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China has sharply expanded its export controls on rare earth elements and related technologies, tightening its grip on a strategically vital sector just weeks before a possible meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.

The Ministry of Commerce announced Thursday (October 9) that five additional rare earth elements: holmium, erbium, thulium, europium, and ytterbium, along with dozens of refining technologies and pieces of equipment, have been added to its export control list.

Foreign companies that produce rare earth materials or magnets using Chinese equipment or materials will now require export licenses from Beijing, even if no Chinese entity is directly involved in the transaction.

Applications linked to defense industries or advanced semiconductor production, such as 14-nanometer chips, memory chips with 256 layers or more, or artificial intelligence with military applications, will face heightened scrutiny or outright denial.

Rare earth elements are essential to manufacturing electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, and defense systems, including fighter jet engines and radar. China accounts for about 70 percent of global production and over 90 percent of processing capacity, giving it a near-monopoly over the supply chain.

The new measures take effect in stages: restrictions on rare earth exports and processing technologies begin November 8, while the rules governing products made with Chinese inputs will come into force on December 1.

The move also tightens Beijing’s control over Chinese nationals, prohibiting them from engaging in overseas rare earth mining, magnet manufacturing, or technical consulting without official approval.

Meanwhile, companies outside China are emphasizing their independence from Chinese materials and technology.

Energy Fuels (NYSEAMERICAN:UUUU,TSX:EFR), which operates a uranium and rare earths facility in Utah, said that it is ramping up domestic production to counter supply risks. Meanwhile, NioCorp NASDAQ:NB), which is developing a rare earths mine in Nebraska, said the move reflects China’s increasing militarization of the sector.

“It’s clear that the People’s Liberation Army is increasingly calling the shots on rare earth policy in China. That means even more difficult times both for the Pentagon and for a wide range of commercial manufacturers,” the company told Reuters.

Ucore Rare Metals (TSXV:UCU,OTCQX:UURAF), a Canada-based developer of rare earth separation technology, said its Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex (LA-SMC) will remain unaffected.

“Today’s expansion of Chinese export controls underscores why Ucore built its plan around North American and allied supply chains from day one,” said Ucore CEO Pat Ryan in a recent statement. “Our RapidSX refining technology not only produces the same rare earth products, at the same quality, as legacy solvent extraction, but does so with faster throughput in a much reduced floorspace.”

Ucore said its equipment sourcing strategy relies entirely on North American suppliers and is protected under the US Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS), which prioritizes key national defense projects to ensure supply chain resilience.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Friday (October 10) as of 9:00 a.m. UTC.

Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ether and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.

Bitcoin and Ether price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$121,578, down by 1.6 percent in 24 hours. The cryptocurrency’s lowest valuation of the day was US$119,967, and its highest was US$123,548.

Bitcoin price performance, October 10, 2025.

Chart via TradingView

Bitcoin may be trading near record highs, but one of its most respected on-chain indicators suggests the rally could still have significant room to run possibly as far as US$180,000.

The Mayer Multiple, a long-term metric that compares Bitcoin’s current price to its 200-week moving average, remains well below levels that have historically marked market tops.

“Bitcoin is at all-time highs and the Mayer Multiple is ice cold,” crypto analyst Frank Fetter wrote on X (formerly Twitter). According to Fetter, Bitcoin would need to climb to around US$180,000 before the indicator flashes “overbought” conditions, implying that the current cycle could still have room to expand.

The indicator’s historical context adds weight to that view. During Bitcoin’s 2017 and 2021 peaks, the Mayer Multiple surged well above 2.4, signaling excessive market exuberance before major corrections followed.

This time, the pattern looks different. The Multiple’s highest level in the current cycle—1.84 in March 2024, when Bitcoin neared US$72,000—never approached prior extremes, according to Glassnode data. Analysts see this moderation as a sign of a more sustainable advance.

Despite these encouraging on-chain signals, not everyone is convinced the path higher will be smooth. Short-term traders remain divided on whether Bitcoin can maintain momentum into the final quarter of the year.

Trader Tony “The Bull” Severino argued that Bitcoin may be entering a decisive 100-day window. Writing on X, Severino pointed to the Bollinger Bands indicator on Bitcoin’s weekly chart, which has tightened to levels not seen before. He noted that Bitcoin’s recent inability to hold above US$126,000, after briefly testing the upper band, could signal a short-term pullback before any sustained breakout.

Ether (ETH) also slid after last week’s rally, but has since recovered some of its losses. It was up by 0.7 percent over 24 hours to US$4,365.58. Ether’s lowest valuation on Friday was US$4,285.77, and its highest was US$4,401.99.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) was priced at US$222.58, an increase of 1.1 percent over the last 24 hours and its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest valuation on Friday was US$217.57.
  • XRP was trading for US$2.83, trading flat over the last 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$2.78, and its highest was US$2.84.

Derivatives trends

The crypto derivatives market saw heavy liquidations over the past 24 hours, totaling roughly US$674 million, according to Coinglass data. Long positions accounted for US$505 million of that amount, while short positions made up US$169 million, marking one of October’s sharpest liquidation waves.

Among major assets, Bitcoin long liquidations reached US$116 million, compared to US$68.22 million in shorts, indicating that overleveraged bullish traders bore the brunt of the latest downturn. Ether long positions were liquidated for US$146 million, against US$34.54 million in shorts, reflecting a similar shakeout of optimistic bets amid heightened volatility.

Despite the sell-off, futures open interest for Bitcoin rose 0.23 percent in the last four hours to US$90.19 billion, suggesting that traders are gradually re-entering positions or maintaining leverage at elevated levels.

Ether futures open interest also ticked up 0.22 percent to US$59.53 billion, showing that market participants remain engaged even after widespread liquidations.

Bitcoin’s relative strength index (RSI) at 72.15 indicates that the asset remains in overbought territory, potentially signaling near-term price swings or corrective moves. Still, the market’s resilience near the US$120,000 level points to continued speculative interest.

Today’s crypto news to know

XRP, DOGE, SOL slip as US$2.7 billion flows into Bitcoin ETFs

Major altcoins faced losses Friday as traders took profits from Bitcoin’s record-breaking rally, even as spot ETF demand remained strong.

Bitcoin briefly dipped to around US$120,000 overnight before stabilizing near US$122,000, while Ether erased its weekly gains with a 2.4 percent drop.

Solana, XRP, Dogecoin, and Cardano each slid up to 3 percent, according to CoinDesk data. Despite the retreat, US-listed Bitcoin ETFs drew US$2.72 billion in inflows this week, highlighting resilient institutional appetite.

The ETF surge underscores Bitcoin’s growing role as a “digital safe-haven,” especially as gold surged above Us$4,000 an ounce. However, a possible pullback to the US$107,000–US$115,000 range could be imminent ahead of the Federal Reserve’s October 29 policy meeting.

EU dismisses ECB’s call for new stablecoin rules

The European Commission said Friday that existing crypto regulations under MiCA are adequate to handle stablecoin risks, pushing back on calls from the European Central Bank for stricter oversight.

According to a Reuters report, the ECB had urged Brussels to introduce new safeguards against “multi-issuance” models, where stablecoins minted outside the EU could be treated as interchangeable with those issued within.

Industry groups, including members like Circle, asked the Commission to formally clarify that multi-issuance is allowed under current rules.

In a statement to Reuters, the Commission said MiCA already provides a “robust and proportionate framework” and that further guidance will be published soon.

The ECB’s main concern is that redemptions from non-EU tokens could drain reserves inside the bloc, posing systemic risks. Stablecoin issuers countered that their reserve structures already mitigate such threats.

Bitcoin ETFs extend Uptober gains as Ethereum products lose momentum

US spot Bitcoin ETFs posted another strong day Tuesday, with US$197.8 million in net inflows, reinforcing Bitcoin’s dominance as institutional investors rotated away from Ethereum products.

Data from SoSoValue showed total Bitcoin ETF assets climbing to US$164.79 billion, representing nearly 7 percent of Bitcoin’s market cap.

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ:IBIT) led inflows with US$255 million, extending its lead over rivals as total assets surpassed $97 billion. Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (BATS:FBTC) and Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (NYSEARCA:GBTC) saw outflows of US$13 million and US$45 million, respectively.

The renewed demand follows a surge of US$1.19 billion in inflows earlier this week, the highest since July, with BlackRock again accounting for the majority.

Bitcoin has gained over 10 percent in October, peaking at US$126,080 before easing to $121,000. Meanwhile, Ethereum ETFs snapped their eight-day inflow streak with US$8.7 million in withdrawals, reflecting a temporary pause after a strong start to the month.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

This week, the technology sector remained the dominant force shaping overall market trends in the US, despite the ongoing complexity of macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions.

The partial US government shutdown continued to delay key economic reports, creating a data vacuum that heightened reliance on soft data like consumer sentiment surveys. Notably, the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index held steady at a subdued 55, reflecting persistent concerns about high prices and a challenging labor market.

Meanwhile, Canada reported a surprising gain of 60,400 jobs in September, with employment increases concentrated in full-time positions and manufacturing. The unemployment rate held steady at 7.1 percent, defying expectations and signaling a cautious stabilization after recent job losses.

Investor appetite for AI and related innovation remained high, pushing the Nasdaq Composite (INDEXNASDAQ:.IXIC) and S&P 500 (INDEXSP:.INX) to record or near-record levels midweek. However, ongoing trade frictions between the US and China continue posing risks to semiconductor supply chains and international tech trade flows.

On Friday (October 10), China introduced additional export restrictions on rare earth metals and related refining technologies, expanding controls to five more elements critical for electronics, defense and high-tech industries. US President Donald Trump responded by threatening to escalate tariffs on Chinese imports and warned of the potential cancellation of his upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping at APEC in South Korea.

The news sent major stock indexes lower, with the S&P 500 seeing its largest decline since tariffs were first announced in April and the Nasdaq Composite losing 3.56 percent. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index led losses, pulling back 6.32 percent.

After a nearly three-year rally fueled by enthusiasm for AI, concerns among analysts and investors about elevated valuations and concentrated exposure in AI-related companies continue to emerge.

The Bank of England’s Financial Policy Committee warned of an increased risk of market correction, particularly in AI-focused tech firms, due to stretched valuations. They noted high market concentration in the S&P 500’s top five companies, many being AI-centric. Disappointing AI adoption or increased competition could trigger a downturn by reassessing high earnings expectations. Bottlenecks in AI advancements also pose valuation risks.

Similarly, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that AI-fueled global stock prices are overvalued and vulnerable to a sudden correction. She cited weakening job creation and US tariffs as “troubling signs” that could lead to instability and dampen global growth.

Analysts from JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) also wrote in a Monday (October 6) note that AI-related debt has reached US$1.2 trillion, making it the largest segment in the investment-grade market. AI companies now represent 14 percent of the high-grade market, exceeding US banks. However, this debt is primarily in investment-grade bonds from companies with strong balance sheets,

This complex interplay of cautious optimism underscores the evolving narratives dominating the tech market.

Three tech stocks that moved markets this week

1. Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD)

AMD’s stock opened over 31 percent higher on Monday after announcing a multi-year deal to supply up to 6 gigawatts of AI chips to OpenAI, starting with its MI450 series in the second half of 2026.

The company extended its gains on Tuesday (October 7) after Jefferies upgraded the stock rating to “buy” as other brokerages hiked their price targets. The news helped temper losses seen throughout the tech sector as trade tensions escalated on Friday.

The partnership grants OpenAI warrants to acquire up to 160 million shares of AMD, representing around 10 percent ownership upon achieving deployment milestones. This deal positions AMD as a major AI hardware supplier and represents a challenge to Nvidia’s dominance in the sector.

2. Intel (NASDAQ:INTC)

Intel shares jumped as much as 3.05 percent on Friday after the company unveiled its Panther Lake architecture, the first PC processor built on its advanced 18A semiconductor manufacturing process, with high-volume production beginning later this year at its Fab 52 facility in Arizona.

Panther Lake is set to significantly enhance power efficiency and performance, delivering an anticipated 50 percent increase in CPU and GPU capabilities compared to earlier generations. This chip is designed for premium laptops and is central to Intel’s plan to re-establish its leadership in semiconductor manufacturing within the US.

Intel also previewed its first 18A-based server processor, Clearwater Forest, slated for release in the first half of 2026. Panther Lake is scheduled for commercial availability in early 2026, coinciding with major consumer electronics shows.

3. Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA)

Tesla released the long-awaited lower-priced versions of the Model Y and Model 3 on Tuesday, with the Model Y Standard starting at US$39,990.

After an initial rally on Monday following a weekend teaser of the announcement, shares fell by as much as 4.57 percent after an underwhelming reaction to modest price cuts and the vehicles’ lack of key features present in the pricier models.

The company also reportedly paused large-scale production of its humanoid robot Optimus due to technical difficulties and faced a new preliminary safety investigation by the NHTSA into its Full Self-Driving system, covering nearly 2.9 million vehicles amid reports of traffic law violations.

Company announcements helped Intel and AMD weather sector-wide losses on Friday

Chart courtesy of Google Finance

ETF performance

This week, the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXX) only declined by about 6.27 percent, while the Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXQ) pulled back by approximately 6.49 percent.

For its part, the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SMH) only lost 5.86 percent.

These losses occurred against a backdrop of heightening trade tensions between tech’s two largest markets.

Other tech market news

            Tech news to watch next week

            Next week, investors will be closely monitoring a slate of important earnings reports from leading financial and technology companies, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC), Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS), IBM, Intel and Tesla.

            Additionally, the US government’s shutdown resolution or extension will affect the release of vital economic data, influencing market sentiment and investment strategies.

            On the policy front, investors should watch for Federal Reserve communications for clues on interest rate directions, as well as progress in US-China trade negotiations, which will undoubtedly define the near-term trajectory of the tech market.

            Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

            This post appeared first on investingnews.com

            It’s been yet another historic week for gold, as well as silver.

            Gold broke through US$4,000 per ounce midway through the period, entering never-before-seen territory as the US government shutdown continued into a second week.

            Silver’s milestone was perhaps even more impressive. The white metal pushed through the elusive US$50 per ounce mark and continued on past US$51, marking a new record.

            What’s behind its takeoff? Silver is known for its duality as both a precious and industrial metal, and experts have emphasized that it’s a mix of factors moving silver right now. It’s catching up to gold, which itself is supported by global geopolitical uncertainty and concerns about fiat currencies, and it’s also got its own specific elements at play.

            Backwardation, which happens when a commodity’s spot price is higher than its futures price, has been a frequent topic of discussion, and prior to silver’s move past US$50, precious metals analyst Ted Butler gave a rundown of the implications for silver.

            Here’s what he said:

            ‘Normally, (backwardation) results in an overwhelming demand for physical. That could take the form of SLV investors standing for delivery, whether that be the the industrial players, who are notoriously resolute, or even billionaire whales from India.

            ‘But in that event, which is already playing out, by the way, silver prices and premiums will continue to increase, maybe even dramatically, as the news of insufficient physical silver transmits itself through the market.’

            As those who follow precious metals will know, silver has only been at the US$50 level twice before — the first time was in 1980, when the Hunt brothers tried to corner the market, and the second instance was over a decade ago in 2011. Both of those moves were brief, and investors are understandably wondering if this time is different for silver.

            It’s impossible for anyone to say for sure, but I’ve been hearing market watchers highlight the gold-silver ratio as a way to gauge the outlook for silver.

            Ahead of silver’s US$50 landmark, David Morgan of the Morgan Report explained that the ratio shows silver still has room to rise. Here’s what he said:

            ‘We’re still in the 80s for the gold-silver ratio, which is historically high. And until we get to 70, I’m not going to be particularly happy. And off of today’s gold price, a 71 ratio would be like … US$55 silver, and that would be over that US$50 mark.’

            Morgan also talked about the psychological impact of US$50 silver, saying that it could prompt algorithmic traders and institutions to enter the sector:

            ‘You’ll see algorithms come in and start trading silver, and you’ll probably see institutions come in, because they know that it’s a small market, and they can move the market with a buy order, if it’s significant enough.

            How high can gold and silver prices go?

            Taking a step back to look at the precious metals rally as a whole, I want to reiterate that the experts I’ve been hearing from don’t think this is the end of the bull market.

            While many have emphasized that a correction would be healthy for gold and silver, they think the current cycle is still in progress and is likely to end with much higher prices.

            Here’s Lynette Zang of Zang Enterprises on what could be coming:

            ‘If you go back to the beginning of the year, what you actually see is that while everything is going up, the spot contracts on gold and silver, and particularly silver, are much stronger and more powerful than those prices that we’re seeing in the stock market, or even in the Bitcoin market, in the crypto markets.

            ‘Gold and silver are handily outperforming, and that’s telling us (why) the central banks have been accumulating more gold than they ever have since they began tracking — because they know what they’re doing to destroy the currencies.’

            It’s also worth noting that it’s not just people in the gold and silver space that are optimistic.

            Precious metals are increasingly making news headlines, and more and more mainstream authorities are touting their protective benefits.

            Just this week, American billionaire Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates suggested that investors allocate as much as 15 percent of their portfolios to gold. He compared the current environment to the 1970s, a time of high inflation and debt.

            Dalio’s opinion is similar to that of DoubleLine Capital’s Jeffrey Gundlach, who recently said a 25 percent weighting toward gold wouldn’t be excessive.

            Platinum and palladium take off

            Gold and silver may be attracting the most attention, but platinum and palladium are also on the move.

            Platinum, which spent years trading at rangebound levels, has broken out in 2025, and is currently above US$1,600 per ounce, a price not seen since 2013.

            Palladium, whose price has been subdued since seeing several spikes between about 2020 and 2022, was also on the move this week, approaching US$1,500 per ounce.

            While these precious metals are similar, it’s mostly platinum that’s being talked about as a potential opportunity for investors. Historically it’s often been priced higher than gold, and some see the two finding parity again in the future.

            Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

            This post appeared first on investingnews.com

            Statistics Canada released September’s job data on Friday (October 10). According to the release, 60,000 jobs were added to the Canadian economy during the month, and the employment rate increased to 60.6 percent, up 0.1 percent from August. However, the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 7.1 percent.

            The increase in the labor market follows a significant decline of 106,000 combined jobs over the previous two months.

            Leading the gains was the manufacturing sector, which added 28,000 jobs to the labor force. The increase was followed by 14,000 new workers in the health care and social assistance sector, and 13,000 new roles in the agriculture sector.

            The natural resources sector posted a 2.2 percent gain, adding 7,100 new jobs over August’s numbers, but the sector shed 18,200 workers over September 2024.

            Earlier in the week, StatsCan released a report on the economic contribution of critical mineral production in 2023 on Monday (October 6).

            In 2023, critical mineral production contributed C$30.2 billion in nominal gross domestic product (GDP) and C$20.9 billion in real GDP terms, which accounted for 1.1 percent of the total economy and 37.4 percent of the mineral and mining sector.

            The report also details a nominal GDP increase of 63 percent and a real GDP growth of 12.7 percent between 2019 and 2023. During the same period, job growth increased by 6.2 percent, with the subsector employing nearly 55,000 workers, outpacing the entire mineral and mining sector and the broader economy, which grew by 5.2 percent and 5.6 percent, respectively.

            South of the border, the White House announced on Monday that President Donald Trump approved the Ambler Access Road project in Alaska. This was followed by a 50 to 46 vote by the Senate on Thursday evening to repeal a land management plan for Alaska that had delayed development of the road.

            The controversial project would connect the Dalton Highway to the Ambler Mining District via a route that passed through the Gates of the Arctic National Park, considered one of the United States’ best-preserved parks.

            The access road was initially approved during Trump’s first term in office, but approvals were rescinded in 2024 under the Biden administration due to the impact on the Western Arctic caribou herd, salmon and other wildlife. The Native American Tribes who live, hunt and fish in the area have largely stood in opposition to the road.

            Proponents point to access to critical minerals like copper and gallium, which have become a focal point as the US seeks to increase domestic production of these minerals, which are required for the advancement of AI technologies, data centers and national defense.

            Both gold and silver soared to record highs this week, with the gold price reaching US$4,058.98 per ounce on Wednesday (October 8) and the silver price climbing to an intraday all-time high of US$51.14 per ounce on Thursday (October 9). While gold has been consistently setting new records in 2025, silver broke its all-time high set in 1980.

            Precious metals have seen broad gains since the start of the year, fueled by widespread uncertainty in the global economy due to factors including chaotic US trade policy and, most recently, the failure of US lawmakers to agree on a funding package to prevent the federal government from shutting down.

            For more on what’s moving markets this week, check out our top market news round-up.

            Markets and commodities react

            Canadian equity markets were mixed this week.

            The S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) halted its record-breaking run this week, losing 1.17 percent to close Friday at 29,850.89.

            The S&P/TSX Venture Composite Index (INDEXTSI:JX) fared better, ending a volatile week up 1.75 percent at 980.77. The CSE Composite Index (CSE:CSECOMP) was up 2.2 percent to close out the week at 184.31.

            The gold price set another new record, reaching an intraday high of US$4,058.98 per ounce on Wednesday. On the week, gold was up 3.39 percent to US$4,018.68 by Friday’s close.

            The silver price saw even stronger gains, breaking its own all time high on Thursday at US$51.14 per ounce, before pulling back slightly to post a weekly gain of 4.27 percent to US$50.03 per ounce by 4:00 p.m. EDT Friday.

            Copper was up as much as 3 percent on the week during trading Thursday, but the copper price collapsed on Friday, falling from US$5.10 to end the week at US$4.80 per pound.

            The S&P Goldman Sachs Commodities Index (INDEXSP:SPGSCI) fell 0.71 percent to end Friday at 539.97.

            Top Canadian mining stocks this week

            How did mining stocks perform against this backdrop?

            Take a look at this week’s five best-performing Canadian mining stocks below.

            Stocks data for this article was retrieved at 4:00 p.m. EDT on Friday using TradingView’s stock screener. Only companies trading on the TSX, TSXV and CSE with market caps greater than C$10 million are included. Mineral companies within the non-energy minerals, energy minerals, process industry and producer manufacturing sectors were considered.

            1. Valhalla Metals (TSXV:VMXX)

            Weekly gain: 282.35 percent
            Market cap: C$44.59 million
            Share price: C$0.65

            Valhalla Metals is a polymetallic exploration company with a pair of projects in Alaska’s Ambler Mining District, the Sun and Smucker projects.

            Its primary focus, the Sun project consists of 392 claims that cover an area of 25,382 hectares.

            A May 2022 technical report states that the indicated resource for the project is 1.71 million metric tons of ore containing 55.85 million pounds of copper, 162.96 million pounds of zinc, 42.04 million pounds of lead, 3.3 million ounces of silver and 12,000 ounces of gold.

            It also reported an inferred resource of 9.02 million metric tons containing 239.64 million pounds of copper, 831.33 million pounds of zinc, 290.26 million pounds of lead, 23.68 million ounces of silver and 73,000 ounces of gold.

            The project is largely dependent on the construction of the 211 mile Ambler Access Road, which Trump approved in his first term. Former President Joe Biden rescinded the federal permit in 2024 due to environmental concerns, which is discussed in-depth above.

            Shares in Valhalla surged this week after the Senate and the White House signaled support for the project. The company said in a news release on Tuesday (October 7) that it was excited by the reversal and will now be able to restart exploration and expand the known resources at the Sun Deposit.

            2. Trilogy Metals (TSX:TMQ)

            Weekly gain: 191.35 percent
            Market cap: C$1.53 billion
            Share price: C$8.42

            Trilogy Metals is a polymetallic exploration and development company working to advance its Upper Kobuk mineral projects in Northern Alaska, which it owns in a 50/50 joint venture with South32 (ASX:S32,OTC Pink:SHTLF).

            Its most advanced asset is the Arctic copper, zinc, lead, gold and silver project, which is in the feasibility stage. In an updated feasibility study from February 2023, the company reported annual payable production volumes of 148.68 million pounds of copper, 172.6 million pounds of zinc, 25.75 million pounds of lead, 32,538 ounces of gold and 2.77 million ounces of silver.

            After tax, the study pegged the net present value at US$1.11 billion, with an internal rate of return of 22.8 percent and a payback period of 3.1 years.

            Trilogy’s other key asset is the Bornite copper-cobalt project located 25 kilometers southwest of its Arctic project. The site hosts widespread mineralization and has seen historic exploration dating back to the 1950s.

            A preliminary economic assessment for Bornite, dated January 15, established an after-tax net present value of US$393.9 million, with an internal rate of return of 20 percent and a payback period of 4.4 years. The updated mineral resource included with the report estimates an inferred resource of 6.53 billion pounds of copper with an average grade of 1.42 percent from 208.9 million metric tons of ore.

            Like Valhalla’s, shares in Trilogy surged this week on the news that the US government approved construction of the Ambler Access Road.

            Additionally, Trilogy reported on Monday that it had entered into a binding letter of intent, that would see the US Department of Defense invest US$17.8 million in Trilogy in exchange for 8.22 million shares, or 10 percent of the company, and will hold warrants for an additional 7.5 percent.

            Both Trilogy and the DoD stated that they will work in good faith to facilitate financing for the construction of the road and will include permit applications for the FAST-41 process to expedite mining development.

            3. ARES Strategic Mining (CSE:ARS)

            Weekly gain: 180.65 percent
            Market cap: C$184.54 million
            Share price: C$0.87

            Ares Strategic Mining is a development company advancing its Lost Sheep fluorspar mine in Utah, US, to production.

            Initially acquired in 2020, the property consists of 353 claims across 5,982 acres south-west of Salt Lake City. The Lost Sheep fluorspar mine is currently in the construction phase and has received backing from the state of Utah and the federal government. It is the only permitted fluorspar mine in the country.

            Ares reported on July 31 that it had launched a program with Iowa State University and the Ames National Laboratory to explore the potential of extracting gallium from the site in addition to fluorspar,

            As part of this research, the company indicated on September 16 that it had also confirmed the presence of germanium within fluorspar samples from its Lost Sheep mine. The company said that the discovery has the potential to unlock additional critical mineral value from the project.

            In its most recent construction update on September 11, Ares reported the Lumps plant has reached an advanced stage, with concrete foundations and pads being completed and steel frame structures being erected.

            4. Nord Precious Metals (TSXV:NTH)

            Weekly gain: 154.55 percent
            Market cap: C$17.04 billion
            Share price: C$0.42

            Nord Precious Metals is focused on advancing its projects in Ontario, Canada, and owns the TTL silver gravity plant in the region.

            The company’s primary exploration property is the Castle project located south of Timmins in the Cobalt Camp. It covers an area of 7,332.76 hectares and hosts the past producing Castle mine complex, which produced 9.4 million ounces of silver and 376,000 pounds of cobalt.

            A 2021 mineral resource estimate revealed a total inferred silver equivalent resource of 7.57 million ounces, with an average grade of 7,149 grams per metric ton (g/t) silver, 2,537 g/t cobalt, 628 g/t of copper, and 467 g/t of nickel, from 32.9 million metric tons of ore.

            The company also owns the past-producing Beaver Mine, located just east of Castle along the border between Ontario and Quebec. The mine operated until 1940 and produced 7.1 million ounces of silver.

            The company has been working on the development of a tailings recovery program at the site, announcing on October 1 that test work produced commercial high-grade silver with concentrations up to 2,114.9 g/t.

            Nord is planning to apply for a recovery permit to process tailings at its TTL gravity plant, which it plans to begin commissioning once it receives the permit.

            The company said that the results validate the technical approach to the tailings program.

            5. Avalon Advanced Materials

            Weekly gain: 145.45 percent
            Market cap: C$47.82 billion
            Share price: C$0.135

            Avalon Advanced Materials is an explorer and developer focused on lithium projects in Canada.

            The company’s flagship project is its 40 percent owned Separation Rapids lithium project in Ontario, a joint venture with SCR-Sibelco, which owns the remaining 60 percent.

            The project consists of three primary lithium targets: the Separation Rapids deposit; the Snowbank target, located near Kenora; and the Lilypad project near Fort Hope, which also hosts tantalum and cesium mineralization.

            The pair increased the project’s measured and indicated resource by 28 percent in late February.

            Avalon is also developing the Lake Superior lithium processing facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

            The most recent news from Avalon came on Thursday when it reported that it had produced lithium hydroxide and analcime using an alkaline leach process developed by Finnish mineral processing company Metso.

            The company said that early assessments indicate a 60 percent potential reduction in water use, along with a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional methods. It stated that the achievement marked a milestone for the company to establish a sustainable lithium processing solution at its facility

            FAQs for Canadian mining stocks

            What is the difference between the TSX and TSXV?

            The TSX, or Toronto Stock Exchange, is used by senior companies with larger market caps, and the TSXV, or TSX Venture Exchange, is used by smaller-cap companies. Companies listed on the TSXV can graduate to the senior exchange.

            How many mining companies are listed on the TSX and TSXV?

            As of May 2025, there were 1,565 companies listed on the TSXV, 910 of which were mining companies. Comparatively, the TSX was home to 1,899 companies, with 181 of those being mining companies.

            Together, the TSX and TSXV host around 40 percent of the world’s public mining companies.

            How much does it cost to list on the TSXV?

            There are a variety of different fees that companies must pay to list on the TSXV, and according to the exchange, they can vary based on the transaction’s nature and complexity. The listing fee alone will most likely cost between C$10,000 to C$70,000. Accounting and auditing fees could rack up between C$25,000 and C$100,000, while legal fees are expected to be over C$75,000 and an underwriters’ commission may hit up to 12 percent.

            The exchange lists a handful of other fees and expenses companies can expect, including but not limited to security commission and transfer agency fees, investor relations costs and director and officer liability insurance.

            These are all just for the initial listing, of course. There are ongoing expenses once companies are trading, such as sustaining fees and additional listing fees, plus the costs associated with filing regular reports.

            How do you trade on the TSXV?

            Investors can trade on the TSXV the way they would trade stocks on any exchange. This means they can use a stock broker or an individual investment account to buy and sell shares of TSXV-listed companies during the exchange’s trading hours.

            Article by Dean Belder; FAQs by Lauren Kelly.

            Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

            Securities Disclosure: I, Lauren Kelly, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

            This post appeared first on investingnews.com

            NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

            Saga Metals Corp. (‘SAGA’ or the ‘Company’) (TSXV: SAGA,OTC:SAGMF) (OTCQB: SAGMF) (FSE: 20H), a North American exploration company focused on critical minerals, is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced non-brokered private placement pursuant to which the Company raised aggregate gross proceeds of C$2,988,024.64 (the ‘ Offering ‘).

            Pursuant to the Offering, the Company issued (i) 7,100,088 flow-through common share units of the Company (the ‘ FT Units ‘) at C$0.28 per FT Unit for gross proceeds of C$1,988,024.64, and (ii) 4,000,000 hard dollar common share units of the Company (the ‘ HD Units ‘, and together with the FT Units, the ‘ Securities ‘) at C$0.25 per HD Unit for gross proceeds of C$1,000,000.

            Financing Overview:

            Each FT Unit consists of one flow-through common share as defined in subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the ‘ Tax Act ‘), and one-half of one transferable common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a ‘ Warrant ‘). Each Warrant will entitle its holder to purchase one common share in the capital of the Company (a ‘ Warrant Share ‘) at a price of C$0.50 until October 10, 2027. The Warrant Shares underlying the FT Units will not qualify as ‘flow-through shares’ under the Tax Act.

            Each HD Unit consists of one common share and one-half of one Warrant. Each whole Warrant will entitle its holder to purchase one Warrant Share at a price of C$0.50 until October 10, 2027.

            Each of the Warrants will be subject to the right of the Company to accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants to a date that is 30 days following dissemination of a news release announcing such acceleration if, at any time, after October 10, 2025 (the ‘ Closing Date ‘), the closing price of the Company’s common shares equals or exceeds C$0.75 for a period of ten consecutive trading days on the TSX Venture Exchange (the ‘ Exchange ‘).

            All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months and one day following the Closing Date pursuant to applicable securities laws, expiring February 11, 2026.

            The Company paid cash finder’s fees in the aggregate amount of $130,003 and issued an aggregate of 478,204 finder’s warrants in connection with the Offering. Each finder’s warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.50 per share for a period of 24 months from the Closing Date.

            The gross proceeds from the FT Units will be used by the Company for ‘Canadian exploration expenses’ that are ‘flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures’ (as such terms are defined in the Tax Act) on the Company’s Canadian mineral resource properties. The net proceeds of the HD Units will be used by the Company for administrative and general working capital, which may include investor relations activities.

            The securities of SAGA have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘ U.S. Securities Act ‘), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold, within the United States, unless exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws are available.

            No securities regulatory authority has reviewed or approved of the contents of this news release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of SAGA in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

            Marketing Services Agreement with Capitaliz.

            The Company further reports that it has entered into a digital marketing services agreement effective as of October 13, 2025 (the ‘ Capitaliz Agreement ‘) with 1123963 B.C. Ltd. D.B.A. Capitaliz (‘ Capitaliz ‘). Pursuant to the Capitaliz Agreement, Capitaliz will, among other things, provide the Company with certain marketing services to expand investor awareness of the Company’s business and to communicate with the investment community (the ‘ Capitaliz Services ‘). The Capitaliz Services will be provided by Capitaliz over a three-month term. The Capitaliz Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party with 30 days’ notice.

            Capitaliz is a content-driven digital marketing agency that connects public companies with social media influencers across all major social media platforms, leveraging a creator network that reaches over 100 million subscribers.

            The Capitaliz Services will include, among other things: (i) multimedia content creation and syndication, including the production and distribution of editorial video content; (ii) targeted traffic generation through a combination of pay-per-click advertising, social media marketing, native advertising, search engine optimization, email campaigns, and retargeting strategies; and (iii) strategic social media amplification of campaign content across platforms such as Investorhub and YouTube; and (iv) expanded distribution through established relationships with financial media platforms. In consideration of the Capitaliz Services, and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Capitaliz Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay Capitaliz a fee of C$200,000 (plus applicable taxes) over a three-month term, which will be paid using the Company’s available working capital.

            The Capitaliz Services will be rendered primarily online through a variety of news and investment community communications channels. Jeff Leslie, the principal of Capitaliz – located at 704 – 595 Howe Street, Box 35, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2T5 – will be involved in conducting the Capitaliz Services. Capitaliz and Mr. Leslie do not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. The terms and conditions of the Capitaliz Agreement remain subject to approval of the Exchange.

            Online Marketing Agreement with i2i Marketing Group, LLC.

            In addition, the Company reports that it entered into an online marketing agreement (the ‘ i2i Agreement ‘) with i2i Marketing Group, LLC (‘ i2i ‘). Pursuant to the i2i Agreement, i2i will, among other things, provide the Company with corporate marketing and investor awareness services, including, but not limited to, content creation management, author sourcing, project management and media distribution (the ‘ i2i Services ‘). The i2i Services will be provided by i2i pursuant to an initial US$250,000 budget, which will be paid using the Company’s available working capital, and may continue on a month-to-month basis thereafter until the i2i Agreement is terminated. The i2i Agreement may be terminated by either party upon 10 days’ advance written notice to the other party during the contract term.

            The i2i Services will be rendered primarily online through a variety of news and investment community communications channels. Joe Grubb and Kailyn White, principals of i2i will be providing services on behalf of i2i, which has an office located at 1107 Key Plaza #222 Key West, FL 33040. i2i, Mr. Grubb, and Ms. White do not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest.

            The terms and conditions of the i2i Agreement remain subject to approval of the Exchange.

            About Saga Metals Corp.

            Saga Metals Corp. is a North American mining company focused on the exploration and discovery of a diversified suite of critical minerals that support the global transition to green energy. The Radar Titanium Project comprises 24,175 hectares and entirely encloses the Dykes River intrusive complex, mapped at 160 km² on the surface near Cartwright, Labrador. Exploration to date, including a 2,200m drill program, has confirmed a large and mineralized layered mafic intrusion hosting vanadiferous titanomagnetite (VTM) with strong grades of titanium and vanadium.

            The Double Mer Uranium Project, also in Labrador, covers 25,600 hectares featuring uranium radiometrics that highlight an 18km east-west trend, with a confirmed 14km section producing samples as high as 0.428% U 3 O 8 and uranium uranophane was identified in several areas of highest radiometric response (2024 Double Mer Technical Report).

            Additionally, SAGA owns the Legacy Lithium Property in Quebec’s Eeyou Istchee James Bay region. This project, developed in partnership with Rio Tinto, has been expanded through the acquisition of the Amirault Lithium Project. Together, these properties cover 65,849 hectares and share significant geological continuity with other major players in the area, including Rio Tinto, Winsome Resources, Azimut Exploration, and Loyal Metals.

            With a portfolio that spans key minerals crucial to the green energy transition, SAGA is strategically positioned to play an essential role in the clean energy future.

            On Behalf of the Board of Directors

            Mike Stier, Chief Executive Officer

            For more information, contact:

            Rob Guzman, Investor Relations
            Saga Metals Corp.
            Tel: +1 (844) 724-2638
            Email: rob@sagametals.com
            www.sagametals.com

            Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

            Cautionary Disclaimer

            This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as ‘will’, ‘may’, ‘should’, ‘anticipates’, ‘expects’, ‘believes’, and similar expressions or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management’s expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the Offering, including the expected use of proceeds from the Offering, the receipt of the Capitaliz Services and the i2i Services, and the terms of the Capitaliz Agreement and the i2i Agreement. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, environmental risks, limitations on insurance coverage, inherent risks and uncertainties involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, particularly given the early-stage nature of the Company’s assets, and the risks detailed in the Company’s continuous disclosure filings with securities regulations from time to time, available under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by applicable law.

            News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

            This post appeared first on investingnews.com

            HONG KONG — China outlined new curbs on exports of rare earths and related technologies on Thursday, extending controls over use of the elements critical for many high-tech and military products ahead of a meeting in about three weeks between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

            The regulations announced by the Ministry of Commerce require foreign companies to get special approval to export items that contain even small traces of rare earths elements sourced from China. These critical minerals are needed in a broad range of products, from jet engines, radar systems and electric vehicles to consumer electronics including laptops and phones.

            Beijing will also impose permitting requirements on exports of technologies related to rare earths mining, smelting, recycling and magnet-making, it said.

            China accounts for nearly 70% of the world’s rare earths mining. It also controls roughly 90% of global rare earths processing. Access to such materials is a key point of contention in trade talks between Washington and Beijing.

            As Trump has raised tariffs on imports of many products from China, Beijing has doubled down on controls on the strategically vital minerals, raising concerns over potential shortages for manufacturers in the U.S. and elsewhere.

            It was not immediately clear how China plans to enforce the new policies overseas.

            During a cabinet meeting Thursday, Trump said he had yet to be briefed on the new rules but suggested that the U.S. could stop buying Chinese goods. “We import from China massive amounts,” Trump said. “Maybe we’ll have to stop doing that.”

            Neha Mukherjee, a rare earths analyst at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, called the new export controls “a strategic move by China that mirror some of Washington’s new chip export rules.

            “Most rare earth magnet manufacturers in the U.S., Japan and elsewhere remain heavily dependent on rare earths from China, so these restrictions will force some difficult decisions — especially for any company involved in military uses of rare earths because most of those export licenses are expected to be denied, he said.

            “The message is clear: if the U.S. and its allies want supply chain security, they must build independent value chains from mine to magnet,” Mukherjee said.

            The new restrictions are to “better safeguard national security” and to stop uses in “sensitive fields such as the military” that stem from rare earths processed or sourced from China or from its related technologies, the Commerce Ministry said.

            It said some unnamed “overseas bodies and individuals” had transferred rare earths elements and technologies from China abroad for military or other sensitive uses which caused “significant damage” to its national security.

            The new curbs were announced just weeks ahead of an expected meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in South Korea, that begins at the end of this month.

            “Rare earths will continue to be a key part of negotiations for Washington and Beijing,” George Chen, a partner at The Asia Group, said in an emailed comment. “Both sides want more stability but there will be still a lot of noises before the two leaders, President Trump and Xi, can make a final deal next year when they meet. Those noises are all negotiation tactics.”

            These new restrictions will likely prompt additional government and private investments in developing a mine-to-magnet supply chain outside of China. Mukherjee said that $520 million of investments in the American rare earths industry were announced just in the second quarter with most of that coming from the government.

            And there is some progress already being made with American magnet maker Noveon announcing an agreement with Lynas Rare Earths this week to secure a supply of rare earths outside of China from Lynas’ mine in Australia, and MP Materials preparing to begin producing magnets later this year at its new plant in Texas that uses rare earths from the only U.S. mine that it operates in California.

            In July, the U.S. Defense Department agreed to invest $400 million in shares of the Las Vegas company, establish a floor for the price of key elements, and ensure that all of the magnets made at a new plant in the first 10 years are purchased.

            An MP Materials spokesperson said China’s action “reinforces the need for forward-leaning U.S. industrial policy. Building resilient supply chains is a matter of economic and national security.”

            Wade Senti, president of the U.S. permanent magnet company AML, said it’s time to innovate.

            “The game of chess that China is playing underscores the importance of developing innovation that changes the game and puts the United States in leading position,” Senti said.

            Nazak Nikakhtar, a former Commerce Department undersecretary, said the new restrictions are “a significant development and escalation” by extending controls to related technology and equipment and to sectors like chipmakers. “This should be a wake-up call to the U.S. government that we need to invest in and appropriate more to domestic capabilities. Both are critical to rebuild America’s rare earths industrial base,” she said.

            In April, Chinese authorities imposed export curbs on seven rare earth elements shortly after Trump unveiled his steep tariffs on many trading partners including China.

            While supplies remain uncertain, China approved some permits for rare earth exports in June and said it was speeding up its approval processes.

            This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

            ‘Trump derangement syndrome’ has spiraled to pathological levels, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said during the White House’s monthly Cabinet meeting Thursday, pointing to a recent trend of pregnant moms protesting President Donald Trump by taking Tylenol — despite warnings the medicine could be tied to autism. 

            ‘The level of Trump derangement syndrome has now left political landscapes, and it is now a pathology,’ Kennedy said. ‘That a mother could overwhelm millions of years of maternal instinct to put her baby at risk.’ 

            Kennedy explained to his colleagues and the media that he watched a video of a pregnant Columbia medical professor ingesting Tylenol on TikTok to protest Trump ahead of the meeting, and was startled that any mom would willingly ingest the over-the-counter pain medication following reports it’s allegedly tied to skyrocketing autism trends. 

            ‘Any mother who is taking this up during pregnancy just to get back into Donald Trump is doing something that is, it is pathological,’ he said. ‘And we’re seeing that across the board.’ 

            Trump announced in September while flanked by U.S. health leaders that Tylenol taken during pregnancy ‘can be associated with a very increased risk of autism.’ 

            Kennedy said during the same event that the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are ‘turning over every stone to identify the ideology of the autism epidemic and how patients and parents can prevent and reverse this alarming trend.’

            ‘We have broken down the traditional silos that have long separated these agencies, and we have fast-tracked research and guidance,’ said Kennedy. ‘Historically, NIH has focused on almost solely on politically safe and entirely fruitless research about the genetic drivers of autism. And that would be like studying the genetic drivers of lung cancer without looking at cigarettes, and that’s what NIH has been doing for 20 years.’

            Tylenol manufacturer Kenvue said it strongly disagreed with the administration’s assessment in comment to Fox Digital in September. 

            ‘We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism,’ a company spokesperson said at the time. ‘We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers.’

            Fox News Digital reached out to Kenvue Thursday afternoon for additional comment on Kennedy’s and Trump’s most recent Tylenol remarks but did not immediately receive a reply.

            Following the September announcement, liberal pregnant moms began filming themselves taking Tylenol and posting the videos to X and TikTok as a way to protest Trump. Critics have balked at the claims that the common over-the-counter pain medicine is tied to autism. 

            ‘It is so suggestive that anybody who takes this stuff during pregnancy, unless they have to, is irresponsible,’ Kennedy continued Thursday.

            Kennedy told Trump that, back in 1970, researchers in Wisconsin determined that roughly one in 20,000 eight-year-olds in the state had autism before skyrocketing in the following decades. Kennedy called the increasing autism rates a ‘national security issue.’ 

            ‘Now, it’s 1 in 12 for boys, 1 in 18, 19 for girls. So obviously there’s something, there’s something that’s artificially, I think, (inducing) something,’ Trump added. 

            Kennedy continued that there are a handful of studies pointing to Tylenol’s alleged links to autism, including among male babies who are circumcised. 

            ‘There’s two studies that show children who are circumcised early have double the rate of autism,’ he said. ‘It’s highly likely it’s because they’re given Tylenol.’ 

            Trump added that ‘there’s a tremendous amount of proof’ surrounding the claims linking Tylenol to autism, and remarked that he has discussed the increasing autism rate with Kennedy going back 20 years. 

            ‘I’ve studied this a long time ago,’ Trump said, noting he himself is not a doctor. ‘You know, I met Bobby in my office 20 years ago. We were talking about the same thing 20 years ago. And, I was a real estate developer, it bothered me that it seemed to be getting worse. But it’s so bad now when you hear these numbers, it’s not even really sustainable.’

            Fox News Digital’s Diana Stancy contributed to this report. 

            This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

            Consumers’ Research, a leading nonprofit dedicated to consumer information and taking on woke corporations, launched a new campaign Thursday targeting insurance giant Chubb Limited and its CEO Evan Greenberg, alleging ‘deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).’

            The campaign, which is facing pushback from a Chubb official and a pair of renowned China hawks accusing the nonprofit of misrepresenting Greenberg’s view, is part of a seven-figure initiative titled ‘China Chubb.’ The campaign accuses the insurance company and its chief executive of ‘cozying up to the CCP’ and ‘using their market power and resources to push a woke, political agenda on the American people.’

            The effort falls under Consumers’ Research’s Consumers First Initiative, aimed at exposing companies the group claims put politics ahead of consumers. Chubb’s business reaches across 54 countries, including China, territories, all 50 states and employs over 40,000 people worldwide.

            Consumers’ Research says the campaign will include a national 30-second television advertisement titled ‘China Chubb,’ which will begin airing across the country following the launch. 

            The campaign also features a new website, ChinaChubb.com, a mobile billboard that will circulate throughout Washington, D.C., including Capitol Hill and Chubb’s Washington office, as well as a targeted digital push with sponsored content on social media platforms and online news outlets.

            The ad campaign received a sharp rebuke from a Chubb spokesperson, who called it ‘completely dishonest’ in a statement to Fox News Digital. 

            ‘Evan has called out China’s authoritarian approach and predatory practices. He has repeatedly called for the U.S. to stand up and defend its interests,’ the spokesperson said. 

            Robert O’Brien, former National Security Adviser to President Donald Trump, also pushed back on the ad in a statement to Fox News Digital. 

            ‘I’ve worked with Evan Greenberg for several years now on American relations with China,’ O’Brien said. ‘In my dealings with Evan, he has been a proponent of U.S. interests in the region. Through its operations in China, his company has contributed to shrinking the U.S. trade deficit.’

            However, a Fox News Digital review found that Greenberg has personal and professional entanglements with the CCP, including meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and offering public statements praising the CCP’s global vision.

            Earlier this year, Greenberg reportedly attended China’s prestigious China Development Forum alongside executives like Blackstone’s Stephen Schwarzman and Mastercard’s Michael Miebach. The annual forum, which includes delegates from all over the world, also includes access to dozens of top CCP officials, according to a list of delegates released earlier this year.

            During this same week, Greenberg was pictured in a press release posted by the Chinese government showing him shaking hands with Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, a top CCP position. The press release paraphrased Greenberg saying, ‘U.S.-China relationship is the most significant bilateral relationship in the world.’

            In 2024, Greenberg was photographed not only shaking hands with Xi in Beijing as Chair of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, but was also offering glowing remarks about China’s ‘resilience and vitality.’ 

            ‘China’s exceptional economic growth and transformation over the past decades speak to its strong resilience and vitality,’ Greenberg said.

            In November 2023, he introduced Xi at a San Francisco event.

            ‘Like many others in this room, I believe that a strong and prosperous China that supports and invests in the international system can be a force for good in the world,’ Greenberg said at that event. 

            ‘We are gathered today to gain insight from President Xi into his vision for the future of his country, and of the relationship between the United States and China. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in warmly welcoming President Xi Jinping.’

            That same month, Evan Greenberg was elected Board Chair of the National Committee on
            U.S.-China Relations after having been ‘an exemplary’ board member and officer of the National Committee and ‘supporting the Committee’s mission.’ The National Committee on U.S.-China Relations sold $40,000 tickets to Americans and American businesses to sit at Xi Jinping’s table during the welcome banquet in San Francisco featuring several other senior CCP officials and guests, which got slammed in a scathing letter from the House Select Committee on the CCP.

            In 2022, Xi sent personal greetings to a gala honoring Greenberg. Meanwhile, Greenberg sits on the advisory board of Tsinghua University School of Economics & Management, an institution tied directly to China’s national security and defense apparatus. That university operates under a wing of the Chinese government known for defense tech development — a connection that would likely raise red flags for any U.S. executive overseeing sensitive insurance data.

            Greenberg is not the only prominent American business leader serving on that board, a group that includes Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein, and Apple CEO Tim Cook. 

            Greenberg has also called on the U.S. to ‘tone down rhetoric around Taiwan’ and slamming efforts to contain the CCP as ‘self-isolating’ and doomed to fail. In shareholder letters, he’s warned against treating U.S.-China competition as a ‘new cold war,’ and labeled some American trade protections as ‘wrongheaded’ and ‘unwise.’

            Greenberg has acknowledged the complicated nature of the Taiwan situation, however.

            ‘Taiwan presents the most proximate risk of conflict for the U.S.-China relationship,’ he said in 2022. ‘Beijing has made its ambition clear that it wants to pull Taiwan into its orbit and, increasingly, is matching resources to its ambitions. Washington is improving coordination with allies to collectively deter China from using force, while at the same time supporting Taiwan’s efforts to improve its self-defense.’

            Also in 2022, Chubb secured Chinese government approval to acquire majority control of Huatai Insurance Group, a Chinese firm with over $10 billion in assets. That stake has since grown to 85.5%. Meanwhile, Greenberg’s father, Hank Greenberg, orchestrated business deals and meetings with CCP officials, including a Xi-endorsed event ahead of a key U.S.-China summit.

            That same year, Greenberg’s father led a group of executives meeting with Chinese officials ahead of Xi’s summit with President Biden in Bali. A think tank affiliated with China’s foreign ministry
            organized the Chinese delegation.

            Additionally, a company owned by Greenberg’s father, C.V. Starr, owns over 90% of a Chinese insurer formerly known as Dazhong. 

            Greenberg has not exclusively been complimentary of China and has voiced concerns and critiques about China, saying last year, ‘China has undermined its appeal in many parts of the region through its revanchist efforts to demand acquiescence to its territorial claims and mismanagement of its own economy.’

            ‘Beijing’s dimming domestic performance is reducing its appeal, and its bullying behavior is driving many countries closer to the United States.’

            A 2022 Chubb annual report states that the U.S. is seeking an Indo-Pacific regions that ‘remains free from Chinese hegemony.’ The insurance company’s 2023 annual report was also critical of China saying, ‘China is viewed both as important and as a source of anxiety for many countries around the world. China is a revisionist and revanchist power that is pursuing a large-scale expansion in military capabilities.’

            Fox News contributor and China expert Michael Pillsbury told Fox News Digital that Greenberg has been playing a role communicating with China to benefit the Trump administration.

            ‘Over the last few months before China accepted President Trump’s request to meet with Xi Jinping, Evan Greenberg played a backstage role to get American complaints by bringing together American CEOs to meet Xi Jinping,’ Pillsbury said. 

            ‘Learning how badly American companies have been treated helps President Trump because he is determined to end outrageous mistreatment of American companies. White House friends of mine tell me Evan Greenberg developed a list of grievances of how badly treated our companies are in China. One CEO even used the term China ‘gangsterizes our companies.’’

            Consumers’ Research Executive Director Will Hild told Fox News Digital that Chubb’s leadership has ignored clear national security warnings about China.

            ‘Despite growing warnings from U.S. intelligence about the risks posed by the Chinese Communist Party, Chubb has invested billions of dollars in Chinese companies and Greenberg continues to treat Chinese President Xi Jinping as a partner and friend, even meeting personally with Xi Jinping and publicly introducing him as a force for good,’ Hild said.

            ‘As the saying goes, your friends show who you really are and Greenberg’s actions have made it clear he is all in on the CCP. Our campaign exposes the uncomfortable truth: when American corporations cozy up to Communist dictators and push woke policies at home, they betray not just their country, but their customers,’ he added.

            This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

            When President Donald Trump and Finnish President Alexander Stubb sealed their latest trade agreement on Thursday, it wasn’t just a handshake for 11 rugged ships. 

            It was another sign of a friendship that’s quickly turning into strategy.

            Where other European leaders have tried to win Trump’s respect through policy and persuasion, Stubb chose the fairway. In March, the Finnish president — once a national golf team player — turned up at Mar-a-Lago not with briefing notes, but with clubs, challenging Trump to a round and earning something rarer than a trade deal: rapport.

            Presentation matters to Trump, and Stubb — 6-foot-3, fit and sharply dressed in a double-breasted coat — seemed to meet the moment. When the two last met at the White House in August, Trump told him he ‘looked better than ever’ and introduced him as ‘a young, powerful man.’

            That personal chemistry, maintained through frequent text exchanges, has quietly opened doors for the Finnish president, a longtime marathoner and triathlete with a competitive streak. What’s more, it’s translating into real policy — from defense contracts to Arctic cooperation — elevating the once-quiet Nordic nation to new prominence in Washington.

            It’s an unlikely rise for a country better known for saunas and serenity than for summits. Stubb hails from a nation of 5.6 million that routinely tops the world’s happiness index, where forests blanket nearly 75% of the land and lakes glint by the hundreds of thousands.

            Finland — slightly smaller than the state of Montana and wedged between Sweden and Russia — has long had its security outlook shaped by geography, a position that now places it on the front line of NATO and Arctic strategy.

            The trade deal signed Thursday, for 11 ships valued at roughly $6.1 billion, is the latest sign of how that alignment is taking shape. Under the deal Trump approved, three of the ships will be built by Davie in Galveston, Texas, and four by Bollinger Shipyards in Houma, Louisiana, a setup that aligns with his ‘Made in America’ credo and emphasis on creating U.S. jobs, injecting billions of dollars into the maritime industrial base.

            And when it comes to icebreakers, Helsinki is firmly in its element: Finnish companies design roughly 80% of the world’s fleet.

            Finland’s expertise has made it more than just a supplier. It’s turned Helsinki into a trusted player in Trump’s Arctic strategy, a region increasingly defined by military competition with Russia and China, melting sea routes and access to critical minerals.

            That partnership cuts both ways. For Finland, the agreement deepens defense cooperation with the U.S. and elevates it from NATO newcomer to strategic partner, a bridge linking Washington to the fast-changing Arctic frontier.

            ‘We are very pleased with the fact that we have so much training going on with American soldiers right now. They are getting experience from our Arctic conditions, and we are integrating our militaries together,’ Stubb said during a meeting in the Oval Office Thursday. 

            For now, Stubb’s rapport with Trump has turned the fairway into a diplomatic fast track. Whether that personal chemistry endures amid shifting politics remains to be seen, but, for Finland, the gains are already tangible. 

            Stubb has learned what some other global counterparts haven’t. With Trump, a well-timed drive can travel farther than any policy memo. And, so far, that lesson is paying off for both men.

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