Equinox Gold to Buy Calibre for $1.8 Billion to Boost Output
Equinox Gold Corp. has agreed to acquire Calibre Mining Corp. in a C$2.6 billion ($1.8 billion) all-stock deal that will give it additional production of the precious metal in the US and Nicaragua, positioning itself as Canada's second-largest producer. The acquisition is expected to enhance Equinox's production capacity and help boost its gold output, benefiting from the current bullion price surge. By acquiring Calibre, Equinox aims to bolster its presence in key markets and capitalize on the growing demand for gold.
This deal highlights the trend of larger companies acquiring smaller players to accelerate growth and expand their market share, which could lead to increased competition and consolidation in the industry.
How will the integration of Calibre's operations with Equinox's enhance the overall efficiency and profitability of the combined entity, particularly in terms of reducing costs and improving resource utilization?
China's gold reserves rose to 73.61 million fine troy ounces at the end of February from 73.45 million at the end of January, as the central bank kept buying the precious metal for a fourth straight month, further fueling investor sentiment and supporting the gold price amid rising geopolitical uncertainty and trade tensions with the US. The PBOC's continued purchases are seen as a key factor in underpinning gold prices, but also pose questions about the sustainability of such policies. Central banks' gold buying has been instrumental in driving gold prices up over the past two years.
This uptrend in central bank gold buying highlights the evolving role of monetary policy in shaping precious metal markets, where state-backed purchases can have far-reaching implications for global supply and demand balances.
Will the PBOC's ongoing gold buying effort be enough to shield China's economy from potential downturns triggered by trade tensions with the US and rising domestic debt?
The Australian market is experiencing downward pressure, with the ASX 200 declining approximately 1.25% due to concerns over U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods affecting local commodities. Amid this instability, Catalyst Metals Limited stands out as a promising penny stock, recently achieving profitability with a reported net income of A$46.29 million for the half-year ending December 2024. With a strong financial health rating and a market capitalization of A$924.27 million, Catalyst Metals offers investors a compelling opportunity at a substantial discount to its estimated fair value.
The focus on penny stocks like Catalyst suggests a strategic shift among investors seeking value in a volatile market, highlighting the importance of thorough financial analysis in making informed decisions.
What factors should investors prioritize when evaluating the potential of penny stocks in a tumultuous economic landscape?
Canada has announced an extension of its mineral exploration tax credit for an additional two years to bolster investments in the mining sector and provide an alternative capital source to China. This move is aimed at alleviating concerns within the industry regarding capital raising for exploration projects while addressing geopolitical tensions surrounding critical minerals. The extension, expected to inject C$110 million ($76.05 million) into the sector, emphasizes Canada's commitment to securing its position in the North American mining landscape amid potential trade conflicts.
This decision reflects a strategic pivot by Canada to strengthen its mining sector and reduce reliance on Chinese investments, highlighting the increasing importance of domestic resource security in global trade dynamics.
How will the extension of this tax credit influence the long-term sustainability and growth of Canada's mining industry in an evolving geopolitical landscape?
Gold steadied near $2,910 an ounce after gaining almost 2% last week, driven by investor anxiety about the disruption caused by the Trump administration's trade policies and signs of sustained central-bank buying. The precious metal has surged in the opening quarter of 2025, hitting successive records and gaining every week apart from one, as investors seek safe-haven assets amid rising economic uncertainties. Bullion-backed exchange-traded funds have been attracting inflows for the past six weeks to reach the highest level since December 2023.
The rising concerns about global economic uncertainty are having a profound impact on traditional asset classes like stocks and bonds, forcing investors to seek alternative havens in gold.
What role will the Federal Reserve play in shaping the trajectory of gold prices over the next few months, particularly as it prepares to announce its next policy decision later this month?
Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:TFPM) stands out among other junior silver mining stocks due to its significant exposure to silver exploration and production, strong market capitalization, and high upside potential. With a growing demand for silver driven by industrial applications such as solar panels and electric vehicles, TFPM is poised to benefit from the increasing interest in non-yielding assets like silver. The company's projected record high demand of over 700 million ounces by industry in 2025 further solidifies its position among top junior mining stocks.
This trend highlights the importance of understanding market dynamics in the precious metals sector, particularly for companies with exposure to silver exploration and production.
As investors seek alternative assets due to economic uncertainty and monetary policy changes, how will TFPM's performance be impacted by shifting investor sentiment towards silver-rich stocks?
Gold steadied on Monday as a stronger U.S. dollar countered safe-haven demand amid trade war concerns, while investors looked to inflation data this week for clues on the Federal Reserve's next interest rate decision. Spot gold was at $2,913.09 an ounce at 0946 GMT, while U.S. gold futures firmed 0.2% to $2,920.10. The dollar index held above last week's four-month low, making gold more expensive for holders of other currencies.
A stronger dollar could be a harbinger of economic growth, as increased liquidity and consumer spending often accompany rising interest rates.
What will happen if inflation does indeed rise, as market expectations suggest, and the Fed hikes rates further to combat it?
The world's largest jewelry market in India is driving a surge in gold bets through options on gold futures, with traders and investors seeking to hedge physical holdings or speculate on price movements. The recent record-breaking prices of gold have made options trading more appealing than traditional futures contracts, which are typically cheaper but offer less flexibility. As the Indian market continues to drive demand for gold, analysts are predicting a bullish outlook for the precious metal.
This boom in gold bets may signal a shift in investor sentiment towards safe-haven assets, potentially mirroring broader trends seen during periods of economic uncertainty or geopolitical tensions.
How will the increased focus on gold and precious metals affect India's position as a leading market for luxury goods, and what implications might this have for global trade and economic dynamics?
Palantir Technologies has received a new, record-high price target from Loop Capital Markets, with analyst Rob Sanderson predicting the stock will surge by 60% in the next 12 months. Despite concerns over valuation, Sanderson believes Palantir's long-term narrative and potential for growth justify the investment. The company's unique data analytics capabilities and growing adoption in the enterprise market position it for significant future success.
This prediction highlights the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making in the corporate world, where companies are willing to pay premium prices for solutions that provide a competitive edge.
What will be the ultimate catalyst for Palantir's stock price growth, and how will the company balance its aggressive expansion plans with the need to sustain long-term profitability?
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's share has been trading at $9.79 as of March 7th, with a trailing P/E of 40.79 and forward P/E of 6.61. The company generated nearly $5 billion in revenue in Q4 2024 but delivered under $500 million in EBITDA and only $72 million in GAAP net income. Despite efficiency issues and management's skeptical views on its ability to drive long-term value, the company's financial stability provides support for a potential turnaround.
The bulls' thesis on GT is rooted in its stable cash flow and potential for gradual improvement, which could be supported by secular tailwinds in the tire industry.
However, given the significant risks associated with the investment, it remains unclear whether GT can overcome its operational challenges and deliver long-term returns that justify the current valuation.
Gold prices edged up on Monday, helped by a weaker dollar, while a delay in finding peace in Ukraine and concerns over the U.S. tariff policy fuelled safe-haven demand for the metal. Spot gold added 0.1% to $2,860.25 an ounce by 0750 GMT, while U.S. gold futures rose 0.8%. The dollar index fell 0.3% from a more than two-week high hit in the previous session.
Geopolitical uncertainty, such as the stalled Ukraine peace talks and rising tensions over trade policies, may continue to drive investors towards safe-haven assets like gold, potentially supporting prices in the coming weeks.
As interest rates remain elevated, the allure of gold as a hedge against inflation will likely wane, making its performance more sensitive to changes in monetary policy and economic growth.
Gold prices rose significantly after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on Canada and Mexico, prompting swift retaliatory measures from these countries and China. The escalation of the trade war has led to a surge in demand for safe-haven assets like gold, which climbed above $2,915 an ounce as Beijing imposed 15% duties on some American farm goods. Geopolitical tensions have also fueled investor concerns about economic instability.
This significant increase in gold prices may signal a shift in investor sentiment towards more stable assets, potentially reflecting growing anxiety about the ongoing trade war and its implications for global markets.
Will central banks' response to this surge in safe-haven asset demand lead to increased interest rates or monetary policy easing, which could have further far-reaching consequences for financial markets?
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's share prices surged by 9.14 percent on Friday due to positive ratings from investment banking firms, with TD Cowen upgrading the firm to a "buy" rating and setting a price target of $14. The company's turnaround strategy, focusing on slashing its total debt of $8.8 billion and executing cost-saving measures, has investors optimistic about its future prospects. Additionally, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company reported a sharp rebound in its net income performance in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024.
This recent surge in GT's stock price may be a precursor to a broader trend in the tire manufacturing industry, where companies are being reevaluated for their financial health and operational efficiency.
How will The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's success in turning around its operations impact the competitive landscape of the global tire market, particularly against established players like Michelin and Bridgestone?
BP's lubricant business Castrol is expected to be worth $6 billion to $8 billion, according to analyst Ashley Kelty. The business has been put up for sale as part of a strategic review by the company. BP has underperformed peers and faced increasing pressure to change strategy after activist investor Elliott Investment Management built a 5% stake in the company.
The potential sale of Castrol would provide Saudi Aramco with a significant opportunity to expand its presence in the lubricants market, potentially bolstering its position as one of the world's largest oil producers.
How will the sale of BP's Castrol unit impact the global competition in the lubricants industry, and what implications could this have for consumer-facing brands that rely on lubricant suppliers?
A global aluminium producer has sought a premium of $260 per metric ton from Japanese buyers for April-June primary metal shipments, up 14% from the current quarter. The proposed premium reflects concerns that fresh U.S. tariffs on Canadian aluminium could divert supply from the Middle East, Australia or other regions to North America, tightening availability in Asia. This move is part of a broader trend of price volatility in the global aluminium market due to trade tensions and supply chain disruptions.
The surprise increase in proposed premium highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Asian aluminium importers to fluctuations in global supply and demand, reflecting the industry's increasing reliance on international trade.
How will the implementation of tariffs on Canadian aluminium imports from the US impact the regional price dynamics and availability of this critical metal in Asia?
Gold had a standout year in 2024, with investors adding to their gold holdings and central banks buying up the metal, despite slowing consumer demand. Rising market uncertainty and geopolitical tensions have made gold a safe-haven asset, driving its price higher. Analysts predict that gold prices could rise further in 2025, driven by optimistic investor sentiment.
The surge in gold demand reflects a growing trend of investors seeking safe-haven assets during times of economic uncertainty, potentially leading to increased investment in other precious metals and cryptocurrencies.
What will be the impact on the global economy if central banks continue to buy large quantities of gold, potentially destabilizing financial markets and leading to higher inflation rates?
Saudi Aramco is in the early stages of considering a potential bid for BP's lubricant business Castrol, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The Saudi oil giant's interest comes as BP reviews its Castrol business, aiming to generate $20 billion in divestments by 2027. A successful acquisition could help Aramco expand its presence in the global lubricants market.
This potential deal highlights the growing importance of strategic partnerships and M&A activity among large energy companies seeking to diversify their portfolios.
How will Saudi Aramco's ownership structure for Castrol impact the competition dynamics between other major players in the global lubricants market?
Gold prices declined about 1% on Thursday as investors took profits following a three-day rally, with markets now eyeing U.S. jobs data on Friday for clues on the Federal Reserve's rate path amidst rising global trade worries. Spot gold has gained over 10% so far this year, hitting a record high of $2,956.15 on February 24. Investors are turning to gold as a safe-haven asset when faced with geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
The current bearish price action may signal further downside for gold if prices break below the $2,900, potentially dragging it lower toward $2,880.
How will the market's reaction to the U.S. jobs report on Friday impact investor sentiment towards precious metals in the coming weeks?
Honeywell International is set to expand its energy business with the acquisition of Sundyne, a leading manufacturer of engineered pumps and gas compressors, as part of its efforts to strengthen its presence in the aviation, automation, and energy sectors. The deal will add to Honeywell's unit catering to the energy and petrochemical industries, while enhancing its aftermarket services business. By acquiring Sundyne, Honeywell aims to capitalize on the growing demand for industrial equipment and services.
This acquisition highlights Honeywell's strategic focus on expanding its energy-related businesses, which may signal a shift in the conglomerate's investment priorities.
Will Sundyne's operations and expertise be sufficient to withstand potential disruptions in the global energy landscape, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?
Gold rebounded after its worst week of the year as investors weighed the potential impact of Trump tariffs, with gold futures gaining more than 1.5% on Monday to hover below $2,900. The precious metal's recent move higher comes as President Donald Trump's latest tariff deadline approaches at the end of Monday, with potential new duties starting Tuesday morning on America's top three trading partners. Strategists attribute much of the rally to continued central bank buying and uncertainty over US tariffs.
This surge in gold prices highlights the market's growing reliance on safe-haven assets as investors increasingly view trade tensions and economic uncertainty as major risk factors.
How will a potential escalation of trade tensions between the US and its trading partners affect the global supply chain, particularly for commodities like gold?
Occidental is offering warrant holders a limited-time chance to cash in at a lower exercise price of $21.30 per share, down from the original $22.00, with a deal expiring on March 31, 2025. If fully taken up, this could inject about $1.6 billion into the company's coffers. The proceeds are likely aimed at cutting down debt and addressing general corporate needs.
This move highlights the ongoing struggle for energy companies to manage their balance sheets in volatile market conditions, where securing fresh capital without sacrificing too much value can be a significant challenge.
Will Occidental's ability to execute on its strategic plans, particularly in carbon management, prove decisive in attracting investors to this limited-time offer?
Calumet's full-year 2024 earnings surprise analysts, with revenue flat on FY 2023 and a net loss of $222.0m, down from a profit of $47.1m in FY 2023. The company's shares have declined 4.0% from a week ago, despite beating analyst estimates for EPS by 5.1%. Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 6.6% p.a. on average during the next 3 years.
This modest growth in revenue may not be enough to offset the challenges facing the American Oil and Gas industry, which is expected to experience a 4.1% growth forecast over the same period.
What specific strategies or investments will Calumet make to drive this forecasted revenue growth and turn its fortunes around in the coming years?
JP Morgan expects the global deficit in refined copper to grow to 160,000 metric tons in 2026 and forecast copper prices averaging around $11,000 per metric ton next year. The bank predicts a tariff rate of at least 10% on refined copper and copper product imports will be enacted by late in the third quarter, with a significant risk of a higher tariff rate of 25%. This would lead to excess inventory builds in the US and potentially leave the rest of the world shorter of copper.
The growing trade tensions between the US and its trading partners could have far-reaching implications for global supply chains, particularly in industries that rely heavily on copper.
What role will emerging technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy play in driving demand for copper, and how will changing consumption patterns impact the global copper market?
Aura Minerals Inc.'s upcoming ex-dividend date prompts investors to make a swift decision, as they must purchase shares before the record date to receive the dividend payment on March 14th. The company's trailing yield of 3.8% and recent payout ratio of 102% may indicate financial strain, raising concerns about its ability to sustain the dividend. However, Aura Minerals' dividend history shows a total distribution of US$0.70 per share last year, indicating a substantial payout.
Investors seeking long-term growth through dividend payments should carefully consider the sustainability of such yields, particularly for companies with declining earnings and high payout ratios.
Can Aura Minerals Inc.'s management team successfully address its financial challenges and maintain the dividend despite projected continued losses?
Rio Tinto Group has scrapped plans to raise as much as $5 billion in a share sale following pushback from investors, people with knowledge of the matter said. The decision comes after the company had floated the possibility of an equity offering in recent investor meetings, citing a need to rebalance its share register between UK and Australian investors. This move suggests that Rio Tinto is prioritizing internal financing over external capital raises.
This about-face by a major mining player may signal a shift in the industry's approach to funding growth, as companies explore alternative strategies to manage the uncertainty of lower metal prices.
How will the decision to forgo a share sale impact Rio Tinto's ability to invest in new projects and technologies that could help it navigate the challenges of a declining commodities cycle?
Allegion plc is about to go ex-dividend in four days, with its next dividend payment set to be US$0.51 per share on March 31st. The company has a trailing yield of 1.6% and a modest payout ratio of 28%, which suggests a sustainable dividend. Allegion's earnings per share have been growing at 10% a year for the past five years, indicating a promising growth prospect.
This upcoming dividend could be a buy opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on Allegion's stable income stream and growth prospects.
What role will dividend investing play in Allegion's overall strategy as it continues to grow its business and expand into new markets?