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October 21, 2015

Sin City Sydney, Australia

ASX futures up 47 points, or 0.5%, at 9089
Australian dollar at US65.13 cents
Wall Street:
S&P 500 +1.1%
Dow Jones: +1.1%
Nasdaq +1.4%

Europe: Stoxx 50 +1.3%
FTSE +0.5%
DAX +1.8%
CAC +0.4%

Bitcoin +2.1% to $US110,988

Gold +2.5% to $US4356.30 per ounce
Oil flat at $US57.52 a barrel
Brent crude oil -0.6% to $US60.90 a barrel
Iron ore +0.1% to $US105.50 per ton

10-year yield:
US 3.98%
Australia 4.15%
Germany 2.58%

News Update: (Near Live)

Bitcoin:

New York/Wall St via Mr Wolf!
Oct 20

Cryptos Today:
(Near Live) Moody: Part Corrective! Up. Salt Into The Wound Again?! Or Salt Of The Earth In Metals Right Chess Move?! All That Glitters Not Digital Gold?!

Bitcoin $110,365.29 +2.04%
Ethereum $3,971.28 +0.64%
Tether $1.0003 -0.05%
Binance Coin $1,098.64 -0.35%
XRP $2.4882 +4.46%
Solana $188.87 +1.65%
TRON $0.3223 +0.53%
Dogecoin $0.1997 +2.77%
Cardano $0.6615 +2.25%

Market part corrective?! Mood: Still somber-like for many but picking up! Suspicious! Regaining smiles! Teeth showing now! Hardcores keep the dream!

Media Man Favs:

(Near Live)
Wall St, New York

TKO Group Holdings Inc $186.82 -2.46 -1.30%
NVIDIA Corp $182.64 -0.58 -0.32%
Formula One Group Series C $98.02 -0.93 -0.94%
Alphabet Inc Class A $256.55 +3.25 +1.28%
News Corp Class A $26.44 +0.42 +1.61%
Netflix Inc $1,238.56 +39.20 +3.27%
Caterpillar Inc $531.18 +5.61 +1.07%
Trump Media & Technology Group Corp $15.99
-0.19 -1.17%
Tesla Inc $447.43 +8.12 +1.85%
Walt Disney Co $111.96 +1.29 +1.17%
Wynn Resorts Ltd $121.94 +4.13 +3.51%
Meta Platforms Inc $732.17 +15.25 +2.13%
BHP Group Ltd $44.27 +1.13 +2.62%
Mercedes Benz Group ADR $15.67 +0.040 +0.26%
Elders Ltd $7.53 +0.10 +1.35%
Rio Tinto Ltd $133.00 +2.29 +1.75%

News

Oil prices could fall another 15% by the end of the year

Crude oil prices fell 0.7% on Monday after three consecutive weeks of decline. Global production is growing while global economic growth is slowing, putting pressure on prices. In addition, the risk premium on signing the gas agreement and intensifying efforts to resolve the Ukrainian conflict has begun to decline. At the same time, oil prices are far from oversold, leaving room for further decline in the coming months.
Baker Hughes reported on Friday that 418 oil rigs are operating in the US, the same as a week earlier, undermining the recovery trend seen since August. However, America is increasing production efficiency, extracting more oil from each well.

Bloomberg noted that there are now nearly 1.2 billion barrels of oil at sea, a record since the peak in 2020, when US production was at historic highs and Saudi Arabia and Russia were fighting for market share, boasting of their potential.

The current situation strongly resonates with what happened more than five years ago. The latest weekly data showed a record high in daily production in the US, with supplies of 13.64 million barrels per day.

Inventory figures are a stabilising factor. Commercial inventories in the US are at the lower end of the range for the last decade, but they were about the same in January 2020, and six months later, this figure set a new record. However, without a collapse in consumption, such rapid growth should not be expected. The US government may also move to more actively rebuild the strategic petroleum reserve sold off in 2022.

The price of oil has been in a downward channel for just over three years, and at the end of September, it accelerated its decline as it approached the 50-week moving average and the upper limit of the range. The lower limit of this range is now close to $53 per barrel of Brent, with a decline towards the end of the year closer to $50.50 against the current $61.00.

The main scenario for oil is a decline towards $50 in the next 2-4 months. At the same time, the potential for an increase in US inventories is a potential stabilising factor. We assume that the situation with inventories is roughly similar worldwide, excluding the abundance of oil at sea. (FxPro)

News

Gold Bulls have no choice but to push

Gold's rally to record highs above $4,300 per ounce resulted from a debasement trade. Governments cannot cope with budget deficits, are accumulating debt and demanding that central banks cut interest rates, as in the US, or keep them low, as in Japan. As a result, investors are losing confidence in government bonds and currencies. They are looking for alternatives and turning their attention to precious metals.

As a result, gold has been gaining for the last nine weeks, the fifth time in the history of free currency conversion since the 1970s. However, there has never been a 10-week consecutive growth period. The gap from the 200-week moving average also shows the excessiveness of the rally. The spot price at its peak exceeded this line by 90%. There has only been one larger gap once before, in 1980. At the very least, the market needs a technical respite. But historically, its beginning could be the start of a significant multi-year reversal. Now, we are on the side of the bears, but at the same time, we understand that the bulls simply have no choice but to push the price further up, as stopping would ruin the whole game. (to be cont) (FxPro)

News

The crypto market tests the strength of its three-month support

Market Overview

The crypto market capitalisation lost 2.3% from the previous day's level to $3.75 trillion. The rebound on Sunday and Monday did not develop, and the 50-day moving average acted as local resistance. The market is again testing the strength of 3-month support near current levels. Such persistence from the bears suggests that the next stage will be a test of the 200-day average, which passes through $3.5 trillion. The market broke above this line in May; touching it at the end of July triggered strong buying. (FxPro)

News Flashback

Oil Holds Strong Despite Bearish Fundamentals

Weekly data from the EIA noted that the US returned to record oil production rates last week, supplying an average of 13.6 million barrels per day to the market, according to the latest EIA data. The trend towards increased supply began in August, but producers have only now returned to the peak levels recorded at the end of last year. Despite a 5.5-million-barrel increase in US commercial inventories over the past two weeks, inventories stay at the lower end of the range seen over the past decade, leaving considerable room for growth. The same can be said for the strategic reserve, which holds nearly 40% less oil than it did five years ago, before the start of the active sell-off. It is an interesting game in which, on the one hand, the US (the largest oil producer) is increasing supplies, while OPEC+ is increasing quotas on a monthly basis. This extremely bearish combination of factors did not cause oil prices to collapse; it was only because of global trade in currency depreciation that caused precious metals, stock indices, and cryptocurrencies to rise. Oil prices have not peaked in recent weeks .. To be cont .. (FxPro)

News

Gold hits new highs due to political turmoil

Gold is outside the realm of politics.

While currencies and securities depend on the actions of presidents and governments, precious metals do not. Therefore, political turmoil forces investors to use them as safe-haven assets.

The impressive 52% rally in gold started in April with the introduction of tariffs on America's Liberation Day. It continued due to the US government shutdown, the political crisis in France, and the change of leadership in Japan. he rise of gold above 4,000 dollars per ounce is not only the result of the weakness of fiat currencies. There are tectonic shifts in the structure of investment portfolios and fears of financial crises due to government recklessness.

The share of precious metals is growing both in speculators' assets and in the gold and foreign exchange reserves of central banks. The indicator has already exceeded the share of the euro. According to Eurizon Capital, if it equals the share of the US dollar, the price per ounce will soar to 8,500 dollars. The Supreme Court's abolition of tariffs will inflate the US budget deficit. France does not intend to reduce it, and Japan plans to increase bond issuance. All this creates a tailwind for commodity assets. (FxPro)

News

Politics remains the main driver of FX

The US government shutdown did not have a noticeable impact on the dollar's performance last week. However, it did help the stock market to grow slightly by strengthening expectations of monetary policy easing. However, these events pale in comparison to the change in Japan's ruling elite and the resignation of the French prime minister less than a day after the formation of the government in terms of their impact on the currency market. In Japan, Sanae Takaichi was chosen head of the Liberal Democratic Party over the weekend and is on track to become the country's first female prime minister. This event caused the yen to fall 2% to 150.49 from Friday's level before correcting to 149.80 at the time of writing. Takaichi is considered a supporter of aggressive government spending, structural reforms, and soft monetary policy, echoing the basic principles of Shinzo Abe. Overall, she has a more right-wing approach to national policy and is also a supporter of revising Japan's pacifist constitution. The market reaction clearly shows that they are considering Takaichi to be the new prime minister. If she does not change her political views (and she has softened them recently to win the party elections), we should be prepared for a further weakening of the yen, which reached its highest level since 1991 in the EURJPY pair, exceeding 176. However, the single currency is also facing uncertainty today due to a new political crisis in France. Prime Minister Lecornu, who had been trying to form a government for a month, resigned the day after he finally presented his new cabinet. His appointments drew criticism from both left-wing and right-wing allies. The EURUSD fell to 1.1650 at its lowest point on Monday, losing a full cent against Friday's levels. Unlike Japan, where a 2% drop in the JPY was accompanied by a 5% jump in the Nikkei225 index, France's CAC40 lost more than 2% intraday, paring its losses to 1.2% towards the end of the trading day in Europe. The EURUSD stopped its climb in July and has been hovering around 1.1700 all this time, not least because of the political crisis in France. Without it, the single currency would have had a much better chance of exploiting political divisions in the US to its advantage. It would be an exaggeration to call the situation in Japan and France a drama. Still, these events once again emphasise that as soon as the dollar's throne begin.

News

Pop Culture News

Dream Matches: Fantasy Booking/Sports; Media Man Group Dream Match Series; Crack The Code!

Million Dollar Man vs IRS
Michael Wall Street vs Billionaire Ted
Mr X vs Mr BTC
Mr Green vs Mr Cash
VKM vs Easy E
Vinnie Vegas vs Mr Corbin
Mr Corp Merch vs Mr Freelance
Masked Superstar vs John McAfee
Sid Justice vs Mr Blood Diamond
Mr Bluey Chipper vs Street Fighter - King Of The Streets Mr Dotcom vs Mr Wiki
Mr Gold vs Mr Green - Money In The Bank Ladder Match Khan vs Khan - Winner Take All Match
Mr Wolff vs The Cleaner
Mr News vs Mr Vice - U.S Market Footprint Stipulation Mr Paramount vs Mr Netflix
Mr ESPN vs Mr Fox
Mr Kross vs Mr H
Cesaro vs Rollins
Dirty Dom vs Mr AAA
Punks vs Egos
Kross vs H
Murdoch Title vs Title
Mr Black Coffee vs Mr Claudio's Cafe Blend
Mr Warner vs Mr Netflix: Broadway draw thus far! Re-match! Winner take all?!
TMZ vs Riddle UFC vs PFL
The Oracle vs Cincinnati, Ohio
Mr X vs Hollyweird
Succession vs Billions
Mouse House vs Art House
NFL vs UFL
ABC vs Mainstream Aussies
Reigns vs Blanka
Cody Rhodes vs Joe
E. Honda vs NJPW
Capcom vs Warner
Cena vs ACME
Combat Sports Players vs Father Time
NXT vs TNA Wrestling (Showdown, not Invasion)!
Alpha vs Meta
TED X vs The Others
WWE's Solo vs Western Australia
UFC Predator vs MMA Predator
Bulls vs Bears

News

Cryptocurrency Movies
Documentaries

The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin (2014)
Follows early Bitcoin adopter Daniel Mross, exploring Bitcoin’s origins, its volatile rise, and the community behind it. Great for understanding Bitcoin’s early days and its potential to disrupt finance.

Banking on Bitcoin (2016)
Examines Bitcoin’s history, ideological roots, and impact on global financial systems through interviews with pioneers and experts. A solid primer for newcomers.

Cryptopia: Bitcoin, Blockchains, and the Future of the Internet (2020)
Directed by Torsten Hoffmann, this documentary dives into blockchain’s broader applications beyond cryptocurrency, addressing scalability and regulatory challenges. Ideal for those interested in blockchain’s transformative potential.

Trust Machine: The Story of Blockchain (2018) Narrated by Rosario Dawson, it explores blockchain’s societal impact, from financial inclusion to voting systems. A comprehensive look at real-world applications.

Bitcoin: The End of Money as We Know It (2015)
Traces the history of money and introduces Bitcoin as a decentralized alternative, critiquing centralized financial systems. Features interviews with crypto experts.

Deep Web (2015) Narrated by Keanu Reeves, this documentary focuses on the Silk Road marketplace and its creator, Ross Ulbricht, highlighting Bitcoin’s role in dark web transactions.

Bitconned (2024) Explores the Centra Tech crypto scam, detailing how three individuals defrauded investors during the 2010s crypto boom. A cautionary tale about unregulated markets.

Feature Films

Crypto (2019)
A crime thriller starring Beau Knapp, Luke Hemsworth, and Kurt Russell. It follows a young anti-money laundering agent investigating corruption and cryptocurrency in his hometown. Critics note its exaggerated portrayal but praise its entertainment value.

Silk Road (2021)
A dramatization of Ross Ulbricht’s creation of the Silk Road, a dark web marketplace using Bitcoin. It explores his rise and fall, blending crime and drama.

Dope (2015) A coming-of-age comedy-drama featuring Bitcoin as a plot device. High schooler Malcolm uses Bitcoin for a dark web transaction, reflecting its early association with illicit activities.

Bonus Mentions

Life on Bitcoin (2014): Follows a couple attempting to live solely on Bitcoin for 100 days, showcasing early adoption challenges.

Bitcoin Heist (2016): A Vietnamese action-comedy about hackers chasing a crypto criminal, blending humor and thrills.

Notes Documentaries are generally more educational, focusing on Bitcoin’s history, blockchain technology, and real-world implications. They’re great for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Feature films often dramatize crypto’s association with crime or scams, sometimes oversimplifying or exaggerating for effect. They prioritize entertainment over accuracy. For a deeper dive, check streaming platforms like Prime Video, Fandango at Home, or YouTube, where many of these are available.

News

Wall Street (Movie)
Wall Street (1987), directed by Oliver Stone, is a drama about ambition and greed in the 1980s financial world. It follows Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), a young stockbroker desperate to succeed, who gets entangled with Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), a ruthless corporate raider. Gekko’s mantra, “Greed is good,” drives the story as Bud is lured into insider trading and unethical deals, compromising his morals for wealth and power.

The film explores themes of capitalism, loyalty, and betrayal, with Bud navigating pressures from Gekko, his father (Martin Sheen), and his own conscience.

Key Details: Cast: Michael Douglas (Gordon Gekko), Charlie Sheen (Bud Fox), Daryl Hannah (Darien Taylor), Martin Sheen (Carl Fox).
Runtime: 2h 6m.
Genre: Drama/Crime.
Rating: R. Box Office: ~$44 million (US).

Awards: Michael Douglas won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Notable Aspects:

Gekko’s “Greed is good” speech is iconic, reflecting 1980s excess. Inspired by real-life figures like Ivan Boesky and Michael Milken.

A sequel, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010), continued the story.

Where to Watch (as of 2025):
Streaming: Available on platforms like Peacock or rentable on Amazon, YouTube, or Apple TV (check current availability).
Physical: DVD/Blu-ray via retailers like Amazon.

News Flashback

Gold, copper, & silver:

How metals are moving this year

Metal futures have made some pretty dramatic moves lately from safe haven gold to tariff sensitive copper. So let's take a look at the longer term trends. I'm Jared Blikre, host of Stocks in Translation. And I'm going to start by charting some of the moves in Dr. Copper because this is where we have the most zig and zags over the last 25 years. So this goes back to the beginning of the century and we can see right now, we're at $5.51 per pound. That is a record high. But if we go back to the beginning of the century, guess what? Uh we had a little bit of a slump in the wake of the dot com boom and then bust, but starting in 2003, we saw a big rise there. And that was as China actually joined the World Trade Organization or the WTO. That lasted into the global financial crisis. Then we had a pretty big bust in in Dr. Copper, and then we had another rise. And that rise was due to unprecedented stimulus, not only from the Chinese government, but also from the United States government, QE was in force, and then we saw kind of a strong dollar play. That weighed on this metal all the way into the beginning of 2016. The entire world, most of the world indices went through a bear market in 2015, and then 2016, we found the footing. And that was actually the year that Trump won, began his first presidency. And from there, we saw some zig and zags, and then we saw a shock into the pandemic. A couple of, a couple of years of deflation or a semi-deflation, disinflation, that caught up with it in 2022, but then it was off to the races again. And especially with the Trump tariffs now on copper, threatening to be threatening to be 50% on August 1st, we're seeing a lot of front running in this trade. Now, I also want to show you gold futures and I'm going to show you silver as well. And they follow a very similar pattern. We're not seeing the dramatic zig and zags that we did in copper, but we did see the same pattern of China joining the WTO, contributing to that huge rise in price to 1800, almost $2,000 an ounce by the beginning of the global financial crisis. So a little bit of a meltdown there. But in 2016 into 2018, we saw a bit of a rise into the pandemic, a little bit of a whipsaw there, and consolidation over a few years. Again, that 2022 bare market in US stocks that contributed to some deflation and disinflation globally, supply chain chain shocks came into force again, and then we saw this huge rise beginning in late 2023, and we are now at 3353. We've seen a high of as much as $3,500 per ounce. And gold is kind of unique among the precious metals and also the industrial metals, and this is because central banks have been a huge determining force in their buying of it. This is a bar chart that shows central bank buying in tons going back all the way to 2010. And what you notice here is the last three years, 2022, 2023, 2024, all of those had gold being bought by central banks of in the amount of over 1,000 tons. And so that's a pretty big dramatic increase from the prior years. And this has to do with the ongoing dedollarization in China, as well as Russia, but also a host of other countries, even some in western and eastern Europe. So this is a trend that we want to follow. Uh, I want to close out here with silver, and I'm going to just chart the price action. Again, very similar chart to gold and copper in terms of the big movements here. We saw a big price spike into almost $50 per ounce, and that was just as the global financial crisis was getting underway. And then the QE area in 2011, that's when we saw that high. Then we saw a dramatic, dramatic crash into 2016, kind of found its footing, saw a big squeeze in the early pandemic, 2020 was a great year for silver, but then we saw a little bit of a fallout. And again, silver is on the rise here at $38. It's still off of that $50 record high, but it is increasing very quickly. To round out the conversation, I want to just put on a table here. I have all three medals and just kind of grouping them together. I want to display how they are moving with their specific patterns with a trigger, and then to tell you which one of these is featured in these specific criteria. So here, under the pattern, we have acceleration. So that would be an economic acceleration. The trigger would be liquidity. And when that happens, we see all metals benefiting from that. And then when there's a safe haven scare, and that trigger would be a crisis of some sorts, you're going to see gold and silver outperforming the most, kind of leaving Dr. Copper behind. And then here's a bearish one, industrial drags, that affects copper disproportionately here, and the trigger there is typically a stronger US dollar because the US dollar surges when global global industrials tend to drag, and that's because the US is the least dirty shirt in the laundry basket of the world. And then finally here, we have a policy shock. This will affect all three medals, but especially copper and gold here. Um, arguably, the biggest reason is tariffs and debt, and we've seen both of those contribute to silver rising. So we could put all three in that basket as well. But when you put it all together, we have the perfect explosive mix for all three of these metals, including palladium and also platinum, which we didn't get to have time for, but all of these are experiencing huge thrust in 2025. And we'll have to see how these tariffs play out, especially on Dr. Copper with respect to that August 1st deadline. Remember, 50% there. So tune into Stocks in Translation for more jargon busting deep dives, new episodes on Tuesdays and Thursdays on Yahoo Finances website, or wherever you find your podcast. (Transcript from Yahoo! Finance podcast)

News

Best Quotes

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." — Benjamin Franklin

"Bottoms in the investment world don't end with four-year lows; they end with 10- or 15-year lows." — Jim Rogers

Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when others are fearful." — Warren Buffett

Media Man "Bullish is a mindset"

Mining/Energy/Resources: Australia and World

October 2025

October 17, 2025

(New York, Wall St)

Mining Stocks: (Near Live)

BHP Group Ltd $43.60 -0.17 -0.39%
Fortescue Ltd $20.18 +0.37 +1.87%
Rio Tinto $130.88 +1.61 +1.25%
Northern Star $26.05 +0.59 +2.32%
Evolution Mining Ltd $11.67 +0.22 +1.92%
Lynas Rare Earths Ltd $19.24 -1.16 -5.69%
Mineral Resources Ltd $41.77 -0.72 -1.69%

News

Gold Bulls have no choice but to push

Each time, gold finds a new driver of growth. In the summer, there were expectations of a resumption of the Fed's easing cycle. To be cont... (FxPro)

News

Rare earths strategy

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should tell President Donald Trump at their meeting next week that Australia can solve the western world's heavy rare earths crisis. He must also outline eight steps that will help to counter China's dominance of the heavy rare earths market, particularly terbium and dysprosium. Amongst other things, Haoma Mining's pilot plant for its Elazac process - which is currently extracting gold and platinum from Bamboo Creek tailings - should be expanded more rapidly; Elazac can also extract terbium and dysprosium concentrate, which can then be shipped to Iluka Resources' Eneabba plant or the US for refining. Haoma also has a major area of prospective heavy rare earth ore in the Bamboo Creek Valley; analysis of bulk samples suggests that these terbium grades are much higher than other Australian mines. (RMS)

News

Rinehart's rare earths shares top $3.5b as Trump needles China

Hancock Prospecting has increased its exposure to the rare earths sector after participating in St George Mining's $72.5m capital raising. The latter had initially sought to raise $40m, but increased this to $50m in response to strong demand from institutional investors. St George subsequently also agreed to issue Hancock with $22.5m worth of shares, lifting the Gina Rinehart-controlled company's stake to around six per cent. St George will use the proceeds of the capital raising to expand its Araxa project in Brazil. Hancock's other investments in the sector include Lynas Rare Earths, Arafura Rare Earths and US-based MP Materials. (RMS)

News

PM has his work cut out striking rare earths deal with Trump

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is hoping to secure a deal with US President Donald Trump regarding the US getting access to Australia's rare earths, but it may not be as easy as Albanese might hope. The Trump administration is seen as being divided into two camps on the issue, namely the resource nationalists and the economic rationalists, and the first one is currently holding sway. They believe the US should create an end-to-end critical mineral supply chain, and it was probably behind the recent US government investments and equity stakes in US critical minerals mining firms Lithium Americas and MP Materials. The economic rationalists camp believes the US needs the help of its allies to meet its critical mineral needs, at least in the short term, with it being noted it can take more than 20 years to open a new mine in the US. (RMS)

News

'Lethal warming' from Woodside gas mega-project

A study published in Nature journal Climate Action claims the emissions caused by Woodside Energy's Scarborough gas project will increase global warming to the extent that it will cause an additional 484 heat-related deaths in Europe. The study was partly financed by the Minderoo Foundation, a philanthropic foundation established by Andrew Forrest, who has a long history of criticising Woodside and its CEO Meg O'Neill. Located off the coast of Western Australia, the $19.5 billion Scarborough project is due to begin exporting LNG late next year. (RMS)

News

Minerals/Politics

Stockpile of critical metals urgent: miners

The federal government aims to establish its $1.2bn critical minerals strategic reserve by late 2026. However, the mining industry has warned the government that it must act more quickly to build the minerals stockpile, contending that another mining nation could potentially trump Australia and become a supplier of choice to defence partners such as the US and Japan. Meanwhile, the industry is believed to have been told that the government may use contracts for difference to set a 'floor price' for critical minerals. The strategic reserve is expected to a priority when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets US President Donald Trump at the White House next week. (RMS)

News

Australian/Asia Pacific News

Rio set to shutter Tomago smelter

The Tomago aluminium smelter's coal-fired power supply contract with AGL Energy is set to expire in 2028, and it faces the prospect of a massive increase in power costs under any new supply agreement. This makes it highly likely that Rio Tinto and its partners in Tomago will permanently shut down the NSW smelter in 2028, unless investment in renewable energy in the state is ramped up significantly in the next few years. The cost of electricity is also a major threat to the future of Rio Tinto's Bell Bay aluminium smelter in Tasmania, with its current supply deal to expire at the end of this year. The Tomago smelter employs more than 1,000 people. (RMS)

News

Ellison loses key ally in MinRes board exodus

Iron ore and lithium producer Mineral Resources has appointed Colin Moorhead and Susan Ferrier as non-executive directors. Their recruitment follows the departure of six members of Mineral Resources' board in recent months; this includes Zimi Meka, whose resignation was announced on Friday. The recent departures mean that only three of the nine MinRes directors who attended its 2024 AGM will front shareholders at this year's meeting; they include embattled MD Chris Ellison, who has previously committed to stepping down by mid-2026. (RMS)

News

Forrests sell out of magnet maker as China ups rare earths heat

Wyloo Metals has sold its near 19.9 per cent stake in Neo Performance Materials, with Wyloo being the Forrest family's private mining company. With Neo being one of the few Western companies using rare earths to produce permanent magnets, Wyloo sought to take advantage in a jump in its share price that has resulted from the trade spat between China and the US over the supply of rare earths and permanent magnets, with Wyloo selling its stake in Neo for total proceeds of around $182 million. (RMS)

News

Rare earths market splits into light and medium-heavy segments

There are increasing signs that the rare earths market is splitting into two distinct segments, namely light elements such as as neodymium and praseodymium, and medium-heavy elements such as dysprosium and terbium. The Shanghai Metal Market suggests that while demand for light elements remains stable, demand for medium-heavy elements is weak, and procurement teams need to differentiate between these segments when negotiating contracts. US buyers need to cultivate relationships with non-Chinese suppliers, as well as keeping an eye on government equity moves, as Washington's willingness to take direct stakes in projects like Tanbreez suggests future deals are likely.

News

Rio, Japanese in Pilbara mine deal

Rio Tinto has secured state and federal government approvals to develop new iron ore deposits at the West Angelas hub in the Pilbara. Rio Tinto and its Robe River joint venture partners, Mitsui and Nippon Steel, will invest $US733m ($1.1bn) to expand the West Angelas mine, with Rio Tinto to contribute $US389m. The expansion of West Angelas will maintain its annual production capacity of 35 million tonnes. Rio Tinto launched its Western Range iron ore joint venture with China-based Baowu in June, as part of its ongoing commitment to the Pilbara. (RMS)

News

Loophole use in $2.4b gold deal leads to reform calls

Shares in gold miner Predictive Discovery have rallied in the wake of a proposed merger with Toronto-listed Robex. Predictive's shareholders will control 51 per cent of the merged group, although they will not be given a vote on the deal. In contrast, the merger will need to be approved by at least two-thirds of Robex shareholders. The proposed merger has prompted renewed scrutiny of the ASX's listing rules, which allow companies to waive the requirement for a shareholder vote under certain circumstances. Simon Mawhinney from Allan Gray Australia has likened the Predictive deal to James Hardie's merger with Azek earlier this year. (RMS)

News

Gold Mining News

Gold prices continue their record-breaking rally, hitting a new high of $3,949.71 per ounce amid central bank buying, geopolitical tensions, and expectations of further U.S. interest rate cuts. This surge is boosting the sector, with miners' stocks outperforming AI-driven chip rallies—gold equities up 135% year-to-date, led by heavyweights like Newmont and Agnico Eagle, whose shares have more than doubled. However, analysts warn of a potential production "cliff" after 2025, with global output peaking at ~3,250 tonnes (105 million oz.) next year before a decline due to dwindling reserves and limited new projects.

News

GoldMining Inc. launches 2025 exploration at São Jorge, Brazil

Comprehensive program targets copper-gold zones; recent drilling hit 2.79 g/t AuEq over 79m, including antimony mineralization. Company also expands land package and updates mineral resource estimates.

News

Nevada Gold Mines deploys autonomous haul trucks

Fleet of 300- and 230-tonne trucks automated using Komatsu's FrontRunner system across U.S. surface operations for efficiency gains.

News

Calls for uranium listing as US goes all out on nuclear power

Shadow energy minister Dan Tehan says White House officials emphasised during his recent visit to the US thart a secure supply of uranium is a priority for the Trump administration. Tehan contends that the federal government should therefore add uranium to its critical minerals list, and include it in any deal with the US for an exemption from its reciprocal tariffs regime. Australia accounts for about one-third of the world's known reserves, although the nation's exports of unenriched uranium comprises just 10 per cent of global supply at present. Tehan recently reiterated that nuclear power will remain part of the Coalition's energy policy. (RMS)

News

BHP salutes Japan 'trust'

BHP's president of its Australian operations, Geraldine Slattery, addressed an Australia-Japan business conference on Monday. She declined to comment on unconfirmed reports that China has banned the resources group's Pilbara iron ore shipments. Instead, she emphasised BHP's "deep" relationship with Japan and the free-trade relations between the two nations. Slattery highlighted the level of trust and transparency in the relationship between Australia and Japan. (RMS)

News

MinRes appoints company secretary

Iron ore and lithium producer Mineral Resources has appointed Sarah Standish as its joint company secretary. Standish will replace CFO Mark Wilson in the role, which she will share with Derek Oelofse. Mineral Resources has released a statement in which it notes that Standish has 20 years of experience in legal, governance, risk and compliance functions at both ASX-listed and international companies in the mining and energy sectors. Her appointment has coincided with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission investigation into corporate governance issues at Mineral Resources. (RMS)

News

Upstart glisters among surging gold miners

The gold price has risen by almost 50 per cent in US dollar terms so far in 2025. This has in turn boosted the share prices of Australian gold producers; Northern Star Resources' market capitalisation has increased by 60 per cent so far in 2025, reaching a record high of $35bn last week. Meanwhile, Westgold Resources' share price rose by 24 per cent last week, lifting its market capitalisation from $4bn to $5.1bn; this followed its announcement of plans to lift gold production by 45 per cent to 470,000 ounces over the next three years. (RMS)

News

Lynas revisited: Can it reclaim its crown in rare earths?

Lynas Rare Earths is one of the few players in the sector outside China with genuine scale, but it is now at a critical juncture. A vertically integrated business model allows Lynas to produce a range of refined products, particularly neodymium and praseodymium. However, its product mix has leaned heavily toward light rare earths, leaving it exposed to pricing volatility. The most notable development in 2025 has been Lynas's breakthrough into heavy rare earths; the company announced its first production of dysprosium oxide in May, followed by terbium oxide at its Malaysian plant in June. This milestone currently makes Lynas the only commercial-scale producer of separated heavy rare earths outside China. Potential risks for Lynas include cost inflation, the ongoing threat of competition from China and uncertainty regarding the future of its licence in Malaysia. (RMS)

News

MinRes scores legal win on port levies

The Supreme Court of Western Australia has ruled that Mineral Resources and its lawyers should be allowed to see details of a controversial agreement between the state government and Chevron. The state-owned Pilbara Ports Authority had sought to block access to the agreement, which requires MinRes to pay a levy for using a cargo wharf and part of a shipping channel that had been dredged by Chevron for its Wheatstone LNG project. Chevron also built the Port of Ashburton, which MinRes now uses to export iron ore from its Onslow Iron project. (RMS)

News

Rare earth magnets have become the new battleground for global power

The unique properties of rare earth magnets have resulted in them becoming strategic assets, and supply chain control is increasingly being viewed as a matter of national security. China dominates the global production and supply of rare earth magnets, and this dependence on China was underlined earlier this year when the nation imposed export controls. Four rare earth magnet factories are currently under construction in the US, but China has been investing in rare earths processing for decades; it also manufactures most of the world's refining equipment and employs most of the specialised technicians, so ending China's dominance is likely to take years. (RMS)

News

BHP Faces Chinese Iron Ore Ban Amid Pricing Dispute:

Reports emerged that China's state-run iron ore buyers have instructed steelmakers to halt purchases of dollar-denominated cargoes from BHP, causing the company's shares to drop 1.8%. This escalates a broader pricing row, with BHP's stock closing at A$41.91 (down 0.73%). Analysts warn of potential supply chain disruptions for Australia's largest exporter.

Rio Tinto Eyes Early Closure of Queensland's Largest Coal Power Station:

The mining giant notified the Australian Energy Market Operator of a potential shutdown of its 1,000 MW coal-fired plant at the Tarong site as early as March 2029—six years ahead of schedule. This aligns with Rio's decarbonization push but raises concerns over energy reliability in coal-dependent Queensland.

Alcoa Permanently Closes Kwinana Alumina Refinery:

The U.S.-based firm confirmed the shutdown of its Western Australian facility after 60 years, citing high energy costs and global oversupply. This impacts 400 jobs and underscores aluminium sector struggles, with WA's government exploring support for affected workers.

Coal Royalty Pressures Lead to Job Cuts:

BHP's closure of the Saraji South mine in Queensland's Bowen Basin will eliminate 750 jobs, blamed on royalties eight times higher than 2024 profits.

Anglo American announced further redundancies at its Grosvenor mine and Brisbane office (potentially 1,000+ roles). Queensland's government offers fee relief but resists royalty cuts.

Gold Sector Booms on Bullish Forecasts:

ASX gold stocks rallied after UBS and Citi hiked 2026 price targets to US$3,800–$3,825/oz.

Westgold Resources reported a 24% resource increase to 16.3 million ounces in WA.

Genesis Minerals surged 13%, Northern Star 8%, and Evolution Mining 6%.

Critical Minerals Momentum Builds:

Liontown Resources achieved break-even cash flow in its first lithium production year despite low prices.

Mineral Resources (MinRes) acquired assets from Resource Development Group and is refinancing US$700M in debt.

Impact Minerals partnered with Kuniko on a NSW gold-silver-copper project;

Cloudbreak Discovery optioned the Paterson project near Telfer mine.

Northern Minerals' Browns Range rare earths study forecasts an 11-year life at A$592M capex, targeting premiums over Chinese supply.

Fortescue's Green Energy Push:

Andrew Forrest's firm acquired Spanish wind tech company Nabrawind to advance decarbonization. However, a new report doubts full electric haulage by 2030, with diesel emissions persisting until 2035. Joint CEOs could earn up to A$7.5M each in 2025–26 via performance rights.

Santos Takeover Bid Collapses:

A US$36.4B offer from an ADNOC-led consortium failed due to due diligence issues and FIRB hurdles, potentially pushing Santos toward a demerger or merger with Woodside.

Geopolitical Flashpoint:

Trump Stake Proposal Draws Backlash:

Discussions of granting U.S. President Donald Trump stakes in Australian critical minerals firms have sparked outrage, with critics calling it a "disaster" and potentially illegal under foreign investment rules.

Upcoming Events

The sector gears up for major gatherings focusing on innovation and investment:

WA Mining Conference & Exhibition: October 8–9, Perth Convention Centre—spotlighting future tech, sustainability, and critical minerals. Expected to draw thousands for networking and demos.

International Mining & Resources Conference (IMARC): October 21–23, Sydney—featuring leaders from 120+ countries, including Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King. Themes include global investment and decarbonization.

Asia-Pacific International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX):

September 23–25, Adelaide (ongoing as of early October)—showcasing automation and safety, with the Australian Mining Prospect Awards at Adelaide Oval.

News Flashback

Trump seeks equity stakes in critical mineral producers

The US Department of Defense bought $US400m ($607m) worth of shares in rare earths producer MP Materials earlier in 2025. The Trump administration is said to be looking at buying equity-like stakes in other producers of critical minerals, according to executives of Australian mining companies who recently held talks with officials from various US government agencies. Amongst other things, the government is said to be interested in buying stock warrants, which would grant it the right to buy shares in a mining company. The US aims to reduce its reliance on China for minerals that are crucial for defence technology and the energy transition. (RMS)

News

Argonaut tips gold to hit $US4500, lithium revival as supply tightens

The gold price has risen by 45 per cent so far in 2025, and it is currently trading above $US3,800 per ounce. Perth-based stockbroker Argonaut is bullish about the outlook for bullion, lifting its peak price forecast to US$4,500. Argonaut's executive chairman and co-founder Eddie Rigg also anticipates further consolidation in the gold sector. Meanwhile, Rigg expects the lithium price to rebound, arguing that proposed new projects in South America and Africa are unlikely to proceed in the near-term; he notes that they will be capital-intensive, while many are in volatile jurisdictions. (RMS)

News

News Flashback

Profile

Hancock Prospecting

Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd is an Australian-owned mining and agricultural business run by Executive Chairwoman Gina Rinehart and CEO Garry Korte. At various stages of its trading history, the company has been known as Hancock Prospecting Ltd, Hancock Resources Ltd, Hanwright Pty Ltd, Hancock & Wright Ltd, and Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd.

Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd is owned by Rinehart (76.6%) and the Hope Margaret Hancock Trust (23.4%).

The company was founded in 1955 by Rinehart's father, the late Lang Hancock. Hancock Prospecting holds the mineral rights to some of the largest Crown land leases in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Gina Rinehart has disputed accusations that she is an heiress. Through Rinehart's spokesperson and chief financial officer at Hancock Prospecting, Jay Newby, Rinehart has claimed that upon assuming the role of the Executive Chairwoman, she took over a company that was in a perilous financial position with significant debt and major assets mortgages and under threat of seizure.

Projects:

Balfour Downs Station Manganese Operation, northeast of Newman, a joint venture with Mineral Resources

Hope Downs mine, northwest of Newman, a joint venture with Rio Tinto

Roy Hill project, south of Port Hedland, a joint venture between Hancock Prospecting (70%), Marubeni (15%), POSCO (12.5%), and China Steel Corporation (2.5%)

Alpha Coal project, Galilee Basin in Central Queensland

Kevin's Corner coal project, Galilee Basin in Central Queensland

Nicholas Downs mine, northwest of Newman, a joint venture with Mineral Resources

(Developing profile/news). To be cont ...

News

Best Quotes

The best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears."

"You are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig to find it and make it real."

"Your mind is like a gold mine, if you dig deep you will find something golden."

"Don't die without mining the gold in your mind."

"We're like goldfields. Until we dig deep to find what's inside us, our true potentials may be hidden forever."

"If you want to find gold, you've got to love the process of digging."

"Even if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig."

"Develop men the same way gold is mined"

"Don't go into the mine looking for dirt; instead, go in looking for the gold."

"A prospector's job is to remove dirt as quickly as possible"

"A prospector who analyses every speck of dirt won't find much gold"

"The world is sitting on a gold mine but knows it not." "Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"All that is gold does not glitter."

"Gold is forever. It is beautiful, useful, and never wears out"

"Gold is the money of kings"

"Mining is the art of exploiting mineral deposits at a profit. An unprofitable mine is fit only for the sepulcher of a dead mule."

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold."

"True gold fears no fire."

"The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"When taken for granted, gold in one's hand is sometimes considered like cheap copper – so are people."

Media Man

Roy Morgan wins Media Man 'News Services Provider Of The Month' award; Runner-ups: X, Google News, Yahoo! Finance

Crypto, Fintech, Blockchain, Coins and Business News

February 11/12, 2025

Powell Commits to Fresh Look at Crypto Debanking

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has acknowledged the growing concern of debanking affecting Bitcoin and crypto firms. During a recent Senate committee meeting, Powell committed to reevaluating the Fed's approach towards these incidents. He emphasized the importance of not using reputational risk as a means to discriminate against legal businesses, and mentioned steps towards potentially revising supervisory practices to prevent such occurrences. (Grok)

News

Crypto: No Growth Without Fear

February 12, 2025
Market picture

The crypto market continues to bump along, pulling back 2.7% to $3.15 trillion after flirting with the $3.3 mark the day before. This week, the market is hovering near the lower boundary of the descending corridor.

Technically, a rebound from these levels is more likely. However, the wiser approach is to wait, as the risk of a sharper decline remains high after an extended period of weakness.
The cryptocurrency sentiment index is hovering between the fringes of fear and neutral territory, having lost 1 point to 46 by Wednesday morning. Still, the market lacks enough fear to attract buyers.

On Tuesday, Bitcoin once again rebounded from its 50-day moving average near $98,600, a strong resistance level over the past week. However, intraday buying interest on dips below $95,000 remains evident. The RSI dynamics align with sentiment index trends, suggesting that a deeper move into oversold territory may be needed to attract buyers.

News Background

Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz expects Bitcoin to be on the government's books in six months. He also expects that following the SEC leadership change, many cryptocurrency companies, including Galaxy Digital, will go public and list their shares on the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq.

Strategy, which had temporarily paused its initial cryptocurrency purchases, has now resumed buying Bitcoin. Last week, the company acquired 7,633 BTC for $742.2 million at an average price of approximately $97,255.

Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) holds 478,740 BTC, purchased for a combined $31bn at an average price of $65,033 per coin.

Santiment estimates that market participant interest has definitively shifted from meme coins to Bitcoin and leading alts. Leading Tier 1 blockchains, including Ethereum, Solana, Toncoin and Cardano, account for 44% of all cryptocurrency discussions on social media.

Bloomberg cites Litecoin (LTC), Solana (SOL), XRP, and Dogecoin (DOGE) as having high odds of ETF approval. For LTC and DOGE, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has already accepted Forms 19b-4 for review.

In the 19 days since the launch of Official Trump (TRUMP), the volume of accumulated losses from investments in the US president's meme-coin has reached $2bn, the NYT estimates. More than 810,000 users have experienced losses. (FxPro)

News

SEC Poised to Review Grayscale's XRP ETF Application

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to acknowledge Grayscale's filing for an XRP ETF by February 13, 2025. This acknowledgment marks a procedural step, not an approval, amidst ongoing regulatory discussions surrounding XRP. Social media buzz reflects high anticipation among investors, with many predicting a potential surge in XRP value should the ETF progress further. (Grok)

News

Metaplanet

The ripple effects of US President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto agenda are fuelling a surge in bitcoin demand in Japan, where one hotelier’s pivot to stockpiling the cryptocurrency is delivering eye-watering returns for shareholders.

Shares of Metaplanet are up more than 4000 per cent over the past 12 months, the largest gain among all Japanese stocks in that period and one of the highest globally, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Bitcoin itself hit a record of $US109,241 on January 20 as Mr Trump was sworn in for his second term. It has since erased some of those gains as his trade policies fanned global instability.

Metaplanet is one of the outfits that aim to emulate the success of Michael Saylor’s Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, which has morphed into a leveraged bitcoin proxy and behemoth after accumulating more than $US45 billion ($71.72 billion) of the cryptocurrency.

Metaplanet’s chief executive, former Goldman Sachs equity derivatives trader Simon Gerovich, said he was drawn to the idea after hearing about Mr Saylor’s strategy on a podcast.

Mr Gerovich, who is from Australia, had been running Metaplanet, formerly Red Planet Japan, as a hotel developer since 2013, but shifted to a “bitcoin-first strategy” in early 2024 after a pandemic slowdown forced the company to shutter all but one of its hotels.

Since then, Metaplanet’s shareholders have increased to almost 50,000, growing by 500 per cent in 2024, according to the company. Shareholders include Capital Group – which also invests in MicroStrategy – but the vast majority are retail investors, many of whom have limited experience with volatile crypto assets.

“Metaplanet has such high exposure to the volatile retail base,” said Rhiannon Ewart-White, Japan equity analyst and managing director of UK-based Storm Research. “They need to make sure shareholders understand exactly what their strategy is.”

Six straight years of losses
The company, which has posted six straight years of losses, has forecast a profit in its fourth-quarter earnings to be released late on Monday in Tokyo. That’s likely to bolster the stock, said Ms Ewart-White.

Mr Gerovich, who attended Mr Trump’s inauguration ceremony in Washington last month, told Bloomberg that “the excitement around a more bitcoin-friendly regulatory environment” in the US has catapulted demand in Japan for the token.

The company is not Japan’s only MicroStrategy copycat. Software developer Remixpoint, for example, announced a plan to buy ¥1.2 billion (roughly $12.8 million) in bitcoin last September, and its stock has grown over 300 per cent since.

A large chunk of Metaplanet’s retail shareholders bought shares via the Nippon Individual Savings Account program, which Japan’s government revamped in early 2024 to encourage citizens to invest their savings for long-term growth and retirement.

Getto Hagiya, an 18-year-old robotics student from Tokyo, bought Metaplanet shares as his first investment under the tax-free program. He got excited about bitcoin after hearing Mr Trump promote crypto-friendly policies during his campaign.

“I believe bitcoin will be an indispensable asset in the future,” he said. Mr Hagiya was further enticed to invest by Metaplanet’s promise of free bitcoin merchandise at its shareholder meetings.

Capital gains on direct bitcoin purchases are subject to taxes of up to 55 per cent in Japan, making investing in stock proxies like Metaplanet via NISA a cheap and convenient option for small-scale and first-time buyers.

Mr Gerovich said he believed “ongoing yen depreciation” also made Japan a ripe market for bitcoin, as many investors were seeking “a hedge against monetary debasement”.

Metaplanet held 1762 bitcoin (currently worth about $171 million) as of January 28, according to a company presentation, and intends to increase that to 10,000 tokens by the end of 2025 and 21,000 by the end of the following year. To fund those purchases, the firm aims to issue 21 million shares via moving strike warrants.

It also plans to rebrand its only remaining hotel, the Royal Oak in Tokyo’s Gotanda area, as The Bitcoin Hotel this year, with a view to hosting bitcoin-related seminars and events.

Metaplanet has “a profitable, albeit very small”, hotel business behind its bitcoin buying, said Storm Research’s Ms Ewart-White. Still, “if the price of bitcoin tanks, that’s going to be quite difficult for them”, she said. (A.I News)

News

Crypto.com Gains EEA Regulatory Approval

Crypto.com has been granted regulatory approval to offer cryptocurrency services throughout the European Economic Area (EEA), under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. This approval allows Crypto.com to expand its operations, potentially including stock trading, banking features, and a Cronos ETF, across all EEA member states. This move positions Crypto.com as a pioneering major exchange with comprehensive licensing in Europe, enhancing its role in the region's financial sector.

News

AI in Hollywood: The Great Debate Over Creativity and Technology

The film industry is facing a significant transformation with the introduction of AI-generated content. Critics and fans alike have expressed strong reservations about AI's role in filmmaking, particularly after the disappointing reception of 'Captain America: Brave New World'. The consensus among many is that while AI can enhance technical aspects like CGI, it lacks the emotional depth and creative storytelling that human filmmakers provide. There is a widespread concern that an over-reliance on AI could lead to a loss of the human touch in cinema, prompting calls to support genuine human creativity in film. Discussions highlight a divide between those who see AI as a tool for efficiency and those who fear it might dilute the art of filmmaking. (Grok)

News

Top 10 Memecoins For Week

Here's a look at some of the top memecoins for the week of February 2025, based on performance and popularity:

1 - With a staggering weekly increase of 1326.64%, FU leads the pack, showing significant community support and market interest.FU (@_FuCoin

2 - Up by 113.36%, BAN has been gaining traction, possibly due to its unique branding or community-driven initiatives.BAN (@ban_comedian

3 - This memecoin saw a 20.16% rise, suggesting it's doing well among Ethereum-based tokens.MOODENG (@ethmoodengfan

4 - With a 13.38% increase, SHIBTC continues to be a notable player, combining the popularity of Shiba Inu with Bitcoin's branding.SHIBTC (@shibtcofficial

5 - Up by 12.66%, this token might be capturing attention with its thematic approach or community engagement.PORK (@PorkEthereum

6 - With a modest but positive 9.18% growth, FLORK shows steady interest from its community.FLORK (@florkcto

7 POPCAT ($POPCAT) - Posts on X indicate POPCAT soared over 110%, reflecting strong market performance or viral marketing success.

8 FART Coin ($FART) - A nearly 30% rise, suggesting this token could be riding on a wave of humor or social media buzz.

9 PEPE ($PEPE) - Up by 12%, PEPE continues to be a favorite in the memecoin space, known for its strong community backing.

10 DOGE ($DOGE) - With a 5.2% increase, Dogecoin remains a staple in the memecoin market, bolstered by its established community and broader recognition.

These rankings are based on recent performance metrics and social media sentiment from posts found on X, as well as broader market analysis from web sources. Remember, the memecoin market is highly volatile, and performance can change rapidly. Always conduct your own research before investing in any cryptocurrency. (Grok)

News

News Flashback

February 6, 2025

Bitcoin Strengthens as Crypto Falls Market picture

The cryptocurrency market is in no hurry to recover. Trading near $3.3 trillion in capitalisation, the crypto market is consolidating at a lower level. Before that, there was consolidation near $3.5 trillion, and a fortnight ago, it was just below $3.8 trillion.

It looks like we saw another ‘sell on fact’ as growth stopped after Trump's inauguration, which crypto enthusiasts were optimistic about. The sentiment index rolled back into neutral territory by the end of the first week of February.

Bitcoin is trading at 98,500, having lost over 6% in the last seven days. The bulls failed to organise a quick rebound after Monday's collapse. Corporates and private speculators seem to be buying BTC during downturns. It is not enough to refresh historical records, but it is causing Bitcoin's dominance to grow above 60%—the highest since March 2021.

News Background
Crypto investors are frustrated by the lack of progress on creating a US Bitcoin reserve. The day before, David Sachs, head of the Digital Asset Markets Task Force, called the evaluation of creating a Bitcoin reserve a priority but did not provide details.

Former BitMEX exchange head Arthur Hayes said the US, China and other nations will soon be forced to print money, driving Bitcoin to new records.

El Salvador has bought 20 more BTC over the past week, taking advantage of the price drop. On 4 February, the country bought 11 BTC at once, bringing the national bitcoin stockpile to 6,067 BTC.

Technology company Semler Scientific also continues to add to its Bitcoin reserve. It has purchased 871 BTC in the past three weeks and has a total of 3,192 BTC.

Ethereum issuance has grown to 120,521,725 ETH. Comparable levels were last seen in September 2022, before The Merge update. The rise in supply casts a shadow on the narrative of Ethereum as a deflationary asset.

A bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate to regulate stablecoins, which could boost demand for U.S. Treasuries and spur financial innovation. (FxPro)

News

Bitcoin Magazine wins Media Man 'Magazine Of The Month' award

News

Dogecoin News

Market Performance:
Dogecoin has experienced significant volatility recently, with a 39% plunge amid market turmoil and broader crypto market dips influenced by U.S. trade war fears and macroeconomic uncertainty. Despite this, there have been signs of recovery, with Dogecoin gaining 10% on a particular day, pushing its price back up to nearly $0.29. However, it later stabilized around $0.246.

Whale Activity:
Large investors, or "whales," have been actively accumulating Dogecoin, with reports indicating they bought 750 million DOGE coins during a recent market dip. This activity is seen as a sign of confidence in Dogecoin's future, potentially signaling that the coin might reclaim higher price levels.

Price Predictions and Analysis:
Analysts have made bold predictions for Dogecoin, with some suggesting it could reach $10 by leveraging historical patterns and whale accumulation. There's discussion about Dogecoin forming an ABC corrective wave pattern, hinting at a potential price reversal.

Crypto Market Context:
Dogecoin's performance is part of a larger crypto market trend where other cryptocurrencies like XRP, Solana, and Cardano have also seen significant declines. Bitcoin's struggles have had a ripple effect across the market, impacting meme coins like Dogecoin.

Regulatory and Legal News:
There's no direct regulatory news impacting Dogecoin specifically, but the broader crypto market often reacts to regulatory changes or news. However, Dogecoin's price movements have been influenced by general market sentiment around regulation and economic policies.

Community and Cultural Impact:
Dogecoin continues to have a strong community support, driven by its meme status and celebrity endorsements, particularly from Elon Musk. This support often leads to unpredictable price movements based on social media trends and public figures' comments.

In Summary:Dogecoin's recent performance has been a rollercoaster, with significant drops followed by some recovery, driven by whale accumulation and speculative predictions. The market remains volatile, with Dogecoin's price sensitive to broader crypto market trends and macroeconomic news.

Remember, cryptocurrency investments are speculative and come with high risk. Always conduct thorough research and consider your investment strategy carefully. (Grok)

News

Here's a summary of recent developments in the blockchain space based on the latest information available:

Crypto Crime and Regulation: In 2024, crypto crime proceeds were valued at $40.1 billion according to Chainalysis. Additionally, countries like Kenya are drafting policies to regulate virtual assets, while Namibia's central bank has granted provisional licenses to two crypto firms.

Blockchain in Government and Anti-Corruption: Malaysia is adopting blockchain and AI to combat graft, with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) leveraging the technology for its immutable records and transparency features.

Blockchain for U.S. Treasury: There's a push from tech and crypto leaders, including Elon Musk and Brian Armstrong of Coinbase, for a blockchain-based U.S. Treasury system to enhance government spending transparency. This initiative is partially inspired by the reported savings from Musk's DOGE agency.

Blockchain Education and Business: USC Marshall School of Business has launched a Business of Blockchain Initiative to prepare students for shifts in technology, focusing on applications across supply chains and the creator economy.

Crypto Exchanges and Legal Developments: Kraken has resumed its crypto staking services in the U.S. after a regulatory shutdown in 2023, signaling a shift under the Trump administration's crypto policies. Meanwhile, Binance and the SEC are seeking to pause their legal battle, influenced by a new task force's potential impact.

Blockchain for Real-World Assets: There are advancements in tokenizing real-world assets, with Sidra Chain being highlighted as the first decentralized blockchain platform to tokenize various assets like oil, gold, and real estate.

Meme Coins and Market Influence: Trump's involvement with a new cryptocurrency, $Trump, has led to significant market movements, with early traders seeing profits while others faced losses, showcasing the volatile nature of meme coins.

Gaming and Blockchain: Blockchain gaming has shown significant activity, accounting for over 26% of on-chain activity in Q3, with new games being introduced on platforms like TikTok.

Blockchain Upgrades: IntelMarkets has raised over $7 million in presales and is planning a blockchain upgrade, aiming to become a notable Initial Coin Offering (ICO) with its AI-powered dual-chain trading ecosystem.

Crypto in Media: There was an incident where X account of Nick Robinson was hacked to promote a fake cryptocurrency, highlighting security issues within social media platforms.

These updates reflect a dynamic landscape where blockchain technology continues to intersect with various sectors, from government transparency to entertainment and education, while also facing regulatory challenges and security concerns. (Grok)

News

Bitcoin vs Gold

When comparing Bitcoin and gold, several key aspects highlight their differences and similarities:

Nature and Origin:
Bitcoin: A digital or cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an anonymous entity named Satoshi Nakamoto. It's decentralized, meaning it operates on a network without a central authority like a bank or government.

Gold: A physical metal, valued for millennia for its rarity, beauty, and utility in jewelry, electronics, and as a hedge against inflation. It's tangible and has been a recognized form of currency or value storage across cultures.

Functionality:
Store of Value: Both are considered stores of value but in different ways. Gold has a long history of maintaining value over time, though its value can fluctuate with economic conditions. Bitcoin is often touted for its potential to be "digital gold" due to its capped supply at 21 million coins, which theoretically could protect it against inflation.

Medium of Exchange: Gold, while still used in some transactions, is less practical for everyday use due to its weight and value. Bitcoin, despite its volatility, can be used for transactions, though its acceptance varies widely.

Accessibility and Liquidity:
Bitcoin: Offers high liquidity in the digital realm; you can buy, sell, or trade it anytime online. However, its value can be highly volatile.

Gold: While also liquid, selling or buying physical gold can take time and often involves physical logistics. Gold's value tends to be less volatile than Bitcoin's but still subject to market forces.

Security:
Bitcoin: Requires knowledge of cybersecurity to safely store (in digital wallets). It's vulnerable to hacking if not secured properly. However, the blockchain technology it uses is extremely secure for transactions.

Gold: Physical gold needs physical security against theft. However, once secured, it's less susceptible to digital attacks.

Regulation and Acceptance:
Bitcoin: Regulatory environments vary globally; some countries embrace it while others restrict it. Its acceptance as legal tender is limited but growing.

Gold: Universally recognized and regulated, making it easier to understand its legal standing in most jurisdictions.

Investment Perspective:
Bitcoin: Appeals to those interested in technology, digital assets, and high-risk/high-reward investments. Its future value is highly speculative.

Gold: Often seen as a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty, appealing to those looking for stability and a hedge against inflation or currency devaluation.

Environmental Impact:
Bitcoin: Mining Bitcoin consumes a significant amount of energy, raising environmental concerns.

Gold: Mining gold has both environmental and human costs, including land degradation, water pollution, and health issues for miners.

Conclusion:
Both Bitcoin and gold can serve as part of a diversified investment portfolio, but they cater to different investor profiles. Bitcoin offers digital convenience and potential for high returns but with high volatility. Gold provides traditional security and stability but lacks the digital aspect of Bitcoin. Your choice might depend on your investment horizon, risk tolerance, belief in digital currencies versus traditional assets, and views on future economic conditions.

If you need more detailed comparisons or have specific questions about either, feel free to ask! (Grok)

News

Dogecoin wins Media Man 'Memecoin Of The Month' award

Media Man Int: X wins Media Man 'Platform Of The Month' award; Shortlist for 'Platform Of The Year'

Elon Musk Announces xAI's AI Game Studio Venture

Elon Musk has declared that xAI, his AI-focused company, will venture into creating an AI-driven game studio with the goal to 'make games great again'. This initiative comes in response to criticisms regarding the current state of game development, often pointing at ideological capture and corporate control. Musk's announcement has sparked a range of reactions across the gaming community, from enthusiastic support to concerns over the implications of AI in gaming. (Grok/X)

News

Zuckerberg and Trump: A Meeting at Mar-a-Lago

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, was reportedly seen at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort. The meeting between the tech mogul and the President-elect has sparked various speculations about their discussions, ranging from political realignment to potential business strategies. While the exact nature of their conversation remains undisclosed, this event highlights the ongoing interactions between key business leaders and political figures. (Grok/X)

News

Elon Musk Critiques IRS Budget Amid Tax Reform Talks

Elon Musk has publicly questioned the efficiency and necessity of the IRS, sparking a conversation on social media about simplifying the tax system. His posts reference the growing U.S. national debt and the complexity of current tax laws, suggesting alternatives like a flat tax or VAT system. This has led to a broader discourse on federal tax policy, with many users echoing calls for tax code simplification or even the abolition of income tax. (Grok/X)

News

X's New Feature: The Debate Over Verified Follower Counts

A new feature on platform X has been introduced, allowing premium subscribers to view their number of verified followers in the analytics section. This update has led to users sharing their verified follower counts, with some expressing surprise or pride. The feature is being rolled out gradually to all users. (Grok/X)

News

Musk Accuses Vindman of Treason, Sparks Heated Debate

Elon Musk has publicly accused Alexander Vindman of being on the payroll of Ukrainian oligarchs and committing treason against the United States. These allegations have sparked a significant online debate, with responses ranging from demands for legal action against Vindman to support for Musk's claims. Vindman has responded by denying these accusations, calling them baseless and typical of conspiracy theories. No formal legal proceedings or official confirmations from governmental bodies have been reported in relation to these allegations. (Grok/X)

News

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket has now completed 400 successful missions, marking a significant milestone in its operational history. This achievement was highlighted by SpaceX's recent posts, indicating that Falcon 9 not only completed its 400th mission but also achieved its 375th successful landing of an orbital-class booster. These milestones underscore the reliability and reusability of SpaceX's launch systems, with Falcon 9 demonstrating an impressive success rate over its many launches.

The Falcon 9's latest missions include regular deployments of Starlink satellites, which are part of SpaceX's initiative to provide global broadband coverage. The rocket's capacity to land its first stage booster for reuse has been pivotal in reducing the cost of space access, making each mission more economically viable.

For specific data on Falcon 9's performance:

As of the latest count, Falcon 9 has a mission success rate of 99.3% with 400 successful missions out of 403 attempts.

The rocket has had two in-flight failures and one partial failure over its lifetime.

Falcon 9 has successfully landed its first stage booster 375 times out of 388 attempts, showcasing a landing success rate of 96.9%. (Grok/X)

News

Elon Musk: News

Here's an overview of recent news related to Elon Musk:

Government Role: Elon Musk has been appointed to lead the newly created "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) by President-elect Donald Trump. This role, alongside former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, aims to dismantle government bureaucracy and cut down on regulations. This move has sparked debate over potential conflicts of interest given Musk's extensive business ties with government contracts and regulations.

Legal and Political Activities: Musk has faced legal scrutiny, including a lawsuit from Philadelphia’s District Attorney over his $1 million voter giveaway, which was ruled to be allowed to proceed by a Pennsylvania judge. The Justice Department also warned that this giveaway might violate federal election laws.

Business and Innovation: Musk's companies continue to make headlines. SpaceX conducted a successful Starship test flight, focusing on reusable rocket technology to reduce costs and increase launch frequency. Tesla, under Musk's leadership, is navigating through challenges including regulatory scrutiny over its self-driving features but also potentially benefiting from a Trump administration's policy on deregulation.

Media and Social Impact: Musk's influence extends to the media landscape. His social media platform X has been at the center of controversy, with decisions like reducing the visibility of news links sparking debate over information access and free speech. The Guardian announced it would no longer post from its official accounts on X, citing concerns over the platform's content standards.

Political Influence: Musk has been a significant supporter of Donald Trump, donating millions to a pro-Trump PAC and appearing at campaign events. His involvement with Trump's administration has raised questions about his influence over policy, especially in areas that could benefit his businesses.

Trending Discussions on X: Discussions on X about Musk include his potential purchase of MSNBC, debates on the credibility of legacy media versus citizen journalism, and concerns over government overreach in debanking tech founders, highlighting Musk's critique of current systems.

This summary reflects the multifaceted impact of Elon Musk across business, politics, and media, showcasing both his innovations and the controversies surrounding his actions and decisions. (Grok/X)

X Corp: News

Here are some of the top headlines and developments related to X Corp:

Legal Challenges: X Corp has been involved in several legal battles. Recently, an Australian court upheld a fine against X Corp for failing to cooperate with a regulator's request for information about anti-child abuse practices. This follows a previous challenge where X Corp unsuccessfully argued it should not have to pay a fine issued to Twitter before its merger into X Corp,

Platform Changes and Policies: There's been controversy over X's policies, particularly around account ownership and content moderation. X Corp has been criticized for its handling of hate speech and misinformation, with some users and commentators questioning the fairness and transparency of these policies. Additionally, X has implemented changes like throttling news links, which Elon Musk has justified as a move against 'lazy linking', but this has sparked debate over free speech and access to information.

Operations and Business Moves: X Corp moved its headquarters from San Francisco to Bastrop, Texas, in part due to regulatory and political environments. This move was also influenced by broader business strategies under Elon Musk's leadership. Furthermore, X Corp has been seeking money transmitter licenses across various states, indicating plans to expand into financial services.

User and Community Response: There is a mix of sentiments among users regarding X's changes. Some celebrate their long-term association with the platform (#MyXAnniversary), while others are critical of how the platform has evolved under Musk's ownership, especially concerning user rights and platform control.

Financial and Market Impact: X Corp's valuation has seen significant changes, with a reported decline in share value since Musk's acquisition. This has been coupled with operational changes like downsizing teams responsible for content moderation and trust and safety, which has drawn scrutiny from various quarters, including advertisers and regulatory bodies.

Contentious Issues: Recent trends show discussions around X's handling of controversial accounts and content, including the case of The Onion's attempt to acquire InfoWars' account, which X Corp opposed, asserting ownership over all accounts on its platform. This has raised questions about digital ownership and platform control over user content.

These updates reflect X Corp's ongoing transformation and the challenges it faces in balancing innovation, legal compliance, user expectations, and its business model in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. (Grok/X)

News

Starlink: News

Starlink News Overview:

Satellite Launches: SpaceX has been actively expanding the Starlink constellation. Recent launches include a mission from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base, where 20 Starlink satellites were deployed, including 13 with direct-to-cell capability. Another launch from Florida's Cape Canaveral added 23 Starlink satellites to the network. These launches are part of SpaceX's ongoing effort to provide global high-speed internet coverage.

Service Expansion: Starlink has received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide direct-to-cell phone service in collaboration with T-Mobile, aiming to eliminate cellular dead zones in the U.S. This service will allow T-Mobile customers to connect directly to satellite internet from their existing phones.

International and Domestic Impact: Starlink has been deployed in various environments, including emergency response scenarios. It has been used to improve internet access in storm-ravaged areas of the U.S., like after hurricanes Helene and Milton, where service was provided free until the end of the year to aid in recovery efforts. Abroad, Starlink has been licensed in countries like Chad to bridge internet access gaps.

Astronomy and Environmental Concerns: There's ongoing debate about the impact of Starlink satellites on astronomical observations due to their visibility and electromagnetic emissions. Scientists have expressed concerns that these satellites could interfere with radio telescope observations and contribute to light pollution.

Security and Dependency Issues: In Australia, there's growing concern over reliance on Starlink for critical infrastructure, with discussions about security risks due to potential control by SpaceX's owner, Elon Musk, who could theoretically deny access at any time.

Public Perception and Misidentification: Starlink satellite trains have occasionally been mistaken for UFOs or other aerial phenomena, especially near sensitive locations like UK air force bases, leading to initial security concerns that were later clarified as Starlink sightings.

Service and Pricing: Starlink's pricing model remains high compared to traditional internet services, but its utility in areas without other broadband options has been noted. The service includes options like the Starlink Mini for mobile use, with a one-time equipment purchase rather than a lease model.

These updates reflect Starlink's continued growth, its impact on various sectors, and the challenges it faces in terms of environmental and security considerations. (Grok/X)

News

Media Man

Elon Musk wins 'Business Disruptor Of The Month' award; Shotlist for Media Man 'Business Disruptor Of The Year'

Politics/Pop Culture via Media Man

Politics/Pop Culture

Donald Trump and Elon Musk Connection By Media Man Gonzo Newshound with AI

Elon Musk and Donald Trump bromance

Not All Musk Suggestions Are Picked Up As One Would Imagine

Musk invested over $200m into the Trump campaign per folklore/news reports

Both gents share a mutual respect and love of the UFC, the world's leading MMA promotion. Musk currently has another open challenge out to Mark Zuckerberg. (Media Man Int)

Elon Musk Quotes:

"While I have offered my opinion on some cabinet candidates," Musk via X

"many selections occur without my knowledge, and decisions are 100 percent that of the President."

"I really enjoy spending time with President @realDonaldTrump

"Haven’t seen him do one bad thing even once."

News/Op

Media Man: Under The Watercooler

Avengers Assemble, Thunderbirds-A-Go, Affirmative Dave or something else

Trump may be more of a Time Traveller type, where perhaps Mr Musk or a relative invested time travel itself! Go down the Rabbit Hole of Nikola Tesla research, be it Grok, Wikipedia, Substack, Movies and Docos, or other!

Fun Quote From 2001: A Space Odyssey:

"This mission is too important for me to allow you to jeopardise it." HAL 9000

News

DOGE via Grok

Dogecoin (DOGE) is a cryptocurrency that originated as a meme featuring a Shiba Inu dog, inspired by the "Doge" internet meme. Here are some key points about Dogecoin:

Origin: Created in December 2013 by software engineers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer, Dogecoin was initially intended as a satirical take on the cryptocurrency market, particularly Bitcoin. It quickly gained a following due to its humorous origin and the light-hearted nature of its community.

Technology: Dogecoin is based on the Scrypt algorithm, which is similar to Litecoin. It has an uncapped supply, with 10,000 new coins mined every minute, leading to an inflationary model unlike Bitcoin's deflationary model.

Community and Use: Known for its friendly community, Dogecoin has been used for tipping on social media platforms, particularly Reddit and Twitter. Its ethos is encapsulated in the unofficial tagline "Do Only Good Everyday" (D.O.G.E.). The community has also engaged in various charitable activities, using Dogecoin for fundraising.

Market Impact: While often considered a meme coin, Dogecoin has had significant moments in the spotlight, especially in 2021 when it saw a massive surge in value, partly due to endorsements and mentions by high-profile individuals like Elon Musk. This increased its market cap significantly, though the price of individual coins remains low in comparison to other major cryptocurrencies.

Recent Developments:
Market Performance: Dogecoin has seen volatility, with its value often influenced by social media, especially X posts by influential figures. Recently, after the announcement of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by President-elect Donald Trump, with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy leading, Dogecoin experienced a significant price surge.
Elon Musk's Involvement: Musk has expressed intentions for weekly updates on Dogecoin via livestream, indicating ongoing interest and potential influence on its development or perception.

Adoption and Utility: Beyond its use as a tipping currency, there have been discussions about integrating Dogecoin for more practical uses, although its primary value remains speculative or community-driven due to its unlimited supply.

Dogecoin's trajectory continues to be one of the more unique in the cryptocurrency space, driven by community sentiment, meme culture, and occasional high-profile endorsements. However, its lack of a maximum supply cap and its origins as a humorous venture mean it's often viewed differently from cryptocurrencies aimed at being serious financial instruments. (Grok)

News

DOGE News via Grok

The latest news surrounding Dogecoin (DOGE) includes:

Price Surge: Dogecoin has surged significantly, reaching close to $0.50 per coin, marking a notable increase in its valuation. This surge has excited the crypto community, with some enthusiasts anticipating Dogecoin could hit new all-time highs in the near future. Discussions on X suggest a strong bullish sentiment among its community, with some predicting it might become a globally recognized currency.

Formation of the Senate DOGE Caucus: Senator Joni Ernst has been appointed to lead the Senate's newly formed DOGE Caucus, which aims to improve government efficiency. This group includes Senators Rick Scott, Ted Budd, John Cornyn, Mike Lee, Roger Marshall, and James Lankford. A parallel initiative in the House, led by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, will focus on similar objectives, collaborating with figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy under the banner of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This political development is part of broader discussions about reducing federal waste and streamlining government operations.

Musk and Ramaswamy's DOGE Government Reform Plan: Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have introduced the DOGE Plan aimed at reducing federal bureaucracy and government spending. This initiative has garnered attention for its potential to empower citizens by addressing inefficiencies within government operations, often critiquing what some refer to as the 'Deep State'.

Celebrities and Public Figures: Elon Musk's involvement with Dogecoin continues to be a significant factor in its popularity, with his tweets and actions often influencing its price. The recent dismissal of a lawsuit against Musk for allegedly manipulating Dogecoin's price has also made headlines, potentially impacting investor confidence.

Community and Utility: Despite its origins as a meme, Dogecoin has developed a robust community and has been used for tipping on social media platforms like X and Reddit. The cryptocurrency's lighthearted nature is reflected in humorous posts and interactions, like the one about the potential of DOGE's value and humorous warnings about holding onto Dogecoin.

These developments highlight Dogecoin's unique position in the cryptocurrency market, blending humor with significant economic and political discussions. (Grok)

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