can be found at around 1.1400, followed by the 1.1470 region, ahead of the yearly peak at 1.1573. A clear break below the latter should see EUR/USD extending gains well beyond the 1.1600 mark. Support, on the other hand, comes at around 1.1300, followed by the 1.1260 price zone. A break below the latter could open the door for a decline towards the 1.1160/70 price zone.
Economic Indicator
Fed Interest Rate Decision
The Federal Reserve (Fed) deliberates on monetary policy and makes a decision on interest rates at eight pre-scheduled meetings per year. It has two mandates: to keep inflation at 2%, and to maintain full employment. Its main tool for achieving this is by setting interest rates – both at which it lends to banks and banks lend to each other. If it decides to hike rates, the US Dollar (USD) tends to strengthen as it attracts more foreign capital inflows. If it cuts rates, it tends to weaken the USD as capital drains out to countries offering higher returns. If rates are left unchanged, attention turns to the tone of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) statement, and whether it is hawkish (expectant of higher future interest rates), or dovish (expectant of lower future rates).
Generally speaking, a trade war is an economic conflict between two or more countries due to extreme protectionism on one end. It implies the creation of trade barriers, such as tariffs, which result in counter-barriers, escalating import costs, and hence the cost of living.
An economic conflict between the United States (US) and China began early in 2018, when President Donald Trump set trade barriers on China, claiming unfair commercial practices and intellectual property theft from the Asian giant. China took retaliatory action, imposing tariffs on multiple US goods, such as automobiles and soybeans. Tensions escalated until the two countries signed the US-China Phase One trade deal in January 2020. The agreement required structural reforms and other changes to China’s economic and trade regime and pretended to restore stability and trust between the two nations. However, the Coronavirus pandemic took the focus out of the conflict. Yet, it is worth mentioning that President Joe Biden, who took office after Trump, kept tariffs in place and even added some additional levies.
The return of Donald Trump to the White House as the 47th US President has sparked a fresh wave of tensions between the two countries. During the 2024 election campaign, Trump pledged to impose 60% tariffs on China once he returned to office, which he did on January 20, 2025. With Trump back, the US-China trade war is meant to resume where it was left, with tit-for-tat policies affecting the global economic landscape amid disruptions in global supply chains, resulting in a reduction in spending, particularly investment, and directly feeding into the Consumer Price Index inflation.
A doctor who owns a longevity clinic and does experimental treatments to try to live longer shared six of the supplements he takes every day.
In 2016, Dr. Darshan Shah, 52, founded Next Health, which now has locations in the US and Dubai. Shah told Business Insider he improved his own lifestyle 10 years ago when he had his first child and feared he wouldn’t live to see him grow up.
As well as focusing oneating healthily, exercising, and sleeping more, he takes multiple daily supplements.
“I’m a believer in supplementation, but you have to be very careful,” Shah said. “There are so many supplements out there that people take that don’t have a lot of good research behind them.”
Shah gets a blood test every four months to check his vitamin levels and whether he needs to take the same supplements, because “deficiencies come and go,” he said.
He recommends others get tested before taking supplements, too. “And make sure that you are buying good quality supplements and that you’re working with a practitioner who is very familiar with supplements — they can help you sort through what’s going to work for you,” he said.
Here are six of the daily supplements Shah takes and why.
Shah does regular experimental longevity treatments, such as plasma exchange, pictured here.
Darshan Shah
Vitamin D3
Shah’s vitamin D levels are naturally low, he said, so he takes vitamin D3.
D3 is a form of vitamin D that is easy for the body to absorb. It supports the immune system and helps the body absorb calcium, which is important for bone health among other things.
Many doctors, longevity investors, and biohackers take vitamin D because research suggests it can help reduce inflammation and the risk of broken bones and cancer, BI’s health correspondent, Hilary Brueck, previously reported.
Vitamin D is also widely recommended for those who live in the Northern hemisphere, who won’t always get enough from the sun.
Methylated B vitamins
Shah has a gene called MTHFR, which means his body doesn’t easily process B vitamins. So, he takes methylated B vitamins, which are more easily absorbed by the body than other forms.
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There are eight B vitamins, most of which help the body turn food into energy. Vitamin B12, for example, helps form red blood cells and supports healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Research has also linked it to better mood and the prevention of dementia, although this isn’t confirmed.
Nicotinamide riboside
Nicotinamide riboside is a type of vitamin B3. It helps the body produce an enzyme called NAD, which is necessary for cells to generate energy. It also helps repair DNA, maintain tissue health, and improve immune function.
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at producing NAD. Supplementing with nicotinamide riboside to aid this process has become a buzzy longevity treatment, Brueck previously reported.
It’s important to note that the research is still in its early stages and has mostly been done on rodents rather than humans. But it’s generally regarded as safe, and one 2022 review of research, published in the journal Nutrients, suggested it had promise for extending health and life span.
Shah takes supplements every day to try to live longer.
Darshan Shah
Omega-3 supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish such as salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds, have been linked to better heart and joint health, lower inflammation, and lower blood pressure.
Omega-3 supplements are usually made from fish or algae oil — but it’s unclear whether they carry the same benefits as eating foods that are naturally high in the acids.
A study on 777 participants, published in the journal Nature Aging earlier this year, found that adults with an average age of 75 who consumed a gram of omega-3s every day had lower “biological ages” than those who didn’t.
Biological age refers to the health of cells, organs, and tissues as opposed to chronological age. Participants were on average three to four months younger than their actual age by the end of the three-year study.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a herbal supplement used in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s an adaptogen, which is a plant substance believed to help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Multiple studies evaluated by the US Office of Dietary Supplements suggest that ashwagandha could help reduce stress and anxiety levels, sleeplessness, and fatigue.
However, the effects of different types and doses of ashwagandha supplements are unclear. Existing studies have used different parts of the plant (for example, extracts from roots vs leaves), and most looked at its effects when used in traditional medicine, not as a dietary supplement.
Mushroom blend
Every morning, Shah drinks coffee that is blended with “functional” mushroom extracts, specifically lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms.
Lion’s mane and chaga are adaptogens, like ashwagandha. A 2024 review of research, published in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, suggested that lion’s mane could help reduce anxiety and sleep disturbance. It’s important to note that most of these findings come from studies on older people who took the mushroom for a long time at high doses, the researchers wrote, so the results might not apply to the wider population.
Meanwhile, a 2023 review published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology found the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of chaga mushrooms could protect against cell damage. But the researchers said more research is needed to confirm the potential effects of chaga and its usefulness as a dietary supplement.
Barclays has cut its Brent crude price outlook, citing faster-than-expected output hikes by OPEC+. The bank now sees Brent averaging $66 per barrel in 2025 (down $4) and $60 in 2026 (down $2).
Key takeaways:
OPEC+ ramped up output by 411,000 bpd in June, its second consecutive month of aggressive supply increases.
Saudi Arabia is pressuring under-compliant members like Iraq and Kazakhstan to meet quotas by accelerating production growth.
Barclays expects OPEC+ to fully unwind its voluntary cuts by October 2025 — a year earlier than previously projected.
The bank also downgraded U.S. crude production forecasts, seeing output falling by 100,000 bpd in 2025 and 150,000 bpd in 2026.
Brent crude dropped over $2 in early Monday trade, falling to $59.20 as of 0250 GMT.
Barclays says the faster supply growth could modestly loosen global oil market balances, adding pressure to prices.
Earlier:
OPEC+ to accelerate oil output hikes, warns of ending voluntary cuts if compliance lags
Oil price futures gap lower to open the week’s trade – OPEC+ supply hike cited
***
For interest, and noting this is not what the market is thinking right now, some analysts are arguing that OPEC’s decision to increase oil production is not overly bearish, the main reason being that most of the increase is in the production ceiling, not production … and is only on paper. It, in effect, legitimises overproduction that is already in the market.
***
Oil update:
as a ps. Morgan Stanley lowered its oil price forecasts earlier also, cuts it Brent forecast by US$5 / barrel for 2025
InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the “Global Medical Probiotics Market – (By Ingredient Type (Bacteria (Lactobacilli, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, and Bacillus), Yeast, Spore Formers, and OthersBy Application: Probiotic Food & Beverages (Dairy Products, Non-dairy Beverages, Cereals, Baked Goods, and Fermented Meat Products), Probiotic Dietary Supplements, Probiotics for Women’s Health, Infant Formula, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Pharmacies/Drugstores, Specialty Stores, and Online Sales)), Trends, Industry Competition Analysis, Revenue and Forecast To 2031.”
According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the Global Medical Probiotics Market is valued at US$ 39.32 Bn in 2022, and it is expected to reach US$ 64.13 Bn by 2031, with a CAGR of 5.76% during the forecast period of 2023-2031.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits by positively influencing the gut microbiota. Among the most commonly utilized strains are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These beneficial bacteria contribute to a range of health improvements, including enhanced immune response, better oral and urogenital health, reduced allergy symptoms, and improved respiratory function. Additionally, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in supporting mental well-being, including the alleviation of stress, depression, and anxiety.
A key factor propelling market growth is the rising consumer preference for natural and holistic products. As awareness around preventative healthcare continues to grow, so does interest in probiotic supplementation for its potential to maintain overall wellness. The growing consumption of functional foods-products designed not only to meet basic nutritional needs but also to promote additional health benefits-further boosts demand for probiotics.
List of Prominent Players in the Medical Probiotics Market:
• Probi AB
• Abbott
• Lonza
• Chr. Hansen Holding A/S
• Danone S.A.
• Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.
• Nestle S.A.
• DowDuPont Inc.
• Kerry Group plc.
• BioGaia AB
• DSM
• Sun Genomics
• Evonik
• Probiotics International Limited (Protexin)
• UAS Laboratories Llc.
• Lallemand
• Glac Biotech
• Ab-Biotics
• Winclove Probiotics
• Sacco System
• General Mills Inc.
• ADM
• Unique Biotech Ltd
• Lifeway Foods, Inc.
• Suja Life, Llc
• Biohm Health
• Others
Market Dynamics:
Drivers-
The increasing demand for medical probiotics is significantly driven by the rising popularity of plant-based dairy alternatives, particularly among vegan consumers and individuals with lactose intolerance. The food industry is witnessing a notable shift toward plant-based, lactose-free, and probiotic-enriched offerings such as almond milk kefir, coconut yogurt, and cashew-based cheeses. Additionally, non-dairy probiotic products like probiotic-infused chocolates, ice creams, and smoothies are gaining traction.
Curious about this latest version of the report? Enquiry Before Buying:
One of the primary challenges impeding market expansion is the high cost associated with production, research, and skilled labor. The development and manufacturing of probiotic strains in compliance with international food safety regulations require substantial investment in research and development, qualified personnel, laboratories, and equipment. These elevated production costs translate to higher retail prices, which may deter price-sensitive consumers. Furthermore, the diversity in product formats and packaging options adds to overall production complexity and cost.
Regional Trends:
North America is expected to dominate the medical probiotics market in terms of revenue and is projected to witness a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the forecast period. This growth is primarily attributed to the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity and diabetes, driving consumer preference for health-enhancing products. Regional growth is further supported by the presence of key industry players and their ongoing investments. Europe also holds a significant share of the market due to recent investments by various companies in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Rising consumer confidence, improved disposable incomes, and enhanced living standards are anticipated to contribute to sustained market expansion across both regions.
Recent Developments:
• In Oct 2023, Nestlé released a novel combination of a probiotic strain and six different human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in their latest infant nutrition product. This blend aims to provide comprehensive support for the growth and development of infants as they progress through different stages of life.
• In July 2023, Danone’s latest probiotic supplement, Almimama, was introduced in Spain. A clinical study revealed that the supplement helps bolster breastfeeding by diminishing the occurrence of mastitis. Danone has utilized its knowledge in breastmilk investigation and lactation to create Almimama.
InsightAce Analytic is a market research and consulting firm that enables clients to make strategic decisions. Our qualitative and quantitative market intelligence solutions inform the need for market and competitive intelligence to expand businesses. We help clients gain a competitive advantage by identifying untapped markets, exploring new and competing technologies, segmenting potential markets, and repositioning products. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with an in-depth analysis with key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner.https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/images_data/148861653.JPG
Crude oil markets took a fresh hit this weekend after OPEC+ stunned traders by announcing a larger-than-expected output increase for June. In a virtual meeting on Saturday, key producers led by Saudi Arabia and Russia agreed to raise collective output by 411,000 barrels per day (bpd), nearly triple the volume originally scheduled.
The move follows a similar surge announced for May and signals a sharp reversal from OPEC+ efforts to defend oil prices. Instead, Riyadh appears to be embracing a low-price strategy, aiming to discipline overproducing members like Kazakhstan and Iraq. Both nations have repeatedly exceeded their quotas, with Kazakhstan surpassing its March target by 422,000 bpd.
“OPEC+ has just thrown a bombshell to the oil market,” Jorge Leon of Rystad Energy told Bloomberg. “With this move, Saudi Arabia is seeking to punish lack of compliance and also ingratiate itself with President Trump.”
President Donald Trump has loudly demanded lower oil prices, and with fresh tariffs rattling global markets, OPEC+ appears to be aligning with Washington’s inflation-fighting agenda. Trump is set to visit the Middle East this month, and closer energy cooperation may be on the table.
Oil prices had already been under pressure, with Brent trading near $61 a barrel on Friday, a four-year low. The OPEC+ decision sent prices tumbling another 6%, compounding bearish sentiment triggered by trade war fears and weakening economic data.
Goldman Sachs responded by slashing its December 2025 oil forecast by $5 to $66 for Brent and $62 for WTI, citing both rising OPEC+ supply and Trump’s tariff barrage. “We no longer forecast a price range,” Goldman said, “because price volatility is likely to stay elevated on higher recession risk.”
Standard Chartered joined the chorus of bearish revisions, slashing its 2025 Brent forecast by $16 to $61 a barrel, and trimming its 2026 outlook to $78. The bank warned that the Trump administration’s tariff-heavy approach is fueling recession fears and eroding market confidence—especially after a downbeat U.S. economic report this week.
JPMorgan also raised its global recession odds to 60% for the year, while S&P Global warned that oil demand growth could drop by as much as 500,000 bpd.
OPEC+ justified the output hike by citing “continuing healthy market fundamentals,” though many see the move as an effort to assert market share and enforce compliance. Analysts like Helima Croft argue that by opening the taps, Saudi Arabia is reasserting control over rogue members while signaling readiness to let prices fall to discipline the market.
The eight members behind the increase—Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman—will reassess in June. But for now, the message is clear: OPEC+ is no longer defending high prices, and oil markets should prepare for more volatility ahead.
At the same time, U.S. economic signals painted a mixed picture: GDP shrank by 0.3% in Q1 and core PCE was flat in March, while jobless claims rose to 241,000. Yet April’s jobs report offered just enough resilience to keep the Fed on the sidelines for now, limiting gold’s near-term upside.
Fed in Focus with Powell Set to Speak on Wednesday
This week, all attention turns to the Federal Reserve. The FOMC is expected to hold rates steady on Wednesday, but Chair Powell’s press conference may carry outsized impact. Political pressure has intensified, with President Trump and Treasury Secretary Bessent openly criticizing the Fed and urging preemptive cuts. However, with Friday’s jobs report showing no clear labor market deterioration, Powell may strike a cautious tone—potentially reinforcing higher-for-longer rate expectations unless inflation or employment data worsen.
Gold Prices Forecast: Bearish Near-Term Bias as Fed Holds the Line
Gold enters the week with a bearish tilt. A firmer dollar, muted physical demand, and reduced expectations for near-term Fed cuts are all headwinds. Unless Powell surprises with dovish guidance, bullion is likely to remain under pressure.
The broader macro picture—rising fiscal stress, policy uncertainty, and central bank accumulation—still supports long-term upside. But near-term, a lack of fresh catalysts favors sellers unless Fed rhetoric or incoming data reignites rate cut speculation. Traders should brace for volatility around Wednesday’s FOMC announcement and Powell’s post-meeting remarks.
The cryptocurrency market is abuzz with speculative claims about XRP, particularly following a bold prediction on social media. On May 4, 2025, a Twitter user, WallStreetBulls, posted a statement claiming that XRP will reach a staggering price of $10,000 with 100% certainty, as documented in their tweet at 10:15 AM UTC (Source: Twitter, WallStreetBulls, May 4, 2025, 10:15 AM UTC). While such claims lack verifiable data or fundamental backing, they have sparked discussions among traders and investors, prompting a deeper analysis of XRP’s current market position and trading dynamics as of May 4, 2025, at 12:00 PM UTC. According to CoinMarketCap, XRP is trading at $0.52, reflecting a 2.3% increase over the past 24 hours as of 11:00 AM UTC on May 4, 2025 (Source: CoinMarketCap, May 4, 2025, 11:00 AM UTC). This price movement aligns with a broader market uptrend, as Bitcoin (BTC) also recorded a 1.8% gain to $62,500 within the same timeframe (Source: CoinGecko, May 4, 2025, 11:00 AM UTC). Trading volume for XRP spiked by 15% in the last 24 hours, reaching $1.2 billion across major exchanges like Binance and Coinbase as of 10:30 AM UTC (Source: CoinGecko, May 4, 2025, 10:30 AM UTC). This surge in volume suggests heightened trader interest, potentially fueled by speculative narratives on social media. On-chain data from RippleScan indicates a 10% increase in XRP wallet activity, with 45,000 new addresses created between May 3, 2025, at 12:00 AM UTC and May 4, 2025, at 12:00 AM UTC (Source: RippleScan, May 4, 2025, 12:00 AM UTC). While the $10,000 prediction lacks credible support, the current market metrics provide actionable insights for traders focusing on short-term XRP price movements and volume trends. This analysis aims to separate hype from data-driven trading opportunities, targeting keywords like ‘XRP price prediction 2025,’ ‘XRP trading volume analysis,’ and ‘Ripple market trends’ for search visibility.
Delving into the trading implications of XRP’s recent performance, the speculative claim of a $10,000 price point has no grounding in current market fundamentals or historical data, as no reputable financial analysis or on-chain metric supports such an astronomical rise (Source: Twitter, WallStreetBulls, May 4, 2025, 10:15 AM UTC). Instead, traders should focus on realistic price levels and resistance zones. As of May 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM UTC, XRP faces immediate resistance at $0.55, a level tested thrice in the past week with rejection each time, based on Binance’s 4-hour candlestick chart data (Source: Binance, May 4, 2025, 1:00 PM UTC). Support lies at $0.50, a psychological threshold reinforced by high buy orders in the order book on Coinbase as of 12:30 PM UTC (Source: Coinbase, May 4, 2025, 12:30 PM UTC). Trading pairs analysis reveals XRP/BTC trending at 0.0000083 BTC, up 0.5% in the last 24 hours, indicating relative strength against Bitcoin as of 11:30 AM UTC (Source: Binance, May 4, 2025, 11:30 AM UTC). Similarly, XRP/ETH stands at 0.00017 ETH, reflecting a 1.2% gain in the same timeframe (Source: Kraken, May 4, 2025, 11:30 AM UTC). On-chain metrics from Santiment show a 7% uptick in XRP’s daily active addresses, reaching 120,000 as of May 4, 2025, at 9:00 AM UTC, suggesting growing network usage (Source: Santiment, May 4, 2025, 9:00 AM UTC). For traders, these data points highlight potential breakout opportunities above $0.55, though caution is advised given the lack of fundamental catalysts beyond social media hype. Monitoring XRP trading strategies and Ripple price analysis for 2025 can help capitalize on short-term volatility.
From a technical perspective, XRP’s market indicators provide a clearer picture for informed trading decisions. As of May 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM UTC, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) for XRP on the daily chart stands at 54, indicating neutral momentum with room for upward movement before hitting overbought territory above 70 (Source: TradingView, May 4, 2025, 2:00 PM UTC). The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) shows a bullish crossover, with the signal line crossing above the MACD line at 1:00 PM UTC, suggesting potential price appreciation in the near term (Source: TradingView, May 4, 2025, 1:00 PM UTC). Volume analysis across exchanges like Binance reveals that XRP’s 24-hour trading volume peaked at $500 million between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM UTC on May 4, 2025, coinciding with the viral tweet’s posting time, indicating a direct correlation between social media activity and trading spikes (Source: Binance, May 4, 2025, 9:00 AM UTC). Additionally, Bollinger Bands on the 1-hour chart show XRP trading near the upper band at $0.53 as of 2:30 PM UTC, hinting at possible overextension or a breakout if volume sustains (Source: TradingView, May 4, 2025, 2:30 PM UTC). While AI-related developments are not directly tied to XRP’s current narrative, it’s worth noting that AI-driven sentiment analysis tools, as reported by CryptoQuant, flagged a 20% increase in positive XRP mentions on social platforms between May 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM UTC and May 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM UTC (Source: CryptoQuant, May 4, 2025, 6:00 PM UTC). This AI correlation suggests automated trading bots may amplify volume during such hype cycles, offering opportunities for scalping strategies. Traders searching for ‘XRP technical analysis May 2025’ or ‘Ripple trading signals’ can leverage these indicators for precise entry and exit points, ensuring data-backed decisions over speculative noise.
FAQ Section: What is the current price of XRP as of May 2025? As of May 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM UTC, XRP is trading at $0.52, reflecting a 2.3% increase over the past 24 hours according to data from CoinMarketCap.
How does social media impact XRP trading volume? Social media can significantly influence XRP trading volume, as seen on May 4, 2025, when a viral tweet at 10:15 AM UTC correlated with a volume peak of $500 million between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM UTC on Binance, per exchange data.
