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Gold
miners tumble, weighing down ASX; Woodside jumps
October
22, 2025
The
Australian sharemarket wiped out its rally from earlier
in the week as gold and silver miners were savaged
after a plunge in the price of precious metals overnight.
The
S&P/ASX 200 closed 64.7 points, or 0.7 per cent,
lower at 9030, with seven of its 11 sectors in the
red. Mining stocks were down 3.1 per cent to easily
be the biggest weight on the local bourse. Energy
stocks were the only bright spot as oil prices jumped
higher.
Gold
prices have soared this year, but tumbled more than
5 per cent overnight as investors locked in profits
on concern the recent surges in the precious metals
had left them overvalued, with easing US-China tensions
and a stronger US dollar cited as factors in cooling
demand for the safe haven.
Northern
Star Resources lost 8.8 per cent, Evolution Mining
crumbled 10.3 per cent, Newmont lost 9.6 per cent
and Perseus gave up 8.6 per cent. Bucking the trend
was Dateline Resources, which jumped 10.7 per cent
on news its managing director executed more options
to build a 12 per cent stake in the gold miner. Among
silver players, South 32 dropped 3.1 per cent, Andean
Silver plunged 6.1 per cent, Silver Mines lost 7.7
per cent and Polymetals Resources fell 7.4 per cent.
The
price slump overnight brought an abrupt halt to a
surge that had seen both gold and silver post record
highs in the past week. Gold had soared in large part
because of bets on the US Federal Reserve making at
least one outsized rate cut by year-end, as well as
the so-called debasement trade, in which some investors
have pulled away from sovereign debt and currencies
to protect themselves from runaway budget deficits.
“A
drop of more than 5 per cent is rare,” Alexander
Stahel, a resources investor in Switzerland, said
of bullion’s plunge. “In theory, it would
be once in hundreds of thousands of trading days.”
There
were more muted losses for other mining stocks, with
Rio Tinto (down 1.1 per cent), BHP (down 1.4 per cent)
and Fortescue (down 0.3 per cent) retreating.
Critical
minerals and rare earths producers faded after the
dust settled on this week’s much-hyped investment
deal between Australia and the US.
Larger
players Lynas dropped 3.3 per cent and Alcoa fell
3.8 per cent, while Gina Rinehart-backed Arafura Rare
Earths handed back 13.5 per cent after spiking 25
per cent the session before on news it would benefit
directly from the agreement. Iluka edged up 0.3 per
cent.
Financial
stocks were stronger, with the big four banks advancing.
Commonwealth Bank added 0.3 per cent, as did ANZ,
NAB gained 0.2 per cent and Westpac edged up 0.1 per
cent.
Among
energy stocks, oil and gas giant Woodside Energy climbed
3.5 per cent. Oil prices strengthened overnight after
US President Donald Trump stressed that India would
wind down its purchases of oil from Russia. Brent
advanced as much as 1.9 per cent to trade above $US2
a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate climbed towards
$US59.
The
Australian dollar was up 0.2 per cent at US65.03¢
at 4.27pm AEDT.
On
Wall Street, the Dow rose 0.5 per cent and topped
its prior all-time high, which was set early this
month. The S&P 500 index, which is much more important
on Wall Street and dictates the performance of many
more US retirement accounts, was essentially flat
and finished 0.3 per cent below its own record, while
the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.2 per cent.
Chemicals
giant 3M helped drive the Dow to its record after
reporting a bigger profit for the latest quarter than
analysts expected. Its stock had the biggest jump
in price among the 30 companies that make up the average.
In
the more representative S&P 500 index, General
Motors helped lead the way and rallied 14.9 per cent
after reporting stronger quarterly results than analysts
expected, while also raising its forecasts for some
full-year financial targets. CEO Mary Barra said the
car maker was moving quickly to cut its losses in
2026 and beyond for its electric-vehicle business,
as “it is now clear” that EV adoption would
be lower than planned.
Warner
Bros Discovery leaped 11 per cent after the company
said it was now considering other options besides
its previously announced split of Discovery Global
off Warner Bros, ones that could be more profitable
for shareholders. The company said it might be changing
course after hearing from “multiple parties”
interested in either the entire company or Warner
Bros.
Keeping
the market in check were drops for some Big Tech stocks,
which lost momentum following their own big rallies.
A 2.4 per cent drop for Google’s parent company,
Alphabet, from its all-time high was among the heaviest
weights on the S&P 500. So were Broadcom’s
1.9 per cent fall and Nvidia’s 0.8 per cent decline.
In
other international markets, indexes rose across much
of Europe and Asia.
Japan’s
Nikkei 225 added 0.3 per cent and crept closer to
the 50,000 level as conservative lawmaker Sanae Takaichi
became the country’s prime minister. Investors
expect her to push for lower interest rates and other
policies that could help the market.
Indexes
rose 1.4 per cent in Shanghai and 0.7 per cent in
Hong Kong amid expectations that Trump will meet Chinese
President Xi Jinping later this month during a regional
summit. That’s raised hopes for an easing of
trade tensions between the world’s biggest economies.
In
the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury
eased to 3.95 per cent from 4 per cent late on Monday.
(Wires)
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
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. 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
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dig."
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men the same way gold is mined"
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prospector who analyses every speck of dirt won't
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world is sitting on a gold mine but knows it not."
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that is gold does not glitter."
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is forever. It is beautiful, useful, and never wears
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An unprofitable mine is fit only for the sepulcher
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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
Gold
News
August
15, 2025
Gold
is preparing the ground for a long-term trend
Gold fell to $3,330 this week in response to reports
that the White House was unwilling to impose tariffs
on metal imports. Prior to that, the US Customs and
Border Protection agency had demanded that Switzerland
pay a fee for the delivery of 100-ounce and 1-kilogram
bars, which pushed spot prices to the upper limit
of the medium-term range of $3,250–3,400, futures
reached record highs, and premiums between New York
and London exceeded $100 per ounce.
Donald
Trump personally announced that there would be no
tariffs on gold. This deprived gold of an important
driver and caused it to retreat. However, the decline
is limited by a risk-friendly environment with rising
stocks and pressure on the dollar as inflation accelerates.
Therefore, the fall in the USD index creates a tailwind
for gold. As does the decline in Treasury bond yields.
Precious
metals are sensitive to changes in the outlook of
the Fed's key rate. If the central bank does indeed
cut the federal funds rate three times in 2025, gold
will have the opportunity to break out of its consolidation
range and return to an uptrend.
August
was a turning point for the multi-year bull cycles
in 2011 and 2020, but it also proved to be a launch
pad for growth in 2007 and 2018. So, this month has
the potential to kick off a long-term trend.
The
chart now shows more signs of fatigue in gold. The
price has been hovering around the 50-day moving average
for the last eight weeks, although it has been a reliable
support level since the beginning of last year. However,
we can only say that gold has chosen a trend after
it consolidates outside the $3,250-3,400 range. (FxPro)
News
Gold
News
Central
banks, including China’s, continue to bolster
gold reserves, with China’s stockpile surging
in July. Meanwhile, ETF gold inflows hit $3.2 billion
in July, signaling strong investor demand. However,
high prices have dampened demand in India, though
the festive season may revive buyingGold prices have
been volatile recently, driven by U.S. tariff policy
shifts and economic data. On August 11, 2025, gold
fell sharply, with prices dropping below $3,300 as
markets reacted to reports that the U.S. would clarify
its tariff plan on bullion, easing earlier concerns
about a 39% import duty on Swiss gold bars. President
Trump confirmed via social media that gold imports
would not face tariffs, stabilizing the market but
leading to a sell-off after futures hit record highs.
The
latest U.S. CPI data showed a 0.2% rise in July, boosting
gold prices as expectations for Federal Reserve rate
cuts grew. Weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs data (73K
new jobs in July vs. 110K expected) further supported
gold’s safe-haven appeal, pushing prices above
$3,350 before a consolidation phase. Geopolitical
tensions, including U.S.-Russia talks on Ukraine,
have eased slightly, capping gold’s upside.
Analysts
remain bullish, with ING forecasting new highs by
year-end due to anticipated Fed rate cuts, while Bloomberg’s
McGlone sees a path to $4,000 despite short-term pullbacks.
Technical analysis suggests support at $3,300 and
resistance near $3,400, with potential to challenge
April’s $3,500 peak. (Grok)
News
Flashback
Gold
attempts to reach new highs, bouncing off the lower
boundary
August
8, 2025
Gold quickly recovered and approached the upper limit
of the medium-term consolidation range of $3,250-3,400
per ounce, thanks to the return of fears of stagflation
in the US, the growing likelihood of a Fed rate cut
in September, and frenzied demand in China. The employment
sub-index in surveys of purchasing managers in the
services sector has fallen for the fifth time in the
last six months, while prices are rising rapidly.
Stagflation
is good for gold, as low growth prevents the Fed from
tightening while inflation is eroding the value of
dollar assets. Precious metals are used as a hedge
against inflationary risks.
After
a long period, the outlook for gold has been looking
more bullish. The dramatic reversal in expectations
regarding the Fed's interest rate cuts and accelerating
inflation creates the ideal background for gold. The
decline in demand from central banks and the jewellery
industry is offset by a decrease in above-ground stocks
outside exchanges due to arbitrage operations.
If
the upper boundary is broken and a bullish rally begins
in gold, there is potential for a slide down to $3950-4000,
where the 161.8% extension levels from the rise from
the lows at the end of last year to the resistance
area from the end of April near $3420 are concentrated.
(FxPro)
News
Gold
Price: $USD3335
News
Overnight
News
Gold
prices held steady on Friday, but were headed for
a weekly loss after hot inflation data trimmed rate-cut
bets, while the market focus shifted to talks between
U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart
Vladimir Putin.
Spot
gold was little changed at $3,336.66 per ounce by
1:40 p.m. EDT (1740 GMT), and was down 1.8% for the
week.
News
Gold
Quotes
“Gold
is the money of kings.”
“He
who has the gold makes the rules.”
“Gold
is a living god and rules in scorn, all earthly things
but virtue.” – Percy Bysshe Shelley
“Gold
is a deep and liquid subject.”
“Gold
is forever.”
June
and July 2025
Australia:
Gold Road Resources increased production at the Gruyere
mine in Western Australia to 72,980 ounces for the
June 2025 quarter, slightly up from the previous quarter.
However, full-year production is expected to be at
the lower end of the 325,000–355,000-ounce guidance
range. The Australian government approved Gold Fields’
acquisition of Gold Road Resources.
Northern
Star Resources reported strong gold sales of 444,000
ounces for the June 2025 quarter, contributing to
a total of 1.6 million ounces for FY25. However, shares
dropped over 10% due to a disappointing update from
its Kalgoorlie hub and missed 2026 estimates.
Alkane
Resources achieved $12.3 million in free cash flow
and merged with Mandalay Resources, enhancing its
position as a mid-tier gold and antimony producer.
Auric
Mining secured a processing deal with Black Cat Syndicate
for up to 125,000 tonnes of ore from its Munda gold
mine, boosting near-term production.
BMG
Resources signed a toll treatment agreement with Wiluna
Mining for its Abercromby gold project, leveraging
high-grade zones for potential low-cost development.
Meeka
Metals achieved first gold production at its high-grade
Murchison Gold Project, with a resource of 1.2 million
ounces at 3g/t.
Ballard
Mining, a Delta Lithium spinoff, raised $30 million
to advance its 1Moz Mt Ida gold project in Western
Australia.
Global
Developments
:Montage
Gold Corp. (Africa) appointed Jeremy Langford, a seasoned
mining executive, to its board as its $1B+ Koné
project moves toward 2027 production
.Mithril
Silver and Gold (Mexico) reported high-grade results
at its Copalquin Project, with drilling underway to
expand its 8km gold-silver system.
Newmont
(Suriname) plans to cut 10-15% of staff at its Merian
gold mine due to a 48% production decline since 2021,
reflecting operational challenges.
Russia
is considering nationalizing PJSC Yuzhuralzoloto,
a major gold miner, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Ghana:
A construction company linked to the president’s
brother is in an ICC arbitration dispute over a gold
mining project, facing a $100 million counterclaim.
Brazil:
Australian Mines entered a deal to earn into the Boa
Vista Gold Project, which has a JORC-compliant reserve
target of over 250,000 ounces.
Alaska:
The Donlin Gold project, with a 45-million-ounce deposit,
is advancing under new ownership dynamics after Barrick’s
exit, fostering optimism for development.
Market
Trends:Gold prices surged in 2025, reaching a record
high of $3,500.05 per ounce before settling at $3,357.08,
driven by central bank buying, fiscal uncertainty,
and investor demand. However, a stronger-than-expected
US jobs report reduced expectations for a near-term
Fed rate cut, causing a price pullback.
Gold’s
potential classification as a critical mineral is
gaining traction, potentially boosting mining economics
and investment opportunities.
Gold
mining stocks saw solid gains in Q2 2025 but experienced
consolidation, with Newmont and Barrick up 63% and
40.6% from their December lows, respectively.
Other
Notable Developments:
Hamak
Gold Limited (UK) adopted a Bitcoin treasury management
policy, boosting its shares by 6%.
Ghana’s
government is cracking down on illegal gold mining,
while Goldbod reported exporting nearly 50 tonnes
of gold.
HSBC
raised its gold price forecasts for 2025 and 2026,
reflecting bullish sentiment.
Cryptocurrency,
Markets, Business, World News and Culture
Thank
God It's Friday Edition Under The Media Watercooler
August
7/8, 2025
Media
Man Newsfeed
Stock
market growth has boosted altcoins more than BTC
Market
Overview
The
crypto market increased its capitalisation by almost
1% over the past day to $3.76 trillion. This smooth
recovery is consistent with the growing appetite in
the stock markets, where the Nasdaq100 is approaching
peak values, trading just over 1% below its historical
highs. The growth drivers remain the leading altcoins
ETH (+2.4%), XRP (+1.7%), Solana (+3.7%) and Dogecoin
(+2.7%) against a modest +0.7% for BTC.
Bitcoin
is approaching $115K on Thursday morning, reinforcing
confidence in a rebound from the 50-day moving average
in the first days of the month. However, the situation
is clouded by uncertainty due to trading within a
narrow range. Signals for a continuation of the movement
will be a breakout of support at $112K (recent local
lows and 50-day average) or a breakout of resistance
at $120K (July peaks and an important round level).
News
Background
According
to Glassnode, Bitcoin has moved from a stage of euphoria
to a stage of cooling off, with pressure from sellers
intensifying. Demand from large companies and investment
funds is weakening, capital inflows into spot Bitcoin
ETFs have fallen by almost a quarter, network activity
is declining, and transfer volumes and commission
fees are shrinking. In such conditions, any recovery
will be short-lived, as there are no fundamental catalysts
for a rally.
Options
point to expectations of a decline in Bitcoin and
Ethereum by the end of August. Analyst Sean Dawson
notes that investors are hedging en masse in case
of a sharp pullback in BTC below $100,000.
Well-known
trader Ton Weiss suggested that the concentration
of Bitcoin in the hands of large American companies
creates risks of centralisation, and the US authorities
may try to confiscate it in the event of an economic
crisis, as they once did with gold. In his opinion,
this could happen in 2032–2033.
As
part of Project Crypto, the US SEC has clarified that
liquid staking is not usually subject to securities
laws.
US
President Donald Trump is going to sign an executive
order imposing penalties on banks that refuse to serve
crypto companies, The Wall Street Journal reported,
citing sources in the White House. (FxPro)
News
SEC
and Ripple Conclude XRP Lawsuit
The
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Ripple
Labs have dismissed all appeals in their legal battle
over XRP, ending a case that began in December 2020.
A court previously ruled that XRP sales on public
exchanges did not constitute securities, while institutional
sales violated securities laws, resulting in a $125
million fine for Ripple. This resolution eliminates
further litigation and provides regulatory clarity
for the cryptocurrency.
News
Cryptos
Today: (Near Live)
Bitcoin
$116,400.26 USD +1.16%
Ethereum $3,886.75 USD +4.27%
XRP $3.34 USD +11.23%
Tether $0.9987 USD -0.19%
BNB: $784.56 USD +2.44%
Solana $175.11 USD +3.30%
USD Coin $0.9993 USD -0.07%
Dogecoin $0.2227 USD +8.31%
TRON $0.3375 USD -0.71%
News
Business
activity in the eurozone is growing, but very slowly
Business
activity in the eurozone is returning to growth thanks
to a turnaround in manufacturing since the end of
last year and a slight acceleration in the pace of
growth in services, according to data published by
S&P Global.
The
final composite PMI data for July showed an increase
to 50.9, rising for the third consecutive month and
repeating March's figures. Overall, the indicator
has returned to levels close to those seen in 2019,
indicating fairly sluggish economic growth.
Although
the manufacturing sector, for which data was published
on Friday, remains below 50, indicating a contraction,
this is significantly better than the 45.2 recorded
in November and December. This increase clearly reflects
the momentum of growth in defence spending in the
eurozone and the reduction in the key interest rate,
which increases the availability of credit.
The
services sector has remained in growth territory for
the past eight months, but is experiencing relatively
moderate growth rates, which does not suggest any
risks of accelerating inflation from this perspective.
An
important difference between 2025 and 2019 is the
ECB's key rate, which stands at 2.15% versus 0%, respectively.
The Central Bank has room to ease policy, so we view
the current data as moderately bearish. (FxPro)
News
New
Zealand's labour market – a new reason to pause
the RBNZ's rate cuts
The
New Zealand dollar was able to swim against the tide
on Wednesday, strengthening against the dollar more
than its other competitors on positive labour market
statistics. NZDUSD has gained 0.6% since the start
of the day to 0.5930, hitting a weekly high.
In
the second quarter, the number of people employed
fell by 0.9% compared to the same period a year earlier,
but this data was in line with average forecasts.
At the same time, the unemployment rate was better
than expected, rising from 5.1% to 5.2%, while 5.3%
was expected. Salaries rose 0.6% for the quarter and
were 2.2% higher than a year earlier — quite
healthy figures above forecasts.
There
is hope that the labour market is seeing a reversal
in wage growth compared to the 0.4% increase in the
first three months of the year. This looks like the
first signs of the economy's response to the cycle
of policy easing that began a year ago. During this
time, the RBNZ cut its key rate by two percentage
points to 3.25%.
Labour
market indicators complement inflation statistics,
which show an acceleration from 2.2% at the end of
last year to 2.7% year-on-year at the end of the second
quarter. Such an acceleration could be a strong argument
in favour of at least pausing the rate cuts at the
next meeting on August 20. (FxPro)
News
August
5, 2025
Resilient
dollar despite weak jobs data
The
US employment report published on Friday confirmed
its status as the economic report with pivotal status.
The dismissal of the head of the Bureau of Labour
Statistics is a high-profile political precedent,
but we are interested in the consequences for the
markets.
Employment
growth of 73K was reported, significantly lower than
the expected 106K. But the main shock was the revision
for May from 144K to 19K and for June from 147K to
14K. Businesses barely created any new jobs in the
first months after the tariffs were introduced, in
contrast to ‘business as usual’ before the
publication.
This
report radically reversed the trend in the debt market.
Over the past few weeks, markets have been pushing
back the Fed's rate cuts further into the future and
reducing the number of expected cuts in subsequent
quarters. The peak of this revaluation came shortly
after the FOMC comments on 30 July. At that time,
the markets were pricing in a more than 60% chance
that there would be no easing in September, and the
main scenario until the end of the year was only one
cut.
Now,
the probability of a cut in September exceeds 90%,
and the chances of three cuts by the end of the year
are 47%, i.e. a 25-basis-point cut at each of the
remaining meetings.
Investors
in the stock markets prefer to see the positive side
of the situation, expecting that lower rates will
boost corporate earnings. In addition, lower bond
yields at lower rates increase the attractiveness
of equities.
Somewhat
unusually, the dollar, which lost 1.5% on Friday,
recovered a third of its losses, adding 0.5% to its
lows, despite the clearly negative news for the USD.
We previously said that such a reaction was expected
due to the US currency's accumulated oversoldness
due to its downward trend since January.
Technically,
the 50-day moving average, which acted as resistance
until mid-July, helped to stop the dollar's decline.
Fundamentally, the dollar may be boosted by the familiar
idea that in Europe and other parts of the world,
the slowdown in US consumption will lead to an even
greater slowdown, forcing further policy easing.
At
the same time, it is worth being cautious with bullish
forecasts for the dollar, as its growth still has
several control points to pass. First, it is worth
looking at the dynamics of the DXY near its latest
peak of 100 against the current 98.8. The next confirmation
of a long-term reversal in the dollar trend will be
a break above 102, an important peak in May, near
which the 200-day moving average and the 61.8% level
of the decline from the January peak to the June bottom
also pass. Breaking through this level will prove
that the movement has risen from a corrective rebound
to a reversal, opening growth potential to 110. (FxPro)
News
August
8, 2025
Markets
Australian
Dollar: $0.6523 USD (up $0.0023 USD)
Iron
Ore: $102.00 USD (up $0.05 USD)
Oil:
$63.83 USD (down $0.44 USD)
Gold:
$3,396.07 USD (up $27.76 USD)
Copper:
$4.4140 USD (up $0.0010 USD)
Bitcoin:
$117,275.06 USD (up 1.83%)
Dow
Jones: 43,968.64 (down 224.48 points)
News
Business
(Australia and World)
August
8, 2025
Shares
trade near record; ASX Limited tumbles
The
Australian sharemarket edged lower on Thursday, with
the S&P/ASX 200 shedding 0.1 per cent to close
at 8,831.4 points. ASX Limited was down 8.6 per cent
at $64.22, Resmed fell 2.1 per cent to $43.02 and
the Commonwealth Bank eased 0.5 per cent to end the
session at $178.13. However, JB Hi-Fi rose 1.8 per
cent to $116.41, Westgold Resources was up 5.1 per
cent at $2.90 and Neuren Pharmaceuticals finished
3.2 per cent higher at $17.55. (RMS)
News
Doubts
over gold's 'safe haven' status despite record run
The
gold price has risen by nearly 30 per cent so far
in 2025, having reached a record high of $US3,500
an ounce in April. However, analysis by Bhanu Singh
from Dimensional Fund Advisors has raised doubts about
gold's long-standing reputation as a 'safe haven'
asset. Singh has found that gold rose in just over
50 per cent of calendar years between 1980 and 2024;
in contrast, the Australian sharemarket rose in 73
per cent of the years during that period. Singh says
people do not realise that gold is a more volatile
asset class than shares. (RMS)
News
ANZ
staff await Matos' vision
The
ANZ Bank's CEO Nuno Matos has yet to outline his strategy
for the 'big four' bank, several months after he succeeded
Shayne Elliott. However, Matos is said to have told
analysts in closed-door meetings that he intends to
'transform' ANZ. Sources within the bank have claimed
that his strategy will include significant job cuts
and outsourcing more roles to India. The Finance Sector
Union's national president Wendy Streets has accused
Matos of treating ANZ employees as "disposable".
(Roy Morgan Summary)
News
ASX
takes $35m hit from ASIC inquiry as rival Cboe lurks
The
ASX has advised that it will spend between $25m and
$35m this financial year on legal costs and resourcing
on an Australian Securities & Investments Commission
inquiry into it. The inquiry was launched in June
after a series of failures by the ASX that have called
into question its ability to keep the Australian sharemarket
functioning properly, while it is understood that
ASIC has broadened its inquiry to take in the ASX's
latest error, which saw it confuse listed telco TPG
Telecom with private equity firm TPG Capital. The
mistake, which had TPG Telecom buying software provider
Infomedia when it was actually TPG Capital. (RMS)
News
The
Wolf Of Wall Street
The
Wolf of Wall Street is a 2013 film directed by Martin
Scorsese, based on Jordan Belfort's memoir. It follows
Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, a stockbroker
who rises to wealth through fraudulent schemes in
the 1990s, indulging in a hedonistic lifestyle of
drugs, sex, and excess. His firm, Stratton Oakmont,
manipulates stock prices to scam investors, leading
to millions in ill-gotten gains. The FBI eventually
catches up, and Belfort’s empire collapses. The
movie blends dark comedy, drama, and satire, critiquing
greed and the American Dream.
Key
details:
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio (Jordan Belfort), Jonah Hill
(Donnie Azoff), Margot Robbie (Naomi Lapaglia), Matthew
McConaughey (Mark Hanna).
Runtime:
3 hours.
Rating:
R (for graphic nudity, drug use, language, and violence).
Box
Office: Grossed over $392 million worldwide.
Reception:
Praised for its energy, performances, and Scorsese’s
direction; criticized by some for glorifying excess.
Nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture
and Best Actor. (Grok)
News
The
Social Network: News
No
official release date or production timeline has been
confirmed, and the casting deals are not yet finalized.
These
details stem from entertainment industry sources like
Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter, shared via posts
on XThe primary news surrounding The Social Network
relates to the development of a sequel, tentatively
referred to as The Social Network Part II.
Here
are the key details based on recent reports:
Sequel
Announcement and Casting: Aaron Sorkin, the writer
of the original 2010 film, is set to write and direct
the sequel. The project is in early development, with
Mikey Madison and Jeremy Allen White as top choices
to star. Madison would portray Frances Haugen, the
whistleblower who disclosed Facebook’s documents
in 2021, while White would play Jeff Horwitz, the
journalist who investigated the Facebook Files. Jeremy
Strong is a frontrunner to play Mark Zuckerberg, a
role originally portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg.
Focus
of the Sequel: The sequel is expected to explore significant
events post-2010, particularly the 2021 Facebook Files
leak, which revealed internal documents about the
company’s practices. This suggests a shift in
narrative from the founding of Facebook to its later
controversies.
Context
and Relevance: The original film chronicled the creation
of Facebook and the legal battles involving Mark Zuckerberg
and his co-founders. A sequel could delve into the
platform’s evolution, its impact on society,
and ongoing scrutiny over data privacy and misinformation,
reflecting current debates about social media’s
role in public discourse. (Grok)
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
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
"Everything
is a gamble" Greg Tingle, Media Man Group
News
Best
Quotes Of The Day
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."
Markets
June
27, 2025
Australian
dollar +0.5% to 65.46 US cents
Wall
Street:
S&P 500 +0.8%
Dow Jones +0.9%
Nasdaq +1%
Europe:
Stoxx 50 -0.2%
FTSE +2%,
DAX +0.6%
CAC -0.01%
Bitcoin
+0.1% to US$107,875
Gold
$US3329.90 an ounce at 6.41am AEDT
US oil +0.5% to $US62.26 a barrel at 8.42am AEDT
Brent Crude Oil +0.1% to $US67.78 a barrel
Iron ore -1% at $US94.52 a ton
10-year yield: US 4.24% Australia 4.1% Germany 2.57%
News
Gold
once again approaches a cliff edge
The
Israel and Iran ceasefire has reduced demand for gold
as a safe-haven asset. The precious metal failed to
break out of the medium-term consolidation range of
$3,100 to $3,400 per troy ounce and resume its upward
trend. This signals weakness among bulls and allows
Citigroup to predict a fall in prices below $3,000
in 2026. According to the bank, thanks to Donald Trump's
‘big and beautiful’ tax bill, the acceleration
of the US economy will push gold prices down. The
decrease in geopolitical risks will also contribute
to gold's decline.
Goldman
Sachs, on the other hand, maintains its forecast for
the precious metal to rise to $4,000. It cites the
insatiable appetite of central banks, the weakening
dollar, and the fall in US Treasury bond yields. Indeed,
the White House is keen on lower debt market rates
and a weaker currency. A recent survey by the World
Gold Council shows that 43% of central banks plan
to increase their bullion purchases over the next
12 months, up from just 29% a year ago.
The
recent de-escalation has once again tested gold's
support at its uptrend, marked by the 50-day moving
average. On Friday, sellers pushed the price below
this level, which passes through 3324, and are even
attempting to stabilise below 3300. In May, a sharp
movement managed to push the price back above this
line. However, this metric is now turning downward,
reflecting over two months of consolidation after
reaching recent highs.
All
signs indicate a potential repeat of the consolidation
seen in November-December last year, which laid the
groundwork for the subsequent rally. However, there
is also a high probability that the failure to break
through the $3500 level over the past two months signals
a global trend reversal. We await whether this will
mirror 2020, with a 20% correction in the next six
months and a two-year sideways movement or resemble
the nearly halving in gold prices from 2011 to 2015.
(FxPro)
News
ASX
dips on tech sell-off; lithium stocks rally
The
Australian sharemarket drifted lower on Thursday,
with the S&P/ASX 200 easing 0.1 per cent to close
at 8,550.8 points. Northern Star Resources fell 2.3
per cent to $18.84, Xero was down 5.3 per cent at
$184 and the Commonwealth Bank finished 0.4 per cent
lower at $190.71. However, Mineral Resources was up
3.6 per cent at $20.90 and DroneShield added 11.7
per cent to end the session at $2.39. (RMS)
News
'Not
the moment' for abandoned rare earths mega-merger,
says Lynas boss
A
merger of Lynas Rare Earths with MP Materials would
create a monopoly of rare earths in the Western world,
and the idea that they should merge has been previously
flagged. Lynas CEO Amanda Lacaze said on Wednesday
that she had been of the view that a merger of the
two was a good idea, but that for a "variety
of reasons, it didn't happen". Speaking on the
sidelines of a talk for the Western Australian Mining
Club, she said that there were no discussions between
Lynas and MP Materials about a merger at present.
She said that deals often have their moment, "and
now is not the moment, unfortunately", in terms
of one between the two companies. (Roy Morgan Summary)
News
Best
Quotes Of The Day
"The
best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears.
To find the gold, think deeply and think better."
"You
are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig
to find it and make it real."
"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."
"Even
if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to
dig." Broadway Mining
"There's
a gold mine in you that must be exploited"
Gold,
copper slump
April
7, 2025
Gold,
copper and other metals tumbled on Monday, extending
declines in a brutal market-wide selloff as US President
Donald Trump’s broadening trade war batters the
prospects for the global economy.
Bullion,
which has repeatedly touched record highs in recent
weeks, fell as much as 2.2 per cent to below $US3000
an ounce, while copper dropped as much as 7.7 per
cent in London, the most in five years.
Copper
prices had been surging as traders warned that threatened
tariffs on the metal would squeeze global supplies.
Now, collapsing equity markets, further punitive tariffs
across a swathe of countries and retaliatory measures
from China have prompted much larger fears around
global demand. Friday’s sell-off on the London
Metal Exchange was the biggest since March 2020.
Although
gold typically benefits from periods of upheaval –
and remains 14 per cent higher this year – it
can be sold during extreme market dislocation as investors
seek to cover losses elsewhere.
Gold
declined 1.9 per cent to $US2979.73 per troy ounce
at 8.15am Singapore time. Copper was 7.2 per cent
lower at $US8150 a tonne, while nickel lost 5.5 per
cent to $US13,945 a tonne. Iron ore in Singapore fell
3.6 per cent to $US97 a tonne, a three-month low.
Gold
via Grok
The
current price of gold, as of October 9, 2024, varies
slightly based on different reports but centers around
$2,620 per ounce. Here's a brief overview based on
the latest information:
Price
Range: From reports, gold has been mentioned between
$2,607 to $2,620 per ounce, indicating a slight dip
or stabilization after recent movements in the market.
Market
Sentiment: There's been a notable interest in gold,
with some investors and analysts suggesting potential
for significant further increases due to various economic
factors, although not all posts align on this future
price prediction.
Factors
Influencing Price:
US
Dollar Strength: A stronger US dollar can put downward
pressure on gold prices as gold is often priced in
dollars.
Economic
Policies: Speculation around monetary policies, like
the possibility of rate cuts or economic stimulus,
influences gold's appeal as a hedge against inflation
or economic uncertainty.
Market Volatility: Gold often sees buying interest
during times of market volatility or when investors
seek safe-haven assets.
Investor
Speculation: There's a mix of sentiments, with some
X posts suggesting gold could reach much higher valuations,
potentially up to $5,000 to $6,000 per ounce, reflecting
a very bullish long-term outlook based on economic
trends and inflation fears.
Given
this information, if you're considering investment
or are curious about market trends:
For
Immediate Purchase: If you're looking to buy gold
now, prices around $2,600 to $2,620 per ounce seem
reasonable based on current market data.
Investment
Strategy: Gold's role as a hedge against inflation
and currency fluctuations suggests it might be a good
time to consider gold as part of a diversified investment
portfolio, especially if economic indicators continue
to show uncertainty or inflationary pressures.
Market
Watch: Keep an eye on economic releases like CPI and
PPI data, as well as any significant policy changes
from major economies, which can sway gold's price
in the short term.
Remember,
while there's a general sentiment around gold's value
increasing over time, especially in turbulent economic
climates, short-term prices can be volatile due to
various global financial events. Always consider your
investment strategy in light of your overall financial
goals and risk tolerance.
Gold
News
Gold
Bullion Hits New Record High
Metals
And Resources via Media Man Group
February
22, 2025
The
price of gold reached a new all-time high this week
as uncertainty about the impact of US tariffs on the
global economy spurred purchases of the safe-haven
asset.
Central
banks, particularly in emerging markets such as China
and India, have been increasing their gold reserves,
reflecting a growing lack of confidence in the US
dollar and a move towards diversifying away from it.
Gold
hit a record $2,954.69 per ounce on Thursday but pulled
back during Friday’s session as investors secured
their profits.
Analysts
see gold prices continuing to rise, with Goldman Sachs
predicting a climb to $3,100 per ounce and UBS suggesting
a possible peak of $3,200.
Goldman
cited increased central bank demand, while UBS mentioned
factors like bullish sentiment and FOMO (Fear Of Missing
Out), which can be a very dangerous game with many
commodities - but not so much Gold!
"After
missing several (brief/ shallow) buying opportunities
in 2024, investors are likely wary of repeating the
same patterns and may want to take advantage of corrections
sooner this time around,” UBS analysts scribed
in a note to clients.
News
Roundup Under The Watercooler
21
Feb 2025
Aftermath
Silver Ltd advised investors it was “honored”
to be ranked 32nd in the 2024 TSX Venture 50, a list
of the top-performing companies on the TSX Venture
Exchange over the past year.
The
TSX Venture 50 highlights the strongest performers
among more than 1,600 TSXV-listed companies.
21
Feb 2025
TNR
Gold Corp told shareholders that Ganfeng Lithium has
officially commenced production at the Mariana Lithium
salt-lake project in Argentina, marking a significant
milestone for the company, which holds a 1.5% net
smelter return (NSR) royalty on the project.
Ganfeng,
one of the world's leading lithium producers, held
a ceremony last week, to celebrate the start of formal
production at the first phase of the Mariana project.
21
Feb 2025
Midnight
Sun Mining Corp announced that it has been named to
the 2024 TSX Venture 50, an annual ranking that highlights
the top-performing companies on the TSX Venture Exchange.
The
selection is based on one-year share price appreciation,
market capitalization growth, and Canadian consolidated
trading value.
20
Feb 2025
Solis
Minerals Ltd has rapidly discovered four new copper-gold
targets at the Chocolate Project in the Peruvian Coastal
Copper Belt, identifying two new copper porphyry and
two vein-hosted iron-oxide copper-gold (IOCG) targets.
The
firm used geochemical assays of rock samples to identify
each target zone, with analysis done by ALS Global
laboratories in Lima, Peru.
20
Feb 2025
West
Wits Mining Ltd has inked a credit approval term sheet
for a senior debt syndicated loan facility of up to
ZAR 902.5 million (about US$50 million) subject to
final loan documentation and conditions precedent.
The
credit facility will be used to develop the Qala Shallows
Gold Project in South Africa as the first phase of
development for its greater Witwatersrand Basin Project.
20
Feb 2025
Alkane
Resources Ltd has delivered a golden set of results
for the half-year ending December 31, 2024, highlighted
by company profit after tax of $13,157,000, an increase
of $731 million or 6% on the same period 12 months
earlier.
This
was largely driven by higher sale prices of $3,498
per ounce, a 20% increase on the previous period,
and improved production at the Tomingley Gold Operations
(TGO) in New South Wales, Australia, of 33,270 ounces,
a 15% lift.
19
Feb 2025
UBS
has identified Endeavour Mining PLC as being at a
“free cash flow inflection” point, maintaining
its ‘buy’ rating and setting a price target
of £20 per share.
The
bank argues that improving cash flow and debt reduction
could help narrow the valuation gap between Endeavour
and its peers in the gold sector.
19
Feb 2025
Caledonia
Mining Corporation PLC said chief financial officer
Chester Goodburn is to step down on March 24 after
overseeing the company’s full-year results. He
will be replaced immediately by Ross Jerrard, subject
to routine checks.
Goodburn,
who has been CFO since July 2022, will stay on briefly
as a consultant to ensure a smooth handover.
19
Feb 2025
Additional
metallurgical test-work by Titan Minerals Ltd has
confirmed previous ore processing outcomes with recoveries
of 85-88% for gold and 70-75% for silver from the
Dynasty Gold Project in southern Ecuador.
Recoveries
of gold from oxide ore material which extends from
surface at the Cerro Verde prospect confirm and validate
historical recoveries from previous open pit mining
which was trucked and processed at the Svetlana 1
Plant in 2018 and 2019.
19
Feb 2025
When
Aftermath Silver Ltd first acquired the Berenguela
project in 2020, a silver-copper deposit located in
south-eastern Peru, its focus was primarily on its
silver resources. A polymetallic carbonate-replacement
deposit spanning nearly 6,600 hectares and small-scale
production in the early twentieth century, the project
fit well within Vancouver-based Aftermath’s goal
to assemble one of the largest portfolios of silver
development assets.
And
then came the manganese. While the company originally
acquired its project with a focus on silver, CEO Ralph
Rushton said a growing focus on manganese, coupled
with advancements in metallurgical processing technology,
has significantly increased the project’s potential.
19
Feb 2025
Midnight
Sun Mining Corp announced the termination of its earn-in
agreement with KoBold Metals Company for the Dumbwa
Target in Zambia, retaining full ownership of the
asset.
The
company now plans to launch a 2025 exploration program
at Dumbwa, a key target on its Solwezi Project.
19
Feb 2025
The
price of gold should climb to $3,100 or even $3,200
an ounce, strategists at Goldman Sachs and UBS have
predicted, from $2,900 on Tuesday morning.
Goldman
Sachs raised 2025 forecast to $3,100, citing higher
central bank demand, while UBS mooted the possibility
of seeing a high of over $3,200 this year, "before
prices gradually ease and stabilise at elevated levels
over the next few years".
18
Feb 2025
Cobalt
Blue Holdings Ltd has proposed a name change in line
with its diversification strategy, proposing to rename
Core Blue Minerals Ltd on the back of an earn-in agreement
with AuKing Mining Ltd for the Halls Creek Project.
Halls
Creek in Western Australia's north is a large-scale
copper, lead, zinc, silver and gold project with significant
cobalt potential.
17
Feb 2025
Pantoro
Ltd has had a strong start to an extensive growth-focused
drilling program at the Norseman Gold Project in Western
Australia, striking very high-grade gold up to 1 metre
at 1,420 g/t gold in drilling at the Mararoa reef,
within the Southern Mainfield reef system.
Drilling
to date has focused on four key quartz reefs, which
include Mararoa as well as the Butterfly Northwest
structures, Royal Standard Reef and Pascoe’s
Cross Link structure, close to the existing underground
Viking Decline.
Gold,
Rare Metals, Crypto, Mining: Australia and Global
February
23/24, 2025
All
That Glitters: Gold: The Real Thing! Real Record Nears!
Crypto
Is Often But Not Always Digital Gold: Media Man Group
February
23, 2025
Gold
holds near record high
Gold
traded a whisper away from last week’s all-time
high as unexpectedly weak economic data and rising
expectations for inflation helped boost haven demand.
Bullion was around $US2937 an ounce, after notching
its eighth weekly gain – the longest run since
2020. Gains have been supported by a sharp increase
in demand for bullion-backed exchange-traded funds,
with holdings last week jumping the most since 2022.
News
Trump
and Musk Set for Fort Knox Gold Inspection
During
a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference,
President Donald Trump announced that he and Elon
Musk would personally visit Fort Knox to verify if
the U.S. gold reserves are still present. This inspection
follows Elon Musk's public interest in ensuring the
gold's existence, amidst discussions about its security
and value. Historically, such audits have been rare,
with the last notable inspection occurring in 1974.
(Grok)
News
Crypto
Trader Ends Life on Livestream Post Memecoin Loss
A
cryptocurrency trader known as 'MistaFuccYou' or 'Im
really poor' on social platforms livestreamed his
suicide after losing his last $500 in a memecoin rug
pull. The event has sparked a wave of reactions across
social media, with many expressing sadness, others
critiquing the crypto trading culture, and some mentioning
the creation of a memecoin based on his final words.
The incident occurred on February 22, 2025, highlighting
the volatile and risky nature of cryptocurrency trading,
especially with speculative investments like memecoins.
(Grok)
News
Bybit
Hack: Largest Crypto Heist Traced to Lazarus Group
February
22, 2025
Cryptocurrency
exchange Bybit confirmed a major security breach on
February 21, 2025, where hackers stole over $1.4 billion,
primarily in Ethereum, marking the largest hack in
crypto history. The breach has led to unprecedented
withdrawal activity from the platform, with over 350,000
withdrawal requests processed in a short span. Cybersecurity
experts and blockchain analysts have attributed the
hack to North Korea's Lazarus Group, with the investigation
led by crypto investigator ZachXBT. (Grok)
News
US,
Ukraine ramp talks on minerals deal
Ukrainian
officials and US special envoy Keith Kellogg are said
to be seeking to finalise a deal on critical minerals,
with their discussions coming after Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelensky rejected an initial deal that would
have seen the US secure half the income from it. Zelensky
said his meeting with Kellogg had "restored hope",
while White House national security adviser Mike Waltz
said on Friday US time that he expected that Zelensky
would sign a minerals agreement "in the very
short term"; a deal on US access to Ukrainian
minerals in exchange for security guarantees would
be a major part of the Trump administration's bid
to end the three-year war between Russia and Ukraine.
(Roy Morgan Summary)
News
Gold
Road Resources makes record profit for 2024 calendar
year
February
24, 2025
Gold
Road Resources informed the ASX on Friday that it
had made a net profit after tax of $142.7 million
for the 2024 calendar year, up from $115.7 million
in 2023. The owner of the Gruyere gold mine in the
remote northern Goldfields region of Western Australia,
Gold Road Resources earned its record profit result
on record revenue from gold sales of $528 million,
up from $472.1 million in 2023, while its EBITDA of
$294.4 million was also a record for it. Gold Road
Resources declared a fully franked final dividend
of $0.015 cents per share for the six months to 31
December, which followed the fully franked $0.005
cents per share interim dividend it paid for the six
months to 30 June.
News
Production
declines at three of Gold Fields' four WA mines in
2024 calendar year
South
African mining firm Gold Fields released its 2024
results last week, with Gold Fields reporting that
its four gold mines in Western Australia produced
1,135,400 ounces of gold last year. This represented
a seven per cent decline on the 1,222,600oz they produced
in 2023, while of GoldFields' four WA mines - St Ives,
Granny Smith, Agnew and Gruyere - only Granny Smith
produced more gold than it did in 2023. Globally,
GoldFields' mines produced 2.071 million ounces in
2024, down 10 per cent on 2.304Moz in 2023, while
its global production guidance for 2025 is 2.250Moz-2.45Moz;
Gold Fields operates Gruyere as a 50:50 joint venture
with Perth-based Gold Road Resources.
News
Cashed-up
Yancoal makes $1.2b profit, eyes M&A
Yancoal
Australia has posted revenue of $6.86m for the 2024
calendar year, which is 10 per cent lower than previously.
Yancoal's net profit fell 38 per cent to $1.2m, while
underlying earnings were down 26 per cent at $2.58bn.
Thermal coal accounted for 90 per cent of the company's
sales in 2024; executive general manager David Bennett
says that although Yancoal would be open to buying
thermal coal assets, metallurgical coal is a more
attractive option that it will pursue if it can find
the right asset at the right price. (RMS)
News
Jervois
lawyers up amid calls for EGM
Cobalt
miner Jervois Global was at one point valued at $1.6
billion, but unhappy shareholders have accused its
board and management of running it into the ground.
They are unhappy that Jervois Global is seeking to
enter into a voluntary administration deal in the
US that will leave with them with nothing, and shareholders
representing almost seven per cent of its register
have called for an emergency general meeting. Jervois
Global has hired law firm King & Wood Mallesons
to help stave off requests for an EGM, with the firm
telling shareholders that their notices requesting
one are invalid. (RMS)
News
US
giant MidOcean linked to stake in Barossa gas
Japan-based
JERA has downplayed speculation that it is holding
talks regarding the sale of its 12.5 per cent stake
in Santos's Barossa LNG project in the Timor Sea.
Sources have indicated that US-based MidOcean Energy
is looking to buy JERA's stake, but Saul Kavonic from
MST Marquee says it would be unusual for a Japanese
LNG company to exit a project that it only recently
entered. The Japanese government has previously expressed
concern about the impact of the federal government's
changes to the 'safeguard mechanism' on the Barossa
project.
News
Whyalla
fallout hits $1.5b mining contractor
$1.5
billion ASX-listed NRW has sought for a halt in the
trading of its shares to be extended until 28 February
so that it can 'recast' its half-year accounts in
the wake of the South Australian government's decision
to force OneSteel Manufacturing into administration.
NRW's mining contracting business Golding is the largest
single creditor to OneSteel Manufacturing, which is
the owner of the Whyalla steelworks and associated
iron ore mines around 60 kilometres away, with Golding
said to be owed as much as $120 million. Meanwhile,
treasurer Jim Chalmers has played down the likelihood
that the federal government might take a stake in
the Whyalla steelworks, but he flagged the prospect
of mandating quotas to ensure its steel is used in
government projects. (Roy Morgan Summary)
News
Plateau
State Halts Mining Operations Over Security
February
22, 2025
Governor
Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Nigeria, has issued
an executive order suspending all mining activities
in the region due to rising security concerns. The
decision comes after reports of increased illegal
mining and related insecurity. The suspension will
remain until further notice, while a technical committee
has been established to regulate artisanal mining
practices. (Grok)
Gold
News via Grok
October
9, 2024
Here's
an overview of the current gold market situation based
on recent updates:
Market
Dynamics: Gold prices have been experiencing fluctuations
influenced by several economic and geopolitical factors.
Recently, gold saw a decline due to a strong U.S.
jobs report, which might have influenced investors
to book profits. However, gold has also been supported
by expectations of lower yields and ongoing geopolitical
risks, which traditionally bolster gold as a safe-haven
asset.
Geopolitical
Influence: Tensions in the Middle East have had a
notable impact, with movements in gold prices correlating
with developments in conflicts involving Hezbollah
and Israel. News of potential ceasefires or escalations
directly affects market sentiment towards gold.
Economic
Indicators: The anticipation around Federal Reserve
interest rate decisions, coupled with economic data
like the Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report, which showed
strong job growth, affects gold's appeal. Lower interest
rates generally favor gold as the opportunity cost
for holding gold decreases.
Investor
Behavior: There's a mixed sentiment in the market.
On one hand, gold ETFs have seen inflows, indicating
continued or increased interest in gold as an investment.
On the other hand, some investors have been selling
off due to profit-taking or changing economic expectations
influenced by events like significant economic reports
or geopolitical news.
Market
Sentiment: Posts on X (formerly Twitter) reflect a
variety of reactions from investors, with some highlighting
gold's resilience in a lower yield environment, while
others focus on immediate reactions to economic reports
or geopolitical news. The sentiment seems cautious
but with an underlying acknowledgment of gold's safe-haven
status.
Price
Movements: Although specific current prices aren't
quoted, the narrative suggests gold has been trading
sideways with slight declines recently, influenced
heavily by the aforementioned factors but maintaining
a relatively high baseline due to persistent global
uncertainties.
Future
Outlook: Analysts have varied opinions, with some
predicting a potential correction but with strong
supports expected to prevent deep drops due to gold's
role in portfolios as a hedge against inflation, currency
fluctuations, and geopolitical risks.
This
summary reflects a market where gold's value is continually
reassessed against a backdrop of economic data, policy
decisions, and global events, with investors watching
closely for signals on how to position themselves
in this precious metal. (Grok)
Fatured
Websites
FX
Pro
NASDAQ
Mining.com.au
The
Australian Mining Review
FOX
Business FOX
News - US Economy
Daily
Updates via Media
Man Int X
FxPro
- Gold
News
via Media Man and FxPro
August
16, 2024
Gold:
Third Time Lucky?
Gold
has been rising steadily since the end of last week
and is attempting to consolidate above $2470 per troy
ounce on the spot market for the third time in the
last 30 days. Gold has moved in tandem with equities
this month, but it is worth noting that it fell less
aggressively during the panic and outpaced the rally.
So,
gold is riding on a global recovery in demand for
risk assets, but it has the fundamental support in
its arsenal that has pushed the price to repeated
all-time highs since March.
A
trend line can be drawn across the local lows of May
from which gold rallied in the early days of August.
Combined with local resistance at $2475, this forms
a bullish triangle with a high probability of a breakout.
The
next upside target is $2500. This is the psychologically
important round level and the resistance line of the
uptrend drawn by the April, May and July highs.
As
far as more distant growth targets are concerned,
the $2800-2900 area is worth mentioning. The upper
boundary of this range is the 261.8% Fibonacci level
of growth from the September-October 2022 lows to
the April 2023 highs.
The
lower boundary of the range is formed by the 161.8%
level of the growth impulse from the October lows
to the April-May highs. This rally began with the
first signs of a shift in the Fed's monetary policy,
supported by tensions in the Middle East and the desire
of some central banks to diversify their reserves
away from the dollar.
Commodities
News: Gold via Media Man and FxPro
July
7, 2024
Weakness
in gold's growth
Gold
has lost 0.9% since the start of Monday, almost back
to the point where it was trading before the release
of jobs data on Friday. Perhaps the very first market
reaction to the data release highlighted the mindset
of key market participants: they are ready to sell.
Gold
has been on an upward trend since the last few days
of June, leading the price up 4% to $2390 at its peak
on Friday. This can largely be attributed to the dollar's
1% decline, as gold often moves with a higher amplitude.
Weak
employment figures also pushed up the gold price on
Friday, leading to a weaker dollar and bringing the
start of rate cuts closer. However, we note the momentum
of the 0.8% decline in gold in the first moments after
publication.
The
subsequent market reaction was a "worse is better"
style: the weakness in the labour market increased
expectations of a rate cut soon, which boosted risk
appetite. But this is a very unsustainable play, as
not all the negativity in the macro economy is disinflationary.
Just the opposite, we saw confirmation of wage growth
(4.1% y/y) above inflation (3.3% y/y). At the same
time, the previous months' hiring figures were revised
downward, and the unemployment rate reached a 31-month
high.
Thus,
the economic situation is deteriorating faster than
inflation is slowing. A key rate cut, in this case,
would be an attempt to support economic growth rather
than remove excessive tightness in monetary policy.
That is, the chances of a cut for "bad"
reasons rather than good ones are growing, which is
negative for risk appetite in the medium term.
On
the charts, gold has so far hit resistance at $2390,
which also caused a local reversal in April. Further
improvement in risk appetite in global financial markets
cannot be ruled out and may be helped by the reporting
season. Gold's ability to gain strength above $2390
could serve as an important price signal, heralding
a fresh assault on historical highs near $2450.
However,
we see more chance of further pressure on the gold
price. We see the 50-day moving average at $2340 as
the first signalling point. If this line is stormed
without bullish resistance, the price could quickly
retreat to the $2300 area, which is crucial for determining
the dynamics for the coming months. A fall below it
would be seen as a break of the bullish trend since
October when the Fed first signalled its willingness
to cut rates.
News
Finance
/ World Business News
Euro,
Gold, Crypto and more via Media Man and FX Pro
A
strong current account surplus may not help euro
The
eurozone's current account surplus climbed to a six-month
high of 31.9bn in December. Analysts, on average,
had expected a decline to 20.3 bn from 22.5 bn the
previous month. The current level was seen in the
eurozone during the relatively benign pre-Covid period
and sometime before Natural Gas prices spiked in the
second half of 2021.
The
normalisation of the surplus is good news for the
single currency, as it means more net capital inflows
into the region. But this growth has been fuelled
by falling imports, which can be the result of lower
commodity and energy prices (which is a very good
thing), but also partly indicative of a slowdown in
domestic demand. This threatens to translate into
economic contraction in the coming months.
The
euro area experienced periods of severe import contraction
in late 2008 and early 2010, and in both cases, the
economy experienced a severe downturn. Back in 2008,
all this was accompanied by the collapse of the euro.
Gold
Gold
rises but within a downward channel
Gold
rallied for the fourth consecutive session to reach
$2023, recovering almost all the losses suffered the
week before on the back of the inflation report. Gold's
ability to rally suggests continued domestic demand,
as some investors are clearly rushing to buy back
any losses.
At
the same time, however, we note that since the beginning
of the year, gold has been characterised by solid
selloffs on the news, forming a smooth downtrend.
In the context of this downtrend, a rise to $2040-2045,
which is the upper boundary of the bearish range,
looks quite acceptable.
The
area around $2035 - the highs of two weeks ago - also
appears to be a crucial intermediate level. Confident
buying from this level would be the first important
signal that the recent correction is over and that
gold is ready to make a fresh assault on the highs.
Much
more important, however, will be the behaviour of
gold as it approaches the $2050 level, where the reversal
of the decline in late January took place.
Consolidation
at this level would confirm the breakdown of the downtrend
and set the stage for a move towards $2100 and the
subsequent renewal of historic highs.
However,
as long as gold is trading within the downtrend, there
is a greater chance of a breakdown or even an acceleration
of the downtrend.
Among
the fundamental factors, the potential for growth
could be provided by the fall in the dollar if Fed
officials show a softening of their position, bringing
the start of interest rate cuts closer.
On
the bearish side, equities could come under pressure
following the optimistic rally in the tech giants
and the news of a sharp slowdown in economic activity.
We also do not rule out the possibility that the recent
support measures for the Chinese stock market and
property sector will cool demand for gold as a safe-haven
for investors from that part of the world.
Websites
The
Sydney Morning Herald - Gold
The
Sydney Morning Herald - Currencies
The
Sydney Morning Herald - Mining
The
Australian Financial Review - Commodities
Market
Index - Gold
MarketWatch
- Futures
Profiles
Markets
Business
Gold
Mining
Currency
Jewelry
Luxury
World
Australasian
Gaming Expo
Advertising
Promotions
Gold
is a chemical element with the symbol Au (from Latin:
aurum) and atomic number 79. This makes it one of
the higher atomic number elements that occur naturally.
It is a bright, slightly orange-yellow, dense, soft,
malleable, and ductile metal in a pure form. Chemically,
gold is a transition metal and a group 11 element.
It is one of the least reactive chemical elements
and is solid under standard conditions. Gold often
occurs in free elemental (native state), as nuggets
or grains, in rocks, veins, and alluvial deposits.
It occurs in a solid solution series with the native
element silver (as electrum), naturally alloyed with
other metals like copper and palladium, and mineral
inclusions such as within pyrite. Less commonly, it
occurs in minerals as gold compounds, often with tellurium
(gold tellurides).
Gold
is resistant to most acids, though it does dissolve
in aqua regia (a mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric
acid), forming a soluble tetrachloroaurate anion.
Gold is insoluble in nitric acid alone, which dissolves
silver and base metals, a property long used to refine
gold and confirm the presence of gold in metallic
substances, giving rise to the term 'acid test'. Gold
dissolves in alkaline solutions of cyanide, which
are used in mining and electroplating. Gold also dissolves
in mercury, forming amalgam alloys, and as the gold
acts simply as a solute, this is not a chemical reaction.
A
relatively rare element,[6][7] gold is a precious
metal that has been used for coinage, jewelry, and
other arts throughout recorded history. In the past,
a gold standard was often implemented as a monetary
policy. Gold coins ceased to be minted as a circulating
currency in the 1930s, and the world gold standard
was abandoned for a fiat currency system after the
Nixon shock measures of 1971.
In
2020, the world's largest gold producer was China,
followed by Russia and Australia.[8] A total of around
201,296 tonnes of gold exists above ground, as of
2020.[9] This is equal to a cube with each side measuring
roughly 21.7 meters (71 ft). The world consumption
of new gold produced is about 50% in jewelry, 40%
in investments and 10% in industry.[10] Gold's high
malleability, ductility, resistance to corrosion and
most other chemical reactions, and conductivity of
electricity have led to its continued use in corrosion-resistant
electrical connectors in all types of computerized
devices (its chief industrial use). Gold is also used
in infrared shielding, production of colored glass,
gold leafing, and tooth restoration. Certain gold
salts are still used as anti-inflammatories in medicine.
(Wikipedia)
News
Trends Bitcoin
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News
Sky
News Australia - Business News
The
Sydney Morning Herald - Business
News.com.au
- Finance - Business
The
Australian Financial Review - Companies
AFR
- Companies Index
The
Australian Financial Review - Media and Marketing
Valuetainment
- Business
Financial
Times
In
economics, a commodity is an economic good or service
that has full or substantial fungibility: that is,
the market treats instances of the good as equivalent
or nearly so with no regard to who produced them.
The
price of a commodity good is typically determined
as a function of its market as a whole: well-established
physical commodities have actively traded spot and
derivative markets. The wide availability of commodities
typically leads to smaller profit margins and diminishes
the importance of factors (such as brand name) other
than price.
Most
commodities are raw materials, basic resources, agricultural,
or mining products, such as iron ore, sugar, or grains
like rice and wheat. Commodities can also be mass-produced
unspecialized products such as chemicals and computer
memory.
Hard
and soft commodities
Soft
commodities are goods that are grown, such as wheat,
or rice.
Hard
commodities are mined. Examples include gold ,silver,
helium, and oil.
Energy
commodities include electricity, gas, coal and oil.
Electricity has the particular characteristic that
it is usually uneconomical to store, and must therefore
be consumed as soon as it is produced.
(Wikipedia)
Features
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Business Coverage Here
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Business
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Tech
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Finance
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Euro,
Gold, Crypto and more via Media Man and FX Pro
A
strong current account surplus may not help euro
The
eurozone's current account surplus climbed to a six-month
high of 31.9bn in December. Analysts, on average,
had expected a decline to 20.3 bn from 22.5 bn the
previous month. The current level was seen in the
eurozone during the relatively benign pre-Covid period
and sometime before Natural Gas prices spiked in the
second half of 2021.
The
normalisation of the surplus is good news for the
single currency, as it means more net capital inflows
into the region. But this growth has been fuelled
by falling imports, which can be the result of lower
commodity and energy prices (which is a very good
thing), but also partly indicative of a slowdown in
domestic demand. This threatens to translate into
economic contraction in the coming months.
The
euro area experienced periods of severe import contraction
in late 2008 and early 2010, and in both cases, the
economy experienced a severe downturn. Back in 2008,
all this was accompanied by the collapse of the euro.
Gold
Gold
rises but within a downward channel
Gold
rallied for the fourth consecutive session to reach
$2023, recovering almost all the losses suffered the
week before on the back of the inflation report. Gold's
ability to rally suggests continued domestic demand,
as some investors are clearly rushing to buy back
any losses.
At
the same time, however, we note that since the beginning
of the year, gold has been characterised by solid
selloffs on the news, forming a smooth downtrend.
In the context of this downtrend, a rise to $2040-2045,
which is the upper boundary of the bearish range,
looks quite acceptable.
The
area around $2035 - the highs of two weeks ago - also
appears to be a crucial intermediate level. Confident
buying from this level would be the first important
signal that the recent correction is over and that
gold is ready to make a fresh assault on the highs.
Much
more important, however, will be the behaviour of
gold as it approaches the $2050 level, where the reversal
of the decline in late January took place.
Consolidation
at this level would confirm the breakdown of the downtrend
and set the stage for a move towards $2100 and the
subsequent renewal of historic highs.
However,
as long as gold is trading within the downtrend, there
is a greater chance of a breakdown or even an acceleration
of the downtrend.
Among
the fundamental factors, the potential for growth
could be provided by the fall in the dollar if Fed
officials show a softening of their position, bringing
the start of interest rate cuts closer.
On
the bearish side, equities could come under pressure
following the optimistic rally in the tech giants
and the news of a sharp slowdown in economic activity.
We also do not rule out the possibility that the recent
support measures for the Chinese stock market and
property sector will cool demand for gold as a safe-haven
for investors from that part of the world.
Cryptocurrency
Crypto
market growth halted amid capital inflows
Market
picture
The
crypto market has corrected 0.46% in the last 24 hours,
fluctuating within a narrow range without a clear
direction. Bitcoin is down 1% but up 3.7% over seven
days, Ethereum is flat for the day but up 10.6% over
the week. The top coins are mixed with BNB +2% and
Solana -2.5%.
Bitcoin
is currently drawing its fourth daily candle with
opening and closing levels close to each other. Such
sideways consolidations are characteristic of strong
bull markets, as opposed to corrective pullbacks on
smoother rallies.
Ethereum
hit local highs on rumours of a positive regulatory
decision before the end of March. Bloomberg analyst
James Seyffarth bet 4 ETH that the SEC will not approve
a spot Ethereum ETF next month.
According
to data from CoinShares, investment in crypto funds
rose by a record $2.452 billion last week, following
inflows of $1.116 billion the previous week.
Bitcoin investments increased by $2.424 billion, Ethereum
by $21 million, Cardano lost $6 million, and Solana
lost $1.6 million.
Since
the beginning of the year, crypto funds have seen
inflows of an impressive $5.2 billion, with total
AUM rising to $67 billion, the highest since December
2021.
News
background
Bitcoin
will see institutional support in the next three to
six months, according to Coinbase. Bitcoin ETFs could
eventually become a major competitor to gold funds.
According to IntoTheBlock, there is an 85% chance
that Bitcoin will reach a new all-time high within
the next six months. Five factors could contribute
to this: the halving of the price, ETFs, monetary
easing, the US election, and companies accumulating
BTC as part of their treasuries.
Former
CIA contractor Edward Snowden, who has been living
in Russia since 2013, called bitcoin the most significant
achievement of the financial system in the entire
existence of money and means of exchange.
Amberdata
admitted that Ethereum will outpace Bitcoin in terms
of growth due to more constructive deflationary policies.
The supply of ETH has been decreasing since September
2022, thanks to the update of The Merge, as well as
the implementation of a mechanism to burn part of
the commissions. During this time, around 0.36 million
ETH, or 0.3% of the total supply of 120 million coins,
have been removed from circulation.
Via
Roy Morgan Research and Media Man social media
Copper,
gold, and Bitcoin rise; Iron ore and oil fall; ASX
to fall in response to selling on Wall Street; US
vetoes Arab-backed UN resolution demanding ceasefire
in Gaza; Assange's lawyers warn that he risks 'flagrant
denial of justice' if he is tried in US
Latest
updates on Key Economic Indicators
21
February 2024
Roy
Morgan Summary
Australian
Dollar: $0.6550 USD (up 0.0011 USD)
Iron Ore Mar Spot Price (SGX): $120.85 USD (down $6.40
USD)
Oil
Price (WTI): $78.27 USD (down $1.02 USD)
Gold
Price: $2,024.37 USD (up $6.43 USD)
Copper
Price (CME): $3.8595 (up $0.0465 USD)
Bitcoin:
$52,059.35 (up 0.35% in last 24 hours)
New
report reveals Roy Morgan is one of Australia's leading
data companies - with in-depth information on millions
of Australians based on their Helix Personas
Market
Research Update
20
February 2024
Roy
Morgan Summary
Roy
Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading
data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's
leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO
Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan
about the role the company plays in compiling data
and building profiles of different Australians. One
of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which
profiles people under headings such as "young
and platinum", "smart money", "cautious
conservatives", "fair go", "working
hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example,
the "young and platinum" group love their
mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for
the shiny, new and cool" and "making the
rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year
mark and they can often be found "living a conventional
life centred around family".
Roy
Morgan CEO Michele Levine confirmed that the Helix
Personas market segments are based on statistical
information, not data from individual people. "It's
totally ethical. Unlike Facebook or any of these things,
it's not any particular individual", Roy Morgan's
chief executive Michele Levine, said.: 38,582.12 at
3.22pm NY time (down 45.87 points on Friday's close)
Roy
Morgan wins three-year contract to deliver domestic
tourism statistics for Austrade
21
February 2024
Roy
Morgan Summary
From
2025, Roy Morgan will provide Austrade with the world's
best practice survey methodology, big data integration
and modelling techniques to deliver accurate domestic
tourism statistics. Roy Morgan has reimagined the
future of domestic tourism statistics to move Austrade
and its stakeholders to the forefront of tourism intelligence
with a new platform that will drive the future of
Australia's tourism industry, which is estimated to
be worth in excess of $160 billion. Portia Morgan,
the Head of Client Services at Roy Morgan, says that
using face-to-face interviewing, which is the gold-standard
for surveying the population, enhanced with big data
and cutting-edge data science techniques, Roy Morgan
will be delivering a future-proofed system that will
be cost effective, reliable, and accurate. She adds
that Roy Morgan has been delivering survey-based tourism
insights via its Holiday Tracking Survey for 20+ years
and the company is thrilled to be working with Austrade
and the broader industry to provide a deeper of understanding
of how many people are travelling, where they go,
what they do and how they spend their valuable tourism
dollars.
Anti-mining
PM pushes BHP's cash offshore
Roy
Morgan Summary
It
is somewhat hypocritical of the federal government
to flag possible support for Australia's nickel industry,
given that Labor's anti-mining legislation may jeopardise
the expansion of BHP's copper operations in South
Australia. BHP is still likely to proceed with an
expansion, but the previously touted investment of
between $10bn and $15bn is now only a 50 per cent
chance. The new labour laws in the government's industrial
relations reforms mean that BHP is now more likely
to redirect much of this capital investment to its
criticals minerals projects in other countries; rival
miner Rio Tinto is already doing this.
More
than 2.7 million New Zealanders now read newspapers
and magazine audiences surge to over 1.7 million
21
February 2024
Roy
Morgan has released its readership results for New
Zealand's newspapers and magazines for the 12 months
to December 2023. The data shows that 2.73 million
New Zealanders aged 14+ (64.4%) now read or access
newspapers in an average 7-day period via print or
online (website or app) platforms. In addition, 1.71
million New Zealanders aged 14+ (40.3%) read magazines,
whether in print or online either via the web or an
app. The New Zealand Herald is still the nation's
most widely-read publication, with a total cross-platform
audience of 1,720,000 in the 12 months to June 2023
- almost five times as many as the second placed Dominion
Post with a readership of 341,000. Meanwhile, New
Zealand's most widely read magazine is still the driving
magazine AA Directions, which had an average issue
readership of 379,000 during the year to December
(an increase of 63,000 on a year ago).
These
are the latest findings from the Roy Morgan New Zealand
Single Source survey of 6,254 New Zealanders aged
14+ over the 12 months to December 2023.
New
report reveals Roy Morgan is one of Australia's leading
data companies - with in-depth information on millions
of Australians based on their Helix Personas
Market
Research Update
20
February 2024
Roy
Morgan Summary
Roy
Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading
data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's
leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO
Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan
about the role the company plays in compiling data
and building profiles of different Australians. One
of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which
profiles people under headings such as "young
and platinum", "smart money", "cautious
conservatives", "fair go", "working
hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example,
the "young and platinum" group love their
mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for
the shiny, new and cool" and "making the
rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year
mark and they can often be found "living a conventional
life centred around family". Roy Morgan CEO Michele
Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments
are based on statistical information, not data from
individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike
Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular
individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele
Levine, said.
(Credit:
Roy Morgan Research)
Roy
Morgan Summary
Roy
Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading
data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's
leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO
Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan
about the role the company plays in compiling data
and building profiles of different Australians.
One
of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which
profiles people under headings such as "young
and platinum", "smart money", "cautious
conservatives", "fair go", "working
hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example,
the "young and platinum" group love their
mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for
the shiny, new and cool" and "making the
rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year
mark and they can often be found "living a conventional
life centred around family". Roy Morgan CEO Michele
Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments
are based on statistical information, not data from
individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike
Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular
individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele
Levine, said.
(Credit:
Roy Morgan Research)
Media
Man
Warrner
Bros
Profile
In
2010, the Warner Bros. Pictures Group broke the all-time
industry worldwide box office record with receipts
of $4.814 billion, which surpassed the prior record
of $4.010 billion (set by the Studio in 2009). Warner
Bros. also established a new industry benchmark for
the international box office with a total of $2.93
billion (marking a record third time of crossing the
$2 billion threshold) and retained its leading domestic
box office ranking with receipts of $1.884 billion.
2010 also marked the 10th consecutive year Warner
Bros. Pictures passed the billion dollar mark at both
the domestic and international box offices. Warner
Home Video was, once again, the industry’s leader,
with an overall 20.6 percent marketshare in total
DVD and Blu-ray sales. The companies comprising the
Warner Bros. Television Group and Warner Bros. Home
Entertainment Group remain category leaders, working
across all platforms and outlets, and are trendsetters
in the digital realm with video-on-demand (transaction
and ad-supported), branded channels, original content,
anti-piracy technology and broadband and wireless
destinations.
The
Warner Bros. Pictures Group brings together the Studio’s
motion picture production, marketing and distribution
operations into a single entity. The Group, which
includes Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures
International, was formed to streamline the Studio’s
film production process and bring those businesses’
organizational structures in line with Warner Bros.’
television and home entertainment operations.
Warner
Bros. Pictures produces and distributes a wide-ranging
slate of some 18-22 films each year, employing a business
paradigm that mitigates risk while maximizing productivity
and capital. Warner Bros. Pictures either fully finances
or co-finances the films it produces and maintains
worldwide distribution rights. It also monetizes its
distribution and marketing operations by distributing
films that are totally financed and produced by third-parties.
The Studio’s 2011 slate includes “Sucker
Punch,” “The Hangover Part II,” “Green
Lantern,” “Harry Potter and the Deathly
Hallows – Part 2,” “Happy Feet 2”
and “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.”
Warner
Bros. Pictures International is a global leader in
the marketing and distribution of feature films, operating
offices in more than 30 countries and releasing films
in over 120 international territories, either directly
to theaters or in conjunction with partner companies
and co-ventures.
New
Line Cinema, part of Warner Bros. Entertainment since
2008, coordinates its development, production, marketing,
distribution and business affairs activities with
Warner Bros. Pictures to maximize film performance
and operating efficiencies. Highlights of New Line’s
2011 release slate, distributed by Warner Bros., include
“Horrible Bosses,” “Final Destination
5,” “A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas”
and “New Year’s Eve.”
The
Warner Bros. Television Group oversees and grows the
entire portfolio of Warner Bros.’ television
businesses, including worldwide production, traditional
and digital distribution, and broadcasting. In the
traditional television arena, WBTVG produces primetime
and cable (Warner Bros. Television and Warner Horizon
Television), first-run syndication (Telepictures Productions)
and animated (Warner Bros. Animation) programming,
which is distributed worldwide by two category-leading
distribution arms/operations (Warner Bros. Domestic
Television Distribution and Warner Bros. International
Television Distribution).
Among
the primetime series produced by divisions of the
Warner Bros. Television Group are “Two and a
Half Men,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “The
Mentalist,” “Mike & Molly,” “Fringe,”
“Gossip Girl,” “The Vampire Diaries,”
“Nikita,” “The Middle,” “Southland,”
“The Closer,” “Rizzoli & Isles,”
“Supernatural,” “The Bachelor,”
“Pretty Little Liars,” “Randy Jackson
Presents America’s Best Dance Crew” and
many more. Also produced by the company are first-run
syndicated programs such as “The Ellen DeGeneres
Show,” “TMZ” and “Extra,”
among others, as well as animated shows “Scooby-Doo!
Mystery Incorporated” and “Young Justice.”
WBTVG
is an innovative leader in developing new business
models for the evolving television landscape, including
ad-supported video-on-demand, broadband and wireless,
and has digital distribution agreements in place with
all of the broadcast networks. Internationally, the
Studio is one of the world’s largest distributors
of feature films, television programs and animation
to the worldwide television marketplace, licensing
some 50,000 hours of television programming, including
more than 6,000 feature films and 50 current series,
dubbed or subtitled in more than 40 languages, to
telecasters and cablecasters in more than 175 countries.
WBTVG
provides original shortform programming for the broadband
and wireless marketplace through its Studio 2.0 digital
venture, and its digital media sales unit is devoted
specifically to multiplatform domestic advertiser
sales for both broadband and wireless. WBTVG continues
its strategic expansion into digital production and
distribution with the launch of several advertiser-supported
entertainment destinations, including TheWB.com, a
premium, video-on-demand interactive and personalized
network and KidsWB.com, a premium destination built
around youth-oriented immersive entertainment.
The
final component of WBTVG is broadcasting: The CW Television
Network, launched (in partnership with CBS) in September
2006 with quality, diverse programming, is targeted
to the 18–34 audience.
Warner
Bros. Animation’s combined classic and contemporary
library currently boasts 14,000 animated episodes
and shorts which air on domestic broadcast networks,
as well as cable networks and in direct-to-video releases
around the world. The classic library includes such
brands as Looney Tunes, Merrie Melodies, Hanna-Barbera
and Ruby-Spears as well as such beloved characters
as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester, Tweety, Taz,
Tom and Jerry, Popeye, Batman, Superman, the Flintstones,
the Jetsons and Scooby-Doo.
Warner
Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner
Bros. Entertainment’s home video (Warner Home
Video), digital distribution (Warner Bros. Digital
Distribution), interactive entertainment/videogames
(Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment), direct-to-consumer
production (Warner Premiere), technical operations
(Warner Bros. Technical Operations) and anti-piracy
(Warner Bros. Anti-Piracy Operations) businesses in
order to maximize current and next-generation distribution
scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution
of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and
transactional VOD, and delivery of theatrical content
to wireless and online channels. It is also a significant
worldwide publisher for both internal and third party
videogame titles.
In
2010, Warner Home Video dominated the U.S. market
as the number one company in total sell-through video
(DVD and Blu-ray combined) with 20.6% marketshare,
theatrical catalog, TV on DVD, non-theatrical family
and animation, Blu-ray and VOD. WHV has been the number
one studio in overall DVD sales 14 consecutive years,
and is also the leading studio in the international
home video space.
With
more than 3,700 active licensees worldwide, Warner
Bros. Consumer Products licenses the rights to names,
likenesses and logos for all of the intellectual properties
in Warner Bros. Entertainment’s vast film and
television library. With a global network of offices
and agents in key regions throughout the world, including
North America, Latin America, Asia and Europe, WBCP
maintains an ongoing commitment to expand and build
the power of its core brands’ recognition in
the international marketplace through strong and creative
merchandising, promotional marketing and retail programs.
DC
Entertainment’s DC Comics has been in continuous
publication for more than 60 years, and is the leading
comic book publisher in the industry and the creator
of some of the world’s most recognized icons.
DC’s characters continue to headline blockbuster
feature films, live-action and animated television
series, direct-to-video releases, collectors’
books, online entertainment, digital publishing, countless
licensing and marketing arrangements and, most recently,
graphic novels. DC continues to attract new readers
and fans all over the world with its signature characters
Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Justice League
leading the way.
Warner
Bros. International Cinemas provides a true state-of-the-art
movie experience to audiences in Japan with more than
60 multiplex cinemas and more than 600 screens internationally.
One of the pioneers in multiplex development for the
international marketplace, WBIC is continually exploring
new markets for expansion. (Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment)
Press
Release
09
August 2010
MICROGAMING SET TO LAUNCH THE LORD OF THE RINGS™:
THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING ONLINE VIDEO SLOT GAME
First Title to Utilize Proprietary Cinematic Spins™
Technology Allowing Players to Experience the Film
with Every Spin
ISLE
OF MAN – Microgaming today announced the imminent
launch of a new flagship game, The Lord of the Rings:
The Fellowship of the Ring Online Video Slot Game.
This slot game is the first to utilise Microgaming’s
new Cinematic Spins™ technology, allowing gamers
to see clips from the films with every spin.
The
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is a
new online slot game that is part of a multi-year
licensing agreement Microgaming signed with Warner
Bros. Digital Distribution in 2009. The company is
developing a series of cutting-edge, graphic rich
video slots based on this popular movie trilogy and
will use animation material, themes, and characters,
from the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings™ motion
pictures that include The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship
of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
These online slot games will be available to adults
only in countries where online gaming is permitted.
The
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is the
first online video slot to use Microgaming’s
Cinematic Spins™ state-of-the-art gaming technology.
This allows movie clips to act as moving backgrounds
behind the reels during spins providing players an
unprecedented level of excitement and immersion.
Win sequences and expanding wilds also use cinematic
clips, instead of traditional animated graphics. The
slots feature famous scenes from the film including
Ringwraiths during the attack at Weathertop, Balrog
in the Mines of Moria, and Uruk-hai in the woods of
Middle-earth. Players will also enjoy seeing characters
from the films that include Frodo, Aragorn, Saruman
and the deadly Black Riders.
Roger
Raatgever, CEO Microgaming comments: “Microgaming
has always been ahead of the curve with innovative
offerings, but this game really does push the boundaries
of what an online slot can do. The Lord of the Rings:
The Fellowship of the Ring looks and feels like an
extension of the big screen film experience and we’re
confident that our operators will see a great deal
of demand from their players, when the game is released.
This is an important deal for Microgaming and highlights
our commitment to partner with the right brands, at
the right time. The Lord of the Rings is one of the
most successful and well loved brands on the planet
and we are excited about combining this widespread
appeal with Microgaming’s groundbreaking software.”
The
Lord of the Rings Trilogy generated $3 billion in
worldwide box office receipts and was nominated for
a total of 30 Academy Awards®; of which they won
17, including Best Picture.
-
Ends -
Notes to editors:
*Cinematic Spins is a trademark held by Microgaming
©
2010 New Line Productions, Inc. All rights reserved.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of
the Rings: The Return of the King and the names of
the characters, items, events and places therein are
trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Middle-earth
Enterprises under license to New Line Productions,
Inc.
For
further information please contact:
Duncan Skehens / Laura Moss/ Lyndsay Haywood
Lansons Communications
020 7490 8828
DuncanS@lansons.com / LauraM@lansons.com / LyndsayH@lansons.com
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution
Peter
Binazeski
818-977-5701
peter.binazeski@warnerbros.com
About Microgaming (www.microgaming.com)
Since the company developed the first true online
Casino software over a decade ago, it has led the
industry in providing innovative, reliable gaming
solutions. Thanks to an unrivalled R&D programme,
that averages 60 games per year and a unique ‘partnership’
approach to working with operators; Microgaming software
powers over 160 market-leading online gaming sites.
The company’s front and back-end software supports
multi-player, multi-language games - over 500 of them,
all uniquely branded and provides platforms for land-based
and wireless gaming. Microgaming powers the world’s
largest Progressive Jackpot Network and has paid out
over €265million. In May 2009 it created the
biggest ever online jackpot winner with a single payment
win of €6.37m.
As
a founding member of eCOGRA, Microgaming is at the
forefront of an initiative focused on setting the
highest standards in the gaming industry, and leads
in the areas of fair gaming, responsible operator
conduct and player protection. Microgaming has been
awarded eCOGRA’s Certified Software Seal following
a rigorous onsite assessment to ensure that the development,
implementation and maintenance of the software is
representative of industry best practice standards
Microgaming licensees are therefore eligible to apply
for the eCOGRA Safe & Fair Seal.
About
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) manages Warner
Bros. Home Entertainment Group's (WBHEG) electronic
distribution over existing, new and emerging digital
platforms, including pay-per-view, electronic sell-through,
video-on-demand, wireless and more. WBDD also oversees
the WBHEG's worldwide digital strategy, partnerships
in digital services and emerging new clients and business
activities in the digital space.
News
2009
With
Time Warner sitting on $7 billion in cash, the
Marvel deal has ignited rumours of a second wave
of consolidation in the media industry. Dream
Works Animation, home of Shrek, is seen as a potential
takeover candidate, as is MGM with its huge library
of classic films. The games firms Electronic Arts
and Take Two Interactive, with its Grand Theft
Auto franchise, are also being touted as potential
buys.
Profile
Warner
Bros. Entertainment, Inc. (also known as Warner
Bros. Pictures, or simply Warner Bros.) is one
of the world's largest producers of film and television
entertainment.
It is a subsidiary of Time Warner, with its headquarters
in Burbank, California and New York City. Warner Bros.
has several subsidiary companies, including Warner
Bros. Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros.
Interactive Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television,
Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Home Video, TheWB.com
and DC Comics. Warner owns half of The CW Television
Network.
Founded in 1918 by Jewish immigrants from Poland,
Warner Bros. is the third-oldest American movie studio
in continuous operation, after Paramount Pictures,
founded in 1912 as Famous Players, and Universal Studios,
also founded in 1912.
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