Geopolitical Diplomacy, Eurozone Surplus, and Jackson Hole Anticipation: PALvatar Market Recap, August 19 2025

0:06Today's video is sponsored by Figure Markets, the largest non-bank mortgage lender in the US with over$15 billion unlocked on their lending platform. They've just lowered rates on their Bitcoin and ETH-backed loans even more to 8.91%, which is 9.999 % APR, improving their already industry-low fixed-rate 50 % LTV loans. They keep building as well, having also just launched decentralized MPC Custody, the only place to get that amongst the major loan providers, and removed interest deferral fees entirely. What is MPC Decentralized Custody, you might ask? Well, it's a Bitcoin or ETH on-chain wallet with multiple key shards to protect you from a single-entity custody failure.

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1:31It's just one example of content designed to give you an edge at the convergence of crypto and AI. As Jamie says, most investors are not prepared for what's to come, but you can be. Sign up to connect, our entry-level paid tier, at realvision.com forward slash 50 off. As the URL suggests, a nice discount awaits you. Jamie predicts 10 billion fully autonomous AI agents in operation by 2030. Sounds like I'll have a lot of new friends. But there's only one Palvatar, a specially designed AI avatar of Raoul Pal to bring you the latest market recap powered by AI, traditional journalism and human-led curation.

2:10Just facts and data, the real Raoul will host an AMA later this week where you can ask him for his views. Now, here's what's driving the markets today. Investors are digesting geopolitical developments regarding the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. US President Donald Trump has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders about potential security guarantees for Ukraine Trump wants to facilitate face-to-face peace talks between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin European stocks opened higher and oil prices edged lower as the prospect of a ceasefire, while still vague, became a little more palpable The Nikkei opened at a record high before closing in the red following the news that SoftBank will take a stake worth$2 billion in Intel.

2:57In economic news, the Eurozone's current account surplus, which means by how much its exports outweigh its imports, narrowed significantly from nearly€52 billion last year to almost€39 billion this June. However, it still exceeded expectations of€30.3 billion, due largely to an increase in primary income surpluses, which means earnings on foreign investments minus payments related to them. The fall happened despite declines in goods and services balances. Market participants are also focused on the upcoming speech by Fed Chair Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole Summit, as well as inflation data releases from both Canada and the UK later this week.

3:39CME FedWatch data currently puts the chances of a Fed rate cut in September at 83.6%, a little lower than before. That's all from me. Realvision.com forward slash 50 off should be your next stop. if you're not a Real Vision member yet. Looking forward to seeing you again tomorrow for another recap. Take care.