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Mantra price went parabolic during the weekend, making it one of the best-performing cryptocurrencies in the industry. The OM token soared to a record high of $4.5, substantially higher than last year’s low of $0.0061. This rally means that the OM token has soared by over 23,000% in this period.

Mantra price surges as amid developers tease

The OM token’s rally happened as the developers teased of a major news event coming up this week. In an X post, they noted that they will unveil something big in the coming days.

While no more details were shared, there are chances that the news will be about a major collaboration with a major company.

Notably, the developers noted that Mantra’s CEO will be speaking at the Future of Digital Assets event in New York City on Monday. 

This event, which is hosted by Benzinga, brings together some of the top leaders in finance and the blockchain industries. As such, there is a likelihood that the upcoming news event will come during or after the event. 

The Mantra price also jumped after the CEO noted that the world was just recognizing the impact of what they are building. 

Real World Asset tokenization opportunity

The Mantra price has done well after the developers launched the mainnet last month. Mantra’s mainnet is a layer-1 network intended for the Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization industry. 

RWA is one of the fastest-growing industries in the blockchain industry as evidenced by the success of Ondo and Securitize. Ondo Finance has attracted over $650 million in assets for its USDY and OUSG tokenized funds. 

Similarly, Securitize, which has a partnership with Blackrock, has gained over $600 million in assets for its BUIDL assets.

Analysts believe that the tokenization industry is just getting started. Over time, this industry will be able to tokenize all assets like art and real estate, making them highly transferable.

Some of the top players in the Mantra ecosystem are Estate Protocol, Pyse, and Mansa Finance. Estate Protocol is a network that bridges the gap between the real estate industry and blockchain. 

Pyse, on the other hand, tokenizes green real-world assets like renewable energy and electric mobility. Mansa Finance provides liquidity to companies doing business in the emerging market. It is a fairly new company that has financed projects worth $2.38 million. 

Mantra is a high-yielding asset

Meanwhile, the Mantra price has surged because it is one of the highest-yielding asset in the crypto industry. Data shows that Mantra has a staking yield of almost 30%, much higher than other assets like Ethereum and Solana. Its staking market cap has jumped to over $1.95 billion in the past few months. 

Mantra staking is a process where investors allocate their tokens to secure a network. Most of its tokens are in Mantra’s independent validators. The other top validators in the network are Twinstake, Google Cloud, Anchorage Digital, and Hex Technologies.

Staking is a process where investors move their tokens to validators and earn rewards. In Mantra’s case, a $10,000 investment will bring in at least $2,900 in annual returns if all factors remain constant. 

Notably for OM, it has a circulating supply of over 855 million, a few points below the total supply of 888 million, meaning that dilution is not a big issue.

Mantra price forecast

OM chart by TradingView

The daily chart shows that the OM token price has staged a strong comeback in the past few days. This rally accelerated when the token flipped the important resistance level at $1.61 into a support. That was an important level since it was its highest point in October. 

The coin has remained above the 50-day and 100-day moving averages. Precisely, it has risen 162% above the 50-day moving average. 

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has jumped to the extremely overbought level of 91. Similarly, the Stochastic Oscillator has moved to 95. Most notably, the MVRV indicator has moved to the stretched level of 3.2.

The Market Value to Realized Value is a popular indicator that first looks at the market value (current price x circulating supply) and realized value, which looks at the total value based on the price when they were last moved. 

Therefore, while the outlook for the Mantra price is bullish, there is a likelihood that it will pull back and retest the support at $2. If this happens, it means that the coin will drop by 63% as traders start to take profits. That will be a bullish sign for the coin since a break and retest pattern will point to more gains.

The post Mantra price prediction: Here’s why the OM token is surging appeared first on Invezz

Hedera Hashgraph price continued its strong rally, soaring to a high of $0.1170, its highest level since May 21st. It has risen in the last five consecutive days and is about to form a golden cross pattern, pointing to further gains in the coming weeks. It is up by over 155% from its lowest level this year. 

Hedera Hashgraph ETF hopes rise

Hedera Hashgraph is a layer-2 network that aims to become the biggest player in the blockchain industry.

It is an Ethereum rival with superior features like fast transaction speeds and low transaction costs. It has over 6.99 million mainnet accounts and has handled over 558k transactions in the last 24 hours. 

The network has also become popular among corporates, with companies like Tata, Boeing, Mondelez, and Ubisoft being part of its governance council. 

Hedera Hashgraph’s price is soaring for several reasons. First, the token surged because of the Hello Future hackathon between November 11 and December 18. This is an important event that will let developers pitch their ideas, with winners receiving cash and mentorship to build on Hedera.

Second, the token soared after a company applied for an Hedera Hashgraph Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Analysts expect that the SEC will approve several ETFs in 2025 after Donald Trump’s election.

Trump has pledged to be a more friendly candidate for cryptocurrencies because he has a skin in the game in the industry. He has tokens worth over $6 million and is now running a token sale for his World Liberty Finance project

A US ETF will be on top of the Hedera Hashgraph ETP, which is listed in Germany by Valour Finance. 

Still, it is unclear whether a Hedera Hashgraph ETF will be successful in the long term since investors have mostly leaned on Bitcoin ETFs. Data shows that Bitcoin ETFs have had over $27.46 billion in inflows since January. 

Read more: Exclusive interview with Charles Adkins, the new Hedera president

Ethereum ETFs, on the other hand, have had inflows of just $179 million, three months after their inception.

The other concern is that Hedera’s network has not been successful in the crypto industry. It has a total value locked (TVL) of over $94.6 million, a figure that has jumped sharply in the past few weeks. 

This TVL is significantly smaller than other players in the crypto industry, including newer brands like Sui and Base. The top players in the Hedera Hashgraph ecosystem are SaucerSwap, Stader, Bonzo Finance, and HeliSwap. 

At the same time, Hedera’s DEX networks handle substantially low volumes compared to their peers. These networks handled volume of $65 million in the last seven days, a 412% increase from the previous week. This volume was substantially lower than other networks. 

Hedera Hashgraph has also not attracted meme coin creators, which is an important thing in the crypto industry today. For example, Solana’s meme coins have now attracted a market cap of over $23.9 billion. They are also some of the most active assets in the crypto industry. 

HBAR price analysis

Hedera chart by TradingView

The daily chart shows that the Hedera Hashgraph price has done well in the past few weeks. This rebound happened after the coin formed a falling wedge pattern, which happens when two descending trendlines converge. This is one of the most bullish signs in the market. 

Hedera Hashgraph token has now moved above the 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which are about to form a golden cross pattern. In most periods, this is one of the most bullish patterns in the market. 

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has moved to the overbought point at 96. Also, the MACD indicator has jumped above the zero line, while the MVRV has risen to 3. 

Therefore, the Hedera Hashgraph token price is bullish, with the next point to watch wll be at $0.18, its highest level this year, which is about 60% above the current level. 

The post HBAR price prediction as Hedera Hashgraph points to a 60% jump appeared first on Invezz

ZIM Integrated stock price rallied for three consecutive weeks and reached its highest level since August 2022. It has soared by over 334% from its lowest level in 2023, making it one of the best-performing companies in Wall Street. This rally has brought its market cap to over $3.12 billion.

ZIM Integrated stock rises ahead of earnings

ZIM Integrated Shipping share price has done well in the past few months, helped by strong demand, higher shipping prices, and its fleet modernisation strategy.

The most recent financial results revealed that the company’s revenues rose by 48% in the second quarter to $1.98 billion. This growth happened as its carried volume soared to 952,000 TEUs, a 11% increase, while the average freight rate jumped to $1.674, a 40% jump. 

Shipping prices rose mostly because of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East that has reduced the number of ships traveling through the Red Sea. There are also concerns about the falling water levels in the Panama Canal.

Consequently, ZIM Integrated’s net income jumped to $373 million, a big increase from the $213 million loss it made in the second quarter of last year. 

Its adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $766 million, a 179% annual increase. As a result, the company decided to pay a dividend of $112 million, as part of its policy to return a part of its profits to shareholders. 

The company also boosted its full-year guidance. Its full-year guidance for EBITDA will be between $2.6 billion and $3 billion. Its adjusted EBIT will be between $1.45 billion and $1.85 billion. 

The next key catalyst for the ZIM Integrated stock price will be its earnings, which are scheduled on November 20.

Analysts expect these numbers to show that its revenue rose by 89.5% in the third quarter to $2.41 billion. They also see its fourth-quarter revenue rising by 53.9% to $1.86 billion. For the year, analysts expect that its annual revenue will be $7.6 billion, a 47% increase from 2023.

ZIM Integrated stock has also restructured it Cross-Atlantic services linking the Mediterranean with North and South America. The new structure will start in February next year.

Substantial risks remain

ZIM stock price has also surged after the Federal Reserve and other central banks have started cutting interest rates. Lower rates reduce the cost of borrowing, which leads to more consumer spending.

However, the company has some substantial risks that could impact its stock price. First, global shipping costs are falling. Data by Drewry shows that the World Container Index has dropped from the year-to-date high of $5,900 to $3,440. 

That is a sign that its business growth will start slowing in 2025. Indeed, analysts expect its revenue will be $6.1 billion in 2025. They also see its earnings per share falling from a profit of $12.3 this year to a $1.01 loss in 2026. If this happens, it means that the firm will be forced to pause its dividend.

The other potential risk for the firm is Trump’s trade wars, which could disrupt demand in the coming months. 

ZIM Integrated stock analysis

ZIM chart by TradingView

The weekly chart shows that the ZIM share price has been in a strong bull run in the past few months. However, there is a risk that it could suffer a harsh reversal in the coming days or weeks.

It has formed a rising wedge pattern, which is one of the most popular bearish signs in the market. This breakout typically happens when the two lines are about to get to their confluence level.

The stock has also moved to the fifth phase of the Elliot Wave. Therefore, there is a risk that it could move to the correction wave, leading to a pull back. If this happens, the next point to watch will be at $20, which is about 23% below the current level. 

The post Here’s why the ZIM Integrated stock could slip 20% after earnings appeared first on Invezz

Bitcoin has celebrated the return of Donald Trump to the White House in recent weeks and the momentum is unlikely to fade anytime soon, as per BCA Research analyst Dhaval Joshi.

Joshi expects BTC to eventually be worth more than $200,000.

He sees Bitcoin as a non-confiscatable asset that accounts for under 10% of the total market for such assets. “As bitcoin’s share of this market increases, and the supply of bitcoins reaches its upper limit, bitcoin’s price has substantial upside,” he told clients in a recent research note.

Bitcoin mining stocks tend to be an incredible investment vehicle to play the expected strength in Bitcoin. They even outperformed BTC in bull markets before 2024.   

Having said that, here are the top 2 crypto mining stocks that are worth owning as BCA Research forecasts Bitcoin to hit $200,000 in the coming years.

CleanSpark Inc (NASDAQ: CLSK)

CleanSpark is a pure-play crypto miner that stands to benefit from a continued rally in Bitcoin.

The company based out of Henderson, Nevada more than doubled its revenue to $104 million and that momentum will likely get stronger only as BTC extends its gains in 2025.

Bitcoin price increase is typically a tailwind for crypto mining stocks at large as it tends to boost their profitability. Bitcoin miners earn rewards in Bitcoin for verifying transactions. So, when the BTC price rallies, their mining rewards are worth more.

But CLSK looks particularly well positioned to benefit from Bitcoin strength as it’s currently down about 45% versus its year-to-date high in late March.

CleanSpark stock does not, however, pay a dividend.

Riot Platforms Inc (NASDAQ: RIOT)

Riot Platforms has been a disappointment for its shareholders this year but that could change in the coming months as Bitcoin continues its journey towards the projected $200,000.

That’s because it currently owns and operates the largest Bitcoin mining facility in terms of developed capacity in North America.

“Riot has 1 GW+ energy assets and is positioned to be amongst the top three miners. Investors like miners for energy and AI optionality, but it’s time to buy bitcoin miners for the bitcoin trade,” Bernstein analyst Gautam Chhugani wrote in a recent note.

Donald Trump has already committed to all Bitcoin to be mined in the US. Riot stock could benefit as the 47th President of the United States delivers on that promise.

Riot Platforms came in 7.5% below experts’ forecast in its latest reported quarter.

But its stock remains worth owning as the management expects revenue to grow by 51% on average over the next three years.

Much like shares of CleanSpark Inc., Riot Platforms does not pay a dividend in writing either.  

The post Top 2 crypto mining stocks to buy as analyst forecasts Bitcoin hitting $200,000 appeared first on Invezz

Nio stock price has suffered a harsh reversal as Chinese companies reacted to recent election of Donald Trump to be the next president of the United States. Nio shares have plunged to $4.50, the lowest level since September this year. It has dropped by over 41% from its highest level in October.

Nio stock crashes ahead of earnings

Nio shares will be in the spotlight this week as the Chinese EV company publishes its quarterly financial results. 

These numbers will provide more color about its business after the launch of ONVO, its newest brand that has received thousands of orders. 

The most recent update showed that Nio delivered 21,181 vehicles in September and 61,855 in the third quarter. The monthly deliveries were up by 35% YoY, while the quarterly figures were 11% higher than what it sold in the same period last year.

These numbers meant that the company was still seeing strong demand for its vehicles. It is also stronger growth than other popular EV brands, including Tesla, whose revenue rose by 7.8% in the same period. 

Nio’s second-quarter results showed that its vehicle sales rose to RMB 15.6 billion, while its gross margin rose to 9.7%. The margin growth is a sign that the company’s business is doing well as pricing stabilizes. 

Analysts expect that Nio’s revenue will come in at $2.67 billion, up from $2.65 billion in the same period last year. 

Most importantly, Nio is reducing its losses, as its net loss moved from RMB 5.18 billion to RMB 5.04 billion. 

Nio has also made more progress in the past few months. For example, the company received a RMB 3.3 billion investment from Hefei Jianheng New Energy. This fundraising came a few months after the company received $2.2 billion from  CYVN, a top Abu Dhabi investment firm. CYVN now owns a 20% stake in the company.

These funds have helped the company to have a strong balance sheet at a time when it is investing in its battery infrastructure and manufacturing. The company expects that its cash burn will continue for a while and that it will become profitable soon. 

Read more: Nio stock price could enter beast mode, thanks to these catalysts

Nio is moderately undervalued

Analysts believe that Nio is a fairly undervalued company, as its price-to-sales ratio has continued falling. It moved to 0.9662, its lowest level since September 5. It has dropped below the year-to-date high of 2.05. 

In contrast, Li Auto has a P/S ratio of 1.11, while XPeng has a multiple of 2.33. Tesla, which has regained its $1 trillion valuation, has a multiple of 10.5. 

Therefore, these numbers mean that the company was trading at a bargain price, which could make it an attractive investment. This explains why analysts have a positive Nio share price forecast. The average estimate is that the stock will rise to $48.3, much higher than the current $4.8

There are reasons for this view. For one, there is a risk of the slowing demand and increased competition in China. Also, its international expansion process may struggle as concerns about tariffs rise. 

Nio stock price analysis

NIO chart by TradingView

The daily chart shows that the Nio share price has been on a steep sell-off in the past few weeks. It has dropped from $7.71 in October to $4.50 today. Along the way, it moved below the important support at $6.06, its highest level in May this year. 

Nio has also dropped below the 50-day and 200-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMA). Also, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the MACD indicators have all pointed downwards. 

Therefore, the stock may continue falling as sellers target the next key support level at $3.67, its lowest level in August. Such a price action would imply a 19% drop from the current level.  The alternative scenario is where Nio bounces back and retests the key resistance level at $6. 

The post Nio stock price forecast: brace for impact on Nov. 20 appeared first on Invezz

ZIM Integrated stock price rallied for three consecutive weeks and reached its highest level since August 2022. It has soared by over 334% from its lowest level in 2023, making it one of the best-performing companies in Wall Street. This rally has brought its market cap to over $3.12 billion.

ZIM Integrated stock rises ahead of earnings

ZIM Integrated Shipping share price has done well in the past few months, helped by strong demand, higher shipping prices, and its fleet modernisation strategy.

The most recent financial results revealed that the company’s revenues rose by 48% in the second quarter to $1.98 billion. This growth happened as its carried volume soared to 952,000 TEUs, a 11% increase, while the average freight rate jumped to $1.674, a 40% jump. 

Shipping prices rose mostly because of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East that has reduced the number of ships traveling through the Red Sea. There are also concerns about the falling water levels in the Panama Canal.

Consequently, ZIM Integrated’s net income jumped to $373 million, a big increase from the $213 million loss it made in the second quarter of last year. 

Its adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $766 million, a 179% annual increase. As a result, the company decided to pay a dividend of $112 million, as part of its policy to return a part of its profits to shareholders. 

The company also boosted its full-year guidance. Its full-year guidance for EBITDA will be between $2.6 billion and $3 billion. Its adjusted EBIT will be between $1.45 billion and $1.85 billion. 

The next key catalyst for the ZIM Integrated stock price will be its earnings, which are scheduled on November 20.

Analysts expect these numbers to show that its revenue rose by 89.5% in the third quarter to $2.41 billion. They also see its fourth-quarter revenue rising by 53.9% to $1.86 billion. For the year, analysts expect that its annual revenue will be $7.6 billion, a 47% increase from 2023.

ZIM Integrated stock has also restructured it Cross-Atlantic services linking the Mediterranean with North and South America. The new structure will start in February next year.

Substantial risks remain

ZIM stock price has also surged after the Federal Reserve and other central banks have started cutting interest rates. Lower rates reduce the cost of borrowing, which leads to more consumer spending.

However, the company has some substantial risks that could impact its stock price. First, global shipping costs are falling. Data by Drewry shows that the World Container Index has dropped from the year-to-date high of $5,900 to $3,440. 

That is a sign that its business growth will start slowing in 2025. Indeed, analysts expect its revenue will be $6.1 billion in 2025. They also see its earnings per share falling from a profit of $12.3 this year to a $1.01 loss in 2026. If this happens, it means that the firm will be forced to pause its dividend.

The other potential risk for the firm is Trump’s trade wars, which could disrupt demand in the coming months. 

ZIM Integrated stock analysis

ZIM chart by TradingView

The weekly chart shows that the ZIM share price has been in a strong bull run in the past few months. However, there is a risk that it could suffer a harsh reversal in the coming days or weeks.

It has formed a rising wedge pattern, which is one of the most popular bearish signs in the market. This breakout typically happens when the two lines are about to get to their confluence level.

The stock has also moved to the fifth phase of the Elliot Wave. Therefore, there is a risk that it could move to the correction wave, leading to a pull back. If this happens, the next point to watch will be at $20, which is about 23% below the current level. 

The post Here’s why the ZIM Integrated stock could slip 20% after earnings appeared first on Invezz

Shares of Samsung Electronics Co. surged by as much as 7.5% in Seoul trading on Monday after the company announced a surprising buyback plan valued at 10 trillion won ($7.2 billion) over the next year.

This rise built on the 7.2% gain observed on Friday ahead of the announcement.

Despite these recent gains, the shares are still down approximately 28% this year, a decline fuelled by concerns over Samsung’s competitive position in the AI-focused memory chip market, where it has struggled to keep up with key players.

Buyback plan to support stock and strengthen family control

Analysts view the substantial buyback as a strategic move likely to bolster the stock and provide immediate relief to investors, Bloomberg said.

“The sudden buyback comes as a positive surprise to us, and we believe Samsung’s management is proactively aiming to prevent further share price decline,” said JPMorgan Chase & Co. analyst Jay Kwon.

The buyback is also expected to have implications for Samsung’s founding Lee family, allowing them to tighten their grip on the company by reducing the number of shares held by external investors.

Sanghyun Park of Clepsydra Capital emphasized that this move could assist the Lee family in handling collateral requirements linked to their substantial inheritance tax obligations.

The family has been paying this tax in installments, using group company shares as collateral.

Some family members have also pledged stock for loans from financial institutions, which carries the risk of margin calls if the stock price dips below critical levels.

Immediate and long-term market effects

The first phase of the buyback plan, which will last until February 2025, involves purchasing and canceling shares worth about 3 trillion won.

Samsung’s board will deliberate on the most effective strategy for deploying the remaining 7 trillion won in the months that follow.

Park noted, “Local desks have been buzzing since last week about Samsung potentially pulling a short-term price pop to deal with the family’s collateral squeeze.

The stock’s probably gonna camp comfortably above the 53,000 won margin call danger zone for a while.”

Competing in the AI chip market and future strategies

The announcement comes at a time when Samsung’s chip division is facing fierce competition, particularly from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and others that have captured a leading position in AI chip production.

While Samsung has stated it has made “meaningful” progress in AI memory chips, analysts believe more significant changes may be necessary.

Citigroup Inc. analyst Peter Lee remarked, “We anticipate the possibility of a management reshuffle in late November, with potential for significant changes in chip operations. T

These moves, along with the buyback, should be well-received by the market.”

Part of a wider regulatory push

The buyback plan also aligns with broader efforts by South Korea’s government and market regulators to enhance the valuation of domestic stocks.

In prior years, Samsung engaged in major repurchase programs, including 9.3 trillion won in 2017 and 11.3 trillion won in 2015, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to shareholder value even amid challenging market conditions.

The post Samsung shares jump on buyback plan. Here’s what analysts have to say about it appeared first on Invezz

Lucid Group stock price tumbled to a record low last week as investors remained concerned about Donald Trump’s threat to end tax credits for electric vehicles. LCID shares plunged to a low of $1.93 on Friday, bringing the year-to-date losses to 52%. This crash makes it one of the worst-performing companies in Wall Street this year. 

Lucid Group cash burn is continuing

Lucid Group share price has been in a steep sell-off as the cash burn accelerated and its revenue growth slowed. 

Results released recently showed that Lucid’s revenue came in at $200 million in the second quarter, an increase from $137 million in the same period last year. Its nine-month revenue rose to $573 million.

At the same time, its quarterly loss rose to $990 million in the last quarter and to $2.4 billion in the first nine months of the year. The company made a net loss of $630 million and $2.17 billion in the same period. 

Lucid Group’s cash burn is expected to continue this year, with its net loss per share coming in at $1.16. 

On the positive side, Lucid Group’s deliveries are increasing, hitting a record high in the third quarter. The company is also making progress to reduce costs, especially now that it has started deliveries for its Gravity SUV. Earlier this year, it slashed 400 jobs or 6% of its workforce after raising $1 billion to boost its balance sheet.

Trump’s tax credit

The other positive factor is that the company has said that it will be immune if Donald Trump nixes the EV tax credit, one of the top reasons the stock has tumbled. 

In a statement, the CEO Peter Rawlinson, said that its vehicles are not eligible for the tax credit because they are more expensive, with the base sedan starting at $69,900. 

We believe that Trump will not nix the tax credit, which is supported by most automakers. Additionally, Trump has become a close associate with Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, a company that has benefited from these credits. 

The other potential catalyst for the Lucid stock is its Gravity SUV, which starts at $79,900, with the Gravity Grand Touring going for $94,900. These vehicles have over 440 miles of range, making them more ideal than competitors. 

Therefore, there is a likelihood that many wealthy environment-conscious customers will opt for the vehicles. 

Additionally, analysts believe that Lucid Group’s growth will accelerate. The average revenue estimate for the year is $768 million, a 29% increase from what it made last year. This revenue figure will be followed by $1.75 billion in 2023.

The challenge, however, is that Lucid will continue burning cash and diluting its shareholders. Over time, its outstanding shares have risen from 207 million in 2021 to 2.38 billion today. 

Read more: Despite Lucid’s stock plunge, here’s why I see a bright future for the company

Lucid Group stock price analysis

The daily chart shows that the LCID share price has been in a strong sell-off in the past few months. It dropped below the important support level at $2.81, its lowest level on August 5, and the neckline of the double-top pattern at $4.33. 

Lucid has also dropped below the key support at $2.30, its lowest point on April 23rd. It has also remained below the 50-day and 100-day moving averages. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the MACD indicators have all pointed downwards. 

Therefore, the path of the least resistance for the shares is downwards, with a potential for even hitting $1 in the near term. In the long term, however, Lucid Group share price will bounce back as it reduces its net loss and grows its profits. 

The post Lucid Group stock plunged to $2: Could LCID crash to $1? appeared first on Invezz

Indonesia’s middle class, once a symbol of the nation’s economic resilience, has suffered a severe contraction since 2019.

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, nearly 10 million people have slipped out of this income group, reducing their numbers from 57.3 million in 2019 to 47.8 million in 2023.

At the same time, the aspiring middle class, a demographic one step below, grew from 128.85 million to 137.5 million.

Together, these groups represent approximately two-thirds of Indonesia’s population of 277 million.

This shift reveals deep vulnerabilities in the country’s socio-economic fabric, exacerbated by the pandemic, structural economic challenges, and a lack of comprehensive social safety nets.

How Covid-19 exposed economic vulnerabilities

The Covid-19 pandemic had devastating effects on Indonesia’s middle class.

Prolonged lockdowns, event cancellations, and restrictions disrupted livelihoods, particularly for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The decline in disposable incomes saw many families falling below the middle-class threshold, defined as those spending between two million rupiahs ($127) and 9.9 million rupiahs ($638) monthly.

A significant issue was the limited access to government support for this group.

Social assistance mechanisms, such as cash transfers and energy subsidies, were plagued by inclusion errors, often bypassing middle-class households.

Those reliant on informal employment or small businesses faced additional hurdles, as most benefits were distributed through formal employment channels.

Structural economic weaknesses contribute to middle-class decline

Beyond the pandemic, broader economic challenges have further strained Indonesia’s middle class.

The country’s reliance on trade has left it vulnerable to global economic slowdowns.

Major trading partners like the US, China, and Japan have reported contractions, impacting demand for Indonesian exports.

Weakening commodity prices and reduced trade volumes have added pressure on incomes.

Deindustrialisation has reshaped Indonesia’s labour market.

Manufacturing, which historically absorbed a significant share of the workforce, has lost ground to the services sector.

Much of this sector remains informal, offering lower wages and minimal job security.

These changes have resulted in stagnant income growth and reduced upward mobility, making it harder for families to re-enter the middle class.

Government initiatives and promises for recovery

The inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto has raised hopes for economic recovery.

During his campaign, Prabowo pledged ambitious goals, including achieving GDP growth of 8% and eradicating poverty.

Initiatives such as a nationwide free school lunch programme aim to tackle childhood stunting and improve educational outcomes, which could have long-term benefits for economic mobility.

Critics argue that addressing structural issues, such as weak productivity and labour standards, is equally critical.

Indonesia lags behind competitors like Vietnam and Bangladesh in these areas, limiting its ability to attract higher-value industries.

Economists have emphasised the need for investment in research, development, and innovation to boost productivity and create sustainable opportunities for the middle class.

Challenges facing Indonesia’s economic recovery

While Indonesia’s economy has grown steadily at about 5% annually since the pandemic, this rate falls short of what is needed to rebuild the middle class.

Persistent inflation, rising interest rates, and a sluggish global economy have constrained domestic consumption.

Families that once belonged to the middle class now spend cautiously, focusing on essentials rather than discretionary items, slowing economic recovery.

The absence of robust social safety nets continues to be a major impediment.

Without targeted interventions, middle-class families risk falling into a cycle of poverty, further widening income disparities.

Economists recommend reforms to strengthen formal employment, improve social assistance programmes, and promote equitable access to opportunities.

A long road to rebuilding the middle class

The contraction of Indonesia’s middle class is a stark reminder of the fragility of economic progress.

The pandemic exposed gaps in the country’s social and economic systems, and addressing these requires sustained effort and policy reforms.

With targeted measures, including improved labour regulations, investments in productivity, and a focus on social mobility, there is hope for rebuilding the middle class.

However, progress will depend on the government’s ability to balance short-term relief with long-term structural changes.

The post Nearly 10 million Indonesians fall out of middle class since 2019 appeared first on Invezz

Millennials are reshaping the narrative around midlife crises as financial realities and evolving values redefine what this pivotal life stage looks like. Born between 1981 and 1996, millennials face unique challenges compared to previous generations.

A combination of stagnant wages, mounting student loan debt, rising living costs, and delayed life milestones like home ownership and family planning has left many feeling financially strained.

The concept of a midlife crisis, once associated with lavish spending on sports cars and exotic vacations, now takes on a different meaning for this generation.

A recent study by the Thriving Center of Psychology found that 81% of surveyed millennials feel they can’t afford to have a traditional midlife crisis.

The economic struggles that have defined their lives often limit their ability to indulge in costly pursuits during moments of existential questioning.

Financial constraints have not eliminated the emotional and psychological elements of a midlife crisis.

For millennials, these challenges manifest in different, often less extravagant ways, as they grapple with questions of purpose, fulfilment, and identity.

Millennials earn 20% less than baby boomers did at the same age

The economic landscape millennials have navigated is markedly different from that of their predecessors.

Millennials earn about 20% less than baby boomers did at the same stage of life, even as living costs have soared.

Rising housing prices and inflation have forced many to delay traditional milestones, such as purchasing homes or starting families.

These financial barriers have contributed to a sense of stagnation, leaving many millennials feeling unfulfilled and questioning the value of traditional career paths.

With the burden of student loan debt and a competitive job market, discretionary spending on items commonly associated with midlife crises—such as high-end cars, cosmetic surgery, or extended travel—is often out of reach.

Instead, millennials may find themselves engaging in less costly but equally impulsive behaviours, like wardrobe overhauls or spontaneous weekend trips, in an effort to reclaim a sense of control and youth.

Redefining the midlife crisis for a new generation

While older generations might view the midlife crisis as a time marked by conspicuous consumption, millennials are shifting the focus towards personal growth and emotional well-being.

For many, the essence of this life stage lies in the search for meaning and identity, rather than material symbols of success.

Instead of extravagant spending, millennials may seek fulfilment through smaller lifestyle changes or investments in their mental health.

Attending therapy, exploring new hobbies, or even making career shifts towards more meaningful work are all examples of how this generation navigates midlife challenges.

The digital age also plays a significant role in shaping the millennial experience of a midlife crisis.

Social media’s constant stream of aspirational content and “rage-baiting” headlines can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, leaving individuals questioning their achievements and place in the world.

The psychological toll of financial instability

The financial instability many millennials experience has profound psychological implications.

Anxiety, depression, and burnout are common among this generation, particularly as they face the weight of economic pressures alongside social expectations.

Unlike baby boomers, who often grappled with fears of ageing or personal dissatisfaction during midlife crises, millennials frequently contend with a “crisis of purpose.”

Many millennials were encouraged to strive for ambitious goals, only to find themselves wondering if those achievements brought genuine satisfaction.

For some, the reality of reaching professional milestones without the financial rewards to match has led to feelings of disillusionment.

A shift towards entrepreneurship and self-employment

Faced with traditional work structures that often fail to deliver fulfilment or financial security, many millennials are exploring entrepreneurship and self-employment as alternatives.

These paths offer the potential for greater freedom and the chance to align careers with personal values.

By pursuing non-traditional routes, millennials hope to escape the stagnation and lack of autonomy that often define midlife crises for their generation.

Millennials’ changing perspective on success and freedom

Ultimately, millennials are transforming what it means to experience a midlife crisis.

While their financial constraints may preclude them from traditional expressions of this life stage, their focus on emotional and psychological well-being reflects a broader cultural shift.

This generation is less inclined to equate material wealth with happiness and more likely to prioritise work-life balance, personal freedom, and meaningful relationships.

As millennials continue to redefine success on their own terms, the midlife crisis evolves alongside them.

This transformation challenges the traditional understanding of this life stage and underscores the unique struggles and aspirations of a generation navigating an uncertain economic and social landscape.

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