In this InvestorNews interview with host Tracy Weslosky, John Carter, CEO and Director of Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI | OTCQB: SBMCF), delves into the unique origin story of the company and its innovative approach to mining and silver production. Carter recounted a story linking their McMorris Mine to the legendary Lone Ranger series, shedding light on the mine’s history. He explained that the author of the Lone Ranger book “actually came out to the McMorris Mine and bought silver directly from the mine, which they used to make silver bullets for promoting the Lone Ranger series.” This historical tidbit not only underscores the mine’s storied past but also serves as a testament to its long-standing significance in silver production.

Further into the discussion, Carter highlighted SBMI’s unconventional strategy towards mining and financial sustainability. With over 40 years of experience, Carter has witnessed the cyclic challenges of the sector, including the need for continuous capital raising and its dilutive effects on shareholders. SBMI’s strategy circumvents these issues by reactivating past-producing mines and utilizing existing resources to fund further exploration and development, rather than relying solely on external financing. This model is currently being applied in Arizona and Idaho, with the company already “producing silver” in Arizona and planning to use the generated revenues to bolster exploration efforts.

Furthermore, the recent strategic business alliance with Countryman Investments and the appointment of Dave Richardson to SBMI’s Advisory Board signal a significant strengthening of the company’s financial and operational capabilities.

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About Silver Bullet Mines Corp.

Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (SBMI) is making headway in the gold and silver production industry. SBMI recently revealed a third potential revenue stream through a partnership to process around 900 pounds of high-grade gold concentrate at its Globe, Arizona facility, benefiting from its advanced gravity circuit. Besides this, SBMI’s primary operations focus on silver extraction from the Buckeye Silver Mine and silver/gold production at its Washington Mine in Idaho, to be processed at its fully operational mill. The company recently reported promising high-grade silver findings from the Treasure Room and is working on a financing strategy for its operations. An ambitious goal is to stabilize the Treasure Room for deeper exploration. Another highlight was the successful interception of a mineral-rich zone at the Buckeye Mine, known as “Zone1,” believed to contain higher-grade silver. The company plans to continue mining this vein and refine the material at its Globe mill. Recent developments position SBMI as a leading player in silver mining, suggesting a bright future for the company and its investors.

To learn more about Silver Bullet Mines Corp., click here

Disclaimer: Silver Bullet Mines Corp. is an advertorial member of InvestorNews Inc.

This interview, which was produced by InvestorNews Inc. (“InvestorNews”), does not contain, nor does it purport to contain, a summary of all material information concerning the Company, including important disclosure and risk factors associated with the Company, its business and an investment in its securities. InvestorNews offers no representations or warranties that any of the information contained in this interview is accurate or complete.

This interview and any transcriptions or reproductions thereof (collectively, this “presentation”) does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to subscribe for or purchase any securities in the Company. The information in this presentation is provided for informational purposes only and may be subject to updating, completion or revision, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any information herein. This presentation may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and assumptions of the management of the Company as of the date made. They are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and other factors that could cause actual events/results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those that the Company does not know about now or that it currently deems immaterial, may also adversely affect the Company’s business or any investment therein.

Any projections given are principally intended for use as objectives and are not intended, and should not be taken, as assurances that the projected results will be obtained by the Company. The assumptions used may not prove to be accurate and a potential decline in the Company’s financial condition or results of operations may negatively impact the value of its securities. This presentation should not be considered as the giving of investment advice by the Company or any of its directors, officers, agents, employees or advisors. Each person to whom this presentation is made available must make its own independent assessment of the Company after making such investigations and taking such advice as may be deemed necessary. Prospective investors are urged to review the Company’s profile on SedarPlus.ca and to carry out independent investigations in order to determine their interest in investing in the Company.

The recent surge in silver prices has sparked renewed interest in the precious metal as an investment avenue, particularly amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. Despite its traditional correlation with gold, silver has demonstrated an independent trajectory in recent months, outperforming its counterpart and attracting attention from investors seeking diversification and hedging opportunities.

Christopher Ecclestone, an analyst at Hallgarten & Company, sheds light on the dynamics shaping the silver market in a short note he released earlier this morning on Aya Gold & Silver Inc. (TSX: AYA | OTCQX: AYASF). He notes the intriguing divergence between gold and silver prices, emphasizing the impact of global events such as inflationary pressures and geopolitical conflicts on precious metal markets. Ecclestone’s insights underscore the complexity of factors influencing silver’s price movements and its potential as an investment asset.

One notable aspect of silver’s recent performance is its resilience amid challenging economic conditions. While gold has historically been viewed as the ultimate safe haven asset, silver’s versatility and industrial applications have contributed to its appeal as an alternative investment. Ecclestone highlights the role of industrial demand in driving silver prices, suggesting that silver’s utility extends beyond its function as a store of value.

Moreover, the Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) Co-Chair Jack Lifton always tells us that silver is the #1 technology metal, he often references a notable supply-demand imbalance in the silver market. The forecasted increase in global silver supply, coupled with strong demand projections, suggests a potentially favorable environment for silver investors. Ecclestone’s observations underscore the significance of supply dynamics in shaping silver’s price trajectory and investment outlook. And we are counting down to having John Carter from Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI | OTCQB: SBMCF) at 9 AM EST, tomorrow – Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from 9-920 AM (click here to join).

In preparation – we have done our research on the Top 5 silver producers listed on the Canadian markets. Here are the top 5 silver companies listed on the TSX by market capitalization:

#1: Pan American Silver Corp. (TSX: PAAS | NYSE: PAAS)
Market Cap: C$ 9.357 billion
Latest News Release: April 8, 2024 – Pan American Silver reports additional high-grade drill results from the La Colorada Skarn project [Read more]
About: Pan American is a leading producer of silver and gold in the Americas, with operations in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. They have a strong reputation for sustainability, operational excellence, and financial management. Headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., their shares trade on the NYSE and TSX under “PAAS.”

#2: First Majestic Silver Corp. (TSX: FR | NYSE: AG)
Market Cap: C$ 3.167 billion
Latest News Release: April 1, 2024 – First Majestic Announces 2023 Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimates [Read more]
About: First Majestic is a publicly traded mining company focused on silver and gold production in Mexico and the United States. They own and operate several mines, including San Dimas, Santa Elena, and La Encantada, along with development and exploration assets.

#3: Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (TSX: FVI | NYSE: FSM)
Market Cap: C$ 1.993 billion
Latest News Release: April 8, 2024 – Fortuna reports strong gold equivalent production of 112,543 ounces in the first quarter of 2024 [Read more]
About: Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. is a Canadian precious metals mining company with five operating mines in Argentina, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mexico, and Peru. They emphasize sustainability, efficient production, environmental protection, and social responsibility.

#4: MAG Silver Corp. (TSX: MAG | NYSE American: MAG)
Market Cap: C$ 1.751 billion
Latest News Release: March 27, 2024 – MAG Silver Announces Robust Updated Technical Report for Juanicipio [Read more]
About: MAG Silver Corp. is a Canadian exploration company focused on advancing high-grade precious metals projects in the Americas. Their joint venture interest in the Juanicipio Mine in Mexico positions them as a top-tier primary silver mining company.

#5: SilverCrest Metals Inc. (TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV)
Market Cap: C$ 1.497 billion
Latest News Release: March 11, 2024 – SilverCrest Reports Fourth Quarter and 2023 Annual Financial Results [Read more]
About: SilverCrest is a Canadian precious metals producer headquartered in Vancouver, BC. Their principal focus is the Las Chispas Operation in Sonora, Mexico, with ongoing initiatives to expand their asset base and operate multiple silver-gold mines in the Americas.

In summary, the recent surge in silver prices highlights the metal’s potential as a valuable component of a diversified investment portfolio. Whether through physical ownership, ETFs, mining stocks, or futures contracts, investors have various avenues to participate in the silver market and potentially benefit from its upward trajectory.

[Note from the Published: In this headline photo (L-R): Peter Clausi and John Carter from Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI | OTCQB: SBMCF), with Stephen Burega from Romios Gold Resources Inc. (TSXV: RG | OTCQB: RMIOF). The 15-oz bar was drawn during PDAC, and the winner was Mathieu Stephens from NeoTerrex Minerals Inc. (TSXV: NTX)]

This week, InvestorNews.com has scheduled two InvestorTalk.com‘s pre-market sessions. On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Dr. Luisa Moreno from Defense Metals Corp. (TSXV: DEFN | OTCQB: DFMTF) will present from 9-9:20 AM EST. Similarly, on Thursday, April 10, 2024, John Carter from Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI | OTCQB: SBMCF) will present during the same time slot.

In the pre-market scenario, Canadian futures remained flat due to falling oil prices, counteracting gains from rising gold prices. Investors are anticipating a busy week ahead, particularly awaiting the Bank of Canada’s rate decision. Meanwhile, U.S. stock index futures also remained flat, as Treasury yields increased amid speculations of the Federal Reserve delaying policy easing. The U.S. dollar showed minimal movement ahead of the release of U.S. inflation data. European stocks experienced a slight uptick, bolstered by robust industrial production data from Germany. In contrast, Japan’s Nikkei rebounded, closing positively as investors capitalized on buying opportunities following recent market declines.

The Bank of Canada is widely expected to maintain its key overnight rate on hold during its upcoming Wednesday meeting. Analysts suggest that the central bank may wait for more evidence of cooling inflation before implementing its first interest rate cut in four years, potentially in June.

In global markets, Euro STOXX 50 futures were up by 2 points at 4,966, FTSE futures added 8 points to 7,926, and German DAX futures gained 10 points at 18,418 by 0430 GMT. Additionally, oil prices experienced a decline, with Brent falling below $90 as tensions in the Middle East eased.

Spot gold prices were reported at $2,341.79, marking a 0.53% increase equating to $12.29.

Looking back at the U.S. market performance, major averages closed positively on Friday despite a down week overall. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.8% following its worst session in over a year. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also climbed by 1.11% and 1.24%, respectively. Friday’s positive momentum was attributed to the Labor Department’s report, which indicated job growth of 303,000 in March, surpassing expectations.

Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman hinted at potential future rate hikes to control inflation, reflecting a cautious approach amid market uncertainty.

In corporate updates, Catalent Inc. (NYSE: CTLT) and Novo Nordisk A/S refiled their application for approval of a $16.5 billion deal. JPMorgan Chase & Co. CEO Jamie Dimon emphasized U.S. economic strength while opposing stricter bank capital rules proposed by regulators. Perpetua Resources Corp. (NASDAQ: PPTA | TSX: PPTA) received a letter of interest from the U.S. Export-Import Bank for a loan worth up to $1.8 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb Co reported positive data from late-stage studies of its experimental schizophrenia drug, KarXT, showing symptom reduction without weight gain side effects.

Globally, Janet Yellen concluded meetings in China, advocating for measures to address excess industrial capacity. Additionally, two key U.S. lawmakers reached a deal on draft bipartisan legislation for data privacy, while Peter Pellegrini won Slovakia’s presidential election, reinforcing pro-Russian leadership.

FuelPositive Corporation (TSXV: NHHH | OTCQB: NHHHF), a leader in clean technology solutions, recently announced a provisional patent for its Green Aqueous Ammonia add-on module systems, marking a significant milestone in its mission to revolutionize the agricultural industry. This innovative module allows farmers to produce Green Aqueous Ammonia fertilizer on-site, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. Chairman and CEO Ian Clifford highlighted the importance of this patent, stating that it “opens up our market globally dramatically” and sets the stage for future developments in sustainable agriculture.

FuelPositive is also making strides in delivering its first commercial system to a farm in Manitoba, with factory acceptance testing scheduled ahead of schedule in mid-April. The company’s focus on on-site production aims to eliminate carbon emissions and provide energy and fertilizer security for farmers. Selecting Manitoba as the initial location was strategic, given its abundant green electricity and large farming community eager for sustainable solutions. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its modular approach, which allows for customizable nitrogen concentrations and pH balances tailored to various agricultural needs. With plans for commercial production as early as next year, FuelPositive aims to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly fertilizer solutions worldwide. As Chairman Clifford emphasized, “the world will need thousands and thousands of these systems,” highlighting the company’s ambitious goals for a greener future in agriculture.

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About FuelPositive Corporation

FuelPositive is a Canadian technology company dedicated to delivering commercially feasible and sustainable clean technology solutions that follow a circular approach, ensuring the entire lifecycle of our products is environmentally friendly. This includes an on-farm/onsite, containerized Green Ammonia (NH3) production system that effectively eliminates carbon emissions during the production process.

By focusing on technologies that are clean, sustainable, economically advantageous and realizable, the Company aims to help mitigate climate change, addressing unsustainable agricultural practices through innovative technology and practical solutions that can be implemented now. The FuelPositive on-farm/onsite, containerized Green Ammonia production system is designed to produce pure, anhydrous ammonia for multiple applications, including fertilizer for farming, fuel for grain drying and internal combustion engines, a practical alternative for fuel cells and a solution for grid storage. Green Ammonia is also considered a key enabler of the hydrogen economy.

FuelPositive systems are designed to provide for Green Ammonia production on-farm/onsite, where and when needed. This eliminates wildly fluctuating supply chains and offers end-users clean fertilizer, energy and Green Ammonia supply security while eliminating carbon emissions from the production process. The first customers will be farmers. Farmers use 80% of the traditional grey ammonia produced today as fertilizer.

To know more about FuelPositive Corporation, click here

Disclaimer: FuelPositive Corporation is an advertorial member of InvestorNews Inc.

This interview, which was produced by InvestorNews Inc. (“InvestorNews”), does not contain, nor does it purport to contain, a summary of all material information concerning the Company, including important disclosure and risk factors associated with the Company, its business and an investment in its securities. InvestorNews offers no representations or warranties that any of the information contained in this interview is accurate or complete.

This interview and any transcriptions or reproductions thereof (collectively, this “presentation”) does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to subscribe for or purchase any securities in the Company. The information in this presentation is provided for informational purposes only and may be subject to updating, completion or revision, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any information herein. This presentation may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and assumptions of the management of the Company as of the date made. They are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and other factors that could cause actual events/results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those that the Company does not know about now or that it currently deems immaterial, may also adversely affect the Company’s business or any investment therein.

Any projections given are principally intended for use as objectives and are not intended, and should not be taken, as assurances that the projected results will be obtained by the Company. The assumptions used may not prove to be accurate and a potential decline in the Company’s financial condition or results of operations may negatively impact the value of its securities. This presentation should not be considered as the giving of investment advice by the Company or any of its directors, officers, agents, employees or advisors. Each person to whom this presentation is made available must make its own independent assessment of the Company after making such investigations and taking such advice as may be deemed necessary. Prospective investors are urged to review the Company’s profile on SedarPlus.ca and to carry out independent investigations in order to determine their interest in investing in the Company.

In a recent enlightening interview with Tracy Weslosky of InvestorNews, Danny Huh, the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Operations at NEO Battery Materials Ltd. (TSXV: NBM | OTCQB: NBMFF) detailed the company’s strides in silicon anode technology for lithium-ion batteries, underlining their consistent progress over the past three years. Particularly notable was the discussion around the application for their 9th patent a month ago, marking a technological leap aimed at significantly enhancing their silicon anode materials’ production capacity and efficiency.

NEO Battery Materials has been actively engaged with evaluations of its anode active materials alongside global battery cell manufacturers, automotive OEMs, and major chemical material companies. The promising initial outcomes have ushered these collaborations into more extensive testing phases. This involves integrating NEO Battery’s silicon anode materials with traditional graphite anode materials in various larger cell formats, which are crucial for the batteries used in electric vehicles.

A standout achievement shared by Danny was the company’s successful pilot-scale capacity expansion to about 4,000 kilograms per year. Remarkably, this was accomplished without any need for additional equipment or alterations to the existing processes. This achievement not only underscores NEO Battery Materials’ innovative capabilities but also significantly boosts its production efficiency.

Further emphasizing the strategic maneuvers of NEO Battery Materials, Danny discussed the decision to increase the company’s ownership stake in NBM Korea. This move reflects the company’s determination to maximize the economic and technological gains from NBM Korea’s advancements and market penetration, showcasing NEO Battery Materials’ commitment to leveraging its silicone anode materials’ enhanced performance.

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About NEO Battery Materials Ltd.

NEO Battery Materials is a Canadian battery materials technology company focused on developing silicon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, electronics, and energy storage systems. With a patent-protected, low-cost manufacturing process, NEO Battery enables longer-running and ultra-fast charging batteries compared to existing state-of-the-art technologies. The Company aims to be a globally-leading producer of silicon anode materials for the electric vehicle and energy storage industries.

To learn more about NEO Battery Materials Ltd., click here

Disclaimer: NEO Battery Materials Ltd. is an advertorial member of InvestorNews Inc.

This interview, which was produced by InvestorNews Inc. (“InvestorNews”), does not contain, nor does it purport to contain, a summary of all material information concerning the Company, including important disclosure and risk factors associated with the Company, its business and an investment in its securities. InvestorNews offers no representations or warranties that any of the information contained in this interview is accurate or complete.

This interview and any transcriptions or reproductions thereof (collectively, this “presentation”) does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to subscribe for or purchase any securities in the Company. The information in this presentation is provided for informational purposes only and may be subject to updating, completion or revision, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any information herein. This presentation may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and assumptions of the management of the Company as of the date made. They are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and other factors that could cause actual events/results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those that the Company does not know about now or that it currently deems immaterial, may also adversely affect the Company’s business or any investment therein.

Any projections given are principally intended for use as objectives and are not intended, and should not be taken, as assurances that the projected results will be obtained by the Company. The assumptions used may not prove to be accurate and a potential decline in the Company’s financial condition or results of operations may negatively impact the value of its securities. This presentation should not be considered as the giving of investment advice by the Company or any of its directors, officers, agents, employees or advisors. Each person to whom this presentation is made available must make its own independent assessment of the Company after making such investigations and taking such advice as may be deemed necessary. Prospective investors are urged to review the Company’s profile on SedarPlus.ca and to carry out independent investigations in order to determine their interest in investing in the Company.

In today’s monthly edition of Hallgarten & Co.‘s “Resources Monthly” for March 2024, titled “Debasing Criticality’s Currency,” the firm offers an intricate analysis of the evolving landscape in the critical metals and minerals sector. The publication navigates through the performance of various commodities, assessing geopolitical impacts and strategic movements by both governments and corporations within the space.

The issue begins with an overview of the metals market, noting, “Gold added massively to its price during the month as international tensions lit a fire under the price.” It goes on to describe the broader metals market, mentioning that “Inflation has stabilized and, in many places, has retreated,” and highlighting uranium’s unique position in the current market context. The analysis of tin and tungsten prices, alongside silver’s momentum, provides a comprehensive picture of the metals market dynamics.

The narrative shifts to critique the expansion of critical metals lists by governments, which the report suggests dilutes the actual concept of criticality. The publication humorously recounts instances where “Every man, and his dog, now thinks he has a critical metal,” pointing out the somewhat arbitrary expansion of these lists. It highlights a specific case where boron was lobbied to be recognized as a critical mineral due to its wide applications, despite there being “no shortage of Boron” and the US producing a significant portion of the global supply.

Further analysis is provided on regional strategies to promote local mining prospects through critical metals lists, with particular emphasis on the practices in Ontario, Quebec, and Australia. The report skeptically asks, “What are the criteria for inclusion beyond a desire to feather the nest of some projects?” pointing out the lack of genuine supply concerns for many of the metals being promoted.

On the corporate front, Hallgarten & Co. updates its Model Resources Portfolio, notably adding Applied Graphite Technologies Corporation (TSXV: AGT), citing the company’s promising position in the graphite market in Sri Lanka. The discussion extends to graphite mining’s prominence in Africa, with Tanzania and Mozambique mentioned as key players. Blencowe Resources PLC (LSE: BRES), with its significant graphite project in Uganda, is identified as a particularly promising investment.

Alphamin Resources Corp.‘s (TSXV: AFM) favorable position in the tin market is detailed, with the firm’s operational expansion poised to significantly increase its production capacity. Sheffield Resources Limited‘s (ASX: SFX) strategic investment in Capital Metals PLC (LSE: CMET) for the development of mineral sands in Sri Lanka is another highlight, demonstrating the firm’s focus on diversifying its investment portfolio. The issue concludes with a critique of the TSX 30, described as “nothing more than a ‘List of Successful Promotes’, not an index at all.” This critical view underscores the skepticism Hallgarten & Co. holds towards promotional tools that may not accurately reflect the genuine performance or potential of listed companies. To access this Hallgarten + Co. Report, click here

In an update on the disruptive industry news that broke this morning, Jack Lifton, Co-chair of the Critical Minerals Institute (CMI), offered a detailed analysis of Aclara Resources Inc.‘s (TSX: ARA) strategic move into the U.S. rare earths processing market. Aclara, backed by the Hochschild Mining Group, has set its sights on exploiting ionic clay deposits from Chile and Brazil to secure heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) like Dysprosium and Terbium, pivotal for high-performance magnet manufacturing. This venture is marked by partnerships with the Saskatchewan Research Council and Hatch Ltd. for the development and engineering of a processing facility. However, Lifton expressed reservations about the ambitious timeline, stating, “The actual announcement says they’ve engaged with the Saskatchewan Research Council to develop a separation technology operation and with Hatch, of Toronto, to actually engineer whatever the plan that comes out of the Saskatchewan Research Council is into hardware, into an actual separation plant.”

Lifton’s insights illuminate the intricate challenges Aclara faces in pioneering rare earth separation technologies in North America, a domain where success has been limited. He juxtaposes Aclara’s emerging efforts against established industry players like Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU | TSX: EFR), which has already made significant progress in light rare earth (LREE) separation and is now venturing into HREEs and alloys. This nuanced perspective raises doubts about Aclara’s capability to swiftly navigate the complex technological and operational hurdles inherent in rare earth processing.

The interview further delves into the competitive dynamics of the rare earth market, highlighting Aclara’s entry into a space occupied by Energy Fuels, and buildouts already in play from MP Materials (NYSE: MP) and Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSXV: UCU | OTCQX: UURAF). Each company has its unique approach and strategic plans, indicating a fiercely competitive environment. Lifton’s critique underscores a broader theme of Aclara’s need for deeper industry integration and strategic partnerships, and suggested that this was perhaps a missed opportunity in which they should have engaged with Ucore.

Lifton’s comprehensive analysis provides a crucial viewpoint on Aclara’s bold yet fraught journey into the rare earths processing industry. While Aclara’s plans signify a positive stride towards diversifying the global rare earths supply chain and enhancing geopolitical supply chain independence, Lifton underscores the formidable challenges ahead. This initiative marks a significant moment in the rare earth industry, setting the stage for Aclara’s ambitious endeavor to navigate the technological, logistical, and competitive hurdles that lie in its path.

In today’s “Morning Investor.Coffee,” we start with some good news as it appears that the Canadian manufacturing sector is on the brink of reversing its prolonged downturn. March witnessed a positive change, with employment increasing and a reduction in the rate of decline in new orders, signaling potential sectoral revival. A pivotal move in the technology and financial sector is the acquisition of Nuvei Corporation (Nasdaq: NVEI | TSX: NVEI) by Advent International in a deal valued at $6.3 billion, spotlighting the company’s significant value and the attractiveness of Canada’s fintech landscape.

Economic optimism is rebounding among Canadian firms, a sentiment echoed by the Bank of Canada after almost two years of economic challenges. This shift has led traders to scale back their expectations of a rate cut in June. Moreover, Canada’s First Nations are poised to significantly invest in energy projects, contingent on the federal government’s promise to streamline the financing process for such ventures.

Market dynamics in the pre-opening phase are mixed. North American futures are on a downward trajectory, influenced by a decline in U.S. health insurers’ shares. Conversely, European stocks are on the rise, with investors keenly awaiting German inflation data. In Asia, the landscape is varied; the Nikkei closed higher, while Chinese stocks remained relatively flat amid balancing acts between improved manufacturing data and anticipated stimulus measures. Notably, oil prices are experiencing an uptick, with Brent crude advancing past $88 a barrel for the first time since October, largely due to increased tensions in the Middle East and threats to oil supply.

Gold prices have reached a new milestone, climbing to a record high of $2,254.89, driven by momentum from investment funds. This surge reflects investors’ growing appetite for safe-haven assets amidst a volatile market environment.

In the U.S., market sentiment is cautious as investors process the latest inflation data, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping by 0.6% at the start of the quarter. The S&P 500 saw a slight decline of 0.2%, whereas the Nasdaq Composite edged up by 0.11%. The core PCE inflation data revealed a 2.8% increase on a 12-month basis in February, adding to the cautious outlook.

Significant corporate moves include BlackRock, State Street, and General Electric navigating through strategic shifts and regulatory scrutiny. General Electric’s (NYSE: GE) completion of its breakup into three entities marks a historic reorganization aimed at revitalizing the company.

Globally, geopolitical tensions and strategic corporate actions continue to shape the economic landscape. Developments such as the Israeli airstrikes in Syria and Japan’s stance on currency volatility highlight the ongoing complexities in international relations and financial markets. Today’s edition provides a factual and data-driven overview of the current economic climate, reflecting on the resilience and strategic adaptations of businesses and markets worldwide.

Good morning and welcome back to Investor.Coffee, where we bring you a freshly brewed perspective on today’s global and North American financial markets, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the trading day ahead.

A Glance Before the Bell

In Canada, we’re seeing a positive nudge with futures pointing upwards, a ripple effect of the gold price increase to $2,176.61, despite a minor slip of 0.09%. Investors are on the lookout for the domestic GDP data expected to drop later in the week, hoping it will provide further clarity on the economic outlook.

Stateside, Wall Street futures are ticking upwards, with the S&P 500 Index Mini Futures rising by 0.33% to 5,282.50 and DJIA Mini Futures climbing 0.35% to 39,819.00. The anticipation is high for Federal Reserve officials’ commentary this week, especially with a pivotal U.S. inflation report on the horizon.

In Europe, the markets are showing signs of hesitation with Euro STOXX 50 futures slightly down by 2 points at 5,028. Contrastingly, in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei soared by 1.36% to 40,949.22, outshining the Shanghai Composite, which fell below the 3,000-point mark amid a sell-off by foreign investors.

Currency and commodity markets are showing a diverse picture: the U.S. dollar holds steady, while the Japanese yen weakens to a 34-year low against it. Meanwhile, oil prices are under pressure, with U.S. Crude and Brent Crude falling by 0.87% and 0.93% to $80.91 and $85.45, respectively, on the back of surging U.S. stockpiles and static output policies from OPEC+.

U.S. Market Snapshot

Yesterday’s session saw a mild retreat from recent highs. The S&P 500 dropped by 0.28%, the Nasdaq Composite by 0.42%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average by a slight 0.08%. Despite these pullbacks, the indexes are eyeing a fifth consecutive month of gains, with March’s performances showing increases across the board: the S&P 500 up about 2%, the Nasdaq by 1.4%, and the Dow by 0.7%.

Corporate Watchlist

• Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) faces a $7.8 million penalty in Poland over consumer complaints, highlighting the challenges even retail giants face in maintaining consumer trust.
• Blackstone Inc. (NYSE: BX) and Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA) embark on a $750 million collaboration to push forward the development of mRNA flu vaccines, a significant step for Moderna as it diversifies beyond its COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax.
• Several regional U.S. banks, including First Commonwealth Financial Corp and M&T Bank Corp, have been downgraded by S&P Global, citing concerns over their commercial real estate exposures.
• Li-Cycle Holdings Corp. (NYSE: LICY) announces a strategic reduction of 17% of its workforce, underscoring the harsh realities of scaling back global ambitions for more focused growth.
• Nio Inc. revises its first-quarter delivery forecast downward to around 30,000 vehicles, signaling demand and competition challenges in the EV sector.
• Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ: HOOD) unveils a new credit card, aiming to deepen its engagement with personal finance consumers by offering up to 5% cash back on certain purchases.
• Stronghold Digital Mining, Inc. (NASDAQ: SDIG) faces a lawsuit over environmental concerns, a reminder of the environmental scrutiny facing the crypto mining industry.

Global Insights

• China’s industrial firms report an uptick in profits, offering a beacon of hope for the country’s economic recovery amidst ongoing property sector challenges.
• HSBC announces a $1 billion ASEAN Growth Fund to support digital expansion in Southeast Asia, a significant commitment to the region’s growing digital economy.
• Stellantis negotiates voluntary job cuts in Italy as the auto industry shifts gears towards clean energy, a move echoed by **Monte dei Paschi di Siena** with its own workforce adjustments.

Currency and Commodity Corners

The currency market sees the EUR/USD and GBP/USD experiencing minor declines, while the USD/JPY climbs, reflecting a dynamic interplay of global economic signals. Meanwhile, gold’s slight decrease and the dip in oil prices remind investors of the commodity market’s sensitivity to geopolitical and economic news.

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Disclaimer: The Investor.Coffee series is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used in making investment decisions. The information cited in the above are excerpts from news stories sent to the Investor.News team that are deemed interesting for our audience. Please do your own due diligence.

Fineqia International Inc. (CSE: FNQ), known for its cutting-edge approach in the fintech and digital asset investment sphere, made headlines earlier today with its subsidiary, Fineqia AG, securing approval from the Vienna Stock Exchange (VSE) in Europe to list Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs) with digital assets as their underlying collateral. This landmark approval opens the gates for Fineqia AG to automatically list ETNs that adhere to its base prospectus, bypassing the need for individual listing approvals.

The news has stirred considerable excitement, and to delve deeper into its implications, Tracy Weslosky from InvestorNews sat down with Bundeep Singh Rangar, CEO and Director of Fineqia International Inc., for an insightful discussion on what this development means for Fineqia and the wider digital economy.

Tracy Weslosky: Can you elaborate on the importance of the VSE’s recent approval for Fineqia AG?

Bundeep Singh Rangar: If you look at the trends in the industry for digital assets, there’s a legitimization of digital currencies taking place. Regulators and exchanges have dovetailed in their opinions to allow for a listed instrument, such as an exchange-traded fund, to hold digital assets as collateral. The model of that, of course, is the U.S. approval of a Bitcoin ETF earlier this year, which has seen a phenomenal inflow of capital to create ETFs worth billions. So, you had one ETF here, $10 billion in two months. The next best one was gold several years ago, which took two years. So, the legitimization of Bitcoin is going to be followed by the legitimization of other coins, and what we have now is an approval from an exchange that says you can list ETNs, which are very similar to ETFs in the U.S. You can list these ETNs in Europe for any underlying digital asset, as long as it conforms to your prospectus, which has been approved by the regulator. So, our prospectus permits us to list not only Bitcoin but Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, and multiple coins that are not yet approved in the U.S. We’re kind of two steps ahead of what has just been approved in the U.S. because, within the future, are further approvals — and we want to stay ahead of that flow.

Tracy Weslosky: What do you believe positioned Fineqia for this unprecedented approval?

Bundeep Singh Rangar: Sure. So, I’d say there are three things to bear in mind. The first thing is that we have expertise in the digital asset economy. We have investments in digital asset management companies such as Wave digital assets in LA; we’re investors in a fund from San Francisco. We’ve invested in blockchain gaming companies. We’re investors in a company called WeSendIt, which is like WeTransfer on the blockchain. So, we’ve demonstrated our acumen when it comes to blockchain technologies. The second thing is we have a very credible team, so aside from myself, there’s our Chairman (Martin Graham), who’s a former head of the AIM, the Alternative Investment Market on the London Stock Exchange. He was the director of the London Stock Exchange. So having a combination of digital asset expertise and high-level governance standards that come with being listed and having a regulated entity is a good, formidable mix. Lastly, Europe is a bit ahead of many parts of the world, particularly the U.S., when it comes to its products…there are other issuers in Europe who have been approved for other coins — we’re not new in that sense, but where we have something that’s very new is that we allow for the underlying assets to be deployed in decentralized finance. That’s the novelty.

If you want me to explain that here’s what that means: People forget that currencies as we know them, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, are also software protocols. Right? When people try to cubbyhole them as just currency, it’s doing a disservice because it’s also a store of value, a currency, a unit of record or store of value, and it’s also a software layer. That’s where these decentralized apps or dApps are being built on Bitcoin’s Lightning Network or Ethereum, Solana, or Cardano. Now, those software developments take place because the layer underneath the protocols, i.e., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, Cardano, create incentive mechanisms for participants in that network. If you validate a transaction, if you enable a payment, you enable a remittance, you’re rewarded. There’s economics behind the software protocol. The most commonly understood one is Bitcoin mining, where miners get rewarded for validating transactions. And we’re coming up to a Bitcoin halving event where those rewards get halved. When you deploy an app on a protocol and there’s a transaction mechanism that rewards, there’s an economic upside. All the upside is captured by the token holders because they’re part of that network. If they’re part of Bitcoin’s network and hold a Bitcoin token, they get rewarded, or in Ethereum, it’s done through staking. It gets more complex with decentralized finance (DeFi), which essentially mimics real-world finance, allowing for lending, borrowing, payments, and remittances.

Tracy Weslosky: Following up on that wonderful explanation for all of us, can you explain the significance of the automated listing process approval?

Bundeep Singh Rangar: Ordinarily, as an issuer, you might say, “I want to issue a Bitcoin spot ETF,” as you’ve seen in the U.S., and in Europe, it would be a Bitcoin ETN. You go to the regulator and then to the exchange for approval. They approve that specific product. A case in point is Bitcoin is approved in the U.S. by the SEC; Ethereum is not. In our case, we’re approved as an issuer based on an issuance program of upcoming notes.

W have approval for issuing any kind of exchange-traded note that conforms to our underlying prospectus. We don’t need to seek approval for each individual note thereafter, as long as it adheres to our prospectus. Our prospectus was approved last year by the regulator in Europe and in Liechtenstein, which is approved for passporting across all European Union countries, plus the European Economic Area, adding up to 30 countries. Our passport-able prospectus was up for renewal, so we got it renewed and approved as a renewed prospectus on Friday. Now we have the ability to issue ETNs that conform to our prospectus, covering a wide range of coins, without needing approval for each one because they already conform to the prospectus. It’s like a master license to issue notes without getting permission each time.

Tracy Weslosky: You’ve partnered with FTSE and are offering benchmark pricing data and distribution capabilities for your exchange-traded notes. Can you comment on that?

Bundeep Singh Rangar: Yes, and this is where is gets really interesting because looking at the history of ETFs, they’ve been banned in a lot of places or were not permitted. This is akin to what happened with hedge funds 20-30 years ago. And if you go back even further, bonds were once traded illicitly in coffee shops before stock exchanges recognized and legitimized them. In Canada, for instance, the initial refusal by the Ontario Securities Commission to approve an application by 3iQ was based on the inability to ensure that the pricing for Bitcoin was legitimate. The challenge was that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are traded 24/7 across the globe, so how could one be certain that the price on one exchange was accurate? Ensuring the integrity of pricing required sourcing from multiple exchanges to derive a weighted average price, given the round-the-clock trading that doesn’t align with traditional stock exchange hours.

3iQ argued that the CME was a valid index provider and ultimately won their case against the OSC, leading to the approval to list crypto assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum backed ETFs. Our approach involved partnering with FTSE Russell, a leading provider of benchmark pricing for listed securities and assets worldwide, akin to the Dow Jones in the US or the FTSE 100 in the UK. FTSE Russell, as a subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange Group, provides us with robust and credible pricing, ensuring there’s no question about the integrity of our benchmark pricing. This partnership benefits us in multiple ways: it assures the market of the reliability of our pricing, it involves us with the London Stock Exchange’s promotion to their institutional clients (benefiting us both), and it allows us to co-brand with a recognized name from traditional finance, lending credibility and trustworthiness to our product in the eyes of fund managers and family offices.

This arrangement with FTSE is a significant stride into integrating digital asset ecosystems with traditional financial markets, benefiting all parties involved and providing assurance to investors regarding the credibility and reliability of the products they are subscribing to.