Equedia

Europe's Central Bank is kicking off its unprecedented one-trillion-euro blitz of bond-buying - in order to stimulate the bloc's economy and avoid deflation. With all other recovery options now exhausted, the currency union has finally resorted to stepping onto the thorny path of full-blown quantitative easing.

In a special report, RT America examines the origins, power and expansion of the terrorist group known as the Islamic State (IS, formerly known as ISIS). RT’s Ben Swann delves into the roots of the organization while Ameera David explains how the group amasses the millions of dollars it requires to operate. Finally, Manuel Rapalo explores how the Iraqi army fell apart despite benefiting from billions of dollars of US money – and military hardware – meant to ensure security.

New reports from The Intercept – the Glenn Greenwald-helmed website featuring stories based on leaks provided by ex-contractor Edward Snowden – show the CIA sponsored forums, efforts, and a ‘Jamboree’ in order to find ways to crack the security and encryption of Apple products, with most of the effort focused on mobile devices. RT’s Ben Swann talks to Lindsay France about the CIA’s concerted efforts to break through Apple’s security network.

The hacker network behind an unprecedented $1 billion attack on banks took control of financial systems by first sending out emails with malware Word files, RT found out from an expert at the Russian cybersecurity firm which revealed the crime.

India may soon announce a lowering of the import tax on gold that may boost demand in the nation. Bloomberg’s Alix Steel examines what the move could mean to global gold markets. She speaks on “In the Loop.”

John Sfakianakis, director at Ashmore Group GCC, discusses how cheaper oil prices are impacting Saudi Arabia, OPEC’s refusal to cut production and the nation’s global standing as an oil producer. He speaks on “Bloomberg Surveillance.”