Brightstar Resources (BTR:AU) has announced Strategic Acquisition of Aurumin Consolidates Sandstone
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China is solidifying its position as the primary engine for global platinum demand
Record participation in Shanghai Platinum Week underscores the country’s expanding influence in a market facing a deepening supply deficit. The event, which attracted over 590 delegates from 30 countries, took place at a critical moment — just as the platinum market is tightening and a supply shortfall is deepening through 2029.
The World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) notes that China now accounts for 64 percent of global demand for platinum bars and coins — up from 11 percent in 2019 — driven largely by investors seeking alternatives to gold.
“Platinum demand in China is continuing to expand, as the growth in physical platinum investment we are currently witnessing demonstrates,” said WPIC CEO Trevor Raymond, who also warned of persistent market tightness to 2029.
Also during the event, Valterra Platinum (JSE:VAL) CEO Craig Miller delivered his first public address in Asia since the company’s high-profile demerger from Anglo American (LSE:AAL,OTCQX:AAUKF) in May.
Miller confirmed Shanghai as one of Valterra’s three new international marketing hubs, emphasizing the company’s intent to shape demand within China’s growing platinum-group metals (PGMs) ecosystem.
“Attending Shanghai Platinum Week has highlighted its value for connecting with the PGM market in China,” he said. “Shaping demand for PGMs through market development remains an integral part of our strategy.”
Although new tariffs are expected to dent platinum demand by an estimated 112,000 ounces in 2025, that 1.4 percent decline is being far outweighed by a boom in investment and jewelry consumption.
The Chinese jewelry sector, too, is undergoing a transformation. Wholesalers are commissioning stock that mimics popular gold designs, making platinum jewelry more accessible and appealing to retailers and consumers alike.
If this trend continues, the WPIC forecasts a sharp rise in jewelry-related platinum usage from 2026 onward.
Platinum market fundamentals also remain tight, with supply expected to lag behind growing demand through at least 2029. Several Chinese refiners have recently secured “good delivery” accreditation from the London Platinum and Palladium Market, bolstering investor confidence and strengthening the local trading ecosystem.
Beyond investment and jewelry, regulatory and industrial shifts are setting the stage for long-term structural demand. China’s upcoming China VII/7 vehicle emissions standards, due to take effect in 2026, are expected to significantly increase PGMs loadings per vehicle due to more stringent cold start and real-world emissions testing.
Meanwhile, a global phaseout of mercury-based catalysts in polyvinyl chloride manufacturing is likely to drive adoption of platinum-based alternatives by 2030. In the hydrogen economy — a sector widely seen as platinum’s next frontier — the outlook remains bullish. Installed global electrolysis capacity is forecast to reach 100 gigawatts by 2030, with platinum-intensive proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology expected to dominate nearly half the market.
“This year we were delighted to welcome more overseas interest than ever before,” said Raymond. “Platinum investment is a natural mechanism for attracting metal into any geography, providing a pool of liquidity to supply future demand — particularly vital for countries like China, which rely on imports and recycling for supply.”
The week also celebrated Shanghai Platinum Week’s fifth anniversary with the unveiling of a commemorative 999.5 platinum medal designed by master engraver Luo Yonghui, limited to just 200 pieces.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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The US government has imposed a 93.5 percent anti-dumping tariff on battery-grade graphite imports from China, targeting what officials have described as unfairly low-priced shipments.
They claim domestic producers have been undercut, and have cited concerns over critical minerals dependence.
The US Department of Commerce announced the duty on Thursday (July 17) after an investigation prompted by from US manufacturers, who argued that Chinese producers were flooding the market with underpriced graphite.
The new duty, when combined with existing countervailing tariffs, raises the total effective rate to around 160 percent, according to the American Active Anode Material Producers (AAAMP), the coalition that filed the complaint.
The move affects roughly US$347 million worth of Chinese graphite imports, according to commerce department estimates, and comes as US policymakers scramble to secure critical mineral supply chains.
“Commerce’s determination proves that China is selling [active anode material] at less than fair value into the domestic market,” Erik Olson, a spokesperson for AAAMP, said in a Thursday press release.
The department said final rulings on both anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations will be announced by December 5.
A separate ruling in May placed a 6.55 percent preliminary countervailing duty on most Chinese producers, but singled out Huzhou Kaijin New Energy Technology and Shanghai Shaosheng for exceptionally high rates — 712.03 percent and 721.03 percent, respectively.
Graphite’s importance draws new scrutiny
While graphite rarely draws headlines like lithium or cobalt, it comprises up to 50 kilograms of every electric vehicle (EV) battery, forming the anode — a component as essential as the more widely discussed cathode.
China accounts for roughly 95 percent of global anode production, according to data from SNE Research.
Imports from China represented two-thirds of the 180,000 metric tons (MT) of graphite products shipped to the US in 2023, BloombergNEF data shows. Industry analysts say the new duties could significantly reshape market economics — especially for foreign battery suppliers that serve US automakers.
Supporters of the decision, including domestic producers and some lawmakers, argue the tariffs are a long-overdue corrective measure to level the playing field and stimulate US production.
“The decision today underscores the strategic importance of building a domestic supply chain for critical minerals, including synthetic graphite, in North America,” said Michael O’Kronley. “It affirms our business strategy as well as the diversification strategy of our customers to source critical battery materials and components locally.’
O’Kronley is CEO of Novonix (ASX:NVX,NASDAQ:NVNXF), which is building one of the largest synthetic graphite facilities in North America with support from a US$750 million US Department of Energy loan.
Westwater Resources (NYSEAMERICAN:WWR), which is constructing a graphite plant in Alabama, said the ruling provides the policy clarity and market signals needed to accelerate domestic graphite production.
“These two rulings by the DOC are distinct from legislative-driven global trade tariffs,” said Chief Commercial Officer Jon Jacobs in a statement of support. “They reflect long-term support for US-based graphite production.”
The company expects to produce 12,500 MT of graphite in 2026 and ramp up to 50,000 MT annually by 2028.
Despite efforts to boost local production, US automakers and battery makers warn that domestic graphite supply remains years away from meeting commercial demand — either in scale or purity.
In filings with the commerce department, Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) cautioned that US producers have yet to demonstrate the technical ability to deliver the quality needed for EV batteries. Panasonic (OTC Pink:PCRFF,TSE:6752) echoed similar concerns, and both companies opposed the tariff earlier this year.
This leaves companies with a difficult choice: pay sharply higher prices for Chinese imports or risk shortages from an unproven local market.
Trade frictions add to supply chain strain
The timing complicates matters further. Just days before the US tariff announcement, China finalized new export controls on key battery technologies, including those used in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells — an area where China leads globally. The combination of trade restrictions on both sides is stoking fears of a wider resource standoff.
For US automakers, the downstream pressure is immediate. The tariff could wipe out up to 20 percent of the value of production tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, while added import costs may ripple through the supply chain.
Higher battery costs could also push EV sticker prices further upward, straining affordability and slowing adoption.
But experts caution that breaking China’s dominance in graphite will not be quick or easy. According to the International Energy Agency, developing alternative supply chains for battery materials could take years, if not decades — especially given the high purity and consistency required in EV-grade materials.
Still, supporters argue the short-term pain is worth the strategic payoff. “It’s a very strong signal that they are intent on fostering an ex-China supply chain,” Ben Lyons of Jarden told the Financial Times.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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American Rare Earths Limited (ARR:AU) has announced Resignation of Managing Director/CEO
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Scout Drilling Discovered the Extension of the High-grade Merten Vein Creating an Opportunity to Expand the Dpb Resource up to 1,200 Metres to the East
SCOUT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
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Assay results from the Company’s reverse circulation Scout Drill Program (see March 31, 2025 news) returned significant gold & silver values in 7 drillholes that successfully expanded the footprint of mineralization up to 1,200 metres from the east of the existing DPB resource toward the historic Ohio mine;
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These intercepts cover a new zone of silver and gold interpreted to be the outer ring structure of the Fraction caldera, and are not included in the 2024 resource;
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A fully funded 15 drillhole program totalling up to 5,000 metres is underway; and
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Results from this program will be incorporated into an updated Mineral Resource Estimate in Q1, 2026.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – July 21, 2025) – Blackrock Silver Corp. (TSXV: BRC,OTC:BKRRF) (OTCQX: BKRRF) (FSE: AHZ0) (‘Blackrock‘ or the ‘Company‘) announces commencement of a fully-funded expansion drill program (‘Expansion Program’) to follow up on the successful Scout Drilling campaign that expanded the DPB South zone 1,200 metres in an easterly direction on its 100% owned Tonopah West project located in Nye and Esmeralda Counties, Nevada, United States.
The Expansion Program will utilize one Reverse Circulation (RC) drill overseen by Legacy Drilling and two core drill rigs operated by Alloy Drilling to complete 2,450 metres (8,000 ft) of RC precollars and 2,550 metres (8,400 ft) of core tails across 15 drillholes targeting the Eastern Expansion zone between the DPB resource area and the eastern extent of the project. Drilling is anticipated to be completed in October with assay results expected through year end.
Andrew Pollard, Blackrock’s President and CEO, stated, ‘With drills now turning on this fully financed program, we’re stepping out across a 1.2-kilometre corridor with strong potential to significantly expand our mineral inventory at Tonopah West. Scout drilling confirmed the eastern extension of the high-grade Merten vein well beyond the current resource boundary, returning standout grades including 2,063 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent (AgEq) (1,198 g/t silver (Ag) and 9.6 g/t gold (Au)) over 1.52 metres, and 952 g/t AgEq (10 g/t Ag and 10.5 g/t Au) over 4.57 metres. This newly defined zone, situated along the outer ring structure of the Fraction caldera, lies entirely outside our 2024 resource and presents an opportunity to quickly and meaningfully grow the scale of the project. Results from this program are expected to underpin a resource update in Q1 2026. The Company remains on track to deliver a separate resource update in Q3 2025 that will incorporate all results from the recently completed M&I conversion program.’
As announced on March 31, 2025, the Company discovered the 1,200 metre eastern extension zone representing the continuation of the outer-ring structure or Fraction caldera margin from DPB South to the historic Ohio mine. The Scout Drilling showed the Merten vein extends eastward and is arched and dips southward. This orientation suggests multiple ring structures associated with the Fraction caldera running across Tonopah West. An inner structure hosting the Victor and DPB North (Denver and Paymaster) resources, and an outer, more southern, ring structure hosting DPB South (Merten and Bermuda) and the NW Stepout resources (See Figure 1). The arching geometry of the Merten vein is similar to that described from the historic Ohio vein which was 15 metres thick when mined in the early 1900s1. Given the geometry and location, the Merten is potentially the extension of the Ohio vein. Table 1 summarizes the Scout Drilling assay results above 150 g/t AgEq.
Table 1: Scout Drilling Program results above 150 g/t AgEq
| Drillhole ID | Hole Type |
Area | From (m) |
To (m) |
Drill Interval (m) |
Ag g/t | Au g/t | AgEq g/t |
| TW25-125 | RC | DPB East | 220.98 | 222.50 | 1.52 | 76.41 | 2.010 | 257.3 |
| TW25-127 | RC | DPB East | 390.15 | 391.67 | 1.52 | 8.00 | 1.750 | 165.5 |
| TW25-130 | RC | DPB East | 188.98 | 190.50 | 1.52 | 290.00 | 3.300 | 587.0 |
| TW25-132 | RC | DPB East | 245.36 | 246.89 | 1.52 | 78.58 | 1.180 | 184.8 |
| TW25-133 | RC | DPB East | 280.42 | 283.47 | 3.05 | 129.08 | 1.575 | 270.8 |
| TW25-133 | RC | DPB East | 309.37 | 313.95 | 4.57 | 10.65 | 10.456 | 951.8 |
| Including | 309.37 | 310.90 | 1.52 | 15.73 | 21.467 | 1,948.0 | ||
| TW25-128 | RC | Ohio | 292.61 | 294.13 | 1.52 | 1,198.00 | 9.610 | 2,063.0 |
| TW25-128 | RC | Ohio | 297.18 | 298.71 | 1.52 | 219.00 | 1.720 | 373.8 |
| TW25-131 | RC | Ohio | 269.75 | 271.27 | 1.52 | 89.10 | 2.630 | 325.8 |
| AgEq gpt=(Au gpt*90)+Ag gpt; True thickness unknown at this time; Cut-off grade is 150 gpt AgEq; RC = Reverse Circulation Drilling |
||||||||
TW25-133 returned significant silver and gold with values starting at 309-metres grading 10.46 g/t gold and 10.6 g/t silver over 4.57 metres (952 g/t AgEq), and show mineralization extends along the Merten vein for 540 meters to the east-southeast of the main DPB South resource. With the inclusion of TW25-128 which returned 9.6 g/t gold and 1198 g/t silver over 1.5-metres (2,063 g/t AgEq), the zone could be up to 1,200-metres in length.
The mineralized zone traced by these assay results is new and not included in the 2024 resource. These results could have a substantive impact on the future resource estimate.
Figure 1: Tonopah West expansion potential
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Figure 2: Drillhole location map with cross section line at location 478540E
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Figure 3: Geologic cross section along 478540E
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Quality Assurance/ Quality Control
All sampling is conducted under the supervision of the Company’s project geologists, and a strict chain of custody from the project to the sample preparation facility is implemented and monitored. The RC samples are hauled from the project site to a secure and fenced facility in Tonopah, Nevada, where they are loaded on to American Assay Laboratory’s (AAL) flat-bed truck and delivered to AAL’s facility in Sparks, Nevada. A sample submittal sheet is delivered to AAL personnel who organize and process the sample intervals pursuant to the Company’s instructions.
The RC samples are lined out at the lab and logged into AAL’s system. The samples are dried, crushed to 85% passing 10 mesh (2mm) and a 250-gram sub-sample split is collected and pulverized to 200 mesh (74 micron) in a ring and puck pulverizer. Then the pulverized material is digested and analyzed for gold using fire assay fusion and an Induced Coupled Plasma (ICP) finish on a 30-gram assay split (FA-PB30-ICP). Silver is determined using five-acid digestion and ICP analysis (ICP-5AM48). Over limits for gold and silver are determined using a gravimetric finish (GRAVAU30 and GRAVAG30). Data verification of the assay and analytical results are completed to ensure accurate and verifiable results. Blackrock personnel insert a blind prep blank, lab blank or a certified reference material approximately every 15th to 20th sample.
Qualified Persons
Blackrock’s exploration activities at Tonopah West are conducted and supervised by Mr. William Howald, Executive Chairman of Blackrock. Mr. William Howald, AIPG Certified Professional Geologist #11041, is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. He has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.
About Blackrock Silver Corp.
Backed by gold and silver ounces in the ground, Blackrock is a junior precious metal focused exploration and development company driven to add shareholder value. Anchored by a seasoned Board of Directors, the Company is focused on its 100% controlled Nevada portfolio of properties consisting of low-sulphidation, epithermal gold and silver mineralization located along the established Northern Nevada Rift in north-central Nevada and the Walker Lane trend in western Nevada.
Additional information on Blackrock Silver Corp. can be found on its website at www.blackrocksilver.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information
This news release contains ‘forward-looking statements’ and ‘forward-looking information’ (collectively, ‘forward-looking statements‘) within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things: the Company’s strategic plans; the timing of and successful completion of the Company’s Expansion Program at Tonopah West and the anticipated objectives and results therefrom; timing and estimates of mineral resource quantities and qualities; timing of updated resource estimates; estimates of mineralization from drilling; geological information projected from sampling results; and the potential quantities and grades of the target zones.
These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, among other things: conditions in general economic and financial markets; accuracy of assay results; geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services; future operating costs; the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones; the availability of skilled labour and no labour related disruptions at any of the Company’s operations; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled activities; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for operations are received in a timely manner; the ability to secure and maintain title and ownership to properties and the surface rights necessary for operations; and the Company’s ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.
The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; the interpretation and uncertainties of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project costs overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; availability of funds; failure to delineate potential quantities and grades of the target zones based on historical data; general market and industry conditions; and those factors identified under the caption ‘Risks Factors’ in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form.
Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For Further Information, Contact:
Andrew Pollard
President and Chief Executive Officer
(604) 817-6044
info@blackrocksilver.com
1 All historic production information from Nevada Bureau of Mines & Geology, Bulletin 51
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/259346
News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia
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Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Friday (July 18) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.
Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ethereum and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.
Bitcoin and Ethereum price update
Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$117,488, down by 1.3 percent in the last 24 hours. The day’s range for the cryptocurrency brought a low of US$117.409 and a high of US$119,529.
Bitcoin price performance, July 18, 2025.
Chart via TradingView.
After hitting new highs this week, supported by optimism around US crypto legislation and continued institutional inflows, Bitcoin is consolidating. The crypto market is currently seeing a capital rotation from Bitcoin to altcoins, with Ethereum’s token, ETH, exhibiting an exceptionally strong run.
Ethereum (ETH) was priced at US$3,555.99, up by 3.9 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Friday was US$3,541.70, and its highest was US$3,657.81.
Altcoin price update
- Solana (SOL) was priced at US$117.28, up by 1.6 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Friday was US$176.32, and its highest was US$181.52.
- XRP was trading for US$3.44, up 3.1 percent in the past 24 hours. The cryptocurrency’s lowest valuation was US$3.36, and its highest was US$3.52.
- Sui (SUI) is trading at US$3.80, down by four percent over the past 24 hours and its lowest valuation of the day. Its highest was US$4.01.
- Cardano (ADA) was trading at US$0.8176, up by 1.9 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest violation was US$0.8152 while its highest was US$0.8591.
Today’s crypto news to know
GENIUS Act becomes law
US President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law on Friday, establishing the first federal regulatory framework for stablecoins in the US. This marks a significant development for digital assets.
The act will take effect 18 months after the date of enactment, or 120 days after the primary federal payment stablecoin regulators issue any final implementing regulations.
In a statement, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins congratulated the House on the accomplishment, which was preceded by a tumultuous period on Tuesday (July 15) that saw a procedural vote fail.
This was followed by a successful bipartisan vote on Wednesday (July 16) to advance the bill, culminating in its overwhelming passage on Thursday (July 17). Atkins added that he will look forward to watching the market leverage the regulatory framework provided by the GENIUS Act” over the coming months and years.
Stablecoins are used to facilitate trading, payments, and transfers within the crypto ecosystem without the volatility of traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent recently suggested that the law could help grow the stablecoin market to US$3.7 trillion by 2030.
Two other bills also passed the House during the so-called “Crypto Week”: one defining which crypto assets are securities or commodities, and another barring the Federal Reserve from launching a US central bank digital currency.
These bills will now proceed to the Senate, but the Genius Act’s passage alone is already being hailed as a defining moment in the evolution of US crypto regulation.
Crypto market soars past US$4 trillion
The global market capitalization of the crypto sector has topped US$4 trillion for the first time, spurred by optimism following the US House’s passage of federal stablecoin legislation.
Investors are piling into altcoins and crypto-related equities as momentum builds behind Crypto Week in Washington. Ether led the charge with a 22 percent jump over five days, while Bitcoin soared to an all-time high of US$123,205 and continues to make up over half of the market’s total value.
The gains reflect confidence that a regulatory framework is finally taking shape in the world’s largest economy.
Analysts predict that the stablecoin sector alone could balloon to US$3.7 trillion by 2030, especially with state and federal guardrails in place. Exchange-traded fund inflows have been particularly strong this month, with US-listed Bitcoin and Ether funds attracting a combined US$8.4 billion in July.
SharpLink to raise US$6 billion for ETH acquisition
Following a 16,370 ETH acquisition on Sunday (July 13), a prospectus supplement filed with the SEC by online performance marketing company SharpLink on Thursday revealed the company increased the amount of common stock it can sell by an extra US$5 billion. Added to the US$1 billion in its initial May 30 filing, this brings the total offering to US$6 billion. SharpLink said it would use the funds to acquire more ETH.
Executive order will reportedly allow crypto in 401(k)s
Trump is reportedly expected to sign an executive order allowing American 401(k) retirement plans to include alternative assets like cryptocurrencies, as well as gold and private equity.
This development was reported by the Financial Times on Thursday, citing three individuals briefed on the plans, who added that the order would direct regulatory agencies to investigate the remaining hurdles preventing alternative investments in professionally managed funds.
In response, SEC Chair Paul Atkins expressed openness to the inclusion of cryptocurrencies in 401(k) retirement plans during an appearance on Bloomberg Talks, but emphasized the critical need for investor education.
Atkins has also indicated that the SEC is considering an innovation exemption within its regulatory framework. This exemption would aim to facilitate new trading methods and offer targeted relief to foster the growth of a tokenized securities ecosystem.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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Investors honed in on tech stocks again as Q2 earnings season kicked off on Monday (July 14).
Some experts believe the rallying market is showing signs of frothiness.
Apollo Global Management (NYSE:APO) Chief Economist Torsten Sløk highlighted concerns about overvaluation mid-week, comparing the current tech craze to the dotcom bubble of the 1990s.
“The difference between the IT bubble in the 1990s and the AI bubble today is that the top 10 companies in the S&P 500 today are more overvalued than they were in the 1990s,” he wrote in a note on Wednesday (July 16).
Similar thoughts were expressed by Moor Insights & Strategy founder Patrick Moorhead last week.
However, Sanctuary Wealth’s chief investment strategist, Mary Ann Bartels, told CNBC’s Power Lunch team that valuations are justified by the technology that’s being unleashed. Major financial firms like Citigroup (NYSE:C), Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) and Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) also said they are increasingly exploring digital asset offerings, signaling traditional finance’s growing involvement in crypto and the broader adoption of innovative technologies.
These announcements came alongside positive earnings reports and mixed inflation data that helped lift markets to renewed highs, culminating in global manufacturer 3M (NYSE:MMM) raising its full-year profit forecast on Friday.
The company is projecting a smaller tariff-related hit to its 2025 earnings.
1. TSCM, ASML release latest quarterly results
This week saw semiconductor giants Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:TSM) and ASML Holding (NASDAQ:ASML) report their latest quarterly earnings.
The companies received vastly different reactions from the market. Contract chipmaker TSMC saw its valuation soar on Thursday (July 17) morning after it posted record profits that exceeded expectations and raised its full-year revenue forecast by 30 percent due to demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chips.
While the chipmaker addressed minor concerns about US tariffs and inventory, AI-driven growth dominated investor sentiment. Shares of TSMC opened 4.51 percent higher from Wednesday’s (July 16) closing price.
Positive sentiment spilled over into other chip stocks, with NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) and Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) also seeing gains. TSMC maintained its position to close up 5.87 percent for the week.
TSMC and ASML performance, July 15 to 18, 2025.
Chart via Google Finance.
Conversely, ASML, a lithography systems monopolist, saw its share price plunge more than 8 percent ahead of Wednesday’s open, despite solid Q2 numbers, due to a cautious outlook for late 2025 and 2026.
In a statement, the company said it cannot confirm growth in 2026 due to current macroeconomic and geopolitical developments. ASML closed the week 7.39 percent below its Monday opening price.
The divergence highlights their supply chain positions: TSMC directly benefits from the immediate AI boom, while the prospects for ASML, a step removed, remain uncertain.
2. US announces major investments in Pennsylvania
US President Donald Trump joined Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick (R) at the inaugural Energy and Innovation Summit at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh on Tuesday (July 15).
He announced an investment amounting to over US$90 billion in AI and energy infrastructure in the state.
The announcement from Trump covers several multibillion-dollar spending plans from the likes of Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Blackstone (NYSE:BX), Anthropic, GE Verona (NYSE:GEV) and others for power generation and grid modernization. It also includes natural gas production to help power data centers.
Additionally, the preview mentions AI training programs and apprenticeships for businesses.
“These commitments will create tens of thousands of construction jobs and thousands of permanent jobs, signaling Pennsylvania’s readiness to power the AI and energy revolution, further strengthening America’s resilience and independence,” McCormick’s office wrote in a press release.
Separately, Google and Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM) announced on Tuesday that they have entered into a framework agreement to provide up to 3,000 MW megawatts of domestically produced hydropower from Brookfield’s Holtwood and Safe Harbor hydroelectric facilities in Pennsylvania. The agreement allows for future expansion, with an initial focus on the mid-Atlantic and mid-continent electricity markets.
3. NVIDIA resumes chip sales to China
On Monday, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang said his company will resume H20 GPUs sales to China after productive meetings with government officials from the US and Beijing earlier this month.
In a press release, the company said it has been assured by the US government that licenses will be granted.
NVIDIA performance, July 15 to 18, 2025.
Chart via Google Finance.
Shares of the chipmaker opened 4.27 percent higher on Tuesday and closed the week up 4.25 percent.
4. Apple to invest in US rare earths miner
On Tuesday, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) said it will invest US$500 million in rare earths miner MP Materials (NYSE:MP) as part of an effort to strengthen the American rare earths supply chain.
MP is the only fully integrated rare earths miner operating in the US. Last week, the US Department of Defense said it would buy a direct equity stake in the company, becoming its largest shareholder.
The company’s Apple collaboration also includes plans to build out MP’s neodymium magnet manufacturing lines at its Texas factory specifically for Apple products. This expansion is slated to boost production and create jobs in advanced manufacturing and research and development, helping to meet global demand.
Apple and MP will also collaborate to establish a rare earths recycling line in Mountain Pass, California, and will develop new magnet materials and processing technologies to improve magnet performance.
“American innovation drives everything we do at Apple, and we’re proud to deepen our investment in the U.S. economy,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.
5. OpenAI and AWS launch new AI agent features
Open AI has launched a powerful new Agent mode in ChatGPT for pro, plus and team users.
It can autonomously complete tasks across the web, and also includes productivity tools.
The new feature enables AI agents that can help automate workflow by creating and editing spreadsheets and presentations, generating reports, analyzing data and managing calendars on users’ desktops; agents can also browse websites and fill out forms with user approval. The company has plans to add e-commerce checkouts.
Aside from that, the Financial Times reported this week that OpenAI plans to take a cut of online shopping purchases made within its chatbot as a way to generate revenue from people using AI for shopping inspiration.
Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) also made major announcements around AI agents this week. At its Amazon Web Services (AWS) Summit in New York, the company launched Bedrock AgentCore, a suite of enterprise-grade services that will allow developers to build, deploy and run scalable agents. AWS also introduced AI Agents & Tools, a new category on AWS Marketplace. It features pre-built agents from partners like Anthropic, IBM (NYSE:IBM) and Stripe.
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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Rob McEwen, chairman and chief owner of McEwen Inc. (TSX:MUX,NYSE:MUX), outlines his gold price outlook as well as future plans for his company.
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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Jeff Clark, founder of the Gold Advisor, shares his outlook for gold and silver.
However, he emphasizes that he’s less concerned about prices and more interested in making sure his portfolio is prepared to weather global uncertainty.
That means having exposure to physical metal, as well as stocks.
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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Stallion Uranium Corp. (the ‘ Company ‘ or ‘ Stallion ‘ ) ( TSX-V: STUD ; OTCQB: STLNF ; FSE: FE0 ) is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated May 22, 2025, the Company has settled its outstanding debt with Atha Energy Corp. (‘Atha’) on July 16, 2025 and issued 802,809 common shares of the Company to Atha at a deemed price of $0.135 per share.
About Stallion Uranium Corp.
Stallion Uranium is working to ‘Fuel the Future with Uranium’ through the exploration of roughly 2,700 sq/km in the Athabasca Basin, home to the largest high-grade uranium deposits in the world. The company, with JV partner Atha Energy holds the largest contiguous project in the Western Athabasca Basin adjacent to multiple high-grade discovery zones and deposits.
Our leadership and advisory teams are comprised of uranium and precious metals exploration experts with the capital markets experience and the technical talent for acquiring and exploring early-stage properties. For more information visit stallionuranium.com .
On Behalf of the Board of Stallion Uranium Corp.
Matthew Schwab
CEO and Director
Corporate Office:
700 – 838 West Hastings Street,
Vancouver, British Columbia,
V6C 0A6
T: 604-551-2360
info@stallionuranium.com
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, ‘forward-looking statements’) that relate to the Company’s current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as ‘will likely result’, ‘are expected to’, ‘expects’, ‘will continue’, ‘is anticipated’, ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, ‘estimated’, ‘intends’, ‘plans’, ‘forecast’, ‘projection’, ‘strategy’, ‘objective’ and ‘outlook’) are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this material change report should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date they are made.
Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement .
News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia
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