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Casino/Gaming/Hotels

News, Background, Stockmarket

Markets/Trades: Near Live

September 26, 2025

New York, USA

MGM Resorts International $35.60 +1.12 +3.25%

Wynn Resorts Ltd $128.97 +3.13 +2.49%

Las Vegas Sands $54.01 +0.95 +1.79%

Boyd Gaming Corporation $85.94 +1.45 +1.72%

Caesars Entertainment, Inc. $27.04 +1.13 +4.36%

Red Rock Resorts, Inc. $61.73 +1.75 +2.92%

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. $43.49 +0.59 +1.38%

PENN Entertainment, Inc. $19.80 +0.26 +1.33%

Light & Wonder, Inc. $84.96 +0.30 +0.35%

News Bonus

NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) $178.19 +0.50 +0.28%

TKO Group $199.04 +3.25 +1.66%

Casino News

Casino: a public room or building where gambling games are played. "He was a keen gambler and often went to casinos". A facility for gambling. Casinos are often built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships, and other tourist attractions.

Some casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment, such as stand-up comedy, concerts, and sporting events. The term casino is of Italian origin, from the root word casa meaning "house." Originally, the term referred to a small country villa, summerhouse, or social club. During the 19th century, casino came to encompass other public buildings where pleasurable activities took place.

The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it is believed to have existed in nearly every society in history. The first known European gambling house, the Ridotto, was established in Venice, Italy, in 1638 to provide controlled gambling during the carnival season. In the United States, early gambling establishments were known as saloons. In the early 20th century, gambling was outlawed in the U.S. by state legislation. However, in 1931, gambling was legalized in Nevada, leading to the rise of Las Vegas as a major gambling center. In 1976, New Jersey allowed gambling in Atlantic City, which is now the second-largest gambling city in the U.S.

Casinos offer a variety of games of chance, which in some cases involve an element of skill. Common games include craps, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and video poker. All casino games have a mathematically determined advantage for the house, known as the house edge, which ensures that the casino will make a profit in the long run. The percentage of funds returned to players as winnings is known as the payout. Slot machines have become one of the most popular forms of gambling in casinos. The design of a casino, including factors like sound, odour, and lighting, is often carefully controlled to encourage gambling.

News

WWE and UFC Themed Slot Games Continue To Build Upon Popularity; TKO Beancounters See Strong Merit; No Official Betting On TKO's/WWE Action Pro Wrestling Match Outcomes! UFC MMA Match Betting Remains Bullish! UFC themed 'The Smashing Machine' movie gets strong industry and fan reviews; UFC/MMA themed movie 'Brawler' still happening; Tipped to be a big hit in Vegas (Media Man Group/Casino News Media)

News

New York City's Casino License Race Heats Up:

Manhattan Proposals Rejected, Yonkers and Queens Advance

All three proposed casino projects in Manhattan have been voted down by local community committees, including the high-profile $11.2 billion Freedom Plaza bid near the UN headquarters, operated by Mohegan and developer Stefan Soloviev. This leaves no casino developments in Manhattan for now.

On a positive note, MGM Resorts' $2.3 billion expansion of Empire City Casino in Yonkers and Genting Group's $5.5 billion Resorts World upgrade in Queens received key approvals from advisory panels on September 25, moving them to the state licensing board. Developers are promising billions in community investments, jobs, and infrastructure to sway officials.

Social buzz: X users are debating the economic impact, with some calling it a win for suburban gambling hubs over urban congestion.

Michigan Cracks Down on Unlicensed Online Casinos

The Michigan Gaming Control Board issued cease-and-desist orders to eight unlicensed online operators targeting residents, emphasizing risks to player data and fair play. This aligns with broader U.S. enforcement trends under state laws like the Lawful Internet Gaming Act.

Boom in New Online and Sweepstakes Casinos for U.S. Players

September 2025 has seen a surge of fresh platforms, with experts ranking sites like Ignition, Jackbit, Wild io, BitStarz, and Rakebit for their fast payouts, crypto support, and bonuses up to $1,000 match + free spins. New sweepstakes options include LoneStar Casino (500+ games, 100K Gold Coins no-deposit bonus), Sixty6 (1,500 slots), and Rich Sweeps (5,000-game launch).

Standouts for social/sweepstakes play: GameDayZone (NFL-timed debut), Shuffle us (spin-off from Shuffle dotcome), and Sweeps Royal (mobile-first with generous promos). These focus on no-purchase entry, quick redemptions, and AI personalization.

Other Notable Stories

Tragic NFL Shooting Linked to CTE: Shane Tamura, a Las Vegas casino worker, was revealed to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after fatally shooting four at NFL headquarters in July, blaming the league for hiding head injury data.

Mining Stocks Tie-In: Casino-adjacent sectors like mining (key for casino construction materials) saw gains, with BHP up 1.32% to $42.22 on September 26.

For more details follow X handles like
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Casino, Gaming and Hotel Stocks

Markets/Trades

September 21, 2025

New York, USA

MGM Resorts International $35.80 -0.14 -0.39%

Wynn Resorts Ltd $129.52 +0.84 +0.65%

Las Vegas Sands $53.87 +0.66 +1.24%

Boyd Gaming Corporation $83.30 Flat

Caesars Entertainment, Inc. $25.56 -0.84 -3.18%

Red Rock Resorts, Inc. $60.76 -0.23 -0.38%

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. $44.53 -0.35 -0.78%

PENN Entertainment, Inc. $19.09 -0.12 -0.62%

Light & Wonder, Inc. $87.28 -0.94 -1.07%

News Bonus

Prices: Near Live!

NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) $176.60 +0.20% +0.36

News

MGM CEO says Dubai casino approval still pending as 2028 resort construction advances

MGM Resorts International has yet to receive approval to operate a casino at its upcoming $2.5 billion integrated resort in Dubai, CEO Bill Hornbuckle said, despite earlier expectations that a decision would have been made by now.

“I thought by now, Abu Dhabi would have ruled on what they were doing,” Hornbuckle said during a recent industry conference, referring to the anticipated regulatory green light. “There’s a lot of dialogue around that.”

The resort, currently under construction on a 25-acre artificial island near Jumeirah Beach and the Burj Al Arab, is being developed in partnership with the government-owned Wasl group. It will feature MGM Grand, Bellagio, and Aria-branded hotels, along with a 250,000-square-foot podium that has been purpose-built to accommodate a casino should regulatory conditions allow.

While a federal gaming regulator, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), was established in recent years to oversee commercial gambling activities across the UAE, the final decision to authorize casino operations remains with the rulers of individual emirates.

Hornbuckle noted that the company is still waiting on an official directive from Dubai’s leadership. “We don’t have permission yet from the ruler of Dubai to go forward,” he said. “I don’t know when we’ll hear, but I do believe this ... If this gets a casino, and I believe it will over time, we think it’s a massive opportunity.”

MGM submitted its license application to the GCGRA in September 2024. Any future approval would likely involve both federal coordination and local consent. The GCGRA is currently chaired by Jim Murren, MGM’s former CEO.

Meanwhile, competition in the UAE's nascent casino sector is heating up. Wynn Resorts is preparing to open the country’s first casino at its upcoming property in Ras Al Khaimah.

Scheduled for a 2027 launch, the resort on Al Marjan Island will likely be the UAE’s only licensed casino at the time of opening, according to Wynn CEO Craig Billings. He said last month that he anticipates it will be “the first and only casino in the country.”

Wynn has also expanded its footprint in Ras Al Khaimah by acquiring an additional 70 acres of land, raising speculation of a potential second property in the emirate. Analysts estimate that the UAE gaming market could generate annual revenues of up to $8 billion, while Wynn has projected figures closer to $5 billion.

Despite Wynn’s confidence in securing a dominant position, sources cited by Arabian Gulf Business Insight suggest that other operators may eventually receive licenses, casting doubt on the prospect of a long-term monopoly.

News

Lead Up ...

Casino, Gaming and Hotel Stocks

Markets/Trades

September 16, 2025

New York, USA

MGM Resorts International $35.36 -0.28 -0.79%

Wynn Resorts Ltd $120.68 -2.17 -1.77%

Las Vegas Sands $51.86 -1.23 -2.32%

Boyd Gaming Corporation $82.15 -1.32 -1.58%

Caesars Entertainment, Inc. $25.58 -0.32 -1.24%

Red Rock Resorts, Inc. $59.71 -1.37 - 2.24%

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. $45.45 -0.100 -0.22%

PENN Entertainment, Inc. $18.92 +0.090 +0.48%

Light & Wonder, Inc. $88.69 -1.74 -1.92%

News Bonus

NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) $174.84 -2.91 -1.64%

Lead Up

24 hours ago approx

Markets/Trades

September 15, 2025

New York, USA

MGM Resorts International $35.64 +1.09 Today +3.15%

Wynn Resorts Ltd $122.85 +1.40 Today +1.15%

Las Vegas Sands $53.09 -0.41 -0.77%

Boyd Gaming Corporation 83.47-1.03 -1.22%

Caesars Entertainment, Inc. 25.90 +0.81 +3.23%

Red Rock Resorts, Inc. 61.08 -0.01 -0.02%

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 45.55 +0.34+ 0.75%

PENN Entertainment, Inc. 18.83 -0.78 -3.98%

Light & Wonder, Inc. 90.43 +1.36 + 1.53%

News Bonus

NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) 177.75 -0.07 -0.04%

 

X's - Elon's Platform Watercooler News

Newsfeed

Superman Crashes Peacemaker Set in Crossover Tease

David Corenswet, portraying Superman in the upcoming DC Universe film, surprised fans by visiting the set of "Peacemaker" Season 2 in Georgia, where he posed for a photo with John Cena in full costume. The image, shared on Instagram, has fueled speculation of a Superman cameo, aligning with James Gunn's vision for interconnected DC storytelling. Production insiders note the visit occurred during filming, potentially bridging the 2025 Superman movie and the 2026 Peacemaker series, amid fan excitement on social media. (Grok)

News

IShowSpeed Shocked by Secret Half-Sister Reunion

YouTube star Darren Watkins Jr., known as IShowSpeed, was stunned during a live-streamed family reunion at his father's house on September 7, 2025, when he met his unknown half-sister for the first time. The 20-year-old gamer, famous for his energetic content, reacted with shock and emotion upon discovering their striking resemblance, leading to a viral moment online as he questioned his father's secrecy. This revelation adds a personal layer to his public life, drawing mixed reactions from fans about family privacy and streaming ethics. (Grok)

News

AJ Lee Shocks WWE with Fiery Chicago Comeback

AJ Lee made a triumphant return to WWE after a decade-long absence, appearing on the September 5, 2025, episode of SmackDown in Chicago. Joining her husband, CM Punk, she confronted World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins and Women's Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch amid escalating rivalries. Lee's comeback, backed by a multi-year contract, electrified fans and signals WWE's strategy to blend nostalgia with fresh storylines, drawing massive social media buzz and wrestler support. (Grok)

News

Fan Stunt Derails Bengals-Browns Season Opener

In the 2025 NFL season opener at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, the Cincinnati Bengals, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, surged ahead early with a touchdown run by Chase Brown. The game intensified as the Browns, quarterbacked by Joe Flacco, mounted a comeback, but chaos erupted in the second quarter when a fan threw a green dildo onto the field, halting play and drawing massive online buzz. With the Bengals clinging to a 17-16 lead in the fourth quarter, the incident amplified the rivalry's drama amid key defensive battles led by Myles Garrett. (Grok)

News

Legends Anthony, Howard, and Moore Enter Hall of Fame in Triumphant Ceremony

On September 6, 2025, in Springfield, Massachusetts, basketball legends Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and Maya Moore led the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's Class of 2025 induction. The ceremony featured emotional speeches, tributes to family and rivals, and highlights like Moore's recreation of Michael Jordan's iconic ring photo with her twelve championships. Joined by Sue Bird, Sylvia Fowles, and the 2008 U.S. Olympic team, the event celebrated their iconic careers, resilience, and lasting impact on the sport, sparking widespread fan admiration online. (Grok)

News

Topuria Vows to Knock Out Crawford in Boxing Clash

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has ignited controversy by claiming he would knock out undefeated boxing superstar Terence Crawford in a boxing ring, dismissing any MMA matchup. The bold assertion, posted on X, stems from Crawford's recent praise of Cody Garbrandt as the top UFC boxer, sparking heated fan debates online. As Crawford prepares for his September 13, 2025, fight against Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas, Topuria's challenge underscores the appeal of crossover bouts, with supporters praising his ambition while critics call it overreach. (Grok)

News

McIlroy's Eagle Powers Irish Open Playoff Triumph

Rory McIlroy triumphed at the 2025 Amgen Irish Open on September 7 at The K Club in Ireland, defeating Joakim Lagergren in a dramatic playoff after sinking a 30-foot eagle on the 72nd hole. The Northern Irish star, who trailed earlier in the final round, mounted a stunning comeback to claim his second Irish Open title and first win since the Masters, highlighting his dominance and inspiring fans amid widespread social media celebrations. (Grok)

News

Sydney Sweeney's Knockout Role in TIFF Biopic "Christy"

Sydney Sweeney delivered a powerful performance as Christy Martin in the boxing biopic "Christy," directed by David Michôd, at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. Premiering on September 5, the film earned Sweeney's portrayal widespread praise and Oscar buzz, highlighted by a standing ovation, despite mixed reviews and a 70% Rotten Tomatoes score. Critics lauded her transformative role and emotional depth, while social media reactions showed divided opinions on the film's narrative. (Grok)

 

 

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."

 

 

Mining, Resources, Energy, Markets,News: Australia and World

June 30, 2025

War, tariffs, growth slump take $33bn toll on miners

The Department of Industry, Science & Resources has forecast that Australia's resources export earnings will fall to $369bn in 2025-26, compared with an estimated $385bn in the current financial year. The quarterly resources and energy report also forecasts that the sector's export earnings will fall to $352bn in 2026-27. The report notes a number of risks for the sector, including geopolitical tensions, the Trump administration's tariffs regime and slowing global economic growth. The report forecasts that iron ore export earnings will fall by $11bn to $104.8bn in 2025-26; however, gold shipments are expected to rise by $10bn to $56bn, and become the nation's third-biggest resources export in 2025-26. (RMS)

News

Iran could resume uranium enrichment 'in a matter of months', UN nuclear watchdog says

International Atomic Energy Agency director-general Rafael Grossi says Iran might be able to resume uranium enrichment 'in a matter of months', despite the US and Israeli attacks on several of its nuclear facilities. There have also been questions as to whether Iran was able to relocate some or all of its estimated 408.6-kilogram (900-pound) stockpile of highly enriched uranium before the attacks, with Grossi admitting to CBS News that "we don't know where this material could be". Iran has decided to suspend co-operation with the IAEA, and has Grossi's request for a visit to the damaged facilities. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Rio Tinto puts hunt for CEO on fast-track

Sources have indicated that Rio Tinto is likely to announce the successor to CEO Jakob Stausholm after its half-year results are released on 30 July. The resources group has commenced the process of interviewing and assessing the shortlisted candidates for the role; the leading internal contenders include chief commercial officer Bold Baatar and the head of iron ore, Simon Trott. Stausholm revealed plans to step down in May, prompting speculation that he had been pushed out. Rival BHP is said to be preparing for the eventual departure of CEO Mike Henry. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Beach touted as Narrabri buyer

Citi has stated that regulators might require Santos to divest its undeveloped Narrabri gas field in NSW in order for them to approve its $30 billion takeover by Abu Dhabi's XRG consortium. It comes as XRG was given an exclusive four-week period of due diligence on Friday to progress its bid for Santos, while the Kerry Stokes-backed Beach Energy is seen as a potential buyer for the Narrabri gas field, which contains an estimated 1,500 petajoules of gas. Potential daily production of 200 terajoules is equivalent to half of NSW's current gas consumption. (RMS)

News

June 26, 2025

Australia sues China-linked rare earths investors

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has lodged Federal Court action against Indian Ocean International Shipping & Service for breaching Australian foreign investment laws; action is also being taken against a former unnamed associate of the firm. The company is one of five foreign investors with links to China that Chalmers ordered in 2024 to divest their shares in rare earth miner Northern Minerals due to national interest concerns, with Chalmers' legal action against Indian Ocean International Shipping & Service said to be the first of its kind. (Roy Morgan Summary)

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 analyzes 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."

News

Gold holds decline as ceasefire saps haven demand

Gold held a decline as a shaky Iran-Israel ceasefire appeared to hold, reducing demand for haven assets. Bullion was near $US3330 an ounce, after closing down 1.3 per cent on Tuesday. The truce between Israel and Iran continued after US President Donald Trump lashed out at both sides for early breaches. Geopolitical uncertainties, along with Trump’s aggressive trade policy and central bank buying, have spurred a 27 per cent advance in gold this year. The rally has lost momentum over the last couple of months, however, with bullion mostly trading between $US3300 and $US3400 an ounce. Spot gold rose 0.2 per cent to $US3330.85 an ounce in Asian trading. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index was flat. Silver was steady, while platinum and dipped.

News

Bonus

Gold by Spandau Ballet

Producers: Steve Jolley & Tony Swain

Music Video: Gold
https://youtube.com/watch?v=VQ4qrcHyYj4

[Verse 1]

Thank you for coming home
Sorry that the chairs are all worn
I left them here I could have sworn
These are my salad days
Slowly being eaten away
Just another play for today
Oh, but I'm proud of you, but I'm proud of you
Nothing left to make me feel small
Luck has left me standing so tall

[Chorus] Gold (gold)

Always believe in your soul
You've got the power to know
You're indestructible, always believing
You are gold (gold)
Glad that you're bound to return
There's something I could have learned
You're indestructible, always believing

[Verse 2]

After the rush has gone I hope you find a little more time Remember we were partners in crime
It's only two years ago
The man with the suit and the face
You knew that he was there on the case
Now he's in love with you, he's in love with you
And love is like a high prison wall
And you could leave me standing so tall

[Chorus]

Gold (gold) Always believe in your soul
You've got the power to know You're indestructible, always believing
You are gold (gold)
Glad that you're bound to return
Something I could have learned
You're indestructible, always believing

[Bridge]

Love is like a high prison wall
You could leave me standing so tall

[Chorus]

Gold (gold) Always believe in your soul

You got the power to know You're indestructible, always believing
You are gold (gold)
Glad that you're bound to return
Something I could have learned
You're indestructible, always believing (You are, gold)
Always believe in your soul You've got the power to know
You're indestructible, always believing 'Cause you are gold (gold)
I'm glad that you're bound to return
Something I could have learned
You're indestructible, always believing (gold)

[Verse 1]

Thank you for coming home
Sorry that the chairs are all worn
I left them here I could have sworn
These are my salad days
Slowly being eaten away
Just another play for today
Oh, but I'm proud of you, but I'm proud of you
Nothing left to make me feel small
Luck has left me standing so tall

[Chorus]

Gold (gold) Always believe in your soul
You've got the power to know
You're indestructible, always believing
You are gold (gold)
Glad that you're bound to return
There's something I could have learned
You're indestructible, always believing

[Verse 2]

After the rush has gone I hope you find a little more time
Remember we were partners in crime
It's only two years ago
The man with the suit and the face
You knew that he was there on the case
Now he's in love with you, he's in love with you
And love is like a high prison wall
And you could leave me standing so tall

News

Markets

June 30, 2025

Australian Dollar: $0.6535 USD (down $0.0009 USD)
Iron Ore July Spot Price (SGX): $94.75 USD (up $1.20)
Oil (WTI): $65.52 (up $0.33)
Gold: $3,274.23 (down $53.78)
Copper (CME): $5.1220 (up $0.0690)
Bitcoin: $107,356.68 (up 0.13%)
Dow Jones: 43,819.27 (up 432.43)

 

 

 

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"

 

 

Media/Marketing/Arts: Australia

News

June 24, 2025

Thomson to lead News Corp until 2030

US-based media giant News Corporation has extended the current contract of CEO Robert Thomson by three years. It was slated to expire in mid-2027, but Thomson will now remain at the helm until at least June 2030. News Corp's chairman Lachlan Murdoch says Thomson has been instrumental in the media groups' growth and transformation in the digital age. Indeed, News Corp's digital revenue accounted for about 50 per cent of its total revenue in fiscal 2024, compared with about 20 per cent in 2014. Thomson has been CEO since 2013. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Mia Freedman's Mamamia and News Corp sued over cannabis ads

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has filed legal action against News Corp's magazine division and Mamamia in the Federal Court, with Mamamia being the media company owned by Mia Freedman. The TGA alleges Mamamia and News Corp's 'Body + Soul' magazine ran articles that unlawfully promoted medicinal cannabis products from Altus, which is a alternative-medicine website and dispensary; the Mamamia article under scrutiny was allegedly written by a person whose mother worked for a company connected to Atlus. (RMS)

News

Ten turns to Spotify to halt news losing streak

The Ten Network has signed a deal with audio streaming platform Spotify to broadcast its new current affairs and news show '10 News+' each day as an hour-long podcast and video. Spotify users will be able to access it within minutes of it finishing it on TV, while it will also be broadcast live on YouTube. With Ten having long trailed behind Seven and Nine in the ratings for free-to-air news, its new deal with Spotify follows the cancellation of its long-running nightly talk show 'The Project', with '10 News+' having being announced in its place. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Media/Marketing/Arts: Australia

June 23, 2025

Nine banks on NRL-led revival

The National Rugby League's current four-year broadcasting rights deal expires at the end of the 2027 season. Nine Entertainment and Foxtel are both keen to renew their rights deals when negotiations begin in coming months; the Stan streaming platform is likely to be a key element in any future deal for Nine to broadcast NRL matches, given the ongoing decline in linear TV audiences and advertising revenue. Meanwhile, sources at the Seven Network have indicated that it will not bid for the broadcasting rights for the NRL's regular season, although it may be interested in events like the State of Origin series and international matches. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Stan to buy ELP rights 'this week'

Media industry speculation suggests that Nine Entertainment is poised to secure a three-year broadcasting rights deal for the English Premier League. The incumbent rights holder Optus Sport is halfway through its current six-year deal with the EPL, which expires in 2028. However, sources have indicated that Nine will pay about $300m to take over the broadcasting rights for the next three seasons; the ELP is expected to air exclusively on Nine's Stan streaming platform. (RMS)

News

Google ditches deals with publishers amid Labor inaction

The Public Interest Publishers Alliance was established in 2021 and comprises 24 independent news publishers. The alliance negotiated a funding deal with technology giant Google in 2022 that had been slated to run for five years; the deal is believed to be worth several million dollars a year and was negotiated with the assistance of the Minderoo Foundation. Google has advised alliance members that it will terminate the deal two years ahead of schedule, because wants to split the small payments across a broader range of publications. The move comes amid criticism of the federal government over its tardiness over the proposed news bargaining incentive. (RMS)

News

'2025 Digital News Report more positive than it looks'

The latest University of Canberra Digital News Report has sparked some fears about the future of the Australian news industry, but the reality is not as bad as it may seem. Although media platforms overtook online news as a "source of news" for the first time, users are ultimately consuming content that has come from news publisher websites. The report reveals the percentage of people who pay for news has increased, while the main 'takeaway' from the report for advertisers is that consumer engagement with news is strong and strengthening, which is again consistent with ThinkNewsBrands and Roy Morgan data on news consumption. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Telstra nets film prize as impact and humour dominate Cannes

Several Australian advertising campaigns has taken out awards at the annual Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Telstra's Better on a Better Network ad campaign won four awards in the film craft category, including a Grand Prix award and two gold Lions. Telstra also won four Lions in the film category for its Christmas and business advertising campaigns. Other Australian ads that were recognised at Cannes include one for Suncorp, Coca-Cola and Volkswagen. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Leggett: Clemenger ready to lead the market

Clemenger BBDO has undergone major changes this year as it prepares to become a fully owned Omnicom agency, with Clemenger BBDO having combined with CHEP Network and Traffik agencies to create one fully integrated agency. Clemenger BBDO CEO Lee Leggett says it is now " ready to lead the market", with its leadership team being completed with the appointment last week of Stephen de Wolf as new chief creative officer. His appointment marks a return to Clemenger BBDO, where some of the campaigns that he worked on included the highly-regarded 'Meet Graham' campaign for the Victorian Transport Accident Commission. (RMS)

News

Pockets as deep as the snow

Snow Resorts Australia chairman Noel Landry says Victoria's 2025 ski season is expected to generate $21bn for the state economy. The state's ski resorts have had well "above average" snow depths since the season officially began during the King's Birthday long weekend. However, analysis shows that the cost of lift tickets at Victoria's ski resorts for the current season are generally much higher than some popular resorts in New Zealand. Landry, who is also the general manager of Buller Ski Lifts, emphasises that the cost of lift tickets in Victoria is boosted by state government charges that largely do not apply when visiting overseas ski resorts. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Roy Morgan wins Media Man 'News Services Company Of The Month' award

 

 

 

 

 

Markets and Cryptos

June 16, 2025

Sydney, Australia

Markets

ASX futures down 20 points/0.2% to 8532
AUD -0.1% at US64.81¢
Bitcoin +0.6% to $US105,292
Dow -1.8%
S&P -1.1%
Nasdaq -1.3%
Gold +1.4% to $US3432.34 an ounce
Brent oil +7.0% at $US74.23 a barrel
Iron ore -0.7% at $US93.85 a ton

News

Cryptos

Bitcoin $105,646.18 USD +0.49%
Ethereum $2,549.30 USD +1.19%
Tether $1.00 USD -0.08%
XRP $2.17 USD +1.48%
BNB $648.26 USD +0.76%
Solana $153.19 USD +5.96%
USD Coin $1.00 USD -0.06%
Dogecoin $$0.1752 USD -1.00%
TRON $0.2734 USD +0.70%
Cardano $0.6329 USD +1.50%
Wrapped Bitcoin $105,633.91 USD +0.49%

News

Gold 2nd Ranked To USD In Global Reserves

Gold has firmly reasserted itself as a strategic anchor in the global financial system, now ranking second only to the US dollar—and ahead of the euro—in terms of official reserve holdings measured at market value. This structural shift, outlined in the European Central Bank’s latest report on the international role of the euro, underscores how price dynamics, central bank behavior, and geopolitical realignment have collectively elevated gold’s monetary relevance.

From Inflation Hedge to Geopolitical Barometer

In 2024, gold prices surged by 30%, followed by another 30% year-to-date in 2025, briefly reaching an all-time nominal high of $3,500 per troy ounce in April. This sharp rally signals more than just a technical or inflation-driven cycle—it reflects a broader revaluation of gold’s role amid rising global uncertainty.

Conclusion: Gold’s Strategic Repricing

The ECB’s findings reflect a broader paradigm shift in the logic of reserve accumulation. Gold has not only appreciated in nominal terms—it has been reconceptualized as a core asset for monetary sovereignty and geopolitical insulation.

Its elevation to second place in global reserves is more than symbolic. It signals a growing distrust in traditional reserve currencies and a collective desire among central banks—particularly outside the Western alliance—to build resilience against political and financial coercion.

In this new global context, gold is no longer a passive relic of the past. It is increasingly being recognized as an active pillar of reserve strategy, with implications that stretch far beyond price charts and interest rate models.

News

Market Background

Australian dollar -0.1% to 64.84 US cents
Wall Street:
S&P 500 -1.1%, Dow Jones -1.8%, Nasdaq -1.3%
Europe: Stoxx 50 -1.3%
FTSE -0.4%
DAX -1.1%
CAC -1%
Bitcoin -0.3% to $US104,682
Spot gold +1.4% to $US3432.34 per ounce on Saturday
US oil +7.3% to $US72.98 a barrel on Saturday
Brent crude +7% to $US74.23 a barrel on Saturday
Iron ore -0.7% to $US93.85 per tonne
10-year yield: US 4.40% Australia 4.15% Germany 2.53%

News

Gold News

Recent gold news highlights a surge in prices driven by geopolitical tensions and economic factors. Gold prices in Dubai spiked to near-record highs, with 24-karat gold reaching Dh412.75 per gram (approximately $112.84), following Israel’s military strikes on Iran, boosting demand for safe-haven assets. Globally, spot gold hit a one-week peak at around $3,424.6 per ounce, up 1.2%, fueled by Middle East conflicts and expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts. In India, gold prices crossed Rs 1,01,540 per 10 grams, a Rs 2,200 surge, driven by safe-haven buying amid the Israel-Iran conflict. Analysts note gold’s appeal as a hedge against market volatility, with prices up 29% in 2025, though jewelry demand has weakened due to high costs. Central banks are on track to buy 1,000 metric tons of gold in 2025, marking a fourth year of significant purchases to diversify reserves. Posts on X also reflect bullish sentiment, with some predicting gold could reach $4,000 per ounce, though such claims are speculative.

For investors, gold remains attractive but experts caution against over-allocation due to its volatility. Always verify market trends with trusted financial sources before making investment decisions. (Grok)

News

Best Quotes

“Gold is the money of kings.” – Anonymous.

“He who has the gold makes the rules.” – Unknown.

“Gold is a living god and rules in scorn, all earthly things but virtue.” – Percy Bysshe Shelley.

“Gold is a deep and liquid subject.” – Anonymous.

“Gold is forever.” – Anonymous

News

Best Quotes

"Journalism allows its readers to witness history; fiction gives its readers an opportunity to live it." - John Hersey

"In America, the president reigns for four years, and journalism governs forever and ever." - Oscar Wilde

"The world is changing very fast. Big will not beat small anymore. It will be the fast beating the slow" Rupert Murdoch

 

 

 

Markets and Cryptos

Markets:

May 29, 2025

ASX futures down 1 point/0.01% to 8416
AUD -0.3% at US64.25¢
Bitcoin -2.5% to $US107,232
Dow -0.5% S&P -0.3% NAS 0.2%
Gold -0.1% to $US3296.72 an ounce
Oil +0.7% at $US64.56 a barrel
Iron ore -0.2% at $US95.00 a ton

Cryptos:

Cryptos Today: (Near Live)

Bitcoin $107,432.57 USD -2.07%
Ethereum $2,639.78 USD -1.39%
Tether $1.00 USD +0.03%
XRP $2.26 USD -3.27%
BNB $688.30 USD -0.43%
Solana $171.06 USD -4.13%
USD Coin $1.00 USD +0.01%
Dogecoin $0.2192 USD
Cardano $0.7386 USD -3.52%
TRON $0.275 USD -0.73%
Wrapped Bitcoin $107,313.67 USD -2.02%
Sui $3.56 USD -3.87%
Chainlink $15.45 USD -3.62%
Avalanche $23.25 USD -1.55%

News

Bitcoin News

Market Performance: The cryptocurrency market has seen a 2.2% decrease in total market capitalization, now standing at $3.55 trillion, with trading volume at $116 billion. Bitcoin (BTC) has consolidated after hitting a record high of $111,814 last week, currently trading around $108,897. Solana ranks among the lowest funding rates, indicating market dynamics.

Bitcoin 2025 Conference: The Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, starting May 27, has drawn attention with high-profile attendees. Vice President JD Vance spoke, emphasizing the Trump administration's pro-crypto stance, stating, "crypto finally has a champion" in the White House.

Corporate Adoption:

GameStop confirmed its first Bitcoin investment, acquiring 4,710 BTC.

Trump Media and Technology Group plans to raise $2.5 billion to invest in Bitcoin, with CEO Devin Nunes calling it an "apex instrument of financial freedom." This follows speculation about a $3 billion raise, which the company denied.

Regulatory Developments:

Republican Representative Bryan Steil, at the Bitcoin 2025 conference, urged lawmakers to avoid adding non-relevant clauses to two key crypto bills (Stablecoin and Market Structure legislation), which he believes could unlock a "golden age" for digital assets.

The U.S. Senate advanced the GENIUS Act, a stablecoin regulatory framework, boosting Bitcoin to a high of $109,730. However, concerns about conflicts of interest persist due to President Trump's involvement in crypto ventures like the $TRUMP memecoin and a family-backed stablecoin, USD1.

Ethical Concerns:

Trump’s $TRUMP memecoin has raised ethical issues, with 43% of top investors (95 of 220) losing a combined $8.95 million. Trump hosted a gala for top holders, sparking criticism over potential "pay-for-play" schemes.

Watchdog groups and some lawmakers have criticized Trump’s push to ease crypto oversight while his family’s ventures, including a $2 billion deal with Binance and an Abu Dhabi fund, raise conflict-of-interest concerns.

Crime and Security:
A crypto investor, John Woeltz, was charged in New York with kidnapping and torturing a man to extract Bitcoin passwords, highlighting rising crypto-related crimes.

Posts on X mention a wave of crypto-related kidnappings in France linked to rising prices.

Other Developments:
Circle, the issuer of the $61 billion USDC stablecoin, rejected a $4-5 billion acquisition offer from Ripple, filing for an IPO instead.

Pakistan allocated 2,000 megawatts to support Bitcoin mining and AI data centers, aiming to legalize crypto and attract investment.

The U.S. Department of Labor rescinded 2022 guidance on cryptocurrency in 401(k) plans, signaling a shift in policy.

Price Predictions:

ARK Invest’s Cathie Wood predicts Bitcoin could reach $2.4 million, implying a $50.4 trillion market cap, though some view this as ambitious.

Bitcoin’s rally is supported by institutional ownership and ETF inflows, with $40 billion in Bitcoin ETF inflows in May alone.

Note: Cryptocurrency prices are volatile, and regulatory developments can shift rapidly.

News

Bitcoin Movies

Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery (2024, HBO Documentary) - Directed by Cullen Hoback, this documentary investigates the origins of Bitcoin and the identity of its creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. It offers a thrilling, globe-spanning exploration with new clues about Bitcoin’s rise and its mysterious founder. Available on HBO and streaming on Max.

Bitcoin: The End of Money as We Know It (2015) - Directed by Torsten Hoffmann and Michael Watchulonis, this documentary provides a concise crash course on money and cryptocurrencies. It traces the history of money from barter to Bitcoin, highlighting its potential to disrupt traditional financial systems. Features experts like Andreas M. Antonopoulos and Jeffrey A. Tucker. Available on platforms like Prime Video. IMDb rating: 6.9/10.

The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin (2014) - Directed by Nicholas Mross, this documentary follows computer programmer Daniel Mross, an early Bitcoin enthusiast, exploring Bitcoin’s evolution and its volatile nature. It includes interviews with key figures like Gavin Andresen and Charlie Shrem. Great for beginners, available on iTunes and Prime Video.

Banking on Bitcoin (2016) - Directed by Christopher Cannucciari, this documentary dives into Bitcoin’s early days and its potential to disrupt traditional banking. It features interviews with blockchain experts and pioneers, emphasizing the philosophical and economic impact of decentralized currencies. Available on platforms like Prime Video.

Bitconned (2024, Netflix) - A true-crime documentary exploring the Centra Tech crypto scam, where three individuals exploited the unregulated crypto market to scam millions. It highlights the darker side of cryptocurrency. Available on Netflix. IMDb rating: 6.5/10.

Crypto (2019) - A fictional crime thriller directed by John Stalberg Jr., starring Beau Knapp, Alexis Bledel, and Kurt Russell. It follows an anti-money laundering agent uncovering a cryptocurrency-related scheme in a small town. Mixed reviews, with a "rotten" rating on Rotten Tomatoes but praised for its convoluted plot. Available on platforms like Prime Video.

Trust Machine: The Story of Blockchain (2018) - Directed by Alex Winter, this documentary explores blockchain technology’s broader impact beyond cryptocurrency, addressing privacy, security, and societal implications. Available on various streaming platforms.

Cryptopia: Bitcoin, Blockchains and the Future of the Internet (2020) - Directed by Torsten Hoffmann, this follow-up to his 2015 film examines the evolution of blockchain and its societal impact, featuring interviews with experts in finance and technology. Available on platforms like Prime Video.

Life on Bitcoin (2014) - A documentary following newlyweds Austin and Beccy Craig as they attempt to live for 100 days using only Bitcoin, showcasing its practical challenges and adoption in its early days.

Bitcoin Heist (2016) - A Vietnamese action-comedy directed by Ham Tran, this fictional film follows a group of hackers attempting a high-stakes Bitcoin heist. It blends humor, action, and tech-savvy thrills.

These films span documentaries and fictional narratives, offering educational insights, thrilling stories, and perspectives on Bitcoin’s cultural and economic impact. For the latest releases, check streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, or Prime Video, as the crypto space evolves rapidly, and new films may emerge.

News

Pop Culture News

Sharemarket Movies

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) - Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film depicts the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker involved in fraudulent schemes. It remains a cultural touchstone for depicting the excesses of Wall Street.

The Big Short (2015) - Directed by Adam McKay, this movie explains the 2008 financial crisis through the lens of investors who bet against the housing market. It’s lauded for making complex financial concepts accessible.

Wall Street (1987) - Oliver Stone’s classic follows Gordon Gekko, a ruthless corporate raider, and his influence on a young stockbroker. Its iconic "greed is good" line still resonates.

Margin Call (2011) - A fictional take on the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on a 24-hour period at an investment bank. It’s praised for its tense portrayal of financial decision-making.

Too Big to Fail (2011) - An HBO film about the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on key players like Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson and the collapse of Lehman Brothers.

These films are often recommended for their dramatic portrayals of financial markets and their impact on society. A 2017 post on X also highlighted Gafla (about the Harshad Mehta scam), Too Big to Fail, and Margin Call as must-watch stock market movies, showing ongoing interest in this genre.

News

Recent News Related to Movies and Markets

While there’s no direct news about new share market-themed movies in the provided sources, several recent developments in the movie industry intersect with market dynamics:

Impact of Trump’s Proposed 100% Tariff on Foreign Films:

On May 5, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the U.S., citing the decline of Hollywood due to foreign incentives luring filmmakers. This led to a drop in media stocks, including Netflix (down significantly due to its 75% international content production), Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Paramount. The tariffs aim to boost U.S. film production but have sparked concerns about higher costs, fewer films, and potential retaliatory measures from foreign governments. Industry experts are skeptical about implementation, as movies are intellectual property, not typical goods subject to tariffs.

Actor Jon Voight supported the tariff, framing "runaway production" (filming abroad for tax benefits) as a threat to U.S. jobs, while SAG-AFTRA endorsed efforts to increase domestic production. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office stated Trump lacks authority to impose such tariffs.

This could indirectly affect share market-themed movies, as many are produced internationally (e.g., Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning filmed in the UK). Higher costs might limit budgets for complex financial dramas.

Box Office Performance of Recent Films:

Recent box office successes like Final Destination Bloodlines ($51.7M opening weekend) and A Minecraft Movie (nearing $1B globally) show strong audience demand for genre films, which could encourage studios to greenlight more niche projects like financial dramas if they see market potential.

However, Hurry Up Tomorrow flopped ($3.3M opening), indicating that audience taste is selective, which might make studios cautious about risky share market stories without broad appeal.

Market Trends and Film Industry:

The Australian share market rose recently due to expectations of Reserve Bank of Australia interest rate cuts, boosting sectors like technology and finance. This positive sentiment could indirectly support investment in entertainment, including films about financial markets.

In India, PVR INOX reported optimism about increased cinema footfall by May 2025, driven by a strong Hollywood and Bollywood lineup, which could include financial thrillers if they gain traction.

Google’s entry into film production with Range Media Partners aims to back movies that align with its worldview, potentially opening avenues for tech-finance crossover stories.

Critical Perspective

The lack of recent news about new share market-themed movies suggests the genre isn’t currently a priority for studios, possibly due to its niche appeal compared to blockbusters like superhero or horror films. Trump’s tariff proposal introduces uncertainty, as it could raise costs for international productions, potentially stifling creative projects. However, the tariff’s feasibility is questionable—movies as intellectual property don’t fit neatly into tariff frameworks, and global production is deeply integrated (e.g., visual effects in Canada, filming in the UK). If implemented, it might paradoxically hurt Hollywood by limiting access to cost-effective locations, reducing the likelihood of high-budget financial epics. Meanwhile, positive market sentiment in places like Australia could support cinema attendance, creating opportunities for niche genres if studios take the risk.

News

Pop Culture

Landman: TV Series

Landman is a TV drama series created by Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace, inspired by the 2019 Texas Monthly article “The Great American Fracking Boom” by Wallace. It premiered on Paramount+ on November 17, 2024, and is set in the oilfields of West Texas, exploring the modern-day oil boom through the lens of roughnecks, landmen, and billionaires. The show blends high-stakes drama, workplace dynamics, and socio-economic commentary, reflecting Sheridan’s signature gritty storytelling seen in Yellowstone and Mayor of Kingstown.

Key Details:

Genre: Drama

Seasons: 1 (10 episodes, renewed for Season 2)

Episode Runtime: Approximately 40–60 minutes

Rating: TV-MA (mature audiences, contains strong language, violence, and adult themes)

Cast: Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris, a seasoned landman navigating crises for an oil company

Demi Moore as Cami Miller, Tommy’s ex-wife and a key figure in the oil industry

Ali Larter as Angela Norris, Tommy’s ex-wife

Jon Hamm as Monty Miller, a powerful oil titan and Cami’s husband

Supporting cast: Jacob Lofland (Cooper Norris), Kayla Wallace (Rebecca Savage), James Jordan (Dale Bradley), Mark Collie (Sheriff Joeberg), and others

Creators: Taylor Sheridan, Christian Wallace

Executive Producers: Taylor Sheridan, David C. Glasser, David Hutkin, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, Christian Wallace, Billy Bob Thornton, and others

Production Companies: MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios, Bosque Ranch Productions

Filming Locations: Fort Worth, Weatherford, and other Texas locations

Plot Summary:

Set in the fictional town of Midland, Texas, Landman follows Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton), a crisis manager and landman for an oil company. His job involves securing land leases, negotiating with landowners, and managing chaotic oilfield operations while balancing personal struggles, including a strained relationship with his son, Cooper (Jacob Lofland), who joins the roughneck crew. The series dives into the high-stakes world of oil speculation, exploring themes of greed, family, ambition, and the environmental and social impacts of the oil industry. It portrays the gritty lives of roughnecks and the opulent world of oil tycoons, with Tommy caught between both.

Streaming and Availability:

Primary Platform: Paramount+ (exclusive streaming in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other regions) Premiere: November 17, 2024 (US), November 18, 2024 (UK, Australia)

Release Schedule: First two episodes dropped on premiere, followed by weekly releases (finale on January 12, 2025)

Subscription: Starts at $7.99/month (US, Essential with ads), £6.99/month (UK), CA$6.99/month (Canada), $6.99/month (Australia). Offers a 7-day free trial.

Other Platforms:
Purchase options: Apple TV, Prime Video, Fandango At Home, Sky Store (UK), Fetch TV (Australia) Available via Paramount+ integrations (e.g., Amazon Channel, Roku, Apple TV Channel)

International Access: Use a VPN (e.g., NordVPN) to access Paramount+ from unsupported regions.

Free Options: No free streaming options; use Paramount+’s 7-day trial for temporary access.

Reception:

Critical Response: Mixed to positive reviews. Critics praise Thornton’s charismatic performance and Sheridan’s authentic depiction of the oil industry but note the show’s dense jargon and sprawling narrative can feel overwhelming. It holds a 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes (as of April 2025) based on critic reviews, with an average audience score of 85%.

Viewership: Strong streaming numbers on Paramount+, reportedly among the platform’s top-performing originals in 2024, contributing to the Season 2 renewal.

Notable Praise: Thornton’s nuanced portrayal and the show’s cinematic visuals are highlights, though some find the pacing uneven compared to Sheridan’s other works.

Season 2 and Future:

Renewal: Paramount+ renewed Landman for Season 2 in December 2024, with production slated to begin in early 2025.

Expected Release: Likely late 2025 or early 2026, based on typical production timelines.

Story Direction: While specifics are under wraps, Season 2 is expected to deepen Tommy’s personal and professional conflicts, potentially exploring new oilfield challenges and character arcs for Cooper and Cami.

Where to Watch (as of April 24, 2025):

Paramount+: Full Season 1 available (all 10 episodes). Best option for streaming.

Purchase: Apple TV, Prime Video, Fandango At Home for digital ownership.

Not Available: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or Hotstar.

Additional Notes:

Content Warning: Contains explicit language, violence, and mature themes (e.g., drug use, workplace accidents), unsuitable for younger viewers.

Cultural Impact: The series has sparked discussions on X about the oil industry’s environmental and economic effects, with some praising its realism and others critiquing its portrayal of industry ethics.

Merchandise/Related Media: No official merchandise yet, but the original Texas Monthly article is available online for deeper context. (Grok)

News

Gold: Movie

Gold (2016) is a crime drama inspired by the 1990s Bre-X mining scandal. Matthew McConaughey stars as Kenny Wells, a prospector who partners with geologist Michael Acosta (Édgar Ramírez) to find gold in Indonesia. After striking it rich, their success unravels amid fraud and betrayal. Directed by Stephen Gaghan, the film explores greed and ambition but received mixed reviews for its uneven tone and pacing. It grossed $14.8 million against a $20 million budget. Available on platforms like Hulu or Amazon Prime (check current listings). (Grok)

News/Profile

Gold (1974)

Gold (1974) is a British thriller directed by Peter R. Hunt, based on Wilbur Smith's novel Gold Mine. Set in South Africa, it follows Rod Slater (Roger Moore), a mining engineer, who uncovers a conspiracy to flood a gold mine to manipulate global gold prices. The plot involves corporate greed, sabotage, and high-stakes action, with Slater racing to stop the scheme.

Cast: Roger Moore, Susannah York, Ray Milland, Bradford Dillman.

Key Details: 120 min, rated PG, released August 1974 (UK). Filmed on location in Johannesburg, featuring intense mining scenes.

Reception: Mixed reviews; praised for action and Moore’s charisma, criticized for pacing and dated elements. IMDb rating: 5.7/10.

Availability: Limited streaming; available for rent/purchase on platforms like Amazon or on DVD. (Grok)

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

"Bitcoin is a tool for freeing humanity from oligarchs and tyrants, dressed up as a get-rich-quick scheme." — Naval Ravikant

"We have elected to put our money and faith in a mathematical framework that is free of politics and human error." — Tyler Winklevoss

"You can't stop things like Bitcoin. It will be everywhere, and the world will have to readjust. World governments will have to readjust." — John McAfee

"Bitcoin is the most important invention in the history of the world since the Internet." — Roger Ver

"Cryptocurrency is such a powerful concept that it can almost overturn governments." — Charles Lee

"In the future, national currencies will become obsolete. Bitcoin will become the single global currency." — Jack Dorsey

"The future of finance is crypto, whether it’s in payments, contracts, or savings." — Changpeng Zhao

"Crypto offers freedom to the unbanked and hope to the underprivileged." — Elizabeth Stark

"The new frontier of innovation is in decentralization. Blockchain leads the charge." — Don Tapscott

"Digital currency is here to stay, and it’s only a matter of how long before governments embrace it." — Brad Garlinghouse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

News, Markets, Energy, Politics and Culture - Australia, US and World

Markets

May 20, 2025

Australian Dollar: $0.6456 USD (up $0.0060 USD)
Iron Ore June Spot Price (SGX): $99.45 USD (down $0.25)
Oil Price (WTI): $62.71 USD (up $0.22)
Gold Price: $3,230.61 USD (up $29.39)
Copper Price (CME): $4.6640 USD (up $0.0725)
Bitcoin: $105,357.30 USD (up 1.04%)
Dow Jones: 42,792.07 (up 137.33 points)

News

Big tech is back after a brutal reality check, but will the rally last?

Wall Street's so called magnificent seven tech companies have recovered strongly from the hit they took when US President Donald Trump annnounced his 'Liberation Day' tariff splurge on 2 April. They are now up 28 per cent on their April lows, beating the S&P 500 Index, which has returned 19 per cent in the same period. Nick Griffin from Munro Partners is one investor that is confident that US big tech will continue its recovery in the second half of the year, with Griffin claiming that companies like Amazon and Meta are a safer investment than US Treasuries. (RMR)

News

Judge queries Qantas outsourcing 'remorse'

The Federal Court has commenced a hearing to determine the financial penalty Qantas will pay for illegally outsourcing the jobs of ground-handling workers in October 2020. The Transport Workers' Union wants the court to impose the maximum fine of $121m; the union's barrister, Noel Hutley SC, told the court that the outsourcing was the "largest ever" breach of the general protection provisions of the Fair Work and previous industrial relations legislation. Qantas's chief people officer Catherine Walsh told the court that she was "deeply sorry" about the outsourcing, even though it occurred before she joined the airline; Justice Michael Lee responded by noting that Qantas had argued that the affected workers should not be entitled to compensation. (RMR)

News

Telstra's Brady to face grilling over returns

Telstra will hold its investor day in Sydney on 27 May, with its shareholders wanting to see evidence that the telco is increasing returns on invested capital (ROIC). Telstra has conceded it needs to improve ROIC and is investing in artificial intelligence to become more efficient; its ROIC was at eight cent in the six months to December 31, up from 6.8 per cent in the same period a year earlier. Hugh Giddy from Investors Mutual, which owns around $200 million worth of Telstra shares, says that to improve its returns, the telco must raise the prices it charges its wholesale customers – and ensure the increases are passed onto consumer. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Gaming

M&A deals on the cards for Light & Wonder

Light & Wonder CEO Matt Wilson says the gaming group is looking at more acquisitions at a time when it is considering if its future lies as a company listed solely on the ASX, or on both the Nasdaq and the ASX. Light & Wonder acquired the charitable gaming assets of Grover Gaming and G2 Gaming in February under a deal worth $US850 million ($1.3 billion), while Wilson says it is looking at possible acquisitions in class II gaming, a term used to refer to games such as Bingo that are played for prizes. (RMS)

News

Personal motive for Ainsworth family's $50m gift

Roy Morgan Summary

The Ainsworth family has donated $50 million to the University of NSW to establish the Ainsworth Endometriosis Research Centre; endometriosis is a chronic disease that impacts up to one in seven women. Lily Ainsworth, the granddaughter of Aristocrat Leisure founder Len Ainsworth, suffers from the condition, as does her mother Anna; Lily Ainsworth says she has endured endometriosis pain since she was 15. Endometriosis occurs when tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, and it causes pain, inflammation and scarring, and can impact fertility. (RMS)

News

Lachlan Murdoch's Nova under scrutiny for not lodging accounts

Owned by billionaire media mogul Lachlan Murdoch for more than a decade, Nova Entertainment owns the Australian radio brands Smooth FM and Nova. It has been under scrutiny from the Australian Taxation Office for more than a year, while earlier this year, it admitted it had failed to file more than 40 annual account statements with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission over 15 years. Nova's latest accounts reveal that it had revenue of $187.8 million in 2024, up from $185.9 million the year before; it posted a profit of $24.1 million, down from $27.9 million. (RMS)

News

MinRes lands new chair with $8.3m carrot

Iron ore and lithium producer Mineral Resources has appointed Malcolm Bundey to succeed executive chairman James McClements. Bundey's remuneration will include an annual salary of $750,000 in cash and shares, plus 780,000 stock options that will vest over three years; Bundey could potentially gain about $8.3m over this period if he succeeds in turning around the company. Jeffrey Jackson from shareholder advisory group Open Engagement has questioned the options component, noting that stock-based remuneration is usually reserved for a company's executives rather than directors. Bundey's lack of experience in the mining sector may also attract scrutiny. (RMS)

News

New Hope's boom over as coal price slump hits sales

New Hope Corporation's shares fell 7.1 per cent to $3.65 on Monday, after the coal miner posted underlying earnings of $155.2m for the three months to 30 April; this is 27 per cent lower than previously. New Hope received an average of $US147.50 per tonne for its thermal coal during the quarter, compared with $US159 per tonne in the previous quarter; the price of thermal coal had peaked at $US432.45 per tonne in 2022. Meanwhile, the company expects full-year production to be within the range of 15.93 million to 17.45 million tonnes, which is three per cent higher than previously. (RMS)

News

Perenti's Barminco inks $500m Agnew underground contract renewal with Gold Fields

Barminco has secured a $500 million contract renewal with Gold Fields to continue its underground mining work at Gold Field's Agnew mine near Leinster in Western Australia. Barminco, which is the underground mining services division of Perenti, has been working underground at Agnew since 2010, and currently employs around 300 people there. Barminco's new contract with Gold Fields will run for three years, with the option of an additional year, while Agnew produced 229,500 ounces of gold in 2024, compared to 244,900oz. (Roy Morgan Research)

News

World Headline News

Gaza Crisis: The first aid trucks have entered Gaza after nearly three months of Israel’s blockade, but allies are threatening sanctions and urging more aid. Israel announced "Operation Gideon's Chariots," a new ground offensive, while stating it will allow a "basic amount of food" to prevent a hunger crisis.

Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine, deploying 273 drones, ahead of a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at stopping the "bloodbath." Trump later backed off a direct meeting with Putin, pushing for Ukraine-Russia talks, but peace negotiations show little progress.

UK-EU Relations: The UK and EU struck a post-Brexit "reset" deal, including a defense partnership and reduced trade barriers. Discussions also cover fishing rights, youth schemes, and UK access to EU passport e-gates.

Romanian Election: Liberal mayor Nicusor Dan won Romania’s presidency, defeating a right-wing nationalist in a tense race amid political turbulence.

Papal Inauguration: Pope Leo XIV called for unity at his inaugural Mass, attended by world leaders including Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky. He offered to host peace talks for Ukraine.

Mexican Navy Incident: A Mexican navy ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge during a celebration of Mexico’s independence, killing two sailors and injuring 22.

U.S. Terrorism Incident: A bombing at a Palm Springs fertility clinic, deemed an "intentional act of terrorism," killed one person. The FBI has a person of interest, possibly the deceased.

These stories reflect major global events as of May 20, 2025. (Grok)

News

Pop Culture/Pro Wrestling: WWE

May 19, 2025 (South Carolina, USA)

Red Hot WWE RAW On Netflix

Paul Heyman Guys aka 'Trifecta Of Terror'
Jey Uso vs Bron Breakker; Warm Up For Uso To Face Lon Paul at Saturday Night's Main Event This Weekend!

Phenomenal Penta Tag Team Match - Penta and Styles vs Judgement Day

Australia's Rhea Ripley Progresses In Women's Money In The Bank Qualifiers; Stark gets legit injury off missile dropkick attempt

Judgment Day: Rozanne Perez Gifts Chicken Tenders For Dom and Apples For Carlito!

Aussie Grayson Waller Cops Beating By Sheamus, Waller's tagteam partner Austin Theory Laughs And Grin To Grin at Waller's fall!

Aussie Tsunami Bronson Reed Continues To Post On X With Rehab Of Leg And Foot Recovery re leap of top of cage month ago at Survivor Series: WarGames.

News

Movie Box Office (US)

May 18, 2025

1. Final Destination: Bloodlines - $51m
2. Thunderbolts* - $16.5m
3. Sinners - $15.4m
4. A Minecraft Movie - $5.9m
5. The Accountant 2 - $5m
6. Hurry Up Tomorrow - $3.3m
7. Friendship - $1.4m
8. Clown in a Cornfield $1.3m
9. Until Dawn - $800,000
10. The Amateur - $712,000

*correct at time of publication to best of knowledge

News

Best Quotes

Mining

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

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

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

Praise like gold and diamonds, owes its value only to its scarcity.

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

Everything has its limit - iron ore cannot be educated into gold.

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

Best Quotes

News

News from afar is seldom sooth."

"A reporter is always concerned with tomorrow. There's nothing tangible of yesterday."

"If you don't read the newspaper, you're uninformed."

"News is something somebody doesn't want printed; all else is advertising."

"TV news has no intention of suggesting that any story has any implications, for that would require viewers to continue to think about it when it is done and therefore obstruct their attending to the next story."

 

 

News: Business, Markets, Comms, World News, Headlines, Australia

May 5, 2025

Markets

Australian Dollar: $0.6444 USD (up $0.0061 USD)
Iron Ore June Spot Price (SGX): $96.00 USD (up $0.80 USD)
Oil Price (WTI): $58.29 USD (down $0.70 USD)
Gold: $3,241.82 USD (up $4.35 USD)
Copper (CME): $4.6730 USD (up $0.0415 USD)
Bitcoin: $95,720.18 USD (down 0.61%)
Dow Jones: 41,317.43 (up 564.47 points)

Markets: Update

ASX futures up 0.4%/32 points, to 8280 points

AUD +0.3% $US64.55¢
Bitcoin -0.6% to $US95,679

Wall Street:

Dow +1.4%
S&P +1.5%
Nasdaq +1.5%
VIX -1.9 to 22.68 points
Gold steady at $US3240.49 an ounce
Oil -1.4% to $US61.29 a barrel
Iron ore +1% to $US96 a tonne
10-yr yield: US 4.31% Australia 4.21%

 

News

'Return to office' push to go on

The Minerals Council of Australia's chairman Andrew Michelmore says the Coalition's bungled policy on public servants working from home is likely to have been one of many issues that contributed to its massive election loss. Michelmore and property developer Tim Gurner both contend that working from home is more appropriate in specific industries, rather than across the economy; the latter believes that companies that encourage staff to engage with each other in the office rather than remotely are the most likely to succeed over the next decade. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Media

Foxtel boss welcomes a bold new era

­Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany says companies that "stand still" are unlikely to survive in Australia's current media landscape. He adds that Foxtel will have greater capacity to adapt and evolve following its acquisition by UK-based DAZN, which will in turn result in a better product for its pay-TV and streaming customers. Delany has rejected suggestions that the quality of Foxtel's coverage of Australian sports will be adversely affected by a move to cut about 100 jobs. Foxtel was previously majority-owned by News Corp, which will emerge from the deal with a six per cent stake in DAZN. (RMS)

News

Main parties focused ad spend on TV

Analyis by Australian video measurement firm Adgile shows that the nation's political parties spent more than $54m on free-to-air and broadcast video-on-demand advertising during the election campaign. Free TV Australia CEO Bridget Fair says this demonstrates that TV is still a trusted and highly effective ­platform for connecting with voters. Meanwhile, a total of $17m was spent on YouTube advertising across all parties. (RMS)

News

'Force big tech to pay up': Media firms

News Corp Australia's executive chairman Michael Miller has urged the re-elected federal government to overhaul the news media bargaining code. He says it is more than a year since the nation's political leaders resolved that technology platforms must renew their revenue-sharing deals with news publishers, and he contends that Labor must set a timetable for the tech giants to negotiate new deals. Nine Entertainment CEO Matt Stanton and Seven West Media CEO Jeff Howard have expressed similar views. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Rio Tinto weighs up rare earths market

May 2, 2025

Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm said last Thursday the mining company's board had discussed rare earths during the week, with Stausholm speaking after its AGM in Perth. He said the board would take a "serious Dlook" at the potential role that rare earths could play in Rio Tinto's portfolio, while he commented that critical minerals are often present in Rio's existing operations as a by-product. Rio Tinto chairman Dominic Barton says that expanding into critical minerals could help strengthen Rio's social licence to operate, while he noted that big mining companies like Rio Tinto are yet to establish much of a presence in the critical minerals sector. (Mining Dot Com)

News

Headlines Today

International News:

Russian President Vladimir Putin expresses hope that nuclear weapons won't be needed in Ukraine, ahead of a unilateral three-day ceasefire from May 8-10 to mark the 80th anniversary of WWII victory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy doubts Russia’s commitment to the truce.

India-Pakistan tensions escalate after a terror attack in Pahalgam; India bans imports from Pakistan and suspends postal and maritime links.

An Air India flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv was diverted to Abu Dhabi due to a missile attack near Tel Aviv’s airport, with flights suspended until May 6.

Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Russia from May 7-10 for WWII victory celebrations.

U.S. News:

Texas Governor signs the largest U.S. school voucher law, marking a conservative shift in education policy.

President Donald Trump proposes a $163 billion cut to the U.S. budget, targeting domestic spending.

Trump sparks controversy by posting an AI-generated image of himself as a pope, drawing online backlash.

Trump announces 100% tariffs on foreign films made outside the U.S., impacting international cinema.

Business & Economy:

Billionaire Warren Buffett announces he will step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of 2025, naming Greg Abel as successor.

State Bank of India (SBI) reduces lending rates, with Repo Linked Lending Rate down to 8.25% and External Benchmark Based Lending Rate to 8.65%, effective April 15, 2025.

Entertainment & Culture:

The Met Gala 2025 in NYC highlights Black dandyism, drawing global attention.

Columbia University to announce the 2025 Pulitzer Prize winners in journalism, books, drama, and music.

Fans celebrate Tatsuya Fukazawa’s 33rd birthday, member of Japanese idol group Snow Man, trending on X.

Sports:

Norway’s Casper Ruud wins the Madrid Open final against Jack Draper in a 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 match.

China’s Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning win the women’s doubles badminton final at the BWF Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, China.

Regional News:

Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda attracts over 2.5 million visitors in the first four months of 2025.

Australia’s Labor Party projected to win a huge majority in the 2025 federal election, with around 90 seats.

Other Notable Events:

Cinco de Mayo celebrations highlight the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla, distinct from Mexican Independence Day.

The upcoming Papal Conclave to elect a new pope begins May 7 in Rome, with global focus on the process.

These headlines reflect a mix of global, political, economic, and cultural developments. (Grok)

 

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News

Meme Man Brands Of The Day: Dogecoin, Xbox and The Perth Mint

 

 

 

Markets and Cryptos

May 2, 2025

Sydney, Australia

Markets:

ASX futures down 9 points/0.1% to 8153
AUD -0.3% at US63.86¢
Bitcoin +2.6% to $US96,560
Dow +0.7% S&P +1.2% Nasdaq +2.1%
Gold -1.9% to $US3227.23 an ounce
Oil +1.5% at $US61.95 a barrel
Iron ore -1.2% at $US95.20 a ton

Crypto Today:

Bitcoin. $96,857.23. 2.30%
Ethereum. $1,848.94. 2.43%
XRP. $2.2249. 0.71%
BNB. $599.84 USD +0.01%
Solana. $150.61 USD +2.64%
USD Coin. $1.00 USD -0.01%
Dogecoin. $0.1816 USD +4.87%

Crypto News

Ripple’s Regulatory Milestone: Ripple became the first blockchain-powered payments provider licensed by Dubai’s DFSA, enabling regulated cross-border crypto payments in the UAE, a key global trade hub.

XRP Market Dynamics: Despite a 30% price drop, XRP analysts highlight strong fundamentals and institutional integration, suggesting the dip may be a strategic shakeout before a potential rally to $3.

SoFi’s Crypto Push: Fintech SoFi plans to reintroduce crypto investing by year-end, leveraging new U.S. regulatory guidance. They aim to integrate blockchain across lending, savings, and payments within 24 months.

UK and US Regulatory Alignment: The UK announced draft rules to regulate crypto exchanges and dealers, aiming to align with the U.S. under Trump’s pro-crypto policies, despite EU concerns.

Stablecoin Developments: Visa and Bridge partnered to launch stablecoin-linked cards in Latin America, while Abu Dhabi’s ADQ, IHC, and First Abu Dhabi Bank plan a dirham-backed stablecoin.

Worldcoin’s U.S. Entry: Sam Altman’s Worldcoin (now World) will debut in U.S. cities like Atlanta and San Francisco, offering its WLD token for identity verification via Orb scans.

Security Concerns: North Korea’s Lazarus Group is targeting crypto developers with malware through fake U.S. companies, escalating cyber threats.

 

 

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Crypto, Fintech, Markets, News and Politics via Media Man

March 12/13, 2025

The crypto bounces back from extreme fear

Market picture

The cryptocurrency market bounced 2% in the last 24 hours to $2.67 trillion. So far, the situation looks like a small rebound after the collapse. We should not talk about the beginning of recovery as long as the market is below its 200-day moving average of $2.83 trillion.

Sentiment in the crypto market has shifted from dread to fear at 34. The indicator was last higher more than three weeks ago, indicating that now is a good time to buy. However, it's worth paying attention to the nervous stock market before considering investments in more volatile cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin was climbing above $83,000 on Tuesday, hitting resistance in the form of the 200-day moving average. If a long-term trend line is repurposed as resistance, that's a worrisome bearish fact.

Ethereum ended Tuesday with growth and was trading near $1900 at the start of Wednesday, but this is a timid rebound within the steep peak the coin has been in since February 24th and the broader downtrend of the past three months.

News Background

CryptoQuant states a sharp drop in open interest in Bitcoin and Ethereum futures, suggesting a ‘leverage washout’ and a chance of market stabilisation. The Kobeissi Letter admits a wave of short position unwinding in risk assets after extreme fear levels are reached.

Clearstream, the post-trading arm of Deutsche Börse, will offer cryptocurrency settlement and custody services to institutional clients as early as next month, starting with Bitcoin and Ethereum. It then plans to add support for other cryptocurrencies and services for staking, lending and brokerage.

Glassnode notes that Solana fell below its realised price of $134 for the first time in three years. The metrics show the average cost for investors to purchase the coin.

According to Arkham Intelligence, on 11 March, bankrupt exchange Mt. Gox transferred 11,501 BTC (~$905 million) to an unknown address. Mt. Gox-related addresses hold a total of 35,915 BTC worth $2.89bn. (FxPro)

News

SEC vs Ripple Case: Negotiations Underway for Settlement

Recent developments indicate that the legal dispute between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could be nearing a conclusion. Reports suggest that Ripple's legal team is currently negotiating more favorable terms related to a $125 million fine and an injunction on XRP sales to institutional investors. The anticipation of a settlement has led to increased interest and speculation within the cryptocurrency community regarding the outcome and its potential impact on XRP. (Grok)

News

U.S. Plans Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Acquisition

Senator Cynthia Lummis has reintroduced the BITCOIN Act, which proposes that the United States government purchase one million Bitcoins over five years to create a strategic reserve. This legislative move reflects a growing acknowledgment of Bitcoin as a digital asset for national economic strategy, garnering support from both traditional financial sectors and cryptocurrency advocates. Alongside this, there is an ongoing debate about the implications, risks, and potential benefits of such a reserve. (Grok)

News

Trump's Crypto Banking Deregulation

President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to sign an executive order that would reverse regulations set by the Biden administration aimed at restricting banking activities for cryptocurrency firms. This move could impact how crypto companies interact with the Federal Reserve, potentially leading to greater integration of cryptocurrencies within the traditional financial system. (Grok)

News

Rumble's Strategic Bitcoin Acquisition

Rumble, a video platform and competitor to YouTube, has announced the purchase of 188 Bitcoins for approximately $17.1 million. This acquisition is part of Rumble's strategy to integrate Bitcoin into its treasury management, aiming to hedge against inflation and participate in the growing trend of corporate cryptocurrency adoption. The move reflects a broader acceptance of Bitcoin as a legitimate financial asset among companies. (Grok)

News

Trump Predicts Market Surge Amid Economic Indicators

President Trump has publicly stated his belief that the U.S. financial markets are poised for significant growth, making his comments at an event with business leaders. This optimistic forecast follows recent economic indicators showing inflation cooling to levels not seen in years, despite mixed responses from markets regarding Trump's economic policies including tariffs. (Grok)

News

Ethereum's Lowest BTC Ratio Since 2020 Triggers Liquidation Risk

The Ethereum Foundation faces potential liquidation of over $100 million in assets if Ethereum's price drops to $1,100, amidst a historic low in the ETH/BTC trading ratio not seen since May 2020. This financial maneuver is part of Ethereum's strategy to manage its treasury through decentralized finance (DeFi), highlighting both the risks and innovative approaches to crypto-asset management in a volatile market. (Grok)

News

Gold funds burst out of the blocks in 2025 as returns rocket

Australian gold funds are shaping up for a bumper year as mining companies start to capitalise on record prices, helping the stocks to finally catch up to the performance of the precious metal.

Portfolio managers were left frustrated last year after a jump in production costs held back ASX-listed gold producers from riding the rally in the spot prices to record levels. The VanEck Gold Miners exchange-traded fund climbed nearly 20 per cent in 2024 versus a 38 per cent rally for the gold price in Australian dollars.

But easing cost inflation that has plagued the mining sector for the last three years and an ongoing surge in prices has seen the trend reverse course. VanEck’s Gold Miners ETF is up 17 per cent already this year while the Aussie dollar spot price has climbed 6.3 per cent.

Local fund managers are bullish that gold has much further to run after the US dollar price climbed above $US2942 an ounce for the first time and the Australian dollar gold price breached $4500 an ounce.

Victor Smorgon Partners’ Resource Gold Fund returned a chunky 13.3 per cent in January and portfolio manager Cameron Judd believes the valuations of ASX gold stocks still don’t reflect the outlook for the yellow metal.

“Gold’s performance in times of uncertainty or crisis could see it push towards $US3600,” Mr Judd said. “Despite the strong gold price performance and fundamentals supporting further appreciation, gold miners are trading at discounted valuations on the ASX.”

Wall Street’s biggest banks believe a $US3000 price tag is imminent. Citi said it was possible within the next three months, while JPMorgan has a year-end target of $US3150. Bank of America said on Thursday that gold could reach $US3500 an ounce if investment demand rises 10 per cent this year.

The unprecedented surge in the gold price has been fuelled by investors seeking safe haven assets as US President Donald Trump unleashes aggressive trade and geopolitical policies. There are fears the president will accelerate inflation, forcing central banks to raise rates in a way that damages global growth.

Victor Smorgon’s top holdings include ASX-listed Vault Minerals and the world’s largest gold miner, US-based Newmont, which recently acquired Newcrest. The fund also owns Australia’s biggest gold miner Northern Star, which agreed to buy rival De Grey in a $5 billion deal. (AFR) *Full article and coverag via subscription to The Australian Financial Review.

News

Australia

Northern Star paying top dollar for gold rival

Northern Star has offered $5 billion to buy De Grey Mining, with De Grey shareholders to vote on the offer on 16 April. De Grey is the company behind the Hemi gold prospect in Western Australia, which is thought to hold at least 11 million ounces of gold and which is slated to produce 530,000 ounces annually in its first decade of operation. KPMG, which was engaged to provide an independent assessment of Northern Star's offer, has valued DeGrey at between $4 billion and $4.79 billion, inclusive of a premium for control. It concludes that the offer is "fair and reasonable and therefore is in the best interests of De Grey shareholders, in the absence of a superior proposal". (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

March 12, 2025

Crypto market tumbles after stocks

Market picture

Crypto market capitalisation has been falling to $2.5 trillion following the rumbling fall of the US stock market. It is dipping below the peaks of early 2024 and late 2021. Previously, a similar decline would complete a corrective pullback, attracting buyers. However, the chances of such an outcome are now lower than in previous years due to the powerful influence of traditional financial companies, which has strengthened the link between the crypto market and stock dynamics.

For now, though, we can argue that there is less terror in crypto. The Fear and Greed Index is at 24 (+4 points for the day), while the low point was a week earlier at 10.

Bitcoin slipped towards $76.5K in the early hours of Tuesday but has popped above $80K at the time of writing, approaching Monday’s consolidation levels. A bearish pattern persists on the daily timeframes, which suggests a strengthening sell-off after a failure under the 200-day moving average. The scenario of a pullback to the $70-74K area still looks the most probable for us. This is all the truer as the consolidation and rebound in early March has taken the short-term oversold stance out of the market.

Ethereum is trying to find a pivot point after falling towards $1750 at the start of Tuesday. These were the lowest values in the last 17 months. On weekly timeframes, the RSI oscillator hit its lowest point since mid-2022 - near the bottom of the bear market. Does this signify an opportunity for the recklessly bold or a breakdown in the leading altcoin? We will find out in the coming days.

News Background

According to CoinShares, global crypto fund investments fell by $876 million last week after record outflows of $2.911 billion a week earlier. Investments in Bitcoin fell by $756 million; in Ethereum, by $89 million. Investments in Solana rose by $16 million, in XRP by $6 million, and in Sui by $3 million.

As a result of another recalculation, Bitcoin mining difficulty increased by 1.43% to 112.15T. The growth did not compensate for a 3.15% drop two weeks ago. However, the figure came close to the all-time high of 114.17T reached in January.

Strategy (former MicroStrategy) intends to raise $21bn through the sale of preferred shares as part of its At-The-Market program. The proceeds will be used to buy Bitcoin and other corporate purposes. (FxPro)

News

March 11, 2025

US Senator And Congressman Introduce Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bills To Buy One Million BTC

Speaking at the “Bitcoin for America” summit, lawmakers announced their plans to create a federal bitcoin reserve that would see the U.S. buy one million BTC.

Today at the Bitcoin Policy Institute’s “Bitcoin for America” summit in Washington DC, U.S. Senator from Wyoming Cynthia Lummis announced that she is going to reintroduce her strategic Bitcoin reserve legislation in the Senate today.

“I am so pleased to announce that today I will be reintroducing The Bitcoin Act,” Senator Lummis stated. “And I’ll be joined here shortly by Senator Justice of West Virginia, who is one of the cosponsors. And we have several other additional cosponsors. And a lot of it is a result of the excitement that’s been building.” (Bitcoin Magazine). *Full article via Bitcoin Magazine

News

XRP wins Media Man 'Crypto Of The Month' award

News

Markets

Australian Dollar: $0.6317 USD (up $0.0020 USD)
Iron Ore Apr Spot Price (SGX): $100.60 USD (up $0.15 USD)
Oil (WTI): $67.70 USD (up $1.14 USD)
Gold: $2,931.74 USD (up $13.03 USD)
Copper (CME): $4.8425 USD (up $0.0500 USD)
Bitcoin: $82,880.91USD (up 0.32% in last 24 hours)
Dow Jones: 41,350.93 (down 82.55 points)

News

Roy Morgan wins Media Man 'News Services Company Of The Month' award

News Media

Australia

Peter Dutton More Crypto Friendly And Switched On Than Albanese (Media Man Group)

News

"Dutton A Genuine Contender" (Sky News Australia)

 

March 10, 2025

ASX futures are pointing up 69 points, or by 0.9 per cent, to 8011.

All US prices are as of 4.15pm Sunday in New York:

Bitcoin -3.7% to $US83,138
On Wall St: Dow +0.5% S&P +0.6% Nasdaq +0.7%
VIX -1.5 to 23.37
Gold -0.1% to $US2909.10 an ounce
Brent oil +1.3% to $US70.36 a barrel
Iron ore +0.3% to $US100.70 a tonne
10-year yield: US 4.3% Australia 4.4%

 

January 10, 2025

ASX futures up 33 points or 0.4%

AUD -0.3% to 61.98 US cents
UK pound -0.4% to $US1.2309
Bitcoin -2.9% to $US91,275 at 7.23am AEDT
US markets closed for Jimmy Carter’s funeral
Stoxx 50 +0.4% FTSE +0.8% DAX -0.1% CAC +0.5%
Spot gold +0.3% to $US2671.00/oz at 1.55pm in New York
Brent crude +1.2% to $US77.08 a barrel
Iron ore +1% to $US97.40 a tonne
10-year yield: US 4.69% Australia 4.48% Germany 2.56%
US prices as of 1.59pm in New York

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markets

January 4, 2025

ASX futures up 23 points or 0.3% near 8am AEDT

AUD +0.2% to 62.16 US cents

Bitcoin +1.2% to $US98,195 at 8.27am AEDT

On Wall St at 4pm: Dow +0.8% S&P +1.3% Nasdaq +1.8%

In New York: BHP -0.8% Rio -0.3% Atlassian +3.3%

Tesla +8.2% Apple -0.2% Nvidia +4.7% Microsoft +1.1%

Alphabet +1.3% Amazon +1.8% Meta +0.9%

Mara +14.1% MicroStrategy +13.2% Iren +8.4%

VIX -1.8 to 16.13 QQQ +1.6% TLT -0.3%

Stoxx 50 -0.9% FTSE -0.4% DAX -0.6% CAC -1.5%

Spot gold -0.7% to $US2639.37oz at 4.51pm in New York

Brent crude +0.9% to $US76.58 a barrel

Iron ore -2.6% to $US98.30 a tonne

10-year yield: US 4.60% Australia 4.38% Germany 2.42%

US prices as of 4.54pm in New York

 

 

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Markets and Commodities

October 10, 2024

Australian Dollar: $0.6710 USD (down $0.0040 USD)

Iron Ore Nov Spot Price (SGX): $105.15 USD (unchanged - public holiday)

Oil Price (WTI): $73.36 USD (down $0.55 USD)

Gold Price: $2,607.14 USD (down $15.75 USD)

Copper Price (CME): $4.4080 USD (down 0.0605 USD)

Bitcoin: $60,908.07 USD (down 2.11% in last 24 hours)

Dow Jones: 42,512.00 at 4.20pm NY time (up 431.63 points on yesterday's close)

 

 

 

Markets and Commodities

October 4, 2024

Australian Dollar: $0.6840 USD (down $.0040 USD)

Iron Ore Nov Spot Price (SGX): $108.75 USD (down $0.20 USD)

Oil Price (WTI): $73.71 USD (up $2.70 USD)

Gold Price: $2,656.04 USD (down $2.97 USD)

Copper Price (CME): $4.5435 USD (down 0.1195 USD)

Bitcoin: $60,801.67 USD (up 0.09% in last 24 hours)

Dow Jones: 42,011.59 (down 184.93 points on yesterday's close)

Market, Commodities and Financial News

Snapshot via Media Man

October 4, 2024

ASX futures down 33 points or 0.4% to 8209 near 6am AEST

AUD -0.6% to $US68.44¢

Bitcoin +1.3% to $US60,954

Dow -0.6%

S&P -0.4%

Nasdaq -0.3%

FTSE -0.1%

DAX -0.8%

CAC -1.3%

Gold -0.1% to $US2657.32 an ounce

Brent oil +5.2% to $US77.77 a barrel

Iron ore +0.6% to $US108.75 a tonne

 

 

 

Combat Sports Week At Media Man; Elon Musk's X And Grok Take Publishers, Reporters, Fans Et Al Around The World Of Sports In A TKO Second!: Media Man

 

October 1, 2024

News

Alex Pereira's Arrival for UFC 307

Alex Pereira, known as 'Poatan', is gearing up for a highly anticipated UFC fight at UFC 307 against Khalil Rountree Jr., scheduled for October 2024. The fight week has begun with both fighters, including notable figures like Jose Aldo, checking in for the event. There's considerable excitement around this match, primarily due to the knockout capabilities of both fighters. Pereira has publicly stated his intention to 'break' Rountree, intensifying the event's buildup. Discussions and analyses have focused on Pereira's recent UFC activities, potential retirement, and the high stakes of the main event, suggesting it could be one of the most thrilling UFC main events recently. Additionally, Khalil Rountree hinted at employing a never-before-seen move during the fight, adding an element of mystery and anticipation. (Grok)

News

UFC 307 and DWCS Week 8

UFC 307 is generating significant buzz, particularly for the main event where Alex Pereira has promised an intense confrontation against Khalil Rountree, vowing to 'break' him. This fight is not only a highlight of the event but also showcases both fighters' formidable striking power, with predictions leaning towards a knockout rather than a decision. Alongside this main event, the UFC community is abuzz with excitement for other matchups, discussing fighters' skills and predicting outcomes. Concurrently, the Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS) Week 8 is taking place, spotlighting emerging talents like Christien Savoie, who are competing for the chance to earn UFC contracts. The DWCS not only serves as a platform for new fighters but also engages fans with live events and betting odds, adding another layer of anticipation and discussion around the UFC's upcoming events. (Grok)

News

UFC 307 Fight Week

UFC 307, scheduled for Saturday, features a highly anticipated main event between Alex Pereira, known for his striking prowess, and Khalil Rountree Jr., who has hinted at a unique move he might employ during the fight. The event has sparked considerable interest among fans and analysts, with discussions focusing on the fighters' capabilities and potential outcomes. Alongside the main event, the Dana White Contender Series (DWCS) Week 8 is also taking place, offering emerging fighters a chance to secure UFC contracts. Notable fighters like Jose Aldo, Kevin Holland, and Stephen Thompson are also highlighted, adding to the excitement with their upcoming matches. The event is set to be broadcast live, with various analyses and predictions circulating among enthusiasts. (Grok)

News

Torrez Finney's Third DWCS Victory

Torrez Finney achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first fighter to win three times on Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS). In his third appearance on DWCS, which took place on October 1, 2024, Finney secured a first-round TKO victory over Abdellah Er-Ramy. This performance not only marked his third win on the series but also showcased his dominant skills, leading to widespread acclaim across social media platforms, particularly X (formerly known as Twitter). Following this victory, there was a consensus among observers and fans that not offering Finney a UFC contract would be an oversight, given his undefeated record and his consistent performance under the DWCS spotlight. This achievement cements his status as a top prospect in the middleweight division, with many expecting him to finally receive a UFC contract. (Grok)

News

Khalil Rountree's Mystery Move at UFC 307

Ahead of UFC 307, Khalil Rountree Jr. has hinted at employing a unique, never-before-seen technique in his upcoming fight against Alex Pereira, the current light heavyweight champion. Rountree, known for his striking prowess, aims to dethrone Pereira with a knockout, seeking to establish himself as a formidable force in the UFC. The event has drawn significant attention, with fans and analysts speculating on Rountree's strategy and the potential outcome of this high-stakes match. Meanwhile, new sparring footage of Pereira with Sean Strickland has been released, showcasing Pereira's skills and improvement in English. Other notable fighters like Kevin Holland and Jose Aldo are also featured in the event, but the main event between Pereira and Rountree remains the focal point, with expectations set high for an explosive encounter. (Grok)

News

Diyar Nurgozhay's Head Kick KO

Diyar Nurgozhay recently showcased his striking prowess at Dana White's Contender Series, where he secured a notable victory via a head kick knockout against Bartosz Szewczyk during the light heavyweight bout at DWCS 74. This event took place on October 1, 2024, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Nurgozhay, maintaining his undefeated record, delivered the knockout in the second round, further solidifying his reputation in the MMA community. This performance not only electrified the audience but also significantly boosted his potential for earning a UFC contract, given the platform's purpose of scouting new talent for the UFC roster. This victory adds to Nurgozhay's highlight reel, known for his finishing capabilities, as he continues his journey with an eye on the UFC. (Grok)

News

New WWENXT Logo Debuts on The CW

WWE NXT has introduced a new logo as part of its transition to The CW network, marking the beginning of a new era for the wrestling brand. The rebranding, effective from October 1, 2024, aims to evoke a more classic aesthetic. The debut on The CW was highlighted by various wrestling personalities and news outlets, with many expressing enthusiasm for the new look and the show's premiere. The debut episode featured significant matches, including a championship bout and a street fight, indicating a strong start to NXT's new chapter on The CW. (Grok)

News

Roxanne Perez Retains NXT Title with Cora Jade's Return

Roxanne Perez successfully defended her NXT Women's Championship against Giulia in a recent WWE NXT event, marked by an unexpected twist when Cora Jade returned to assist Perez in retaining her title. This intervention was pivotal in Perez's victory, sparking varied reactions among fans. While some expressed disappointment with the match's conclusion and the manner of Giulia's defeat, others were thrilled by Cora Jade's comeback, anticipating new storylines. Despite the controversial finish, the match received praise for its quality. (Grok)

News

Mixed Reactions to New NXT Titles

Based on the information gathered from posts on X and general web sentiment, the introduction of new NXT titles has generated a mix of reactions among fans and observers:

Design Critique: There's a noticeable divide over the aesthetic of the new NXT titles. Some fans have expressed a preference for the previous designs, particularly the "rainbow titles" which were admired for their vibrant yet balanced color scheme. The new designs have been described by some as less appealing initially, but there's an acknowledgment that acceptance might grow over time. For instance, one user likened the transition in perception from the old to the new titles humorously, suggesting that while the initial reaction might be negative, eventual adaptation is expected.

Nostalgia and Change: The change in title designs seems to reflect broader changes within NXT, including its move to The CW network. This shift has stirred mixed feelings, with some fans feeling nostalgic about the "black and gold" era of NXT, which these new titles symbolically depart from. However, there's also excitement about what this change could mean for NXT's future, especially with the involvement of figures like Shawn Michaels in crafting the new era.

Performance and Presentation: Despite mixed feelings about the titles' design, there's a consensus on the quality of the matches and the presentation of NXT on The CW. The debut of NXT on this new platform, highlighted by significant matches like Ethan Page vs. Trick Williams for the NXT Title, and the involvement of high-profile figures or matchups, indicates that while the titles themselves might be divisive, the content and direction of NXT are still highly anticipated and discussed.

Fan Engagement: The new titles have certainly engaged the fanbase, sparking conversations not just about design but about what these changes signify for NXT's identity and its place within WWE's broader ecosystem. This engagement ranges from criticism to cautious optimism, with some fans seeing it as a necessary evolution for NXT to stand out in the crowded landscape of wrestling entertainment.

Cultural and Identity Shifts: There's an underlying discussion about what these titles represent for NXT's brand identity. Some fans have humorously or critically remarked on the choice of design, questioning if it aligns with NXT's desire to carve out a unique identity or if it's merely a shift for the sake of change. This touches on broader themes of brand evolution and fan acceptance of change in professional wrestling.

In summary, while the new NXT titles have sparked a variety of reactions from critique over their design to nostalgia for previous eras, there's an underlying excitement about the narrative and performance aspects of NXT's new chapter. The conversation around these titles encapsulates fans' emotional connection to NXT's history and their hopes or concerns for its future under its new presentation. (Grok)

News

Wes Lee Wins Street Fight at WWENXT

During a recent WWE NXT event, Wes Lee defeated Zachary Wentz in a highly praised street fight. The match, described as both brutal and entertaining, featured intense action characteristic of street fights. Both wrestlers received acclaim for their performance, with fans and commentators noting the match as a highlight of the evening's programming. The fight included dramatic moments, such as Wentz missing a table dive, adding to the spectacle. This victory for Wes Lee was celebrated, with many expressing enthusiasm for the match's quality and hoping for future encounters between the two. (Grok)

News

WWE Bad Blood

WWE Bad Blood is making a comeback in 2024, marking the fourth event under this name and the first since 2004. Here's what you need to know:

Event Date and Location: The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. This date coincides with the 27th anniversary of the first Bad Blood event.

Broadcast Details: Bad Blood 2024 will be available via traditional pay-per-view (PPV) worldwide and will also air on WWE's streaming platforms, specifically Peacock in the United States and WWE Network internationally.

Historical Significance: The original Bad Blood in 1997 introduced the Hell in a Cell match, which has been a staple of the event, including in its previous iterations in 2003 and 2004.

Matches and Card: One of the main matches includes Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship, with a unique twist where Dominik Mysterio will be suspended above the ring in a shark cage to prevent interference.

There's also speculation and reports about a Hell in a Cell match between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre, though there was some uncertainty about whether this would be the main event or if a tag team match involving Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Solo Sikoa, and possibly Jacob Fatu would close the show. However, recent discussions and fan reactions suggest a strong possibility of Punk vs. McIntyre main eventing due to the historical significance of Hell in a Cell at Bad Blood.

Themes and Anniversaries: The event is not only a nod to its own history but also leverages the anniversary of the first Hell in a Cell match. The involvement of high-profile figures like CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, and the intertwining storylines with Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes adds layers to the event's narrative.

Fan and Industry Buzz: There's considerable excitement around the return of Bad Blood, especially concerning how WWE will utilize the Hell in a Cell structure this time, given its history with the event. Fan posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) show anticipation for the matches, particularly the potential main events, and how WWE might script the outcomes to impact ongoing WWE storylines.

This event represents not just a wrestling spectacle but a significant moment in WWE's calendar, blending nostalgia with current rivalries, making Bad Blood 2024 a must-watch for WWE fans. (Grok)

News

Beterbiev vs Bivol: Clash of the Undefeated

The latest on Beterbiev vs. Bivol, titled "Clash of the Undefeated," centers around their upcoming fight scheduled for October 12, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Here's what's been circulating and reported:

Fight Details: Artur Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) will face Dmitry Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) in a unification bout for the IBF, WBC, WBO, and WBA light heavyweight titles, marking a significant event in boxing as both fighters are undefeated.

Beterbiev's Condition: After a knee injury forced a postponement from an initially planned June fight, Beterbiev has confirmed his 100% recovery and readiness for this bout. His approach to training and recovery underscores his intent to maintain his 100% knockout record.

Bivol's Perspective: Dmitry Bivol has expressed that this fight is not personal but a professional challenge to become the undisputed champion. His strategy likely involves his well-known boxing skills, with an emphasis on counterpunching and movement, aiming to possibly outbox or even, as speculated by some like Chris Algieri, potentially knock down Beterbiev.

Public and Expert Opinions: There's a mix of predictions and excitement around this match. Some fans and analysts believe Bivol's boxing IQ and defensive skills might give him an edge, while others favor Beterbiev's relentless pressure and knockout power. The discussion often revolves around whether Bivol's style can withstand or adapt to Beterbiev's aggressive tactics.

Undercard and Event: The undercard features notable fights, enhancing the event's appeal. Names like Chris Eubank Jr., Fabio Wardley, and Jai Opetaia add to the night's boxing spectacle.

General Sentiment: The fight is widely anticipated as one of the biggest in 2024, not just for the titles at stake but for the clash of styles and the potential for defining moments in both fighters' careers. The narrative around this fight often highlights the rarity of seeing two such high-caliber, undefeated champions facing off, especially at light heavyweight.

This event is not just a fight for belts but is seen as a significant moment in boxing, where the outcome could solidify one fighter's legacy or dramatically alter perceptions of both in the sport. (Grok)

News

AEW Dynamite 5-Year Anniversary Show

The AEW Dynamite 5-Year Anniversary Show, set for October 2, 2024, at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, PA, is gearing up to be a landmark event for All Elite Wrestling. Here's what's on the slate based on the latest information:

Main Event: A high-stakes, title-for-title match is scheduled where Bryan Danielson will defend his AEW World Championship against Kazuchika Okada, who is bringing his AEW Continental Championship into the match. However, there's a twist: Okada's championship will only be on the line for the first 20 minutes of the match. If the match goes beyond that, only Danielson's AEW World Championship remains in contention.

Another Title Defense: Will Ospreay will defend his AEW International Championship against Ricochet. This match has been highlighted as part of the anniversary celebration.

Other Matches:
Hangman Adam Page is set to face Juice Robinson. Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. will return for a match, although the opponent hasn't been specified in the latest updates provided, there was mention of her facing Serena Deeb in some fan discussions or reports.

Special Features: The episode is not just about the matches but also about celebrating five years of AEW Dynamite. Tony Khan, AEW's President, has teased a significant announcement which could potentially set the tone for the future of AEW. This adds an element of anticipation beyond the in-ring action.

Broadcast Details: The show will have a significant overrun, courtesy of TBS Network, indicating more content than the usual runtime, possibly to accommodate the extra matches or the celebration elements.

This anniversary episode is not just a showcase of wrestling talent but also a milestone for AEW, marking its growth and the journey it has had over the past five years. The inclusion of champion vs. champion matches underscores AEW's commitment to big matches on big nights, promising fans a memorable event to commemorate this occasion. (Grok)

News

Danielson vs. Okada: Title-for-Title Match

On the 5-year anniversary of AEW Dynamite, a significant wrestling event is scheduled for October 2, 2024, in Pittsburgh, PA, where Bryan Danielson, the AEW World Champion, will face Kazuchika Okada, holder of the AEW Continental Title. This match is unique as it features a title-for-title stipulation with a twist: the Continental Championship, which usually has a 20-minute time limit, will only be at stake for the first 20 minutes of the match. However, the World Championship, with its 60-minute time limit, will remain in contention for the entire duration. This setup has sparked varied reactions among wrestling fans, with some questioning the effectiveness of the stipulation, while others are excited about the potential of the match. The event is set to be a highlight of AEW Dynamite's milestone celebration, pitting two of wrestling's top talents against each other in what promises to be a memorable clash. (Grok)

News

Conor McGregor's Stroll on Emirates Pitch

Conor McGregor was spotted walking around the Emirates Stadium pitch following Arsenal's victory over PSG in the Champions League. Videos and photos showed McGregor enjoying himself, including interactions with Arsenal player Declan Rice. This appearance led to various reactions and discussions online, with many finding amusement in McGregor's post-match activities. Meanwhile, Arsenal secured a 2-0 win against PSG, with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. The match also marked the debut of Mikel Merino for Arsenal, who joined from Real Sociedad. Additionally, Thomas Partey was highlighted for his exceptional performance during the game. However, there were concerns about Jurrien Timber, who felt a muscular issue during the match, prompting Arsenal to manage his playing time carefully. (Grok)

Combat Sports News/Profile via Grok

Combat sports encompass a wide range of athletic competitions where the primary objective is to physically subdue an opponent. Here's a brief overview of some popular forms:

1. Boxing

Origin: Ancient Greece, but modern boxing is often associated with 18th-19th century England.

Rules: Competitors use only their fists, wearing gloves, and aim to score points by landing punches on the opponent's upper body or head. A fight can end by knockout (KO), technical knockout (TKO), or points decision.

2. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Origin: While various forms of mixed combat have existed historically, modern MMA was popularized through events like the UFC starting in the 1990s.

Rules: Allows a mix of striking and grappling techniques from various martial arts. Fighters can win by knockout, submission (tap out), judges' decision, or disqualification.

3. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Origin: Derived from judo in Brazil in the early 20th century, made famous by the Gracie family.

Rules: Emphasizes ground fighting and submission holds. Competitors aim to force a submission through joint locks or chokeholds. Points can also be scored for position control and takedowns.

4. Wrestling

Freestyle and Greco-Roman: Common in the Olympics, Greco-Roman restricts holds below the waist.

Professional Wrestling (Pro Wrestling): More entertainment-focused, with choreographed matches, high flying moves, and storylines.

5. Kickboxing

Origin: A group of stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching. It evolved from Karate, Muay Thai, and Western boxing.

Rules: Similar to boxing but includes kicks. Variants include allowing knee strikes and elbows (influenced by Muay Thai).

6. Muay Thai

Origin: Thailand, known as the "Art of Eight Limbs" because it uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.

Rules: Similar to kickboxing but with a heavier emphasis on clinching (a kind of standing grapple) and use of all eight points of contact.

7. Judo

Origin: Japan, developed by Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century as a physical, mental, and moral pedagogy.

Rules: Based on throws (Nage-waza) and ground techniques (Katame-waza). The objective is to either throw or takedown an opponent to the ground, immobilize them, or force a submission through joint locks or strangles.

8. Karate

Origin: Okinawa, Japan, with influences from Chinese martial arts.

Styles: Many styles with different focuses, but generally emphasizes striking with punches, kicks, knee strikes, and open-hand techniques like knife-hands.

9. Taekwondo

Origin: Korea, developed in the 1940s and 1950s.
Rules: Known for its high, fast, and spinning kicks.

Competitors score points in Olympic Taekwondo for strikes to the torso or head.

10. Krav Maga

Origin: Israel, designed as a self-defense system for the Israel Defense Forces.

Rules: Not typically a sport, but some organizations hold competitions. Focuses on real-world scenarios, aiming to neutralize threats quickly and efficiently.

Each combat sport has its unique culture, training methods, and competitive environments, reflecting diverse historical, cultural, and practical contexts. If you're interested in any particular sport, each has its own set of governing bodies, leagues, and famous athletes or events that could be explored further! (Grok)

 

 

 

Cryptocurrency News via Media Man and FxPro

September 18. 2024

The crypto market gets a boost from stocks

Market Picture

The crypto market has gained 2.1% in the last 24 hours to reach $2.08 trillion. The rise in the stock market has brought buyers back to Bitcoin, which has positively impacted cryptocurrencies. The sentiment index is still in the fear zone, but at 45, it is already close to neutral territory. This shows that it is lagging stocks where sentiment has shifted to 'greed'.

Bitcoin surpassed $60K, accelerating sharply at the start of the US session. The price peaked at $61.3K before retreating to $60.4K at the time of writing.

Despite some pullback, bitcoin has broken above its 50-day moving average, suggesting significant upside potential. However, it isn't easy to rely on today's technical picture ahead of the Fed's interest rate decision on Wednesday evening. The next important level is likely to be around the $64K, where the late August high and the 200-day average are located.

News Background

JPMorgan sees bitcoin hash rate growth slowing as miner revenues remain at historic lows. Meanwhile, US Bitcoin miners' share of the network hash rate rose for the fifth consecutive month to 26.7%, an all-time high.

MicroStrategy will place $700 million in four-year unsecured convertible notes to acquire additional bitcoins and fund general corporate purposes.

According to Arkham, the Bhutanese government's bitcoin holdings amount to 13,036 BTC ($770 million), almost three times El Salvador's reserves. The country has the world's fourth-largest stockpile of BTCs, derived from mining by a sovereign wealth fund.

The crypto industry is no longer able to provide 'dopamine' to either developers or traders. That is why it is in crisis, said CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju. According to him, the crypto industry is gradually turning into a 'gambling den'.

Developers Curve Finance and TON Foundation will create a platform for trading stablecoins on the TON blockchain. The new initiative will meet the growing demand for stablecoins and increase the liquidity and popularity of the network's Web3 ecosystem.

 

 

Movie Box Office (North America)

September 15, 2024

1. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice - $51.6m

2. Speak No Evil - $11.5

3. Deadpool & Wolverine - $5.2m

4. Am I Racist - $4.8m

5. Reagan - $3m

6. The Killer's Game - $2.6m

7. Alien: Romulus - $2.4m

8. It Ends with Us - $2.3m

9. The Forge - $2m

10. God's Not Dead: In God We Trust - $1.5m

others ...

Twisters

Blink Twice

Despicable Me 4

Afraid

Inside Out 2

Coraline

The Crow

Trap

Stree 2

Borderlands

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Cuckoo

Longlegs

The Firing Squad

A Quiet Place: Day One

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The Fabulous Four

Fly Me to the Moon

Raayan

Bad Newz

MaXXXine

The Bikeriders

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

Horizon: An American Saga

The Lion King

Kalki 2898 AD

Kinds of Kindness

The Garfield Movie

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Jatt & Juliet 3

Blue Lock Thee Movie - Episode Nagi

Daddio

Janet Planet

The Watchers

IF

The Exorcism

Thelma

GHOST Rite Here Rite Now

Furiosa: A Mad Max Story

The Fall Guy

The Strangers: Chapter 1

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings

Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle

In a Violent Nature

Ezra

Sight

* Correct at time of publication

News

Box office numbers down approx 70 percent from last year

(References: Wikipedia, Box Office Mojo, IMDb, Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter)

 

 

Markets and Commodities

September 11, 2024

Australian Dollar: $0.6650 USD (down $0.0010 USD)

Iron Ore Oct Spot Price (SGX): $91.00 USD (down $1.35 USD)

Oil Price (WTI): $66.31 USD (down $2.49 USD)

Gold Price: $2,516.51 USD (up $11.13 USD

Copper Price (CME): $4.1050 USD (down 0.0365 USD)

Bitcoin: $57,669.72 USD (down 0.38% in last 24 hours)

Dow Jones: 40,736.96 at 4.59pm NY time (down 92.63 points on yesterday's close)

 

 

Market, Commodities and Financial News

Snapshot via Media Man

September 11, 2024

ASX futures down 3 points or 0.04% to 7997 near 6am AEST

AUD -0.1% to 66.58 US cents

Bitcoin +1.4% to $US57,885

Dow -0.3%

S&P +0.4%

Nasdaq +0.8%

FTSE -0.8%

DAX -1.0%

CAC -0.2%

Gold +0.3% to $US2514.88 an ounce

Brent oil -3.2% to $US69.52 a barrel

Iron ore -0.8% to $US91.00 a tonne

 

 

 

 

 

Movie Box Office (North America)

August 18, 2024

1. Alien: Romulus - $41.5m

2. Deadpool & Wolverine - $29m

3. It Ends with Us - $24m

4. Twisters - $9.8m

5. Coraline - $8.4m

6. Despicable Me 4 - $6m

7. Trap - $3.4m

8. Inside Out 2 - $3.2m

9. Stree 2 - $2.6m

10. Borderlands - $2.4m

others...

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Cuckoo

Longlegs

The Firing Squad

A Quiet Place: Day One

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The Fabulous Four

Fly Me to the Moon

Raayan

Bad Newz

MaXXXine

The Bikeriders

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

Horizon: An American Saga

The Lion King

Kalki 2898 AD

Kinds of Kindness

The Garfield Movie

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Jatt & Juliet 3

Blue Lock Thee Movie - Episode Nagi

Daddio

Janet Planet

The Watchers

IF

The Exorcism

Thelma

GHOST Rite Here Rite Now

Furiosa: A Mad Max Story

The Fall Guy

The Strangers: Chapter 1

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings

Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle

In a Violent Nature

Ezra

Sight

* Correct at time of publication

 

 

Movie Box Office (North America)

August 4, 2024

1. Deadpool & Wolverine - $97m

2. Twisters - $22.7m

3. Trap - $15.6m

4. Despicable Me 4 - $11.3

5. Inside Out 2 - $6.7m

6. Harold and the Purple Crayon - $6m

7. Longlegs - $4.1m

8. The Firing Squad - $1.6m

9. A Quiet Place: Day One - $1.4m

10. Bad Boys: Ride or Die - $601,000

others...

The Fabulous Four

Fly Me to the Moon

Raayan

Bad Newz

MaXXXine

The Bikeriders

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

Horizon: An American Saga

The Lion King

Kalki 2898 AD

Kinds of Kindness

The Garfield Movie

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Jatt & Juliet 3

Blue Lock Thee Movie - Episode Nagi

Daddio

Janet Planet

The Watchers

IF

The Exorcism

Thelma

GHOST Rite Here Rite Now

Furiosa: A Mad Max Story

The Fall Guy

The Strangers: Chapter 1

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings

Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle

In a Violent Nature

Ezra

Sight

* Correct at time of publication

News

Box office numbers down approx 70 percent from last year

(References: Wikipedia, Box Office Mojo, IMDb, Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter)

 

 

 

 

 

Market, Commodities and Financial News

Snapshot via Media Man

July 29, 2024

ASX futures up 60 points or 0.8% to 7938 near 3am AEST

AUD +0.2% to 65.48 US cents

Bitcoin -0.6% to $US67,636

Dow +1.6%

S&P +1.1%

Nasdaq +1%

FTSE +1.2%

DAX +0.7%

CAC +1.2%

Gold +1.0% to $US2387.19 an ounce

Brent oil -1.5% to $US81.13 a barrel

Iron ore +2.5% to $US102.40 a tonne

 

 

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Media Man Int

Media Man Int X

Elon Musk’s X Files Antitrust Suit Against Global Advertising Alliance

August 6, 2024

Elon Musk’s social media platform X has launched a significant antitrust lawsuit against the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) and several of its member companies, alleging an illegal ad boycott that targeted the platform. The lawsuit, filed in Texas, is aimed at GARM, its parent firm World Federation of Advertisers (WFA), and members including CVS Health, Mars, Orsted and Unilever.

In an open letter to advertisers, X CEO Linda Yaccarino highlighted the reasons behind the lawsuit, stating that it was a direct response to GARM’s actions which allegedly cost the company billions of dollars. “This is not a decision we took lightly, but it is a direct consequence of their actions,” Yaccarino wrote. “The illegal behavior of these organizations and their executives cost X billions of dollars” per The New York Post.

The lawsuit is seeking trebled compensatory damages and injunctive relief, according to a complaint viewed by The New York Post. GARM, led by Robert Rakowitz, is an initiative of the WFA, which represents many of the world’s largest companies and ad organizations, including Disney and Coca-Cola. Its members control 90% of global marketing spending, nearly $1 trillion per year.

Yaccarino emphasized that the issue extends beyond financial damages. “This case is about more than damages — we have to fix a broken ecosystem that allows this illegal activity to occur,” she added.

According to The New York Post, the suit argues that the boycott undermined the marketplace of ideas by financially harming certain viewpoints over others. (Credit: PYMNTS)

Full article and coverage via PYMNTS

https://pymnts.com/cpi-posts/elon-musks-x-files-antitrust-suit-against-global-advertising-alliance/

PYMNTS is a former Media Man 'Business News Outlet Of The Month' award winner and finalist

 

News

Elon Musk takes GARM, several companies to court over alleged advertising boycott of X outlined in bombshell report

August 7, 2024

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has taken several companies and an advertising alliance to court over allegations of a "boycott" of X.

Elon Musk has waged “war” against advertisers as his social media platform X filed an antitrust lawsuit against a global ad alliance and several major companies, accusing them of illegally boycotting the site.

X filed a suit in a federal court in Texas against the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA), the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) and its members CVS Health, Mars, Orsted and Unilever.

The suit comes after a report from the US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee found GARM and its members “directly organised boycotts” and employed other indirect tactics to target disfavoured “platforms, content creators” and news organisations to demonetise them.

It alleges that GARM’s boycott led advertisers to pull money from X under the guise of “brand safety” concerns.

X’s CEO Linda Yaccarino argued this tactic hindered users on the social media platform from accessing a wide breadth of ideas by funding alternative viewpoints.

“The consequence - perhaps the intent - of this boycott was to seek to deprive X’s users, be they sports fans, gamers, journalists, activists, parents or political and corporate leaders, of the Global Town Square,” she wrote.

“To put it simply, people are hurt when the marketplace of ideas is undermined and some viewpoints are not funded over others as part of an illegal boycott.”

Mr Musk shared his colleague’s statement to the platform and boldly declared: “We tried peace for 2 years, now it is war.”

He later encouraged “any company who has been systematically boycotted” to file a suit.

Following his post, video sharing platform Rumble joined Mr Musk’s lawsuit, claiming it has also been impacted towards GARM’s alleged skew away from right wing voices and ideologies.

The platform announced its move on X where it accused GARM of being “a conspiracy to perpetrate an advertiser boycott of Rumble and others, and that's illegal”.

Since Musk took over the social media platform in October 2022, X has suffered a serious dive in ad dollars with the platform taking in US$2.5 billion in 2023, according to Bloomberg.

This was down from the US$1bn it was bringing in every quarter of 2022.

Musk triggered controversy again in November 2023 when he endorsed an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory that Jewish communities push “hatred against whites”.

The X owner responded: “You have said the actual truth,” sparking an advertiser exodus that was reported to have lost the company as much as $75m, per The New York Times.

He made headlines again in the same month after blasting advertisers boycotting the social media platform, boldly declaring: “Go f**k yourself”.

“If somebody is going to try to blackmail me with advertising, blackmail me with money, go f**k yourself. Go f**k yourself. Is that clear? I hope it is,” he said. (Sky News Australia)

Full article and coverage via Sky News Australia

https://www.skynews.com.au/business/media/elon-musk-takes-garm-several-companies-to-court-over-alleged-advertising-boycott-of-x-outlined-in-bombshell-report/news-story/7bac6243aada770042d14ca84afc23e7

Technology News (Media Man Int) https://mediamanint.com/news3.html

Advertising News (Media Man Int) https://mediamanint.com/advertising_news.html

Media News (Media Man Int) https://mediamanint.com/news2.html

 

Yahoo Finance wins Media Man 'Business News Outlet Of The Month' award

 

 

PYMNTS wins Media Man 'Businees News Outlet Of The Month' award

Market, Commodities and Financial News Snapshot via Media Man

August 7, 2024

Australian Dollar: $0.6520 USD (up $0.0024 USD)

Iron Ore Sep Spot Price (SGX): $102.85 USD (down $0.70 USD)

Oil Price (WTI): $72.96 USD (down $1.02 USD)

Gold Price: $2,389.45 USD (down $19.96 USD)

Copper Price (CME): $4.0095 USD (up $0.0085 USD)

Bitcoin: $56,485.71 USD (up 3.10% in last 24 hours)

Dow Jones: 38,997.66 at 5.02pm NY time (up 294.39 points on yesterday's close)

(Roy Morgan Summary)

 

 

 

Business News: Australia

 

(Roy Morgan Summary)

ASX to fall as investors await big tech earnings

July 22, 2024

Futures pricing suggests that Australian equities will shed about 0.8 per cent when the market opens on Monday, following a negative lead from Wall Street. A dearth of local economic data means that investors will be focused on offshore markets over the coming week; the quarterly reporting season in the US is likely to attract scrutiny, with two of the seven major technology companies set to release their latest financial results in coming days. The S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.8 per cent to 7,961.6 points on Friday.

(Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Lithium stocks targeted by short sellers

Australian Securities & Investments Commission data has revealed that seven companies on the ASX had more than 10 per cent of their shares reported as shorted as at 12 July, compared to just one in the previous year. Companies involved in the mining of lithium and other materials used in the manufacture of electric vehicles account for seven of the 10 most shorted stocks on the ASX, with 21.06 per cent of Pilbara Minerals shares reported as shorted. Oscar Oberg from Wilson Asset Management says Pilbara Minerals' reported short position is unheard of; he adds that Pilbara Minerals is being shorted because demand for electric vehicles is not as strong as had been forecast.

News

Mortgage cliff turns into a subsiding wave

PEXA Group's chief economist Julie Toth believes that the rush for Australians to refinance their mortgage loans has peaked. She adds that rather than a 'mortgage cliff', the nation has experienced only a 'wave' as borrowers have shifted their loans to variable interest rates after their fixed-loan period expired. Toth adds that there has been a slight increase in mortgage arrears and distressed sales in response to the Reserve Bank's aggressive monetary policy tightening cycle; she expects arrears to remain stable if there are no more interest rate increases.

News

CSR's insulation price rise 'could be gouging'

Insulation distributor Consolidated Energy alleges that building materials group CSR misused its market power to 'gouge' suppliers with huge increases in the price of insulation; it is seeking internal documents and board papers in order to prove its claim. Consolidated Energy is asking the Federal Court to grant its request that CSR be required to hand over information relating to price increases between June 2021 and June 2022; Consolidated Energy alleges that CSR was limiting supply to distributors and imposing big price increases in order to benefit its own business.

News

Coal boss: use gas to ease the transition

Data from the Australian Energy Market Operator has revealed that no renewable energy project that was in the commissioning stage reached full output in June. This was despite an increase in renewable energy projects being ready to come online, prompting calls from Delta Electricity CEO Richard Wrightson for gas to be included in the federal government's Capacity Investment Scheme. With Delta being the owner of the Vales Point coal plant in NSW, Wrightson says gas is the only technology available now that can solve the firming problem, but it is the only technology that is being supported by the government's scheme.

News

Fortescue now marching 'to the one beat'

July 20, 2024

(Roy Morgan Summary)

Andrew Forrest surprised investors at its 2020 AGM when he outlined a vision for the iron ore mining company that would see it become a green energy behemoth. He said Fortescue would be targeting production of as much as 235 gigawatts or renewable energy, more than five times the capacity of Australia's National Electricity Market at the time. However, Forrest has now conceded it cannot achieve its target of producing 15 million tonnes of green hydrogen a year by 2030 because of soaring energy costs, although he contends Fortescue's green energy dream is still alive. Fortescue will now bring its iron ore and green energy units back together, with Forrest saying that all of the company are "all marching in the same direction, to the same drum beat".

(Roy Morgan Summary)

 

 

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