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Investing in oil stocks can be a lucrative endeavor, but determining the right time to enter a sector known for volatile swings can be tricky.

Over the past five years, the oil market’s inherent volatility has been on clear display. Major declines in consumption brought on by the COVID-19 lockdowns was followed by oil prices surging to US$122 per barrel for Brent and US$115 per barrel for Western Texas Intermediate (WTI) in mid-2022, as the world economy began to recover and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine led to the consequent sanctions on Russian oil.

In 2023, oil prices experienced significant volatility. Fears of a global recession gave rise to bearish sentiment over much of the oil sector and pushed Brent prices as low as US$67 and WTI as low as US$64 per barrel in the first half of the year. Despite a Q3 spike in Brent above the US$98 level and WTI above US$90, oil prices trended back down in Q4 to dip below US$78 for Brent and US$71 for WTI even with conflict escalating in the Middle East.

In 2024, the oil market experienced a relatively stable but downward-trending year overall. As tensions flared up between Iran and Israel in the Middle East, prices for Brent and WTI respectively peaked at around US$93 and US$88 per barrel in mid-April. In the second half of the year, record US production and sluggish global demand growth, particularly in China, pushed prices down to below US$70 for Brent and US$65 for WTI.

In 2025, volatility was very much in play for global oil markets. Some of the biggest factors driving that volatility were OPEC+ production hikes, weaker demand from major economies like China and US President Donald Trump’s tariff wars. Brent and WTI crude both started the year above US$70 per barrel but late in the year, Brent dipped below US$60 per barrel and WTI fell as low as US$55 per barrel.

Since the start of 2026, the price of Brent crude oil has climbed by nearly 9 percent to US$66.37 per barrel and WTI crude oil is up by 8 percent to US$61.90 per barrel as of January 14 as geopolitical risks continue to threaten supply despite broader market oversupply pressures.

In this article:

    How do energy stocks compare to broader equities?

    Energy stocks performed positively in 2025, with the S&P 500 Energy index posting a gain of 4.96 percent for the year, although the sector lagged that of the broader S&P 500’s (INDEXSP:.INX) gain of 17.25 percent during the same period. Still, this was an improved performance over the 2.31 percent returns the energy sector posted in 2024 compared with the 23.3 percent gains made in the broader S&P 500.

    Oil stock prices typically track oil prices, but that was not the case in 2025. Many major oil stocks performed relatively well in the face of declining oil prices. Those oil companies seeing share price appreciation were more likely to be led by fiscally responsible management teams that were able to achieve debt minimization and strong cash flows even with lower oil prices.

    What will be the story in 2026?

    Trends impacting the oil market in 2026 and beyond

    In 2026, the outlook for the global oil market is looking bearish, as analysts are projecting a decline in oil prices due to a supply surplus.

    In mid-January, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) put forward a forecast predicting an average WTI crude oil price of US$52 per barrel for this year, and US$50 per barrel in 2027. As for Brent crude oil, the EIA forecast average prices of US$56 in 2026 and US$54 in 2027.

    These forecasts predict oil prices will decrease due to a number of trends, mainly rising inventories as production exceeds demand, a slowdown in economic growth and the adoption of renewable energy technologies. In addition, the geopolitical conflicts in Venezuela and the Middle East are expected to cause oil price volatility this year.

    Year of the glut?

    Arguably the biggest factor influencing the oil market this year will be the outsized surplus, leading some analysts to call 2026 the “year of the glut.”

    Deloitte is forecasting the largest oversupply in the oil markets since the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “The oversupply is real, and while demand and economies are waking up and moving forward, they’re not moving forward at the robust rates that we might hope,” Andrew Botterill, a partner at Deloitte Canada and lead author of the report. “We see ourselves in a big oversupply situation right now of about three million barrels a day. We should expect downward pressure on prices, especially in the first half of the year.”

    OPEC has a differing outlook for this year. Rather than a supply glut, the group of oil exporting nations sees a near balance emerging between supply and demand for 2026. Regardless, OPEC+ plans to pause its planned production hikes for the first quarter of the year.

    China’s oil demand

    As the world’s second most populous country, China is unsurprisingly the world’s second largest consumer of oil (after the United States) and the largest net importer of the energy fuel. With well over half of its imports coming from OPEC member countries, Chinese demand can strongly influence the oil market.

    China’s oil demand is forecast to slow this year as its economy struggles, and electric vehicles continue to replace internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles on its roads. The Asian nation’s economy is continuing to struggle with a beleaguered property sector, declining consumer confidence and debt-burdened local governments. Still, the World Bank is forecasting a 4.4 percent growth rate for China’s economy in 2026.

    Although China continues to import oil, a large portion is going toward strategic stockpiling rather than industrial consumption. Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) expects the nation to add 500,000 barrels per day to its inventories over the next five quarters in order to bolster its energy security, Bloomberg reported in September.

    Renewable energy’s market share

    Renewable energy sources are increasingly taking up a larger share of the overall energy mix, although oil and gas continue to represent the largest share of the pie.

    Another consideration is the continuing growth of electric vehicle sales. Global sales reached a record 20.7 million units in 2025, up 20 percent over 2024.

    However, the growth rate varied significantly by region. For example, the US market experienced a mere 1 percent growth rate, while the Canadian EV market saw a 41 percent decline in sales. On the other hand, EV sales in China grew 17 percent, and in Europe they grew by 33 percent.

    Despite the record growth, EVs still remain an economic luxury for the general North American consumer concerned with not only the price, but also the lack of charging infrastructure. US President Donald Trump’s negative stance toward the renewable energy sector is also hindering growth in the US market.

    As of 2026, ICE vehicles still dominate the global vehicle market compared to EVs, and that looks set to continue in the near future. In a late 2025 survey of potential car buyers from 28 countries, 50 percent of respondents said they plan to buy an ICE vehicle in the following 24 months, while 14 percent planned to buy an EV and 16 percent, a hybrid vehicle.

    US oil production

    After reaching record levels in 2025, US oil production is expected to decline this year. According to the EIA, the country’s oil production came in at 13.61 million barrels per day in 2025. That number is forecast to lower to 13.53 million barrels per day in 2026 as lower prices for the commodity are reducing the incentive for oil companies to drill new wells.

    US foreign policy and interventions in Venezuela and the Middle East are also likely to influence global oil markets this year.

    Venezuela, largest oil reserves in the world

    In January 2026, US forces removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from the country and the Trump administration seized control of Venezuela’s state oil company. The US government is now moving to liquidate up to 50 million barrels of heavy crude oil from Venezuela on global markets, with funds from the sales added to US accounts. It also said it plans to modernize and upgrade the country’s oil infrastructure and electricity grid to increase Venezuela’s oil production, which totaled 800,000 barrels per day in 2025.

    Venezuela holds an oil reserve of 303 billion barrels, and if the administration were to succeed in these plans it could have major implications for oil prices in the years ahead. Additionally, an influx of Venezuelan oil lowering global prices could further disincentivize domestic production in the United States.

    However, analysts warn it will take many years, tens of billions of dollars in capital expenditures and buy-in from US oil majors to restore the country’s once vibrant oil industry due to the state of the neglected infrastructure.

    This would also require US oil majors to take the risk of investing in these upgrades. Venezuela’s heavy crude is suited for US Gulf Coast refineries, including major refiners like ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM). However, Exxon’s CEO commented that the country is currently ‘uninvestable’ and the company would require durable investment protections and buy-in from the Venezuelan people to begin operations in the country.

    “Industry estimates suggest production could recover toward 2 million barrels per day (up 500,000 – 1 million bpd from current levels) within one to two years under favorable conditions,” according to a report by TD Securities. “Beyond that, at least $20 billion worth of investment and a timeline spanning towards 10 years would be needed to add an incremental 500,000 bpd worth of production, with some $50 billion – $60 billion of investment required to return to 1998 levels.”

    Middle East conflict

    There are a number of major geopolitical conflicts playing out across the globe that have the potential to impact both oil production and transport, leading to higher prices for the commodity. Conflicts in the Middle East, responsible for a vast majority of global oil production, are of great consequence to the market.

    So far in 2026, Iran is the center of conflict in the Middle East due to widespread protests against the government, which the government has responded to by killing thousands of protestors. Initially, the US weighed military intervention in response, and threatened tariffs on countries doing business with Iran. The ramifications of the Iran-US tensions have the ability to impact other regions of the market, especially China.

    By the end of January, Trump was considering ‘airstrikes aimed at Iran’s leaders and the security officials believed to be responsible for the killings, as well as strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and government institutions,’ CNN reported.

    Is now a good time to invest in oil stocks?

    The investment landscape for oil stocks in 2026 is complicated by ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Another major complication is the projected supply glut that has the potential to depress prices.

    Whether analysts take a bearish or a bullish view on the outlook for global oil stocks in 2026, all would agree that investors will find the best value in high-quality companies with strong balance sheets that can weather lower pricing environments.

    Lower share prices can offer a buying opportunity for investors who believe oil stocks will eventually recover and are open to holding the stocks long-term.

    How to invest in oil stocks?

    Of course, investors will need to do their own due diligence to determine if oil stocks are right for their portfolio and which stocks are the best bet.

    Finally, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer an excellent avenue to investing in the oil sector as they allow for exposure to a diversified portfolio rather than a single stock. There are several oil ETFs available to investors, including options such as the iShares Global Energy Sector ETF (ARCA:IXC), the United States Oil Fund (ARCA:USO), and the SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (ARCA:XOP).

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

    This post appeared first on investingnews.com

    Gold and silver’s historic price rises are raising questions about the broader state of the world.

    For Mark Moss, the surges reflect a deeper breakdown of trust in sovereign currencies.

    “The real driver is not inflation,” the investor and commentator emphasized during a fireside chat at the recent Vancouver Resource Investment Conference. “The real driver is trust.”

    Many investors remain focused on short-term price signals and conventional indicators, such as real interest rates, while overlooking deeper forces shaping capital allocation. According to Moss, the current state of the market favors long-term allocation. In his view, conviction — not timing — should guide investment decisions.

    “You can’t borrow someone else’s conviction,” he said. “You have to start to learn to build your own thesis, and then you have to learn to look to find things that either confirm that thesis or deny that thesis.”

    Precious metals are continuing a powerful price rally that began last year.

    The gold price broke above US$5,500 per ounce for the first time on Wednesday (January 28), while silver broke through the triple-digit level last week and has continued rising, passing US$119 per ounce.

    These moves are happening amid escalating geopolitical and policy uncertainty. However, Moss cautioned against focusing on shorter-term gold and silver price drivers, instead pointing to what he described as a fundamental dilemma facing governments with rising debt burdens — a dynamic he said is reshaping global capital flows.

    Referencing comments by hedge fund founder Ray Dalio at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Moss described a “rock and a hard place” scenario. Governments face a choice between allowing debt crises that risk defaults and asset collapses, or continuing to expand money supply in ways that erode purchasing power.

    “Either they have option one, the rock, which is a sovereign debt crisis, asset prices plunging — that’s what everybody’s kind of thinking. The markets are going to crash. My home values, my retirement value is going to crash. But the problem with that is they lose everything. They get wiped out, they have massive civil unrest,’ he said.

    “And then the hard place is they can print the money. And so of course, they’ll always choose to bring the money.’

    As a result, large institutional and sovereign investors face losses whether governments default or inflate, prompting a reassessment of traditional reserve assets. Moss said gold has emerged as one response to that reassessment, alongside broader interest in commodities and critical minerals. He further pointed to continued central bank gold buying as a signal that confidence in fiat currencies and the post-war financial order is weakening.

    According to the World Gold Council, central banks have been purchasing gold at record levels in recent years.

    Moss cited Poland as a notable example, describing it as a close US ally that has nonetheless been accumulating gold aggressively. Other large entities are following the same strategy — Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, recently revealed that part of its long-term plan is the stockpiling of gold in a Swiss bunker.

    Gold’s rally is built on a strong multi-year advance. After starting 2025 at around US$2,640, the price had climbed to roughly US$3,200 by April before trading in a narrow range through the summer.

    Momentum returned in late August, carrying gold above US$4,300 by mid-October. While the price briefly dipped below US$4,000 during a subsequent pullback, the retracement proved shallower and shorter than many market watchers expected. Gold resumed its ascent in mid-November and accelerated sharply toward the end of 2025.

    Right now, the status quo is in favor of precious metals.

    Regardless, Moss returned to the importance of taking a long-term perspective, stating that investors who fixate on short-term price moves risk missing the broader shift underway as trust dynamics change across the global economy.

    “If you’re trying to understand why the price of gold dipped from US$5,000 and now it’s US$4,800, I can’t really help you with that,” Moss said. “But we understand the direction that’s at hand.”

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

    This post appeared first on investingnews.com

    Platinum may be rare, but it is the third most-traded precious metal in the world, behind gold and silver.

    The world’s platinum demand varies widely across many sectors. Most notably, platinum metal is used in autocatalysts and jewelry, as well as for medical and industrial purposes. Those interested in investing in platinum would do well to be aware of the many platinum uses. After all, by knowing which industries require platinum, it’s possible to understand supply and demand dynamics, and to be aware of how the precious metal’s price may move in the future.

    With that in mind, here’s a list of the four main platinum uses. Scroll on to learn more about platinum’s key applications.

    In this article

      1. Autocatalysts

      One of the main platinum uses is in the construction of autocatalysts. An autocatalyst is a “cylinder of circular or elliptical cross section made from ceramic or metal formed into a fine honeycomb and coated with a solution of chemicals and platinum group metals.” An autocatalyst mounted inside a stainless steel canister is known as a catalytic converter.

      Catalytic converters are installed in a vehicle’s exhaust lines, between the engine and muffler, where they are used to moderate the dangerous qualities of exhaust. Specifically, the autocatalysts that vehicles contain convert over 90 percent of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapor. They can also convert pollutants from diesel exhaust into carbon dioxide and water vapor, which is immensely helpful in reducing pollution.

      Autocatalysts have been used in the US and Japan since 1974, and are now so common that over 95 percent of new vehicles sold each year have one. As a result, they are a significant source of platinum demand that is not likely to disappear in the future. Indeed, as pollution rules become more stringent, car companies are looking at creating even more efficient autocatalysts.

      According to data from the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC), automotive demand is forecasted to fall 3 percent to 3.02 million ounces in 2025 before falling another 3 percent to 2.92 million ounces in 2026.

      2. Platinum jewelry

      Platinum has many qualities that make it ideal for use in jewelry, and that is the second largest source of platinum demand. The metal is strong, resists tarnish and can repeatedly be heated and cooled without hardening or oxidizing.

      When used to make jewelry, platinum is commonly alloyed with other platinum-group metals such as palladium, as well as copper and cobalt, so that it is easier to work with.

      The history of platinum jewelry is long. More than 2,000 years ago, Indigenous people in South America made rings and ornaments out of platinum. Egyptians used platinum for decoration as early as the 7th century BCE. Meanwhile, Europeans began to use the metal in jewelry in the 18th century. Currently, China is the largest market for platinum jewelry.

      The WPIC expected platinum demand for jewelry was expected to increase 7 percent year-over-year to 2.16 million ounces in 2025, then decline 6 percent in 2026 to 2.04 million ounces.

      3. Industrial applications

      Platinum’s industrial applications could fill a book all on their own. For instance, platinum catalysts are used to manufacture fertilizer ingredients, and the metal is a key component in silicones, hard disks, electronics, dental restoration, glass-manufacturing equipment and sensors in home safety devices.

      Another platinum use is in the construction of hard drives with extremely high storage densities. And, because it is reactive to oxygen, oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide, platinum can be used to detect changes in the amount of those materials in vehicles and buildings. For the same reason, platinum is also used in medical sensors, particularly medical instruments that measure blood gases, to detect oxygen.

      Among growing segments is platinum’s use as a catalyst in the production of green hydrogen. Similar to how the metal is used to convert automotive pollutants, it can also be used as an electrolyzer to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen, with the resulting hydrogen usable in emission-free fuel cell vehicles. In 2025, demand from hydrogen production is predicted to grow by 20 percent to 50 million ounces, then increasing another 36 percent in 2026 to 58,000 ounces.

      Overall, WPIC forecast that industrial demand for platinum, including medical demand, would fall 22 percent to 1.9 million ounces in 2025 before growing 9 percent to 2.08 million ounces in 2026.

      4. Medical applications

      Platinum is used in electronic medical devices like those mentioned above, as well as in catheters, stents and neuromodulation devices. It is ideal for these applications because of its durability, conductivity and biocompatibility. The metal is also inert within the body, making it safe for implantation.

      To meet other medical needs, platinum can be formed into rods, wires, ribbons, sheets and micromachined parts. Further, it helps fight cancer in the drugs cisplatin and carboplatin, which are widely used to treat testicular cancer, as well as ovarian, breast and lung cancer tumors.

      Medical demand for platinum has increased in recent years, and is forecast to rise 4 percent to 320,000 ounces in 2025 and another 4 percent to 322,000 ounces in 2026.

      FAQs about platinum

      How much is platinum worth?

      In 2026, the price of platinum has spiked significantly as part of a precious metals bull market trading as high as US$2,900. In 2025, the PGM ranged between US$960 and US$1,900 per ounce.

      Although the industry is facing a growing supply deficit, it is also dealing with lagging demand. The shortfall in supply is related to a hangover from COVID-19 lockdowns, Russia’s war in Ukraine and ongoing electricity shortages and railway issues in the top platinum producing country South Africa. Russia typically ranks as the world’s second largest platinum-producing country.

      Meanwhile, economic pressures worldwide have weighed on demand for platinum from the automotive industry. However, the same economic challenges have led to less demand for electric vehicles, which don’t require platinum-laden catalytic converters.

      Which is more valuable, gold or platinum? Why?

      Platinum in general has historically traded on par or at a premium to gold, but since 2015 the two metals have diverged in price, with gold taking the high road. This split has been attributed to gold’s safe-haven status and platinum’s reliance on the industrial and jewelry markets, which don’t fare well in times of economic uncertainty.

      This has led to increasing demand for platinum jewelry as a cheaper alternative to gold jewelry.

      Although platinum is 30 times rarer than gold, much harder to mine and in high demand due to its important industrial uses, precious metal gold has long been valued as a form of currency and a store of wealth. The gold price is almost double the price of platinum in 2026.

      What’s the best investment, gold or platinum?

      Both gold and platinum have wealth-generating potential, but it’s important to determine which precious metals fit your investment strategy; consider looking at supply, demand and prices for each option before making a decision.

      To learn more, check out our article What is the Best Precious Metal to Invest In?

      Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, 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 Wednesday (January 28) 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$88,867.96, up by 2.0 percent over 24 hours.

      Bitcoin price performance, January 28, 2025.

      Bitcoin price performance, January 28, 2025.

      Chart via TradingView.

      Ether (ETH) was priced at US$2,990.46, up by 3.7 percent over the last 24 hours.

      Altcoin price update

      • XRP (XRP) was priced at US$1.91, up by 2.3 percent over 24 hours.
      • Solana (SOL) was trading at US$126.72, up by 2.9 percent over 24 hours.

      Today’s crypto news to know

      Tether amasses massive gold reserve in Switzerland

      Tether has quietly built what its CEO describes as the world’s largest non-sovereign gold hoard, holding roughly 140 tons of bullion worth about US$23 billion in a high-security Swiss bunker.

      In an interview with Bloomberg, CEO Paolo Ardoino said the company has been buying more than a ton of physical gold per week, a pace that places it among the most active buyers in the global bullion market.

      Executives say the strategy is designed to harden Tether’s balance sheet and hedge against fiat currency risk, particularly for its flagship stablecoin USDT and its gold-backed token XAUT.

      Bullion traders note that sustained, price-insensitive buying of this scale can tighten supply and affect liquidity, especially when central banks and ETFs are also accumulating.

      Critics, however, warn that concentrating so much physical gold in a single private entity adds a new layer of systemic and transparency risk.

      South Dakota revives Bitcoin push

      A South Dakota lawmaker has reintroduced legislation that would allow the state to allocate up to 10 percent of certain public funds to Bitcoin, reviving a proposal that stalled last year.

      Filed by Republican Representative Logan Manhart, the bill would permit exposure through direct holdings, regulated custodians, or approved exchange-traded products. It also sets out strict custody and security standards, including exclusive control of private keys, encrypted hardware storage, and regular audits.

      The measure has cleared its first procedural hurdle and is now with the state’s Committee on Commerce and Energy.

      Similar initiatives have gained traction elsewhere, with several US states exploring or adopting crypto reserve strategies.

      Paypal survey: large enterprises lead crypto payments adoption

      Crypto payments are moving closer to routine checkout, driven largely by big businesses, according to a new survey from PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL) and the National Cryptocurrency Association.

      The survey found that about 40 percent of U.S. merchants now accept cryptocurrency, rising to 50% among companies with more than US$500 million in annual revenue.

      Merchants cited growing customer demand as the main driver, with most saying shoppers have asked about paying with crypto and expect to use it regularly.

      Ease of use remains the key barrier: respondents said adoption would accelerate if crypto payments felt as simple as card transactions.

      PayPal said this demand is shaping product design, as firms look to integrate crypto without disrupting existing checkout flows.

      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

      The US Federal Reserve held its first meeting of 2026 from Tuesday (January 27) to Wednesday (January 28) amid growing tensions between Fed independence and the Trump administration.

      The central bank met analysts’ expectations by maintaining the federal funds rate in the 3.5 to 3.75 percent range. After three consecutive cuts at the end of 2025, the Fed decided to hold the line on interest rates. The board welcomed some positive signs of stabilization in the US economy, but has decided to take a “wait-and-see” approach.

      The Fed has a dual mandate to promote maximum employment and price stability.

      For several months now, its Board of Governors has been split between those concerned with preventing a further slowdown in the US labor market and those fearing the fight against inflation is far from over.

      The Fed’s preferred inflation metric, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, came in above the 2 percent target, landing at 2.8 percent for November 2025. Meanwhile, Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that the US economy added a modest 50,000 jobs in December 2025 compared to 56,000 jobs added in the previous month.

      A weak labor market in the face of entrenched inflation has left the Fed in a pickle.

      Lowering rates in turn lowers the cost of borrowing, which can provide businesses with more runway to grow their workforce. However, increasing available money supply by easing access to borrowing can also increase inflation.

      The split between doves and hawks that began in late 2025 is still plaguing the Fed into the new year, which promises to see current Chair Jerome Powell replaced with someone more likely to be on board with the much lower rate environment desired by the Trump administration. Two Fed board members cast dissenting votes against holding rates steady, including Governor Stephen Miran and Governor Christopher Waller, who both pushed for a 0.25 percent cut.

      “Economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace,” explained the Fed. “Job gains have remained low, and the unemployment rate has shown some signs of stabilization. Inflation remains somewhat elevated.”

      The unemployment rate ended 2025 at 4.4 percent. While that’s historically low, data also shows limited job vacancies, and low rates of new hiring. Business Insider reporter Madison Hoff notes that economists are calling this a “low-fire, low-hire environment” due to uncertainty over where the economy is headed.

      “It’s likely Fed leaders will stick to the status quo in January, in hopes that steady rates will push inflation closer to their 2% goal,” she wrote. “Affordability is a major concern for American households, as prices rise on housing, groceries, healthcare, and more. Powell has consistently prioritized price stability during his time as chair.”

      During a press conference following the rate decision, Powell was careful not to commit to any future rate cut timeline. While the board still sees “some tension between employment and inflation,” that is moderating, and the Fed no longer sees any big risk either of accelerated inflation or a further significant breakdown in the labor market.

      There’s also not much chance of a rate hike, either.

      “We don’t take things off the table, but it isn’t anybody’s base case right now,” said Powell.

      While PCE remains elevated at 2.8 percent, Powell noted that if the impact of tariffs were removed that figure would be hovering just above 2 percent. He explained that the Fed thinks this impact is largely in the rear-view mirror now.

      Any day now, US President Donald Trump is expected to announce a replacement for Powell, whose term expires in May 2026. Trump has criticized the Fed and Powell in particular, saying they haven’t lowered rates quickly enough.

      On October 27, US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent announced a shortlist of candidates to replace Powell, including Fed governors Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh and BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) executive Rick Rieder.

      The Wall Street heavyweight is reportedly the favored candidate at the moment.

      “Under Warsh, the Fed would likely signal a preference for a smaller footprint. Despite recent support for near-term rate cuts, his longer-standing views favor a scarce-reserves framework and balance-sheet reduction, which markets would associate with higher term premium and greater yield-curve volatility,” he added.

      Trump’s feud with the Fed escalated earlier this month, when the US Department of Justice served the agency with grand jury subpoenas, threatening a criminal indictment over Powell’s testimony to the Senate Banking Committee this past June. In addition to that, last week, the Supreme Court sat for oral arguments over whether Trump can legally remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook from her position over allegations of mortgage fraud.

      Although Powell batted away any political questions from reporters during the press conference, he did acknowledge that the Supreme Court case between Trump and Cook is the most “important legal case in the Fed’s 113-year history.’

      The gold price spiked to a new high of US$5,361.31 per ounce after the Fed’s decision, although much of that boost likely came from a much weaker US dollar, which is trading at four year lows. Silver traded in a range of US$110 to US$116 per ounce, just below the all-time high of US$117.72 per ounce set on Monday (January 26).

      Equities reactions were fairly muted following the rate announcement on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 (INDEXSP:INX) up 0.083 percent to reach 6,972.78. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq-100 (INDEXNASDAQ:NDX) gained 0.31 percent to come in at 26,020.9, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) was down 0.0064 percent, coming to 49,000.29. It seems Wall Street had already factored in the Fed’s decision to hold.

      The next Fed interest rate decision will come on March 18, the second to last Fed meeting before Powell’s term as chair comes to an end. Most analysts expect interest rates to remain in a holding pattern until the second half of 2026.

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

      This post appeared first on investingnews.com

      Rua Gold INC. (TSXV: RUA,OTC:NZAUF) (OTCQB: NZAUF) (‘Rua Gold’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced upsized private placement (the ‘LIFE Offering’) of 22,727,200 common shares in the capital of the Company (each, a ‘Common Share’) for gross proceeds of $24,999,920 and concurrent upsized private placement (the ‘Concurrent Offering’ and together with the LIFE Offering, the ‘Offering’) of 7,273,454 Common Shares for gross proceeds of approximately $8,000,800. Pursuant to the Offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 30,000,654 Common Shares at $1.10 per Common Share (the ‘Offering Price’) for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $33,000,720.

      Raymond James Ltd. and Cormark Securities Inc. acted as co-lead agents and joint bookrunners in connection with the LIFE Offering, together with Beacon Securities Limited (collectively, the ‘Agents’).

      The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for exploration and development activities on the Company’s Reefton Project and Glamorgan Project, both located in New Zealand, and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

      Robert Eckford, CEO of Rua Gold commented: ‘We are excited to close our upsized financing with lead participation from two very well regarded new institutional investors taking our institutional ownership to over 40% of our share count. The endorsement by this group of sophisticated investors supports the strong conviction in both uncovering the potential of our undrilled epithermal opportunity in Glamorgan on the North Island of New Zealand, as well as supporting the execution of our fast tracked plan to production in the Reefton Goldfield on New Zealand’s South Island.

      The proceeds from this financing will enable us to accelerate exploration efforts and unlock the project’s high-grade potential. We sincerely appreciate the confidence placed in our team and strategy by these valued partners, and we look forward to delivering meaningful progress and long-term value for all stakeholders in the months and years ahead.’

      Pursuant to an agency agreement among the Company and the Agents dated January 28, 2026, the Company: (i) paid a cash fee of approximately $1,359,800 to the Agents; and (ii) issued 1,236,182 compensation warrants (the ‘Compensation Warrants’) to the Agents. Each Compensation Warrant is exercisable into one Common Share at the Offering Price for a term of two years expiring on January 28, 2028. In addition, the Company (i) paid a cash fee of approximately $133,925 to eligible finders relating to subscribers under the president’s list and (ii) issued 121,840 non-transferable finder’s warrants (‘Finder Warrants’) to the Finders. Each Finder Warrant is exercisable into one Common Share at the Offering Price for a term of two years expiring on January 28, 2028.

      The Common Shares sold under the LIFE Offering were issued pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption available under National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 – Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption, in each of the provinces and territories of Canada other than Quebec. The Common Shares were also offered for sale in the United States pursuant to available exemptions from the registration requirements under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘U.S. Securities Act’). The Common Shares issued under the LIFE Offering will not be subject to a statutory hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. The Concurrent Offering was completed pursuant to applicable exemptions from prospectus requirements under applicable securities laws. The Common Shares issued pursuant to the Concurrent Offering are subject to a statutory hold period in Canada expiring four months and one day expiring on May 29, 2026. The Offering remains subject to the final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange (‘TSXV’).

      This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein in the United States. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

      Option and DSU Grant

      The Company granted 1,375,000 options (each, an ‘Option’) to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company in accordance the Company’s stock option plan dated July 24, 2024. Each Option is exercisable into one Common Share at an exercise price of $1.43 per Common Share for five years following the date of grant. The Options are subject to a 3-year vesting period with 458,328 Options vesting on January 28, 2027, 458,333 Options vesting on January 28, 2028, and 458,339 Options vesting on January 28, 2029.

      The Company also announces the grant of 100,000 deferred share units (‘DSUs’) to non-executive directors of the Company at a deemed price of $1.43 per DSU, in accordance with the Company’s DSU Plan dated July 24, 2024. The DSUs are subject to a one-year vesting. Each DSU entitles the holder to receive one Common Share at the time the holder ceases to be a director of the Company.

      About Rua Gold

      Rua Gold is an exploration company, strategically focused on New Zealand. With decades of expertise, their team has successfully taken major discoveries into producing world-class mines across multiple continents. The team is focused on maximizing the asset potential of Rua Gold’s two highly prospective high-grade gold projects.

      The Company controls the Reefton Gold District as the dominant landholder in the Reefton Goldfield on New Zealand’s South Island with over 120,000 hectares of tenements, in a district that historically produced over 2Moz of gold grading between 9 and 50g/t.

      The Company’s Glamorgan Project solidifies Rua Gold’s position as a leading high-grade gold explorer on New Zealand’s North Island. This highly prospective project is located within the North Islands’ Hauraki district, a region that has produced an impressive 15Moz of gold and 60Moz of silver. Glamorgan is adjacent to OceanaGold Corporation’s biggest gold mining project, Wharekirauponga.

      Robert Eckford
      Chief Executive Officer

      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
      Robert Eckford
      Phone: (604) 655-7354
      Email: reckford@ruagold.com

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

      Forward-Looking Information

      This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed ‘forward-looking statements’. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words ‘expects’, ‘plans’, ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘estimates’, ‘projects’, ‘potential’ and similar expressions, or that events or conditions ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘may’, ‘could’ or ‘should’ occur and specifically include statements regarding: the Company’s strategies, expectations, planned operations or future actions including but not limited to exploration programs at its New Zealand properties; the intended use of the net proceeds of the Offering; and the final acceptance of the TSXV with respect to the Offering. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

      Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. A variety of inherent risks, uncertainties and factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, affect the operations, performance and results of the Company and its business, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Some of these risks, uncertainties and factors include: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; risks related to the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war; risks related to climate change; operational risks in exploration, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration projects or capital expenditures; the actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; changes in labour costs and other costs and expenses or equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, including but not limited to environmental hazards, flooding or unfavorable operating conditions and losses, insurrection or war, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing, and commodity prices. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements and reference should also be made to the Company’s documents filed under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca for a description of additional risk factors.

      Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

      This news release is intended for distribution in Canada only and is not intended for distribution to United States newswire services or dissemination in the United States.

      To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281947

      News Provided by TMX Newsfile via QuoteMedia

      This post appeared first on investingnews.com

      Strategic Minerals plc (AIM: SML; USOTC: SMCDF), an international mineral exploration and production company, is delighted to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Cornwall Resources Limited (‘CRL’), has received assay results from drillhole CRD036 – the first from Pad 2 within the Redmoor Tungsten-Tin-Copper Project (‘Redmoor’) in southeast Cornwall – including further confirmation high-grades of tungsten and tin within the Sheeted Vein System (‘SVS’).

      CRD036 was aimed at twinning*1 historical drillholes and identifying mineralised continuity at shallower depths and within a hole designed to intersect a higher-grade, tin-dominant portion of the high-grade tungsten deposit.

      Highlights:

      Tin downhole intersections

      • · High-grade intersections from new tin-dominant zones include:
        • 0.50m @ 1.26% Sn, 0.02% Cu & 0.02% WO3 (1.06% WO3.Eq) from 314.82 m
        • 0.95m @ 1.18% Sn, 0.01% Cu & 0.02% WO3 (0.99% WO3.Eq) from 336.05 m
        • 0.70m @ 1.92% Sn, 1.09% Cu & 0.37% WO3 (2.23% WO3.Eq) from 383.40 m

      Tungsten downhole intersections

      • High-grade tungsten intersections include:
        • 4.50m @ 0.47% WO3, 0.14% Sn & 0.24% Cu (0.65% WO3.Eq) from 372.50 m
        • 1.00m @ 1.00% WO3, 0.02% Sn & 0.58% Cu (1.17% WO3.Eq) from 406.00 m
        • 0.70m @ 0.86% WO3, 0.07% Sn & 0.82% Cu (1.13% WO3.Eq) from 432.00 m
      • Further high-grade sample intervals, inside broad intersections, including:
        • 18.50 m @ 0.14% WO3, 0.20% Sn & 0.25% Cu (0.37% WO3. Eq) from 371.50 m, (see Figure 1) containing:
          • 0.80m @ 1.02% WO3, 0.09% Sn & 0.45% Cu (1.21% WO3.Eq) from 372.50 m
          • 0.54m @ 1.85% WO3, 0.28% Sn & 0.22% Cu (2.13% WO3.Eq) from 374.51 m

      Copper downhole intersections

      • High-grade intersections include:
        • 1.65m @ 1.09% Cu, 0.05% Sn & 0.23% WO3 (0.56% WO3.Eq) from 401.90 m
        • 1.00m @ 1.03% Cu, 0.04% Sn & 0.01% WO3 (0.32% WO3.Eq) from 415.00 m

      Silver*2

      • CRD036, like previous drill holes, reports elevated silver values in relation to mineralisation within zones that are copper-rich, demonstrated by:
        • 5.10m @ 0.66% Cu, 0.03% Sn & 0.34% WO3, and 15.5g/t Ag from 401.90 m, including 1.65 m @ 33.9 g/t Ag from 401.90 m

      Twinning Results and Model Updates

      Positive results from the drillhole twinning, and new insights into Redmoor deposit, including:

      • Twinning results between CRD036 and RM80_05B & 05C (1980s drillholes) highlight continuity of structures and reproducibility of historical results. This provides confidence for the use of the 1980s drillhole data in the deposit model and Mineral Resource estimate (‘MRE’) thereby reducing future prefeasibility drilling requirements.
      • Drillhole results have returned multiple zones of high-grade tin and copper intersections, supporting the presence and continuity of tin-copper lode structures within the existing Redmoor Mineral Resource, which will be further studied as part of the MRE update – these will be further detailed in a forthcoming update on the new Redmoor deposit model.

      Figure 1: Box photos with sample intervals (Yellow Arrows), highlighting an 18.50m intersection including highlighted high-grade tungsten and tin intervals. All samples are listed in tungsten trioxide equivalent (WO3.Eq).

      Dennis Rowland, CRL Managing Director, said:

      ‘The assay results report a trifecta of high-grade tungsten, tin and copper intersections for the first time from the 2025 programme within a tin-dominant zone of the deposit, along with analytical results for silver – which are being further investigated as part of ongoing metallurgical studies.

      Drillhole results continue to return multiple zones of high-grade tin and copper intersections, supporting the presence and continuity of tin-copper lode structures within the existing Redmoor Mineral Resource, which will be further modelled. This drillhole was designed as a twin of holes drilled by Southwest Minerals (SWM) in the 1980s and provides further confidence in these historical datasets.

      Following the receipt of these results, an update on the new Redmoor deposit model and the outcome of the twinning programme is expected shortly.’

      Mark Burnett, Strategic Minerals Executive Director, said:

      ‘Positive results such as these further highlight Redmoor’s position as the highest-grade, undeveloped tungsten resource in Europe, and amongst the highest grade globally.

      This is a crucial time for critical minerals projects, given significant global supply chain shifts alongside export controls resulting in a marked increase in metal prices and interest in the sector. The Board are focussed on the acceleration of the Redmoor project through an updated mineral resource and planned prefeasibility study (‘PFS’) thereafter. This will be supported by the recently completed fundraise for a significant infill drilling programme, designed to shorten drillhole spacing within the resource, as the major requirement for converting the deposit to an Indicated resource classification ahead of the planned PFS.’

      Detail of analytical results from CRD036

      Table 1: Drillhole collar data for CRD036.

      Pad

      Number

      Collar

      Orientation at Collar

      Total Depth (m)

      Easting (m)

      Northing (m)

      Elevation (m)

      Azimuth (⁰)

      Dip (⁰)

      2

      235710.00

      71254.00

      185

      176

      65

      461.70

      Figure 2: Plan (top-down) view of the previously modelled high-grade domains (gold) used in the 2019 Redmoor MRE, showing CRD036 (in red) and other CRL and SWM drillhole traces (black). CRD036 is an infill hole aimed at testing short-spaced continuity of structure and grade.

      Drill hole CRD036 (see Table 1 & Figure 2) was intentionally drilled to twin historical drilling results and confirm the presence of tin and copper-rich structures historically drilled (drill hole RM80_05B and 05C), along with identifying the higher-grade tin-rich section of the resource and shallower extent of the SVS system. The outcomes of the twinning programme will be further detailed shortly alongside updates to the deposit model, ahead of the MRE update expected Q1 2026.

      Laboratory assay results for drillhole CRD036 have returned further positive results from the current drilling programme, containing high-grade results, with tungsten (WO3) grades reaching 1.85%, copper (Cu) grades reaching 1.09%, and very-high-grade tin (Sn) grades reaching 1.92%, from a zone of the deposit known to be enriched in tin concentrations, coupled with silver (Ag) grades of up to 33.9 g/t correlated with copper mineralisation.

      Table 2 below, contains the details of the composite sample intersections including sample depths, thickness, metal content, and tungsten equivalent calculations, as well as the mineralisation style recorded by CRL geologists. The tungsten equivalent (WO3. Eq.) highlights the value-add from tin and copper to the tungsten grades of the sample intervals. Appendix 1 includes full details of each sample included in these composite intersections.

      Table 2: Highlights of downhole composite sample intersections returned from recently received results from drillhole CRD036 showing interval lengths and subsequent assay results for WO3, Sn & Cu. A tungsten equivalent result has also been calculated. Composited values use a downhole length weighted average of grades.

      Sample Start

      From (m)

      To (m)

      Interval (m)

      WO3 %

      Cu %

      Sn %

      WO3 eq. %

      Comments

      CRL005876-81

      308.72

      315.32

      6.60

      0.02

      0.08

      0.26

      0.25

      Lode-Style Sn Mineralisation

      incl. CRL005876

      308.72

      309.36

      0.64

      0.01

      0.15

      0.38

      0.36

      Lode-Style Sn Mineralisation

      incl. CRL005878

      311.02

      313.00

      1.98

      0.03

      0.05

      0.24

      0.24

      Lode-Style Sn Mineralisation

      and CRL005881

      314.82

      315.32

      0.50

      0.02

      0.02

      1.26

      1.06

      Lode-Style Sn Mineralisation

      CRL005893-95

      333.00

      337.00

      4.00

      0.21

      0.13

      0.37

      0.55

      Lode-Style Sn Mineralisation

      incl. CRL005893

      333.00

      335.00

      2.00

      0.41

      0.09

      0.14

      0.55

      S.V.S Mineralisation

      incl. CRL005895

      336.05

      337.00

      0.95

      0.02

      0.01

      1.18

      0.99

      Lode-Style Sn Mineralisation

      CRL005901-03

      344.95

      348.00

      3.05

      0.16

      0.15

      0.13

      0.31

      Lode-Style + SVS Mineralisation

      incl. CRL005901

      344.95

      345.50

      0.55

      0.01

      0.34

      0.57

      0.57

      Lode-Style Sn Mineralisation

      and CRL005903

      347.05

      348.00

      0.95

      0.52

      0.13

      0.04

      0.59

      S.V.S Mineralisation

      CRL005907-08

      352.00

      354.00

      2.00

      0.00

      0.43

      0.13

      0.22

      Lode-Style Cu+Sn Mineralisation

      CRL005913

      356.60

      357.30

      0.70

      0.45

      0.06

      0.04

      0.51

      S.V.S Mineralisation

      CRL005925-44

      371.50

      390.00

      18.50

      0.14

      0.25

      0.20

      0.37

      S.V.S Mineralisation

      incl. CRL005927-33

      372.50

      377.00

      4.50

      0.47

      0.24

      0.14

      0.65

      S.V.S Mineralisation

      cont. CRL005927

      372.50

      373.30

      0.80

      1.02

      0.45

      0.09

      1.21

      S.V.S Mineralisation

      and CRL005931

      374.51

      375.05

      0.54

      1.85

      0.22

      0.28

      2.13

      S.V.S Mineralisation

      incl. CRL005939

      383.40

      384.10

      0.70

      0.37

      1.09

      1.92

      2.23

      Lode-Style Cu+Sn Mineralisation

      and CRL005944

      389.00

      390.00

      1.00

      0.02

      0.25

      0.36

      0.39

      Lode-Style Sn Mineralisation

      CRL005948

      394.00

      395.00

      1.00

      0.09

      0.50

      0.35

      0.52

      Lode-Style Cu+Sn Mineralisation

      CRL005954-55

      399.00

      401.00

      2.00

      0.02

      0.09

      0.29

      0.28

      Lode-Style Cu+Sn Mineralisation

      CRL005957-61

      401.90

      407.00

      5.10

      0.34

      0.66

      0.03

      0.55

      S.V.S Mineralisation

      incl. CRL005957

      401.90

      403.55

      1.65

      0.23

      1.09

      0.05

      0.56

      S.V.S Mineralisation

      incl. CRL005961

      406.00

      407.00

      1.00

      1.00

      0.58

      0.02

      1.17

      S.V.S Mineralisation

      CRL005963

      408.00

      409.00

      1.00

      0.00

      0.21

      0.32

      0.32

      Lode-Style Cu+Sn Mineralisation

      CRL005966-77

      411.48

      420.77

      9.29

      0.15

      0.39

      0.05

      0.29

      Lode-Style + SVS Mineralisation

      incl. CRL005966-71

      411.48

      415.00

      3.52

      0.18

      0.29

      0.09

      0.33

      S.V.S Mineralisation

      incl. CRL005972

      415.00

      416.00

      1.00

      0.01

      1.03

      0.04

      0.32

      Lode-Style Cu Mineralisation

      and CRL005975

      418.00

      420.77

      2.77

      0.22

      0.47

      0.02

      0.37

      S.V.S Mineralisation

      CRL005982-84

      425.96

      428.78

      2.82

      0.16

      0.56

      0.08

      0.38

      S.V.S Mineralisation

      incl. CRL005982

      425.96

      426.9

      0.94

      0.45

      0.51

      0.07

      0.64

      S.V.S Mineralisation

      CRL005988

      432.00

      432.70

      0.70

      0.86

      0.82

      0.07

      1.13

      S.V.S Mineralisation

      Note*1 Twinned drillholes refer to new CRL drillholes which are aimed to intersect SVS mineralisation in close proximity to previous historical drilling undertaken by South West Minerals in 1978-1982, in order to verify the robustness of the historical drilling data, as well as test the continuity/reproducibility of grade and structure across the spacing between the drillholes.

      Note*2 Further silver analysis and commentary will follow completion of metallurgical testworks and resource modelling, noting there is no assumption at this stage that silver will be recoverable or economically reportable in the Mineral Resource.

      Note*3 Tungsten Equivalent (WO3.Eq) Calculation: WO₃ (EQ)% = WO₃%+(Sn% x 0.82) + (Cu% x 0.27)

      Commodity price assumptions: WO₃ US$ 43,000/t, Sn US$ 32,525/t, Cu US$ 9,429/t. Using the 12-month average to September 2025. Recovery assumptions: total WO₃ recovery 72%, total Sn recovery 68% and total Cu recovery 85%. Payability assumptions of 81%, 90% and 90% respectively.

      Competent Person Statement:

      The information in this announcement that relates to Sampling Techniques and Data and Exploration Results has been reviewed and approved by Mr Laurie Hassall, MSci (Geology), FIMMM, QMR, FGS, who is a full-time employee of Snowden Optiro. Mr Hassall holds a Master of Science degree in Geology from the University of Southampton and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (FIMMM), through which he is also accredited as Qualified for Minerals Reporting (QMR). He is also a Fellow of the Geological Society of London (FGS).

      Snowden Optiro has been engaged by Cornwall Resources Limited to provide independent technical advice. Mr Hassall, a full-time employee of Snowden Optiro, is acting as the Competent Person and is independent of Cornwall Resources Limited. He has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration, and to the activity being undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code), and under the AIM Rules.

      Mr Hassall consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based on his information, in the form and context in which it appears. He confirms that, to the best of his knowledge, there is no new information or data that materially affects the information contained in previous market announcements, and that the form and context in which the information is presented has not been materially modified.

      For further information, please contact:

      Strategic Minerals plc

      +44 (0) 207 389 7067

      Mark Burnett

      Executive Director

      Website:

      www.strategicminerals.net

      Email:

      info@strategicminerals.net

      Follow Strategic Minerals on:

      X:

      @StrategicMnrls

      LinkedIn:

      https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-minerals-plc

      SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP

      +44 (0) 20 3470 0470

      Nominated Adviser and Broker

      Matthew Johnson/Charlie Bouverat/Grant Barker

      Zeus Capital Limited

      Joint Broker

      Harry Ansell/Katy Mitchell

      +44 (0) 203 829 5000

      Vigo Consulting

      +44 (0) 207 390 0234

      Investor Relations

      Ben Simons/Peter Jacob/Anna Sutton

      Email:

      strategicminerals@vigoconsulting.com

      Notes to Editors

      About Strategic Minerals plc and Cornwall Resources Limited

      Strategic Minerals plc (AIM: SML; USOTC: SMCDY) is an AIM-quoted, producing minerals company, actively developing strategic projects in the UK, United States and Australia.

      In 2019, the Company completed the 100% acquisition of Cornwall Resources Limited and the Redmoor Tungsten-Tin-Copper Project.

      The Redmoor Project is situated within the historically significant Tamar Valley Mining District in Cornwall, United Kingdom, with a JORC (2012) Compliant Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate published 14 February 2019:

      Cut-off (SnEq%)

      Tonnage (Mt)

      WO3

      %

      Sn

      %

      Cu

      %

      Sn Eq1

      %

      WO3 Eq

      %

      >0.45 <0.65

      1.50

      0.18

      0.21

      0.30

      0.58

      0.41

      >0.65

      10.20

      0.62

      0.16

      0.53

      1.26

      0.88

      Total Inferred Resource

      11.70

      0.56

      0.16

      0.50

      1.17

      0.82

      1 Equivalent metal calculation notes; Sn(Eq)% = Sn% x 1 + WO3% x 1.43 + Cu% x 0.40. WO3(EQ)% = Sn% x 0.7 + WO3 + Cu% x 0.28. Commodity price assumptions: WO₃ US$ 33,000/t, Sn US$ 22,000/t, Cu US$ 7,000/t. Recovery assumptions: total WO3 recovery 72%, total Sn recovery 68% & total Cu recovery 85% and payability assumptions of 81%, 90% and 90% respectively

      More information on Cornwall Resources can be found at: https://www.cornwallresources.com

      In September 2011, Strategic Minerals acquired the distribution rights to the Cobre magnetite project in New Mexico, USA, through its wholly owned subsidiary Southern Minerals Group. Cobre has been in production since 2012 and continues to provide a sustainable revenue stream for the Company.

      In March 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of the Leigh Creek Copper Mine situated in the copper rich belt of South Australia. The Company has entered into an exclusive Call Option with South Pacific Mineral Investments Pty Ltd trading as Cuprum Metals to acquire 100% of the project.

      About the CIOS Good Growth Fund and UK Shared Prosperity Fund

      This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council is responsible for managing projects funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.

      Cornwall and Isles of Scilly has been allocated £184 million for local investment through the Shared Prosperity Fund. This new approach to investment is designed to empower local leaders and communities, so they can make a real difference on the ground where it’s needed the most.

      The UK Shared Prosperity Fund proactively supports delivery of the UK-government’s five national missions: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK.

      For more information, visit

      https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

      For more information, visit https://ciosgoodgrowth.com

      Appendix 1

      Table 3: Composite intersections and individual sample results, including, sample numbers, depths and widths, metal contents and tungsten equivalent calculations.

      Sample Start

      From (m)

      To (m)

      Interval (m)

      WO3 %

      Cu %

      Sn %

      WO3 eq. %

      CRL005876-81

      CRL005876

      308.72

      309.36

      0.64

      0.01

      0.15

      0.38

      0.36

      CRL005877

      309.36

      311.02

      1.66

      0.03

      0.05

      0.07

      0.10

      CRL005878

      311.02

      313.00

      1.98

      0.03

      0.05

      0.24

      0.24

      CRL005879

      313.00

      314.82

      1.82

      0.02

      0.12

      0.11

      0.15

      CRL005881

      314.82

      315.32

      0.50

      0.02

      0.02

      1.26

      1.06

      CRL005893-95

      CRL005893

      333.00

      335.00

      2.00

      0.41

      0.09

      0.14

      0.55

      CRL005894

      335.00

      336.05

      1.05

      0.00

      0.31

      0.10

      0.17

      CRL005895

      336.05

      337.00

      0.95

      0.02

      0.01

      1.18

      0.99

      CRL005901-03

      CRL005901

      344.95

      345.50

      0.55

      0.01

      0.34

      0.57

      0.57

      CRL005902

      345.50

      347.05

      1.55

      0.00

      0.10

      0.03

      0.06

      CRL005903

      347.05

      348.00

      0.95

      0.52

      0.13

      0.04

      0.59

      CRL005907-08

      CRL005907

      352.00

      353.00

      1.00

      0.00

      0.34

      0.03

      0.12

      CRL005908

      353.00

      354.00

      1.00

      0.00

      0.52

      0.22

      0.32

      CRL005913

      356.60

      357.30

      0.70

      0.45

      0.06

      0.04

      0.51

      CRL005925-44

      CRL005925

      371.50

      372.00

      0.50

      0.01

      0.42

      0.21

      0.29

      CRL005926

      372.00

      372.50

      0.50

      0.02

      0.08

      0.07

      0.10

      CRL005927

      372.50

      373.30

      0.80

      1.02

      0.45

      0.09

      1.21

      CRL005928

      373.30

      374.51

      1.21

      0.05

      0.04

      0.03

      0.08

      CRL005931

      374.51

      375.05

      0.54

      1.85

      0.22

      0.28

      2.13

      CRL005932

      375.05

      376.00

      0.95

      0.12

      0.39

      0.30

      0.48

      CRL005933

      376.00

      377.00

      1.00

      0.15

      0.20

      0.08

      0.27

      CRL005934

      377.00

      378.00

      1.00

      0.02

      0.39

      0.22

      0.30

      CRL005935

      378.00

      378.90

      0.90

      0.04

      0.07

      0.08

      0.12

      CRL005936

      378.90

      380.90

      2.00

      0.00

      0.51

      0.13

      0.25

      CRL005937

      380.90

      382.05

      1.15

      0.02

      0.13

      0.12

      0.15

      CRL005938

      382.05

      383.40

      1.35

      0.00

      0.05

      0.03

      0.04

      CRL005939

      383.40

      384.10

      0.70

      0.37

      1.09

      1.92

      2.23

      CRL005941

      384.10

      386.15

      2.05

      0.01

      0.03

      0.04

      0.05

      CRL005942

      386.15

      387.45

      1.30

      0.02

      0.30

      0.19

      0.26

      CRL005943

      387.45

      389.00

      1.55

      0.02

      0.03

      0.12

      0.13

      CRL005944

      389.00

      390.00

      1.00

      0.02

      0.25

      0.36

      0.39

      CRL005948

      394.00

      395.00

      1.00

      0.09

      0.50

      0.35

      0.52

      CRL005954-55

      CRL005954

      399.00

      400.00

      1.00

      0.02

      0.05

      0.34

      0.30

      CRL005955

      400.00

      401.00

      1.00

      0.02

      0.14

      0.24

      0.25

      CRL005957-61

      CRL005957

      401.90

      403.55

      1.65

      0.23

      1.09

      0.05

      0.56

      CRL005958

      403.55

      405.00

      1.45

      0.01

      0.52

      0.04

      0.18

      CRL005959

      405.00

      406.00

      1.00

      0.36

      0.23

      0.02

      0.44

      CRL005961

      406.00

      407.00

      1.00

      1.00

      0.58

      0.02

      1.17

      CRL005963

      408.00

      409.00

      1.00

      0.00

      0.21

      0.32

      0.32

      CRL005966-77

      CRL005966

      411.48

      412.40

      0.92

      0.01

      0.30

      0.23

      0.28

      CRL005967

      412.40

      413.00

      0.60

      0.43

      0.16

      0.10

      0.56

      CRL005968

      413.00

      413.70

      0.70

      0.03

      0.20

      0.02

      0.10

      CRL005971

      413.70

      415.00

      1.30

      0.27

      0.39

      0.01

      0.39

      CRL005972

      415.00

      416.00

      1.00

      0.00

      1.03

      0.04

      0.32

      CRL005973

      416.00

      417.00

      1.00

      0.02

      0.19

      0.01

      0.08

      CRL005974

      417.00

      418.00

      1.00

      0.08

      0.05

      0.02

      0.10

      CRL005975

      418.00

      418.92

      0.92

      0.30

      0.51

      0.02

      0.46

      CRL005976

      418.92

      420.00

      1.08

      0.29

      0.41

      0.02

      0.42

      CRL005977

      420.00

      420.77

      0.77

      0.02

      0.52

      0.02

      0.18

      CRL005982-84

      CRL005982

      425.96

      426.90

      0.94

      0.45

      0.51

      0.07

      0.64

      CRL005983

      426.90

      428.00

      1.10

      0.01

      0.75

      0.10

      0.30

      CRL005984

      428.00

      428.78

      0.78

      0.03

      0.35

      0.04

      0.16

      CRL005988

      432.00

      432.70

      0.70

      0.86

      0.82

      0.07

      1.13

      Source

      This post appeared first on investingnews.com

      Apollo Silver Corp. (‘Apollo Silver’ or the ‘Company’) (TSX.V:APGO, OTCQB:APGOF, Frankfurt:6ZF0) is pleased to announce that it has closed the second and final tranche of its previously announced upsized non-brokered private placement (the ‘Offering’), previously announced on January 21, 2026. Pursuant to the closing of the second and final tranche of the Offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,500,000 units (the ‘Units’) at a price of $5.00 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $12,500,000. With the completion of this tranche, the Offering is now fully subscribed for total gross proceeds of $27,500,000.

      A fund managed by Jupiter Asset Management (the ‘Jupiter Fund’) subscribed for all of the Units under the second and final tranche of the Offering.

      As a result of closing the second and final tranche of the Offering, the Jupiter Fund now beneficially owns and controls 7,452,456 common shares and 3,807,200 common share purchase warrants of the Company, representing approximately 11.9% of the Company’s outstanding common shares on a non-diluted basis and approximately 16.9% on a partially diluted basis, assuming exercise of such warrants.

      ‘We welcome and appreciate the continued participation of Jupiter Fund, as a key shareholder of Apollo Silver,’ said Ross McElroy, President and CEO of Apollo Silver. ‘Jupiter Fund’s commitment is a strong statement of support as we continue to advance our large scale, high quality silver assets in stable jurisdictions.’  

      Each Unit issued pursuant to the Offering consists of one common share (a ‘Share’) in the capital of the Company and one common Share purchase warrant (a ‘Warrant’). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Share at an exercise price of $7.00 for a period of 24 months from the closing date of the Offering.

      Closing of the Offering remains subject to final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.

      In connection with subscriptions received in the second and final tranche of the Offering, the Company paid aggregate finder’s fees totaling $312,500 to BMO Capital Markets.

      The securities issued under the second and final tranche of the Offering are subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to continue advancing the Calico Silver Project in San Bernardino, California; support community relations initiatives at the Cinco de Mayo Silver Project in Chihuahua, Mexico; cover ongoing property maintenance costs at both projects; and for general corporate purposes.

      The Shares 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 U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws or compliance with the requirements of an applicable exemption therefrom. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

      About Apollo Silver Corp.

      Apollo Silver is advancing one of the largest undeveloped primary silver projects in the US. The Calico project hosts a large, bulk minable silver deposit with significant barite and zinc credits – recognized as critical minerals essential to the US energy and medical sectors. The Company also holds an option on the Cinco de Mayo Project in Chihuahua, Mexico, which is host to a major carbonate replacement (CRD) deposit that is both high-grade and large tonnage. Led by an experienced and award-winning management team, Apollo Silver is well positioned to advance the assets and deliver value through exploration and development.

      Please visit www.apollosilver.com for further information.

      ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

      Ross McElroy
      President and CEO

      For further information, please contact:

      Email: info@apollosilver.com

      Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128

      Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services 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 Statement Regarding ‘Forward-Looking’ Information

      This news release includes ‘forward-looking statements’ and ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the final acceptance of the Offering by the TSXV, and the intended use of proceeds from the Offering. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘plan’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘potential’, ‘target’, ‘budget’ and ‘intend’ and statements that an event or result ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘should’, ‘could’ or ‘might’ occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.

      Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions of the management of the Company made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may have caused actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: risks associated with mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of the Company’s projections and estimates; realization of mineral resource estimates, interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; and changes in Project parameters as plans continue to be refined. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the price of silver, gold and barite; the demand for silver, gold and barite; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective matter; and the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company’s expected financial and operational performance and the Company’s plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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      This post appeared first on investingnews.com

      Hamak Strategy Limited (LSE: HAMA / OTCQB: HASTF) a company combining traditional gold exploration in Africa with A Digital Asset Treasury Management strategy, is pleased to announces the acquisition of Bitcoin and gold bullion as part of its broader capital allocation and treasury management strategy. The Bitcoin was purchased via its FCA-regulated digital asset exchange broker and custodian, Archax. The gold was purchased via a Hamak Corporate Account held with the world’s largest online investment gold service, BullionVault UK (a member of the London Bullion Market Association).

      Highlights

      • Number of Bitcoin Purchased (on 3 January 2026) : 3 Bitcoin
      • Average purchase price: £66,567 per Bitcoin
      • Total amount purchased: £199,703
      • Total Bitcoin held: 23
      • 1.65kg Gold purchased (on 27 January 2026)
      • Total amount of gold purchased (including buying commissions): £195,360

      Executive Director Karl Smithson commented:

      ‘We believe the holding of both physical gold assets and Bitcoin, offers a distinctive differentiation in the junior resources sector, providing a blend of traditionally defensive and digitally disruptive exposure.

      ‘We aim to rapidly develop our hybrid treasury strategy, which the Board believes will deliver low correlation to conventional equity market cycles while offering clear potential upside from long-term structural trend.

      ‘This initiative forms part of a more comprehensive treasury framework designed to incorporate strategic reserves, liquidity tools, and non-dilutive value protection mechanisms for shareholders.’

      For the purposes of UK MAR, the person responsible for arranging release of this announcement on behalf of Hamak is Karl Smithson, Executive Director.

      For further information on Hamak you are invited to view the company’s website at https://hamakstrategy.com/ or please contact:

      Hamak Strategy Limited

      Karl Smithson

      k.smithson@hamakstrategy.com

      AlbR Capital Limited (Corporate Broker)

      Yellow Jersey PR

      Annabelle Wills

      +44 (0) 20 7469 0930

      +44 (0) 20 3004 9512

      About Hamak Strategy Limited

      Hamak Strategy Limited (LSE: HAMA / OTCQB: HASTF) is a UK listed company focussed on gold exploration in Africa and with a strategy of pursuing an appropriate and compliant BTC/ crypto treasury management policy.

      Important Notice

      The Company maintains some of its treasury reserves and surplus cash in Bitcoin, a form of cryptocurrency. The Company is not authorised or regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Bitcoin investments are generally not subject to regulation by the FCA or otherwise in the United Kingdom. Neither the Company nor investors in the Company’s shares are protected by the UK’s Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

      However the FCA considers Bitcoin investments to be high-risk. The value of Bitcoin can go up as well as down, leading to fluctuations in the value of the Company’s Bitcoin holdings, and the Company may not be able to realise its Bitcoin holdings for the same amount it paid to acquire them, or even for the value the Company currently attributes to its Bitcoin positions.

      The Company’s Board of Directors have identified the following risks in relation to the holding of Bitcoin, which are not exhaustive:

      • The value of Bitcoin can be highly volatile, with its value falling as quickly as it rises. Investors in Bitcoin must be prepared to lose all money invested.
      • The Bitcoin market is largely unregulated. There is a risk of losing money due to factors such as cyber-attacks, financial crime, and counterparty failure.
      • The Company may not be able to sell its Bitcoin at will. The ability to sell Bitcoin depends on various factors, including the supply and demand in the market at the relevant time. Operational failings such as technology outages, cyber-attacks, and comingling of funds could cause unwanted delays.
      • Cryptoassets carry a perception of fraud, money laundering, and financial crime.

      An investment in the Company is not an investment in Bitcoin itself, but prospective investors in the Company are encouraged to conduct their own research before investing and should be aware that they will have indirect exposure to the high-risk nature of cryptoassets, including their volatility, and could therefore sustain large or total losses of their investment.

      Source

      This post appeared first on investingnews.com