The Pound to Dollar exchange rate (GBP/USD) slipped back to 1.3415 after failing to hold 10-day highs, with risk aversion blunting Sterling gains.
CIBC analysts maintain a year-end target of 1.37 but warn volatility will persist as US banking fears resurface.
GBP/USD Forecasts: Unable to Make Headway
The Pound to Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate strengthened to 10-day highs at 1.3470 during Friday’s Asian session before a retreat to around 1.3415 as the dollar recovered ground.
The dollar was hurt by fresh concerns over US regional banks and very strong expectations of further Federal Reserve rate cuts, but the Pound was undermined by a notable deterioration in risk appetite.
UoB does not expect a break of resistance; “Although there has been no clear increase in upward momentum, today there is a chance for GBP to test 1.3475 today. Based on the current momentum, a continued advance above this level is unlikely.”
CIBC has a year-end GBP/USD forecast of 1.37.
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US equities dipped after warnings of loan-related losses from Zions Bancorp and Western Alliance Bancorp.
The S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index declined by -6.3% and the largest daily decline since the sell-off in April triggered by President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs announcement.
After a significant setback on Wall Street, the FTSE 100 index posted significant losses with notable declines in the banking sector.
Weaker risk conditions are an important negative factor for the Pound with investors also still wary over the UK fundamentals.
Richard Hunter, head of markets at interactive investor commented; “There are increasing signs of storm clouds gathering over markets, with little relief from the building wall of worry.”
He added; “Already grappling with stretched stock valuations in the AI space, an unresolved government shutdown and a deteriorating relationship between Beijing and Washington, investors were exposed to a new source of concern in the form of lending practices and bad loans for US regional banks.”
Overnight, Fed Governor Waller backed a further rate cut at the October meeting despite a lack of official data and there has been a further shift in market pricing.
Traders are pricing in over an 80% chance that rates will be cut again in December, but there is now close to a 20% chance of a more aggressive 50 basis-point cut at that meeting.
Domestically, Bank of England (BoE) chief economist Pill maintained a relatively hawkish stance in comments on Friday.
According to Pill, the bank needs to recognise that CPI stubbornness is more pressing and that the policy committee should adopt a more cautious pace of easing.
He did, however, add that he does see rate cuts if the economy evolves as forecast.
If the BoE holds firm and the Fed does deliver sharp rate cuts, yield spreads could underpin the Pound in global markets.
There will, however, be the risk that the BoE narrative changes
CIBC commented on BoE expectations; “we remain mindful of the market underpricing risks of a December adjustment.”
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Dogecoin price rebounds 3% to $0.20 on Sunday, October 19, after Elon Musk’s X announces a new marketplace for unused usernames.
Traders speculate Dogecoin integration into XHandles payments as open interest rises 10.62%.
Short traders still dominate derivatives markets despite weekend price recovery.
Dogecoin price bounced 5% to $0.20 on Sunday, October 19, boosted by Elon Musk’s X, launching a new marketplace for unused usernames.
Dogecoin price had closed its second consecutive losing week at $0.18, shedding 35% from its local top of $0.27 recorded on October 6. Dogecoin’s sensitivity to market sentiment reared its head this month, with macro headwinds and major market liquidations contributing to its underwhelming performance in the last two weeks.
Dogecoin Price Rises as Elon Musk’s X Marketplace Sparks Integration Speculation
The XHandles marketplace launch has renewed speculation of a Dogecoin integration for payments on the Musk-led platform.
According to X’s official statement, the X Handle Marketplace is set to redistribute handles that are no longer in use. Eligible subscribers will be able to search, request, and purchase unused handles.
XHandles has launched an official website, allowing prospective users to join a waitlist ahead of the full rollout.
Elon Musk’s affiliation with Dogecoin has been well-documented over the years, heightened when U.S. President Trump appointed him to head DOGE, the Department of Government Agency, a financial oversight body, in January 2025.
Having left the role in May, Musk remains active in the Dogecoin community.
Dogecoin Short Traders Remain Resilient Despite Recovery Bets
While Dogecoin’s link to XHandles remains unconfirmed, derivatives traders appear split on DOGE’s near-term direction.
Coinglass data shows Dogecoin open interest up 10.62% on the day, reaching $1.9 billion at the time of writing, supported by a 6.19% increase in trading volumes to $4.6 billion.
Dogecoin Derivatives Market Data as of Oct 19, 2025 | Source: Coinglass
Of the total $4.7 million in liquidations over the last 24 hours, short traders accounted for 70% of intraday losses, about $3.3 million, compared to $1.4 million from long positions.
Dogecoin’s long-to-short ratio sits at 0.99, indicating that bearish traders have yet to fully retreat. This suggests that while bulls are buying into the rally, short sellers continue to cover their positions, expecting the bounce to be short-lived.
Speculation on Dogecoin’s potential integration into the XHandles marketplace could fuel more bullish bets, as observed in August 2023, when X obtained payment transmitter licenses across multiple U.S. states.
With the U.S. government shutdown weighing on financial markets, derivatives market data show traders anticipated more volatility for Dogecoin price action in the week ahead.
Dogecoin Price Forecast: Can Bulls Defend the $0.18 Support Zone?
After 34.6% corrections from its monthly timeframe peak, Dogecoin has rebounded 11.9% over the weekend from Friday’s lows. DOGE currently trades near the middle Bollinger Band ($0.19–$0.20), reflecting that prices have returned to neutral territories, recovering from aftershocks of the $1.2 billion crypto market liquidations on Friday.
The RSI (14) sits at 40.77. At the same time, the RSI average line at 42.19 suggests mild upward momentum but is still below the neutral 50 mark, implying Dogecoin remains in recovery mode rather than a confirmed bullish reversal.
Volume has stabilized around 154.3 million DOGE, reflecting subdued but steady demand after the capitulation seen in mid-October. A break above the $0.22 level (mid-band resistance) could confirm bullish continuation toward $0.26–$0.28, aligning with the upper Bollinger Band.
Conversely, failure to hold the $0.18 support would re-expose DOGE to lower-band targets near $0.16.
If momentum builds and Musk’s X marketplace delivers credible Dogecoin payment integration, it could potentially set up a longer-term rally toward the psychological $1 mark.
Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.
Ibrahim Ajibade is a seasoned research analyst with a background in supporting various Web3 startups and financial organizations. He earned his undergraduate degree in Economics and is currently studying for a Master’s in Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies at the University of Malta.
Cardano has been regarded as a blockchain pioneer and among the top crypto to purchase today to long term believers. However, recent news outlines the opposite: analysts are warning that Cardano may crash down to under $0.25 by 2026 unless significant adoption events take place.
In the meantime, shrewd investors who are diligently searching for the next best altcoin in 2025 are shifting to a number of high growth crypto projects set to deliver actual utility and urgency. Top analysts say investors sitting on the sidelines now may soon come to regret not staking their bets now. Which top altcoins show promise today.
Cardano (ADA) Price Prediction: Can Bulls Reclaim $0.70 or Is a Drop to $0.47 Next?
Cardano price is currently trading around $0.63 and there appears to be an ongoing wave (B) that could potentially lead to a final downward move (wave C). This move for Cardano price toward the support zone between $0.55 and $0.47 hinges on if the resistance area at $0.66-$0.70 continues to prove impossible to bulge.
This implies that Cardano’s risk-reward is high risk in that in case ADA does not break through the resistance band, then there is increased probability of a retest at the $0.55-$0.47 area which would see the chart flip bearish in the short term.
However, in the other case, when ADA reclaims and closes out of the $0.66 -$0.70 area it may nullify the deeper pullback and position the next impulse to be more bullish.
Why Remittix Is Turning Heads as the Alternative Choice
Enter a new contender that’s stealing the spotlight. This rapidly emerging DeFi project is being tagged by early buyers as “XRP 2.0” in the making, thanks to its payments-rail architecture, cross-chain support, and mobile-first wallet launch scheduled for Q3.
What you must know: this is not just another token; it’s positioning itself to take the use-case lead that Cardano is losing. Analysts believe the shift of capital is already underway.
Why this token stands out:
International Clout: Cryptocurrency-bank transfer in 30+ countries.
Real-World Utility: Built for payments, not speculation
Security First: Verified by CertiK and ranked #1 among pre-launch tokens
Wallet Launch Q3: Mobile-first experience now in beta with real users testing
Strong Liquidity Pipeline: Over $27.5 Million raised + confirmed listings on major centralized exchanges
If you want to buy RTX tokens and stake a claim in the next big altcoin in 2025, the message is clear: act now, while others are still debating.
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This isn’t just holding, it’s becoming part of the ecosystem and being rewarded for it. When the listings drop and the wallet goes live, latecomers will be leftovers while early adopters ride the wave. Don’t sit it out and regret watching others win.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry risk, including total loss of capital. Readers should conduct independent research and consult licensed advisors before making any financial decisions.
The US dollar initially plunged against the Japanese yen during trading on Friday, but it does seem to be holding its own.
At this point, the 150 yen level is a little bit of support, and it looks like we’re trying to form a bit of a hammer.
With what we’ve seen recently, this breakout and then pullback, I think, sends up a nice little buying opportunity. And given enough time, I think we could go as high as 162 yen.
Get Paid to Wait
Obviously, that’s a longer-term call, but for me, that is a longer-term buy-and-hold setup just waiting to happen. You get paid to hang on to the trade between now and then, which always helps. That means you can pad your trade a little bit. Also, keep in mind that the 50-day EMA is racing to reach the 149 yen level, which is right around where we bounced from earlier in the session.
The Japanese yen has a host of issues working against it, not the least of which will be the fact that the Bank of Japan cannot tighten rates much, if at all. With the debt load in Japan, they probably have reached about as tight as they can get. If that is in fact going to be the case, and of course, the reaction to the recent election is the correct one, where Japan should become a loose monetary state anyway, then this is a pair that should continue to take off to the upside.
The US dollar has been very stubborn against multiple currencies around the world, so the Japanese yen won’t be any different. This is a pair that I have been buying since somewhere around 143 yen. It’s been a little bit of a rocky road on the way up, but I’ve been getting paid every day to hang on to it. Therefore, it allows me to stick with the trade longer. I think we have the next leg up just waiting to happen here. That being said, I remain bullish.
Christopher Lewis has been trading Forex and has over 20 years experience in financial markets. Chris has been a regular contributor to Daily Forex since the early days of the site. He writes about Forex for several online publications, including FX Empire, Investing.com, and his own site, aptly named The Trader Guy. Chris favours technical analysis methods to identify his trades and likes to trade equity indices and commodities as well as Forex. He favours a longer-term trading style, and his trades often last for days or weeks.
Disclaimer: This is a Press Release provided by a third party who is responsible for the content. Please conduct your own research before taking any action based on the content.
Ripple Labs is buying $1B worth of XRP, and this could create buying pressure and trigger a bull market. But on the other hand, technical analysis suggests that Ripple has reached a “death cross”, a pattern that initiates downwards movements, triggering a bearish setup that could drop the price by 30%.
Meanwhile, investors and traders are injecting capital into DeepSnitch AI, an early project now in stage 2 and is already pumping, raising more than $440,000 in record time. With over 26% gains for early backers, this could be the next crypto to moonshot, mixing crypto with artificial intelligence.
Ripple Labs plans to buy $1 billion in XRP tokens
Ripple Labs announced on October 17th that it plans to purchase 1 billion XRP tokens to create a “digital treasury.” This investment would be made through a fundraising campaign. The goal would be to provide greater stability to the token’s price, but also to offer new financial solutions using XRP.
There are currently over 4.5 billion XRP in circulation and 37 billion tokens locked in escrow. This new purchase of 1 billion tokens would reduce the circulating supply to 3.5 billion. This could be good news for XRP hodlers because in the long term, it could trigger a shock supply.
Also on October 16, Ripple acquired corporate treasury management firm GTreasury for $1 billion as part of its business acquisition strategy to expand its operations. The deal provides the company with infrastructure to manage digital assets held in corporate treasuries, including stablecoins and tokenized deposits.
DeepSnitch AI: New crypto presale signaling 100x potential?
DeepSnitch AI is an innovative platform that will use advanced artificial intelligence to make market insights accessible to everyone. Now in stage 2 of its presale, it presents a unique chance to invest in an early project that combines the best technology with huge growth potential.
It has five AI agents designed to protect traders by tracking whale wallet activity, a tool that traders will be able to use for scoping out on-chain data, finding alpha news, and evaluating contract risk.
In addition to these advanced analytics, DeepSnitch AI allows users to participate in staking, where they can lock up their tokens to earn extra rewards, encouraging loyalty and helping to strengthen the community.
Right now, DeepSnitch AI presale is sitting at just $0.01915 after raising $430K in days, and early buyers will get access to each feature as it rolls out. This entry now, in the long run, could mean a position to 100x in a real-world use case project.
XRP forecast: A Death cross can make the price drop 30%
On October 17th, sellers temporarily pulled XRP below the support zone at $2.30. This has made XRP enter a critical phase that could signal a possible death cross. This would be bearish for long-term XRP hodlers as it may lead to further drops on top of about 24% current monthly losses.
If XRP’s price starts to rise instead, sellers will likely try to stop the bounce around the 20-day EMA ($2.63). If they succeed, it would show that market sentiment is still bearish, increasing the chances of the price falling below $2.30 or even lower to $1.60. So, XRP price prediction in this case would be a 30% drop from current price levels.
On the other hand, if buyers manage to push the XRP above the 20-day EMA, the upward move could continue. This is a key level for bears to defend, because if bulls break through it, it could signal a shift in momentum. In that case, the XRP price might rally up to $3.38.
Bitcoin: Demand may help restart the bullish momentum
On October 17th, Bitcoin fell to around $106,860, continuing a downward trend that could take it to $100,000. But although many traders are pessimistic about Bitcoin’s momentum, those buying the dip could push BTC back into bulls’ territory.
This level would be important to help BTC take a breather, capture more liquidity, and then initiate a new upward movement. This chart suggests that once oversold conditions are reached, Bitcoin could stage a strong rebound similar to previous post-correction rallies.
Also, long-term investors continue to view these current levels as part of BTC’s broader growth trajectory, showing that this could be a pattern that keeps repeating itself, always breaking out in the direction of new highs. If this is confirmed, BTC price will reach a new ATH by the end of 2025.
Conclusion
While Bitcoin tries to take advantage of the demand zone to seek liquidity and begin a new upward move, XRP is experiencing a critical moment due to a possible death cross, which could lead to a bearish XRP price prediction in the next few weeks.
Meanwhile, DeepSnitch AI, now in the presale phase, offers a better opportunity. With over $430k raised at only $0.01915, the earliest backers have already pocketed over 26% gains.
But more importantly, DeepSnitch AI combines crypto with AI to give token holders access to a suite of five snitches. Combined in a customizable dashboard, this could become the best AI tool of the decade, which is why many are betting on DeepSnitch AI as a potential 100x crypto moonshot this cycle.
What is the significance of Ripple’s $1 billion XRP acquisition?
Ripple Labs plans to acquire $1 billion in XRP tokens is a strategic move to establish a digital asset treasury, signaling strong confidence in XRP’s long-term utility and value. This could positively impact the XRP price and its market stability.
What is the XRP price prediction for 2025?
Despite Ripple’s new investments, the possibility of a death cross occurring and triggering a bearish momentum is real. This could drop the token’s price by 30%.
Why is DeepSnitch AI considered a 100x opportunity?
Because it is an undervalued altcoin ready to surge. DeepSnitch AI is in its early presale stage, allowing investors to acquire tokens at a significantly lower price before launch on exchanges.
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Gold (XAU/USD) Rebounds to $4,230 After $1 Trillion Market Rout as Safe-Haven Demand Persists
Gold (XAU/USD) is trading around $4,230 per ounce, regaining traction after one of the most volatile weeks in modern market history. Following a record surge to $4,380, the precious metal suffered a dramatic reversal that erased nearly $1 trillion in market value within hours. The sharp correction, driven by a temporary strengthening of the U.S. dollar and recalibration of safe-haven flows, triggered widespread profit-taking but failed to alter the long-term structural uptrend. Even as short-term technical exhaustion took hold, gold’s dominant macro pillars—central bank accumulation, geopolitical tension, and weakening global yields—remain firmly intact.
Historic Rally Driven by Central Bank Demand and Monetary Realignment
The 2025 rally in gold stands as one of the most powerful in decades, with the metal up 54% year-to-date, the highest annual return since 1979. The rally has been fueled primarily by unprecedented central bank purchases, led by China and India, as part of an ongoing de-dollarization strategy. These strategic flows have redefined gold’s market structure, lifting physical demand to record highs and tightening supply. According to INVERCO data, European gold investment funds saw returns exceeding 100% this year, ranking among the top-performing assets globally. In parallel, global exchange-traded funds (ETFs) linked to gold reported surging inflows amid investor demand for protection against U.S. debt concerns and monetary policy uncertainty.
Gold’s breakout through $4,000 marked its ninth consecutive weekly advance—the longest streak since August 2020—driven by persistent geopolitical risk and expectations of near-term rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The move to $4,380 represented the largest single-week trading range on record, with volatility levels not seen since the 2008 crisis. Technical readings signaled extreme overextension as momentum reached levels comparable only to April 2006. Analysts warned of “exhaustion risk” as bulls pushed into resistance zones between $4,084–$4,113, with upper projections stretching toward $4,583. Short-term traders began locking in gains, prompting a retracement to $4,200—a natural pause in a structurally bullish cycle rather than the onset of a reversal.
Japanese Trading Volume Soars 300%, Reinforcing Global Demand
The epicenter of gold’s latest surge lies in Japan, where trading volume in spot gold soared by 300%, marking one of the largest single-country increases in history. The spike reflects both investor anxiety and strategic hedging, as Japanese institutions seek insulation from currency depreciation and regional instability. The surge in yen-based gold contracts has positioned Japan as a major price driver in the global market, amplifying liquidity and contributing to the intraday volatility seen in recent sessions. Analysts note that the increase is not purely speculative—large pension and insurance funds are actively expanding allocations as part of long-term diversification away from negative real yields.
The gold market’s sharp selloff coincided with an extraordinary liquidity migration toward digital assets, most notably Bitcoin (BTC-USD), which surged above $106,000 as gold corrected. Over $1 trillion was withdrawn from gold positions, temporarily weighing on prices but revealing an important cross-asset relationship: investors are not abandoning gold, but reallocating between tangible and digital safe-havens. The correlation between BTC and gold flipped negative in October, with institutional traders exploiting arbitrage between both markets. The short-term shift has raised speculation that Bitcoin is increasingly viewed as a high-beta hedge alongside gold rather than a competing asset. However, institutional sources confirm that large funds, including BlackRock (NYSE:BLK), maintain significant physical gold exposure as a stabilizer against digital volatility.
Macroeconomic Drivers: Dollar Strength, Tariff Policy, and Fed Expectations
Friday’s pullback was exacerbated by a modest rebound in the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY), which climbed 0.1%, making dollar-denominated gold temporarily more expensive for foreign buyers. Meanwhile, comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling a softer stance on China tariffs, dampened immediate demand for defensive assets. U.S. gold futures for December delivery closed at $4,213.30, down 2.1% on the session. Still, markets continue to price in two 25-basis-point rate cuts by the Federal Reserve—one in October and another in December—creating a favorable backdrop for non-yielding assets like gold. With the next FOMC meeting scheduled for October 29, traders are recalibrating exposure around inflation data and real yield trends, both of which remain supportive of continued gold strength through year-end.
Structural Demand from Asia Offsets Short-Term Corrections
Physical demand across Asia remains robust. In India, festival season has pushed gold premiums to decade highs, while Chinese retail demand continues to accelerate amid local equity market weakness. Combined Asian consumption is expected to exceed 1,300 tons in 2025, the highest level since 2011. These flows are reinforcing the physical floor around $3,850–$3,900, limiting downside risk. The Shanghai Gold Exchange reported record withdrawals of 321 tons in September alone, underscoring how retail and institutional appetite remains firm even as speculative Western flows unwind. This divergence between physical and paper markets supports the thesis that gold corrections are transitory within an ongoing super-cycle.
European and U.S. Funds Rebalance Portfolios as Yields Stabilize
Across Europe, mutual and pension funds have recorded one of their strongest performances in recent history. Data from INVERCO show that equity funds in Spain gained 31.66% in the first nine months of the year, yet defensive strategies like gold outperformed by a wide margin. At Generali Investments, strategists warned that risk assets are moving into narrow valuation ranges, but gold remains justified as a strategic hedge amid record-low euro credit spreads. Deutsche Bank’s CIO, Christian Nolting, maintains a cautiously optimistic tone, highlighting “temporary setbacks” but reaffirming that gold’s long-term trajectory remains underpinned by structural imbalance between supply and demand. Meanwhile, U.S. ETFs continue to attract inflows as Treasury yields stabilize near 4%, signaling investor confidence in gold as a medium-term store of value.
Technical Landscape: Key Resistance and Support Zones for XAU/USD
From a technical standpoint, XAU/USD faces immediate resistance between $4,084–$4,113, representing the upper bounds of the recent breakout channel. A weekly close above $4,308 would confirm renewed bullish momentum toward $4,583–$4,592, with extreme targets at $4,753. On the downside, support is firmly anchored near $3,859, coinciding with the monthly open, while $3,782 marks the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the May advance. A break below that would suggest deeper correction potential toward $3,666, though such a scenario remains improbable given the underlying macro tailwinds. Volatility indicators remain historically elevated, with the average weekly range exceeding $300, emphasizing the need for disciplined position sizing.
Geopolitical Risk Premium and Fiscal Uncertainty Sustain Safe-Haven Flow
Persistent fiscal instability and geopolitical escalation continue to drive the safety premium embedded in gold’s valuation. The ongoing U.S. government shutdown debate and rising debt service costs have eroded confidence in the dollar’s long-term stability, pushing sovereign funds to diversify reserves. Simultaneously, conflicts across the Middle East and Eastern Europe have elevated gold’s geopolitical hedge function, with risk premiums adding an estimated $250–$300 to current spot prices. Analysts at Vontobel emphasize that these structural factors—ranging from fiscal deficit expansion to central bank balance-sheet constraints—create an environment where gold remains systematically favored over fiat currencies.
Gold’s Correlation with Equities and the “Wall of Worry” Narrative
Despite record highs, the rally in gold coincides with booming equity markets, underscoring investor polarization. The S&P 500 (SPX) trades near 6,664, and the Nasdaq (NDX) at 22,680, suggesting that both risk-on and risk-off assets are advancing simultaneously. This “wall of worry” dynamic reflects liquidity-driven exuberance amid expectations of 2026 fiscal stimulus and AI-led productivity growth. Yet, historical data show that periods when gold and equities rise together often precede macro rebalancing phases. For diversified investors, this alignment strengthens the case for gold as both a hedge and a performance enhancer within multi-asset portfolios.
The Case for Continued Strength: Structural Supply Deficit and Central Bank Resilience
Global mine output has struggled to keep pace with investment demand. Production growth remains capped below 1.5% annually, while recycling flows are down nearly 18% year-over-year. Meanwhile, central bank holdings have reached 37,000 tons, a post–Bretton Woods record. Nations such as China, Turkey, and India continue to accumulate reserves as a direct counterbalance to U.S. Treasury exposure. With real yields hovering near zero and global inflation expectations edging higher, gold’s opportunity cost remains minimal. The interplay between constrained supply and consistent demand supports a sustained upward trajectory into 2026.
Verdict: BUY — XAU/USD Targets $4,500 With Support at $3,850
Gold’s sharp pullback from record highs represents a technical breather, not a structural reversal. The combination of central bank accumulation, Asian physical demand, and macro uncertainty continues to underpin a bullish thesis for XAU/USD. As long as prices hold above $3,850, the risk-reward dynamic remains favorable for long positioning. Upside targets stretch toward $4,500, with potential extension to $4,750 under sustained dollar weakness and further rate cuts. In a world of fragile fiscal stability and geopolitical unpredictability, gold remains the most credible global hedge. Trading stance: BUY — structural bull trend intact.
Collagen is naturally found in our body and often taken as a supplement to support aging and injury prevention.
Collagen supplements may have added ingredients such as vitamins or herbs that can interact with some medications.
Choose collagen supplements that are independently tested and talk to your health care provider before starting a new supplement.
From pills to powders, the popularity of collagen supplements has exploded in recent years. “Collagen is the primary building block of your body’s skin, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments, and other connective tissues,” says Jennifer Patricca, M.S., RDN. “It’s also found in your organs, blood vessels and intestinal lining.” Because it declines with age and may play a role in injury prevention and recovery from exercise, many consumers have turned to collagen supplements to combat the negative effects of aging and help prevent injury.
But what many people don’t know is that collagen supplements may not mix well with common medications, particularly if they have additional ingredients with known medication interactions. “Collagen itself doesn’t have a list of medications it directly interacts with. It’s a protein, and our bodies are used to processing protein from food,” says Jobby John, Pharm.D. However, collagen supplement ingredients vary widely across brands and these additional ingredients may interfere with prescription medications. “Collagen itself is safe for most people, but the ‘bonus’ ingredients added to supplements are what may create risks,” says Meg Whitbeck, M.S., RDN. We asked the experts about popular ingredients in collagen supplements and their potential effects when taken with prescription medications.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is often added to collagen supplements because of the role it has in collagen synthesis. It may seem innocuous, but its addition to supplements, particularly in high doses, can affect the absorption of some prescription medications like those used in chemotherapy. “Patients should carefully review product labels and consult with a health care provider before initiating collagen supplementation, particularly when concurrently taking prescription medications,” says Lesly Rapado, Pharm.D., a clinical ambulatory specialist.
Biotin
Biotin is a B vitamin found in a variety of foods, from eggs to fish, meat, dairy and nuts. It may benefit hair and nail growth, which is the primary reason it’s often added to collagen supplements. While it’s generally considered safe, Whitbeck emphasizes that biotin in supplement form may interfere with some lab tests, including thyroid hormone tests and vitamin D tests. Additionally, some medications may interact with biotin by lowering biotin levels in the body. One example of medications that have this effect are those used to treat epilepsy. If you’re taking any of the anticonvulsant medications for epilepsy or other conditions, it’s recommended that you talk to a health care professional before adding collagen containing biotin supplements to your diet.
Artificial Sweeteners
Many collagen supplements, particularly those in powdered form intended to be used in beverages, baking or other recipes, contain artificial sweeteners to add flavor without added sugar. However, Ava Safir, J.D., M.S., RDN, cautions that some artificial sweeteners can irritate the gut in those who are sensitive to these ingredients. If avoiding artificial sweeteners is best for you, choose a collagen supplement that’s unflavored or one without the extra ingredients. Most often, unflavored collagen supplements will list collagen peptides as a single ingredient and will be the best choice for those looking to avoid artificial sweeteners in the diet.
Herbal Extracts
Herbal extracts like turmeric and ginseng are often added to collagen supplements and may interact with prescription medications like blood thinners and blood pressure medications, says Safir. Because the types of herbs added to collagen supplements are not standardized and quantities vary across collagen supplement brands, it’s essential to consult with your health care provider before starting a supplement with these additional ingredients.
Other Ingredients and Additives
Some collagen supplements include forms of vitamins that have the potential to interact with prescription medications. For example, nicotinamide riboside is a form of vitamin B3 that may interact with some blood pressure medications. Other ingredients like betaine anhydrous (trimethylglycine) affect homocysteine levels, which can potentially interact with drugs also involved in homocysteine metabolism.
Safety Tips
Dietary supplements are not regulated in the same way as food and should be scrutinized closely before adding them to the diet. Follow these recommendations before choosing a collagen supplement:
Look for independently tested or verified: Review supplement labels to confirm they have been independently tested to guarantee that what the supplement claims to contain is truly what’s found in each serving. Certifications from NSF, Informed Sport, ConsumerLab or USP are good places to start when it comes to independent verification. Otherwise, contact the manufacturer of the supplement and ask for verification of independent testing. A certificate of analysis report is often readily available from reputable companies who conduct independent testing.
Check the ingredient list: Collagen supplements vary significantly when it comes to extra ingredients added to enhance their effectiveness. Some contain additional vitamins, minerals or herbs that may interact with other supplements or medications you’re taking. “Read the entire label of the collagen supplement,” says John. “Don’t just look at the word ‘collagen.’ See what other vitamins, minerals or herbs are included and in what amounts.”
Know the source of collagen: Collagen supplements can be made from a variety of animal sources, including bovine or marine collagen. “Check the source of collagen if you have food allergies (e.g., avoid marine collagen if you have fish/shellfish allergies),” says Safir.
Separate medications and supplements: “Some medications, particularly certain thyroid medications, need to be taken on an empty stomach to be absorbed properly,” says John. “Since collagen is a protein and is essentially ‘food,’ taking it at the same time as these medications would not be ideal.” John advises separating medications and supplements by at least two hours.
Talk to your health care provider: “People with kidney or liver disease, or those taking blood pressure medications, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, thyroid medications or chemotherapy drugs should check with their clinician before starting collagen (or any supplement),” says Whitbeck.
Collagen supplements may offer benefits to joints and skin, but the variability of ingredients across brands presents potential risks when it comes to prescription medications. Adding a supplement to the diet may be appealing, particularly if it claims to benefit many aspects of health, but Marie Carpenter, M.S., RD, cautions against making multiple changes at once. “It is important to understand how your body responds to changes in supplements, lifestyle changes and eating habits,” says Carpenter. “Pick one or two things to change at a time to understand how your body is responding.”
You should also pay special attention to the additional ingredients found in collagen supplements. “It’s not the collagen itself you need to worry about as much as everything else in the bottle and the fact that it is a protein,” says John. “Always check the entire ingredient list and talk to [a health care professional, such as a pharmacist], especially if you’re taking medications for blood pressure or a blood thinner.”
The Solana Price Prediction continues to be a focus point for traders as the network experiences both solid ecosystem growth and periodic pullbacks. Solana has established itself as one of the fastest blockchains in the market, widely used for DeFi projects, NFTs, and high-performance Layer 1 applications.
But recent market behavior shows investors diversifying their holdings toward projects delivering real-world financial use cases. One name increasingly drawing attention in this regard is Remittix (RTX) https://remittix.io, a PayFi-focused altcoin merging blockchain technology with cross-border payments, offering a tangible bridge between crypto and traditional finance.
Solana Market Overview
Solana is currently selling at $186.01 after a significant gain of about 2.19% in the last 24 hours, supported by a $7.18 billion trading volume, which is down 38.01%.
Despite its recent dip below $185, analysts note that the network’s technical base remains healthy, with growing developer engagement and institutional integration. However, attention is slowly turning toward emerging assets offering more immediate use in crypto payments, cross-chain transfers, and low-gas-fee crypto solutions.
This is where Remittix, a rising DeFi project, is positioning itself as a next-generation financial utility token.
Remittix: Redefining Real-World Payments
Remittix (RTX) https://remittix.io is gaining tremendous momentum from early investors. With a presale of $0.1166 per token, the project has already raised over $27.5 million and has sold over 679 million tokens.
Remittix, created as a network for crypto-to-bank money transfers, enables sending money to bank accounts in more than 30 countries with real-time exchange rates and low charges.
Remittix is thoroughly audited by CertiK and rightfully positioned #1 in pre-launch tokens, which solidifies investor confidence in its transparency and technical ground.
Community activity continues to grow through its wallet beta testing phase, where users are already trialing live crypto-to-fiat transfers. In addition, Remittix recently reintroduced its 50% token bonus with promo code RTX50, alongside a $250,000 community giveaway and a 15% referral program offering rewards in USDT every 24 hours.
What’s Driving Investor Interest in Remittix:
● Real-world crypto-to-bank utility across 30+ countries
● Fully verified by CertiK and ranked #1 among pre-launch tokens
● Over $27.5Million raised with 679Million+ tokens sold
● Active wallet beta testing and upcoming BitMart and LBank listings
● 50% token bonus (code RTX50) and $250,000 giveaway live
With its growing adoption and verified infrastructure, Remittix is positioning itself as one of the best crypto presales of 2025, appealing to those seeking crypto with real utility and strong fundamentals over speculation.
A Changing Focus in the Market
The latest Solana Price Prediction reflects how investors are balancing established blockchain assets with emerging projects that solve real-world challenges. Solana’s network strength remains intact, but Remittix https://remittix.io represents the type of upcoming crypto project attracting new capital, those merging DeFi innovation with mainstream financial utility.
As the presale approaches its $30 million milestone, anticipation builds for Remittix’s next CEX announcement and expanded beta rollout. For many investors, the shift toward usable payment tokens may define the next major phase of growth in crypto adoption.
Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their project here:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry risk, including total loss of capital. Readers should conduct independent research and consult licensed advisors before making any financial decisions.
Crypto Press Release Distribution by https://btcpresswire.com
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Oil price falls on Friday, early in the European session. WTI trades at $56.79 per barrel, down from Thursday’s close at $56.94. Brent Oil Exchange Rate (Brent crude) is also shedding ground, trading at $60.68 after its previous daily close at $60.86.
WTI Oil FAQs
WTI Oil is a type of Crude Oil sold on international markets. The WTI stands for West Texas Intermediate, one of three major types including Brent and Dubai Crude. WTI is also referred to as “light” and “sweet” because of its relatively low gravity and sulfur content respectively. It is considered a high quality Oil that is easily refined. It is sourced in the United States and distributed via the Cushing hub, which is considered “The Pipeline Crossroads of the World”. It is a benchmark for the Oil market and WTI price is frequently quoted in the media.
Like all assets, supply and demand are the key drivers of WTI Oil price. As such, global growth can be a driver of increased demand and vice versa for weak global growth. Political instability, wars, and sanctions can disrupt supply and impact prices. The decisions of OPEC, a group of major Oil-producing countries, is another key driver of price. The value of the US Dollar influences the price of WTI Crude Oil, since Oil is predominantly traded in US Dollars, thus a weaker US Dollar can make Oil more affordable and vice versa.
The weekly Oil inventory reports published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Energy Information Agency (EIA) impact the price of WTI Oil. Changes in inventories reflect fluctuating supply and demand. If the data shows a drop in inventories it can indicate increased demand, pushing up Oil price. Higher inventories can reflect increased supply, pushing down prices. API’s report is published every Tuesday and EIA’s the day after. Their results are usually similar, falling within 1% of each other 75% of the time. The EIA data is considered more reliable, since it is a government agency.
OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is a group of 12 Oil-producing nations who collectively decide production quotas for member countries at twice-yearly meetings. Their decisions often impact WTI Oil prices. When OPEC decides to lower quotas, it can tighten supply, pushing up Oil prices. When OPEC increases production, it has the opposite effect. OPEC+ refers to an expanded group that includes ten extra non-OPEC members, the most notable of which is Russia.
Mild milk chocolate on the outside, with soft pistachio cream and crunchy, sugar-sweet kadayif strands on the inside — to many consumers, Dubai chocolate is the epitome of sweet luxury.
Sarah Hamouda, head of the Dubai-based manufacturer Fix Dessert Chocolatier, is credited with inventing the popular confection. With the help of influencers, Hamouda’s creation took off on social media, marketed as a new, exclusive food trend that has spanned the globe.
At an average cost of €7 ($8) per 100 grams, homemade recipes for the chocolate bars have also become increasingly popular online. But the trend has another price: since demand for Dubai chocolate gained momentum in late 2023, global appetite for pistachios has also spiked.
In 2024, imports of pistachios (in shell) to the European Union increased by more than a third compared to the year prior, with market value exceeding €1 billion ($1.16 billion) for the first time.
Passion for pistachios drains water resources
This has consequences for the countries where pistachios are grown. The trees thrive in hot, dry climates, where they are increasingly replacing other crops, such as olive trees. In Spain, Europe’s largest producer, the areas of pistachio cultivation have increased fivefold since 2017.
Pistachios are “an interesting fruit in terms of climate change” and could be “a good climate adaptation” for producers, said Stig Tanzmann, agriculture consultant for Bread for the World, a development organization affiliated with Germany’s Protestant churches.
But the reality is usually different because the trees require additional irrigation. “You have a climate-adapted plant, but then you irrigate to ensure the high yields you need in a high-priced market,” he said.
More than 10,000 liters (2,600 gallons) of water are needed to produce 1 kilogram of pistachios — and most of that comes from the extra irrigation. In dry regions, this can lead to massive water problems. By comparison, it takes an average of just under 2,800 liters to produce 1 kilogram of peanuts — and almost 90% of the water required for that comes from rainwater.
Furthermore, pistachios, like many other agricultural products that are suddenly in demand on the world market, are mainly planted in monocultures, said Tanzmann. This has many negative consequences, such as heavy use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides.
Even though pistachios cope well with heat, they are affected by the warmer winters brought by climate change. The trees need cold temperatures for a period in order to flower — and without blossoms, there are no fruits.
Matcha mania squeezes market
Other food trends like matcha tea are also having a negative impact. The green, bitter powder has always been exclusive, and now even more so since demand exploded worldwide.
Originally from China, the best matcha is now grown in Japan. There, the tea plants are specially shaded before harvesting, which is usually achieved with hand-guided machines. After they are picked, the tea leaves are steamed and aerated, the stems and leaf veins are removed, and then only the leaf flesh is ground.
In Japan, high-quality green tea powder is mainly used for traditional tea ceremonies. But because it contains many antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, in recent years matcha has become a globally sought-after superfood, from ready-made matcha lattes to matcha chocolate bars.
Rising demand for matcha tea is already leading to shortagesImage: Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
According to the German Tea Association, more than 240 tons of matcha were delivered to Germany alone between January and August 2024 — an increase of 240% compared to the same period the previous year. The hype continues because healthy eating is trendy, the association said. The global market for matcha is expected to almost double in the next five to seven years, according to international market analysis companies.
The rising demand is already leading to shortages. The website for Marukyu Koyamaen, one of Japan’s major tea exporters, said the availability of all matcha products is now limited. Among competitors, such as Ippodo Tea, almost all matcha is sold out.
On the Japanese tea market, the purchase price for matcha is almost three times higher than last year, and retail prices have doubled, reports Yuji Yamakita, an independent tea merchant in Kyoto. “The high prices are particularly affecting people who perform tea ceremonies and confectionery manufacturers. I hear that some people have stopped drinking matcha or are not drinking as much as they used to,” said Yamakita.
This is having a particularly negative impact on tea merchants who serve the domestic Japanese market. Yamakita fears that tea farmers who lack equipment and financial resources will be unable to meet the rising demand and go out of business.
Quinoa craze destroys farmland
Yet another example of negative global food trend outcomes is quinoa. The pseudocereal originates from the Andes in South America. In 2013, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization declared 2013 the International Year of Quinoa. The aim was to highlight the importance of quinoa for food security. However, it was quickly marketed as a superfood, and consumption rose rapidly.
In the two main producing countries, Peru and Bolivia, prices rose so sharply that the local population could hardly afford to buy their own food staple, said Tanzmann.
Touted as a superfood in industrialized nations, quinoa is an important staple in the Andean countries of South AmericaImage: Jochen Tack/IMAGO
The environment also suffered. Traditionally, farmland in the Andes is left fallow for up to seven years for soil recovery, according to German development organization Welthungerhilfe. But due to high demand, many farmers reduced the cultivation period to just one year. This often led to the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and heavy machinery, which compact the soil.
Additionally, areas not suitable for cultivation were developed, said Markus Wolter, an expert on agriculture and nutrition at the Catholic development organization Misereor. One example is a desert-like, shrub-covered region in the highlands of Bolivia where llamas were previously kept.
“It is much too dry there for large-scale cultivation of crops such as quinoa,” Wolter said. “That worked well for a few years because there was enough rain right at the start of the boom — but for several years now, that rain has failed to materialize.”
Plowing the soil for agriculture also had negative effects. “In this climate with strong winds, plowing shouldn’t be done at all because the little fertile soil there is quickly blown away,” said Wolter. This also makes it more difficult to return to animal husbandry after quinoa cultivation, because the pastures are less fertile, he added.
Traditional quinoa cultivation was not fast enough to meet increased demandImage: Aizar Raldes/AFP/Getty Images
What remains when the hype is over?
Whether it’s pistachios, matcha, quinoa or whatever food trend comes next, fair trade organizations advise producers not to make themselves economically dependent on a single agricultural commodity.
This means growing crops not just for the global market, but for local markets as well, said Claudia Brück, director of Fairtrade Germany. That way, producers can still earn money even when the craze subsides and prices fall.
Superfood or climate killer?
“The idea is to move away from monocultures and, specifically, to grow two rows of coffee and one row of beans. This makes the soil healthy and enables farmers to produce their own food. And then you can also grow mangoes for the international market, for example,” said Brück.
Not just farmers, but also those who start and promote food trends, need to think and act more sustainably, said Tanzmann. “When you push something like this, you actually have a responsibility for such a trend and should think it through from start to finish — and not just focus on selling as much as possible.”
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