Archive for Financial News – Page 216

EUR/USD Struggles to Maintain Balance Amidst Mixed Market Signals

By RoboForex Analytical Department

The EUR/USD pair is trading close to the 1.0900 level on the first Tuesday of April. The market is taking into consideration the latest data on the Core PCE index, which grew by only 0.3% m/m in February, lower than the expected figures. The year-to-year data also dropped by 5.0%, which could be a reason for the Federal Reserve System to pause in its monetary policy tightening.

Despite the fact that no meetings of the Fed management are scheduled for April, investors will keep a close eye on important statistics from the US this week. This includes the PMI in services and production, the factory orders report, and the employment market statistics of last month.

Looking at the technical analysis, the EUR/USD pair has formed a structure of a declining impulse to 1.0788 on H4, and the market is currently consolidating above this level. There is a possibility of a link of growth to 1.0850, followed by a decline to 1.0707, from where the wave could extend to 1.0595. The MACD confirms this scenario, with its signal line above zero and aiming downwards to renew the lows.

On H1, the EUR/USD pair has completed the structure of a declining wave to 1.0788, and a consolidation range is forming above this level. The price is expected to break the range upwards, reaching 1.0850, and then decline to 1.0697. The target is local, and this is only half of the declining wave. The Stochastic oscillator confirms this scenario, with its signal line near 50, expected to grow to 80 and then fall to 20.

Overall, the market is closely monitoring the data releases from the US this week and waiting for further signals from the Federal Reserve System to make a weighted decision on its monetary policy.

Disclaimer

Any forecasts contained herein are based on the author’s particular opinion. This analysis may not be treated as trading advice. RoboForex bears no responsibility for trading results based on trading recommendations and reviews contained herein.

Powerful Breakout This Month Bodes Well for Entire Sector

Source: Clive Maund  (3/31/23)

Technical analyst Clive Maund reviews Osisko Gold Royalties’ long-term and 1-year charts to explain why he believes this company is a Buy.

My attention was drawn to Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. (OR:TSX; OR:NYSE) by a number of bullish articles on it, in particular one by Adrian Day that was posted a few days before its major high-volume breakout on the 17th.

It has risen significantly this month and while we are not normally minded to chase after stocks that have already taken off higher, I consider it worth bringing it to your attention here because of the strong bullish implications of this breakout which is believed to mark the start of a major bull market in Osisko for reasons that will soon become apparent which has important implications for the sector as a whole, it being a gold royalty company.

It very quickly becomes clear why the breakout in Osisko this month was so significant when we look at its long-term chart going back to 2014, for here we see that it has finally broken out above the strong resistance at a line of tops that goes back to 2015, on its eighth attempt to do so, so clearly this was an important technical development that in all probability marks the start of a major bull market.

Source: Bigcharts.com

On its 1-year chart, we can see recent action in much more detail. The most important point to note is the very high volume on the breakout this month on the 17th. This high volume is a sign that the breakout is genuine.

Everything about this chart is bullish — the trend is up with moving averages in bullish alignment, momentum positive, and the strong upside volume this month driving the On-balance Volume line higher in a robust manner.

However, there is no arguing the fact that after its strong rise this month which has opened up a considerable gap with its moving averages, it is short-term overbought, but that said this breakout was so significant that it has created support in the CA$18 – CA$19 zone (the former resistance level) which should now serve to put a floor under the price on any reaction.

Source: Bigcharts.com

The main point is that the breakout this month was of such importance that it is thought to mark the start of a major bullmarket in Osisko that will eventually result in much higher prices, and this should hardly be surprising considering the way that the financial system is “flying apart” in a manner that can be expected to result in vastly higher prices for gold and silver which most investors at this time would probably consider to be in the realms of fantasy, even many of you reading this.

The conclusion is that Osisko Gold Royalties has just made a major breakout that promises much higher prices in the future for it and not just that, but much higher prices ahead for gold and silver themselves. It is rated a strong conservative buy on all minor dips.

Osisko Gold Royalties’ website.

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. closed for trading at CA$21.10, $15.58 at 2.45 pm EDT on March 30, 2023.

 

CliveMaund.com Disclosures

The above represents the opinion and analysis of Mr. Maund, based on data available to him, at the time of writing. Mr. Maund’s opinions are his own, and are not a recommendation or an offer to buy or sell securities. Mr. Maund is an independent analyst who receives no compensation of any kind from any groups, individuals or corporations mentioned in his reports. As trading and investing in any financial markets may involve serious risk of loss, Mr. Maund recommends that you consult with a qualified investment advisor, one licensed by appropriate regulatory agencies in your legal jurisdiction and do your own due diligence and research when making any kind of a transaction with financial ramifications. Although a qualified and experienced stock market analyst, Clive Maund is not a Registered Securities Advisor. Therefore Mr. Maund’s opinions on the market and stocks can only be construed as a solicitation to buy and sell securities when they are subject to the prior approval and endorsement of a Registered Securities Advisor operating in accordance with the appropriate regulations in your area of jurisdiction.

Disclosures:
1) Clive Maund: I, or members of my immediate household or family, own securities of the following companies mentioned in this article: None. I personally am, or members of my immediate household or family are, paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None.

2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: None. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. As of the date of this article, an affiliate of Streetwise Reports has a consulting relationship with: None. Please click here for more information.

3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Streetwise Reports for this article. Streetwise Reports was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this article. Streetwise Reports requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Streetwise Reports relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Streetwise Reports has no means of verifying its accuracy.

4) This article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports’ terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports.

5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the decision to publish an article until three business days after the publication of the article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases.

Trade Of The Week: More Volatility For AUDNZD After OPEC+ Shocker?

By ForexTime

Following the OPEC+ shocker overnight, commodity currencies have rallied against the New Zealand dollar.

Given the cartels decision to lower oil output by over 1 million barrels per day starting from May, that promises more support for the likes of AUD, CAD and NOK in the months ahead.

However, for the rest of this week Antipodean central bank action could inject more volatility for AUDNZD.

This Antipodean central bank action could also offer a break from the dollar ahead of Friday’s US jobs report.

Investors will be served a central bank combo this week featuring the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ). There are mixed expectations over what to expect from the RBA while the RBNZ is expected to hike rates by 25 basis points. But before we take a deep dive into how the pending central bank decisions could play out, it is worth keeping in mind that the aussie weakened against most G10 currencies in Q1 2023.

It was a similar theme for the New Zealand dollar which weakened across the board.

Taking a brief look at the technical picture, the AUDNZD remains trapped within a range on the daily charts with support at 1.0675 and resistance at 1.0800.

Zooming out, the weekly charts look like a choppy affair with another layer of resistance found at 1.0900 and key support at 1.0470. The current price action suggests that the AUDNZD could be waiting for a fresh fundamental catalyst to make its next big move.

What to expect from the RBA on Tuesday?

Expectations remain split on whether the RBA will hike interest rates by 25 basis points or leave them unchanged. If the central bank opts for the latter, this will be the first pause since lifting interest rates in May 2022.

It’s been an incredible run for RBA hawks with rates rising by 3.5% in ten straight hikes between May last year and March 2023. However, the party could be coming to an end thanks to slower-than-expected inflation and repeated signs of slowing economic growth. On top of this, the recent market turmoil following the collapse of 3 US banks and the Credit Suisse drama have strengthened the argument for a potential pause. Given the rising unemployment and weak growth, the central bank is likely to adopt a cautious stance regardless of whether rates are hiked or left unchanged. The key question is if this meeting will mark the end of the hiking cycle. The Aussie could be in store for a world of pain if the RBA stands pat on rates, strikes a cautious note, and signals that the next move may be a rate cut.

RBNZ expected to hike rates

It will be wise to pay very close attention to the RBA meeting, considering how it will be the first G10 central bank decision after the OPEC+ shocker.

Initially, expectations were split on whether the RBA will hike interest rates by 25 basis points or leave them unchanged. However, the latest developments concerning OPEC+ have boosted the prospects of higher oil prices – ultimately fuelling fears of higher inflation. This could bring not only RBA hawks back into the scene but may prompt other central banks to turn hawkish once again. Much attention will be directed to any comments made by the RBA relating to the spike in oil prices and any potential impact on the central bank’s monetary policy stance.

It’s been an incredible run for RBA hawks with rates rising by 3.5% in ten straight hikes between May last year and March 2023. But the party could be coming to an end thanks to slower-than-expected inflation and repeated signs of slowing economic growth. On top of this, the recent market turmoil following the collapse of 3 US banks and the Credit Suisse drama have strengthened the argument for a potential pause. Given the rising unemployment and weak growth, the central bank has the potential to adopt a cautious stance. Ultimately, the key question is what impact the OPEC+ shocker will have on the monetary policy outlook and whether this may lead to further hikes down the road.

If the central bank leaves rates unchanged, this will be the first pause since lifting interest rates in May 2022. The Aussie could be in store for a world of pain on this outcome, especially if the RBA signals that this could be the end of the hiking cycle.

AUDNZD in breakout mode

The AUDNZD has been trapped within a range since early March. On the daily timeframe, prices are trading below the 50, 100, and 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) while the MACD trades below zero. Zooming out on the weekly charts, the trend is turning bearish thanks to the consistent lower lows and lower highs. However, the support at 1.0675 has halted bears in their tracks for the past four weeks.

A major breakout could be on the horizon with the pending central bank decisions acting as fundamental sparks. A strong daily close above 1.0800 could inspire an incline towards 1.0900 and 1.1030, respectively. If prices are able to break under 1.0675, this may open a path toward 1.0470.


Forex-Time-LogoArticle by ForexTime

ForexTime Ltd (FXTM) is an award winning international online forex broker regulated by CySEC 185/12 www.forextime.com

The Analytical Overview of the Main Currency Pairs on 2023.04.03

By JustMarkets

The EUR/USD currency pair

Technical indicators of the currency pair:
  • Prev Open: 1.0904
  • Prev Close: 1.0841
  • % chg. over the last day: -0.58 %

For the last month, the inflation rate in the Eurozone declined from 8.5% to 6.9% on an annualized basis. But the core inflation (excluding food and energy prices) remains steady. Last month’s increase was 0.1%, annualized at 5.6% to 5.7%, which is a new record. After the published data, ECB head Christine Lagarde pointed out that core inflation remains too high, but the economy is resilient, the financial system is strong, and the recent banking stress will not hinder the fight against inflation. Thus, analysts are betting on another 0.5% rate hike at the May meeting of Europe’s Central Bank.

Trading recommendations
  • Support levels: 1.0770, 1.0680, 1.0519, 1.0482
  • Resistance levels: 1.0839, 1.0924, 1.1017

The trend on the EUR/USD currency pair on the hourly time frame is bullish. At the moment, the price is correcting and trading below the moving averages. The MACD indicator is in the negative zone, with no signs of divergence. Buy trades are best considered from the support level of 1.0770, but only with confirmation. It is worth buying after confirmation on the intraday time frames in the form of a structure change. Sell positions can be considered from the resistance level of 1.0839, subject to a reversal.

Alternative scenario: if the price breaks down through the support level of 1.0711 and fixes below it, the downtrend will likely resume.

EUR/USD
News feed for 2023.04.03:
  • – German Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 10:55 (GMT+3);
  • – Eurozone Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 11:00 (GMT+3);
  • – US ISM Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 17:00 (GMT+3).

The GBP/USD currency pair

Technical indicators of the currency pair:
  • Prev Open: 1.2380
  • Prev Close: 1.2329
  • % chg. over the last day: -0.41 %

The British GDP grew by 0.1% in the last quarter. Thus, the UK managed to avoid a technical recession. According to the latest Bank of England monetary policy report, inflation is expected to fall significantly in the second quarter of 2023 due to the extension of the energy price guarantee (EPG) announced in the new budget and falling wholesale energy prices. The Bank of England may not need to raise rates aggressively in the coming months. The next Bank of England meeting is in mid-May, giving Governor Bailey plenty of time to process a range of fresh data on inflation, GDP, and employment. Recent data on the likelihood of a rate hike by the Bank of England shows that one 25 basis point rate hike is expected in the second quarter before the Central Bank hits the pause button.

Trading recommendations
  • Support levels: 1.2266, 1.2178, 1.2112, 1.2009, 1.1963, 1.1929, 1.1843
  • Resistance levels: 1.2343, 1.2415, 1.2519

From the technical point of view, the trend on the GBP/USD currency pair on the hourly time frame is bullish. But now the price is correcting. The MACD indicator has become negative, and there is weak seller’s pressure inside the day. Under such market conditions, it is best to consider buying after a pullback to the nearest support level of 1.2266 but with confirmation in the form of a reverse reaction. Sell trades are best to look for on intraday time frames from the resistance level of 1.2343, with confirmation in the form of a false breakout.

Alternative scenario: if the price breaks down through the 1.2178 support level and fixes below it, the downtrend will likely resume.

GBP/USD
News feed for 2023.04.03:
  • – UK Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 11:30 (GMT+3).

The USD/JPY currency pair

Technical indicators of the currency pair:
  • Prev Open: 132.68
  • Prev Close: 132.76
  • % chg. over the last day: +0.06 %

A senior International Monetary Fund official said Friday the Bank of Japan should consider more flexible changes to long-term interest rates even as it maintains an ultra-soft monetary policy. The IMF sees bilateral risks to Japan’s inflation outlook: “upside surprises” stem from larger-than-expected wage hikes resulting from companies’ spring talks with labor unions. Japan’s central bank may ease the burden on financial institutions by allowing the longer end of the curve (YCC) to move more in line with its policy of controlling bond yields. Markets are full of rumors that the Bank of Japan may modify or abandon the YCC to mitigate the side effects of this approach when new Governor Kazuo Ueda and his team fully assume office.

Trading recommendations
  • Support levels: 132.47, 131.90, 130.91, 127.80
  • Resistance levels: 133.84, 135.11, 136.07, 137.91

From the technical point of view, the medium-term trend on the currency pair USD/JPY has changed to bullish. At the moment, the price is trading above the moving averages, and there is buying pressure. But the MACD indicator is overbought, and there is a divergence. It is better to look for buy trades from the support level of 132.47 or 131.90, but only with confirmation on the lower time frames. Sell deals can be sought from the resistance level of 133.84, but also with additional confirmation in the change of structure on the intraday time frames.

Alternative scenario: if the price fixes below the 130.91 support level, the downtrend will be resumed with a high probability.

USD/JPY
News feed for 2023.04.03:
  • – Japan Tankan Large Manufacturers Index (q/q) at 02:50 (GMT+3);
  • – Japan Tankan Large Non-Manufacturers Index (q/q) at 02:50 (GMT+3);
  • – Japan Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 03:30 (GMT+3).

The USD/CAD currency pair

Technical indicators of the currency pair:
  • Prev Open: 1.3521
  • Prev Close: 1.3515
  • % chg. over the last day: -0.04 %

The Canadian economy is recovering. The latest GDP data showed that the economy added 0.5% for the month of March (expectation of 0.4%). Overall, the economy for the fourth and first quarters is ahead of the Bank of Canada’s forecasts and continues to show resilience. The Bank of Canada’s GDP forecasts for the two quarters are trending upward. Markets are estimating a quarter-point cut in the Bank of Canada’s rate by September or October this year. At the same time, Saudi Arabia and OPEC+ producers on Sunday announced voluntary cuts in oil production. This is positive for the Canadian dollar because, as a commodity currency, production cuts tend to drive up oil prices.

Trading recommendations
  • Support levels: 1.3515
  • Resistance levels: 1.3568, 1.3616, 1.3644, 1.3694, 1.3722, 1.3786, 1.3814, 1.3862

From the point of view of technical analysis, the trend on the USD/CAD currency pair is bearish. The price is trading below the moving averages. But the MACD indicator is oversold, and there are signs of divergence, which suggests that an upward correction should be expected in the near future. Under such market conditions, it is better to buy from the support level of 1.3515 but with a confirmation in the form of a change in the structure on the lower time frames. Sell positions can be sought from the resistance level of 1.3568, but only with confirmation in the form of a reverse initiative.

Alternative scenario: if the price breaks out and consolidates above the resistance level of 1.3694, the uptrend will likely resume.

USD/CAD
News feed for 2023.04.03:
  • – OPEC Meeting (m/m) at 13:00 (GMT+3);
  • – Canada Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 16:30 (GMT+3);
  • – Canada BoC Business Outlook Survey at 17:30 (GMT+3).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

Core inflation in the Eurozone remains high. OPEC countries are going to cut oil production ahead of summer

By JustMarkets

The Fed’s preferred measure of inflation, the PCE Core Price Index (personal consumption expenditures excluding home prices), fell on an annualized basis from 5.3% to 5.0%. Signs of a slowdown in inflation have reinforced the hopes of the Federal Reserve to end its aggressive rate hikes soon. This bolstered confidence in stock indices. At the close of the stock market on Friday, the Dow Jones Index (US30) gained 1.26% (+ 3.09% for the week), and the S&P 500 Index (US500) added 1.44% (+ 3.17% for the week). The NASDAQ Technology Index (US100) jumped by 1.74% (+2.98% for the week). The Nasdaq recorded its biggest quarterly percentage gain since June 2020.

Boston Fed President Susan Collins said Friday that whenever the US central bank stops raising its rate, maintaining that level for a while will be crucial to bringing high inflation down to the 2% target.

Equity markets in Europe were mostly up on Friday. German DAX (DE30) gained 0.69% (+3.27% for the week), French CAC 40 (FR40) added 0.81% (+3.08% for the week), Spanish IBEX 35 (ES35) added 0.35% (+3.84% for the week), British FTSE 100 (UK100) gained 0.15% (+3.06% for the week).

Eurozone’s inflation fell to 6.9% y/y in March. This is a decent drop from 8.5% y/y in February and below the Bloomberg consensus forecast of 7.1% y/y. However, core inflation increased to 5.7% y/y in March from 5.6% y/y in February. The overall drop is the base effect of the rapid rise in energy prices last March. The details show that prices for services increased underlying inflation. Service prices rose by 5.0% y/y in March, up from 4.8% y/y in February, and growth was strong on a monthly basis as well. Services prices have the highest labor content, and hence higher services inflation likely partly reflects rising wage growth. Analysts are betting on a 0.5% interest rate hike at the May meeting of Europe’s Central Bank.

Monthly UK GDP increased by 0.3% in January 2023 after declining by 0.5% in December. For the first quarter of 2023, GDP increased by 0.1%. Given that the pace of growth remains and inflation is expected to fall, the Bank of England may refrain from raising rates further if the next consumer price data indicates that inflationary pressures are easing.

Saudi Arabia and other OPEC oil producers on Sunday announced voluntary production cuts, with Saudi Arabia cutting production by 500,000 BPD from May through the end of 2023. The UAE said it would cut production by 144,000 BPD, Kuwait announced a cut of 128,000 BPD, Iraq will cut production by 211,000 BPD, and Oman announced a cut of 40,000 BPD. Algeria said it would cut production by 48,000 BPD. In total, this is a reduction of more than 1 million BPD. In a statement, the Ministry of Energy of Saudi Arabia said that the voluntary reduction of production by the kingdom was a precautionary measure aimed at maintaining the stability of the oil market. Thus, oil traders expect oil prices to rise on the eve of summer.

Asian markets mostly rose last week. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) gained 2.03%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) added 0.75%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) jumped by 2.76%, India’s NIFTY 50 (IND50) added 1.99%, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 (AU200) was positive by 3.20% over the week.

Australia’s Central Bank is expected to go for a final interest rate hike of 25 basis points to 3.85% on Tuesday. Australia’s new monthly consumer price gauge released last week showed that inflation slowed to an eight-month low of 6.8% in February from 7.4% the previous month, bolstering the case for holding off on raising rates.

Markets are full of rumors that the Bank of Japan may modify or abandon bond yield curve control (YCC) when new governor Kazuo Ueda and his team take office. With Yield Curve Control (YCC), the Bank of Japan sets short-term rates at 0.1% and 10-year bond yields at around 0%. Its huge bond purchases to protect the 0.5% limit set for the 10-year yield target has been criticized for distorting bond prices and disrupting the market by depleting liquidity. A statement on the IMF policy consultation said that many of its executive board directors urged the Bank of Japan to “consider options to increase flexibility” within the YCC to address the side effects of prolonged easing.

In the commodities market, futures on WTI crude (+9.3%), cotton (+8.11%), sugar (+7.11%), Brent crude (+6.59%), soybeans (+5.37%), orange juice (+5.18%), silver (+3.84%), palladium (+2.91%) and corn (+2.41%) showed the biggest gains last week. Futures on lumber (-10.4%), coffee (-4.88%), and natural gas (-2.26%) showed the biggest drop.

S&P 500 (F) (US500) 4,109.31 +58.48 (+1.44%)

Dow Jones (US30)33,274.15 +415.12 (+1.26%)

DAX (DE40) 15,628.84 +106.44 (+0.69%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 7,631.74 +11.31 (+0.15%)

USD Index 102.51 +0.36 (+0.35%)

Important events for today:
  • – Japan Tankan Large Manufacturers Index (q/q) at 02:50 (GMT+3);
  • – Japan Tankan Large Non-Manufacturers Index (q/q) at 02:50 (GMT+3);
  • – Japan Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 03:30 (GMT+3);
  • – Australia Retail Sales (m/m) at 04:30 (GMT+3);
  • – Switzerland Consumer Price Index (m/m) at 09:30 (GMT+3);
  • – German Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 10:55 (GMT+3);
  • – Eurozone Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 11:00 (GMT+3);
  • – UK Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 11:30 (GMT+3);
  • – OPEC Meeting (m/m) at 13:00 (GMT+3);
  • – Canada Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 16:30 (GMT+3);
  • – US ISM Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 17:00 (GMT+3);
  • – Canada BoC Business Outlook Survey at 17:30 (GMT+3).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

Stock Market Speculators continue DowJones-Mini bearish bets despite stocks uptick

By InvestMacro

Here are the latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday March 28th and shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial entities) were positioned in the futures markets.

Weekly Speculator Changes led by VIX & Russell-Mini

The COT stock markets speculator bets were lower this week as three out of the seven stock markets we cover had higher positioning while the other five markets had lower speculator contracts.

Leading the gains for the stock markets was the VIX (7,472 contracts) with Russell-Mini (2,238 contracts) and MSCI EAFE-Mini (1,388 contracts) also showing positive weeks.

The markets with the declines in speculator bets this week were the S&P500-Mini (-22,176 contracts) with the Nasdaq-Mini (-2,228 contracts), the DowJones-Mini (-1,421 contracts) and Nikkei 225 (-164 contracts) also registering lower bets on the week.

DowJones-Mini bets at lowest level since June

Highlighting the COT stocks data this week is the rise in bearish bets for the DowJones-Mini speculative positions. The large speculator position in the DowJones-Mini futures declined again this week and fell for the third straight week as well as for the fifth time out of the past seven weeks. The DowJones-Mini bets have now been in a continuous bearish position for the past 64 consecutive weeks, dating back to January 4th of 2022.

This week’s net position of -23,569 contracts marks the most bearish level since June of 2022 and the speculator strength scores shows a bearish-extreme strength score level at just 14 percent of its 3-year range. The speculator strength score trend (the past 6-weeks change of strength scores) also shows a strong downtrend of -44 percent which could perhaps be explained by speculators looking to hedge the recent market gains.

The DowJones-Mini stock futures price has continued to be on the uptrend after bottoming in October near the 28,650 level. This week saw the DowJone-Mini futures close above its 50-day moving average and rise by over 3 percent to the 33460 level.


Data Snapshot of Stock Market Traders | Columns Legend
Mar-28-2023OIOI-IndexSpec-NetSpec-IndexCom-NetCOM-IndexSmalls-NetSmalls-Index
S&P500-Mini2,142,23212-224,65615270,97885-46,32217
Nikkei 22510,2260-1,094711,34438-25025
Nasdaq-Mini220,07425-7,3487114,84636-7,49839
DowJones-Mini76,34933-23,5691432,570100-9,0010
VIX315,94150-42,1778445,77114-3,59474
Nikkei 225 Yen33,4977699369,04836-9,74770

 


Strength Scores led by VIX & Nikkei 225

COT Strength Scores (a normalized measure of Speculator positions over a 3-Year range, from 0 to 100 where above 80 is Extreme-Bullish and below 20 is Extreme-Bearish) showed that the VIX (84 percent), Nasdaq-Mini (71 percent) and the Nikkei 225 (71 percent) lead the stock markets this week. The Russell-Mini (46 percent) came in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, the S&P500-Mini (14.6 percent) and the DowJones-Mini (14 percent) came in at the lowest strength level currently and are in Extreme-Bearish territory (below 20 percent).

Strength Statistics:
VIX (83.9 percent) vs VIX previous week (78.7 percent)
S&P500-Mini (14.6 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (18.7 percent)
DowJones-Mini (13.7 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (17.4 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (70.9 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (72.2 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (46.3 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (45.0 percent)
Nikkei USD (70.9 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (71.8 percent)
EAFE-Mini (28.8 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (27.1 percent)

 

Russell-Mini & VIX top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that the Russell-Mini (13 percent) leads the past six weeks trends for the stock markets. The VIX (10 percent), the Nasdaq-Mini (9 percent) and the MSCI EAFE-Mini (7 percent) are the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data.

The DowJones-Mini (-44 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently.

Strength Trend Statistics:
VIX (9.7 percent) vs VIX previous week (10.5 percent)
S&P500-Mini (4.0 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (2.8 percent)
DowJones-Mini (-44.3 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (-41.8 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (8.6 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (5.5 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (12.7 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (18.1 percent)
Nikkei USD (5.9 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (10.9 percent)
EAFE-Mini (6.6 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (14.4 percent)


Individual Stock Market Charts:

VIX Volatility Futures:

VIX Volatility Futures COT ChartThe VIX Volatility large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -42,177 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 7,472 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -49,649 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 83.9 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 14.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 73.9 percent.

VIX Volatility Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:19.951.98.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:33.337.49.8
– Net Position:-42,17745,771-3,594
– Gross Longs:62,963163,83727,312
– Gross Shorts:105,140118,06630,906
– Long to Short Ratio:0.6 to 11.4 to 10.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):83.914.073.9
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bullish-ExtremeBearish-ExtremeBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:9.7-10.78.3

 


S&P500 Mini Futures:

SP500 Mini Futures COT ChartThe S&P500 Mini large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -224,656 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -22,176 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -202,480 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 14.6 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 84.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 17.1 percent.

S&P500 Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:9.378.19.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:19.865.511.9
– Net Position:-224,656270,978-46,322
– Gross Longs:199,4721,673,807208,519
– Gross Shorts:424,1281,402,829254,841
– Long to Short Ratio:0.5 to 11.2 to 10.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):14.684.917.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bearish-ExtremeBullish-ExtremeBearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:4.03.0-9.0

 


Dow Jones Mini Futures:

Dow Jones Mini Futures COT ChartThe Dow Jones Mini large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -23,569 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -1,421 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -22,148 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 13.7 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 100.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 0.0 percent.

Dow Jones Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:16.070.112.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:46.827.424.7
– Net Position:-23,56932,570-9,001
– Gross Longs:12,19053,5049,852
– Gross Shorts:35,75920,93418,853
– Long to Short Ratio:0.3 to 12.6 to 10.5 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):13.7100.00.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bearish-ExtremeBullish-ExtremeBearish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-44.345.6-27.4

 


Nasdaq Mini Futures:

Nasdaq Mini Futures COT ChartThe Nasdaq Mini large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -7,348 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -2,228 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -5,120 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 70.9 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 35.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 39.4 percent.

Nasdaq Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:23.360.115.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:26.753.418.7
– Net Position:-7,34814,846-7,498
– Gross Longs:51,309132,37133,614
– Gross Shorts:58,657117,52541,112
– Long to Short Ratio:0.9 to 11.1 to 10.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):70.935.639.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBearishBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:8.6-17.524.3

 


Russell 2000 Mini Futures:

Russell 2000 Mini Futures COT ChartThe Russell 2000 Mini large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -42,750 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 2,238 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -44,988 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 46.3 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 55.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 24.3 percent.

Russell 2000 Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:8.885.25.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:17.776.15.1
– Net Position:-42,75043,502-752
– Gross Longs:42,013407,84923,878
– Gross Shorts:84,763364,34724,630
– Long to Short Ratio:0.5 to 11.1 to 11.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):46.355.024.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BearishBullishBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:12.7-7.3-25.1

 


Nikkei Stock Average (USD) Futures:

Nikkei Stock Average (USD) Futures COT ChartThe Nikkei Stock Average (USD) large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -1,094 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -164 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -930 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 70.9 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 37.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 25.2 percent.

Nikkei Stock Average Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:19.553.926.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:30.240.729.1
– Net Position:-1,0941,344-250
– Gross Longs:1,9935,5072,726
– Gross Shorts:3,0874,1632,976
– Long to Short Ratio:0.6 to 11.3 to 10.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):70.937.625.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBearishBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:5.9-5.5-1.6

 


MSCI EAFE Mini Futures:

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures COT ChartThe MSCI EAFE Mini large speculator standing this week reached a net position of -12,689 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 1,388 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -14,077 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 28.8 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 66.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 47.6 percent.

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:7.589.72.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:10.788.10.7
– Net Position:-12,6896,5516,138
– Gross Longs:29,761355,2539,028
– Gross Shorts:42,450348,7022,890
– Long to Short Ratio:0.7 to 11.0 to 13.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):28.866.947.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BearishBullishBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:6.6-4.3-9.2

 


Article By InvestMacroReceive our weekly COT Newsletter

*COT Report: The COT data, released weekly to the public each Friday, is updated through the most recent Tuesday (data is 3 days old) and shows a quick view of how large speculators or non-commercials (for-profit traders) were positioned in the futures markets.

The CFTC categorizes trader positions according to commercial hedgers (traders who use futures contracts for hedging as part of the business), non-commercials (large traders who speculate to realize trading profits) and nonreportable traders (usually small traders/speculators) as well as their open interest (contracts open in the market at time of reporting). See CFTC criteria here.

Murrey Math Lines 31.03.2023 (Brent, S&P 500)

By RoboForex.com

Brent

On H4, Brent quotes are under the 200-day Moving Average, which indicates the prevalence of a downtrend. The RSI is testing the resistance line. In this circumstances, we expect a downward breakout of 1/8 (78.12) and falling to the support at 0/8 (75.00). The scenario can be canceled by rising above 2/8 (81.25), which might lead to a trend reversal and growth to the resistance level of 3/8 (84.38).

Brent_H4
Risk Warning: the result of previous trading operations do not guarantee the same results in the future

On M15, a breakout of the lower line of the VoltyChannel indicator will increase the probability of further price falling.

Brent_M15
Risk Warning: the result of previous trading operations do not guarantee the same results in the future

S&P 500

On H4, the quotes of the S&P 500 index have broken the 200-day Moving Average and are now above it, which indicates a probable development of the uptrend. However, the RSI has reached the overbought area. As a result, in such a situation, a rebound from the level of 4/8 (4062.5) is expected, after which the price could fall to the support at 3/8 (3984.4). The scenario can be canceled by rising above the resistance at 4/8 (4062.5). In this case, the growth of the S&P 500 index will continue, and the index could reach 5/8 (4140.6).

S&P500_H4
Risk Warning: the result of previous trading operations do not guarantee the same results in the future

On M15, further price falling can be supported by a breakout of the lower border of VoltyChannel.

S&P500_M15

Article By RoboForex.com

Attention!
Forecasts presented in this section only reflect the author’s private opinion and should not be considered as guidance for trading. RoboForex LP bears no responsibility for trading results based on trading recommendations described in these analytical reviews.

Crude Oil: Will “Banking Crisis Send Prices Even Lower”? Ha!

SVB failed in March. Oil was destined to fall as early as February – here’s why;

By Elliott Wave International

The failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Silvergate Bank and Signature Bank have prompted a lot of discussion about the potential of a domino effect. People are wondering “what’s next?”

The financial press is linking just about every downward price move in just about every financial market to the woes in the banking sector.

As a March 15 headline noted (CNBC):

Oil tumbles to lowest level since December 2021 as banking crisis routs markets

At the time that headline published, West Texas Intermediate had fallen around 5% during that trading session.

But, first of all, if you’re failing to see an immediate connection between bank failures and crude oil prices, you’re not alone. I see no connection, either. What’s more, Elliott Wave International was forecasting the price of crude oil to decline well before the bank failures hit the news.

On Feb. 3, the February Global Market Perspective, a monthly Elliott Wave International publication which covers 50-plus financial markets, published with this chart and commentary (Elliott wave labels are shown to subscribers):

NYMEXFebGMP

Crude Oil’s trend still looks down… [a strong Elliott wave] decline still seems like the likely path.

During the next month, oil largely traded sideways. Sometimes, Elliott wave analysis requires patience. On March 3, our March Global Market Perspective updated its crude oil analysis with this chart and commentary:

OilMarchGMP

Crude Oil still looks lower. Crude has yet to step into the meat of the [strong Elliott wave decline] we’re anticipating, but it still seems like the likely path.

As you probably know, the price of crude oil has moved lower since our March Global Market Perspective published.

As with all financial markets, countertrend moves will inevitably occur. Yet, Elliott wave analysis provides context and a basis for forecasting before the news; without any news.

If you’d like to learn the details of the Elliott wave model, read Frost & Prechter’s Elliott Wave Principle: Key to Market Behavior. Here’s a quote from this Wall Street classic:

The Wave Principle is governed by man’s social nature, and since he has such a nature, its expression generates forms. As the forms are repetitive, they have predictive value.

Sometimes the market appears to reflect outside conditions and events, but at other times it is entirely detached from what most people assume are causal conditions. The reason is that the market has a law of its own. It is not propelled by the external causality to which one becomes accustomed in the everyday experiences of life. The path of prices is not a product of news. Nor is the market the cyclically rhythmic machine that some declare it to be. Its movement reflects a repetition of forms that is independent both of presumed causal events and of periodicity.

The market’s progression unfolds in waves. Waves are patterns of directional movement.

If you want to know what the waves are showing for the energy sector next, we have a rare, free opportunity for you. Now through April 5, use our trader-focused Energy Pro Service — free.

Learn How to Navigate Oil & Volatile Energies now.

This article was syndicated by Elliott Wave International and was originally published under the headline Crude Oil: Will “Banking Crisis Send Prices Even Lower”? Ha!. EWI is the world’s largest market forecasting firm. Its staff of full-time analysts led by Chartered Market Technician Robert Prechter provides 24-hour-a-day market analysis to institutional and private investors around the world.

Q2: Chen ‘Excited’ for Silver’s Possibilities

Source: Streetwise Reports  (3/28/23)

The start of Q2 is fast approaching and one thing has not change for asset manager Chen Lin: he’s still bullish on silver and precious metals.

The start of Q2 is fast approaching, and one thing has not changed for asset manager Chen Lin: he’s still bullish on silver and precious metals.

The author of the What is Chen Buying? What is Chen Selling? newsletter told Streetwise Reports that several companies have him “excited” about future possibilities right now.

Silver is great at coating electrical contacts, and it’s an important element in solar technology. Almost all computers, phones, cars, and appliances contain the metal. Because of this growing demand, the Silver Institute predicted global demand for silver would reach a new high of 1.21 billion ounces in 2022, up 16% from the preceding year.

“Physical investment (in silver) in 2022 (was) on track to jump by 18% to 329 (million ounces) Moz, which would also be a new record,” the report said.

Silver prices have gone up US$3 an ounce since March 7; Chen said he thinks it’s just “the beginning.”

While one of the companies Chen recommends will be familiar to his readers, there are some surprises, including a country you might not associate with precious metal mining.

First Majestic Silver Corp.

What has Chen so excited?

First Majestic Silver Corp. (FR:TSX; AG:NYSE; FMV:FSE) recently announced it was suspending all mining activities at its Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine in Nevada.

The company said it had been focused on increasing mining rates there to feed the processing plant at a minimum of 3,000 tonnes per day but has never hit that threshold since buying the project about two years ago.

The news of the suspension sent First Majestic’s stock sinking 24% in one day.

Chen said he knew Jarrett Canyon was an issue for the company and has “been waiting for this day for a long time.”

“It’s a good opportunity,” Chen said. “Today is a happy day, and I will start loading up on First Majestic.”

Retail: 66%
Institutions: 32%
Insiders & Management: 2%
Strategic Investors: 0%
66%
32%
*Share Structure as of 3/27/2023

 

While the mine accounted for 21% of the company’s revenue in 2022, First Majestic still has three other major properties: San Dimas, Santa Elena, and La Encantada in Mexico. It also recorded record annual revenue in 2022 and just renewed a share repurchase program.

“They have free cash flow,” Chen said. “It was just a mistake to buy Jarett Canyon.”

A research note by Jefferson Research on March 24 rated its cash flow “strong.”

First Majestic said it still intends to process about 45,000 tonnes of above-ground stockpiles through the plant at Jerritt Canyon and will continue exploration activities at the site.

“The company will continue exploring both near-mine and prospective regional greenfield targets to grow Jerritt Canyon’s resources, which we believe will significantly enhance the economics for the eventual restart of operations,” First Majestic said.

According to Yahoo Finance, about 2% of First Majestic is held by insiders, and 32% is held by institutions. The rest is retail.

Insider shareholders include President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Neumeyer, who owns 1.56% or 4.1 million shares, Reuters said. Top institutional owners include Van Eck Associates Corp. with 9.99% or 26.27 million shares and the Vanguard Group Inc. with 3% or 7.88 million shares.

It has a market cap of US$1.74 million with 263 million shares outstanding, 256.2 million of them free-floating. It trades in a 52-week range of US$14.59 and US$5.53.

i-80 Gold Corp.

Another precious metal stock Chen likes in the second quarter is i-80 Gold Corp. (IAU:TSX; IAUCF:OTCQX), which is focused on its five projects in northern Nevada: Lone Tree, Ruby Hill, Granite Creek, McCoy-Cove, and Buffalo Mountain. Its stated goal is to achieve mid-tier gold producer status.

The stock moved as high as CA$3.52 in February but sank to CA$2.97 on March 7 when news broke that major shareholder Equinox Gold Corp. (EQX:TSX; EQX:NYSE.A) was selling CA$32 million in shares in a private placement. Equinox’s ownership went from about 25% to about 20%.

However, the company has recently made discoveries at its Ruby Hill project and graduated to producer status at Granite Creek.

Streetwise Ownership Overview*

i-80 Gold Corp. (IAU:TSX; IAUCF:OTCQX)

Institutions: 49%
Retail: 28%
Insiders & Management: 23%
Strategic Investors: 0%
49%
28%
23%
*Share Structure as of 3/27/2023

 

“It makes a very good opportunity now,” Chen said. “And they continue making the discoveries of very high-grade gold, silver, and base metals in the middle of Nevada. I like the price.”

The stock had risen to CA$3.11 per share by Monday morning.

The company, which started trading on the New York Stock Exchange last May, said it had gold sales of more than 21,000 ounces in 2022, increased the size of Granite Creek by more than 500 hectares, and completed a total of more than 240,000 feet of drilling.

The National Bank of Canada was neutral on i-80 Gold’s fourth-quarter 2022 results released recently, saying there were “no surprises.” It gave the company an outperform rating with a CA$5.50 target.

About 23% of the company is held by insiders, and about 49% is held by institutions, according to Yahoo Finance. The rest is retail.

The top insider shareholder is Chief Executive Officer and Director Ewan Downie, with 2.24% or 5.53 million shares, Reuters said. Top institutional shareholders include Equinox with 19.98% or 49.24 million shares, Sprott Asset Management LP with 8.45% or 20.81 million shares, and Orion Resources Partners (USA) LP with 8.24% or 20.3 million shares.

It has a market cap of US$548 million with 246.4 million shares outstanding, 169.69 million of them free-floating. It trades in a 52-week range of US$3.18 and US$1.52.

Cerro de Pasco Resources Inc.

Chen also has high hopes for Cerro de Pasco Resources Inc. (CNSX:CDPR; OTCMKTS:GPPRF), focused on the development of the El Metalurgista mining concession in Peru.

It recently announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Volcan Compania Minera to collaborate in the first phase of exploring the Quiulacocha Tailings Project at the site.

Glencore International Plc (GLNCY:OTCMKTS) is providing a US$2 million loan to cover the costs of the first phase of the project, including geophysical studies, sonic drilling, laboratory testing, mineralogy studies, resource estimation, and economic assessment.

Retail: 59%
Insiders & Management: 23%
Institutions: 18%
Strategic Investors: 0%
59%
23%
18%
*Share Structure as of 3/27/2023

 

Volcan will allow Cerro de Pasco rights to process materials through its processing plants.

The Glencore loan is unusual, Chen said. The Peruvian government is also collaborating by giving the company a special designation.

“Glencore is really interested in their deposits,” Chen said. “We should have some very exciting results coming out in the fall.”

The stock was at CA$0.105 on Monday afternoon.

“Right now is the best time to buy the stock in the past five years,” Chen said. “Once people wake up, I expect the stock will have a huge performance.”

About 23% of the company is owned by insiders, according to Yahoo Finance, and 18% is held by institutions. The rest is retail.

According to Reuters, top institutional holders include LH Financial Services Corp., with 18.37% or 52.89 million shares, and Gordaldo Ltd. With 10.82% or 31.15 million shares. Executive Chairman Steven Zadka leads insiders with 8.72% or 25.1 million shares.

Cerro de Pasco has a market cap of CA$30.2 million with 287.9 million shares outstanding, 222.88 million of them free-floating. It trades in a 52-week range of CA$0.28 and CA$0.07.

Irving Resources Inc.

Another company that has Chen’s attention is Irving Resources Inc. (IRV:CSE; IRVRF:OTCQX), a Canadian explorer going after gold and silver in Japan.

The country is known for some of the highest-grade gold mines in the world, and there are dozens of past-producing epithermal mines, Irving Resources said. But Japan shut down most of its gold production to focus on base metals during World War II, and little exploration has occurred since then.

Few mines there have seen modern-day exploration techniques like drilling, the company said.

Chen said he plans to visit the mines there with renowned geologist Quinton Hennigh, who is a director and technical advisor for the company, next month.

“It should be a very exciting story,” he said.

Streetwise Ownership Overview*

Irving Resources Inc. (IRV:CSE; IRVRF:OTCQX)

Retail: 65%
Strategic Investors: 24%
Insiders & Management: 10%
Institutions: 1%
65%
24%
10%
*Share Structure as of 3/27/2023

 

Earlier this month, Irving announced it had discovered a new high-grade vein system in a newly drilled hole near the historic Hokuryu mine at its flagship Omui project in Hokkaido.

The company encountered veins extending 33 meters and grading 1.35 grams per tonne gold (g/t Au) and 15.45 g/t silver (Ag).

Irving Resources said it has started an aggressive exploration program for this year, testing multiple new drill targets and vein extensions at Omui.

Newmont Corp. (NEM:NYSE) owns 18.34% of the company, Irving said, while Japan Gold Corp. (JG:TSX.V) is partnering with Barrick Gold Corp. (ABX:TSX; GOLD:NYSE).

“So, the largest mining companies are very interested in Japan,” Chen said.

The company said management and directors own about 10%, and strategic investors Newmont and Sumitomo Corp. (8053:TKY; SSUMF:OTCPK) own 18% and 6%, respectively. Yahoo Finance said about 1% is owned institutions. The rest is retail.

According to Reuters, top insiders include President and Chief Executive Officer Akiko Levinson with 4.78% or 3.46 million shares and Hennigh with 3.14% or 2.27 million shares.

Irving Resources has a market cap of CA$85.5 million with 72.4 million shares outstanding, 41 million of them free-floating. It trades in a 52-week range of CA$1.84 and CA$0.63.

First Tellurium Corp.

Finally, Chen recommended a company he’s picked beforeFirst Tellurium Corp. (FTEL:CSE).

Tellurium is another element important to the new green economy, as it is critical to solar panels and lithium batteries. It has also been used to vulcanize rubber, tint glass, and manufacture rewritable CDs and DVDs.

First Tellurium’s Deer Horn property in British Columbia is known to have the only positive Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for a tellurium project (Te) in North America. It’s named by First Solar as one of only four world-class Te projects.

“There’s a very decent chance tellurium will breakout this year, because First Solar is using 60 to 70% of worldwide production to make a solar panel,” Chen said. “Their production has grown rapidly.”

Streetwise Ownership Overview*

First Tellurium Corp. (FTEL:CSE)

Retail: 89%
Management/Insiders: 11%
Institutions: 0%
Strategic Investors: 0%
89%
11%
*Share Structure as of 3/27/2023

 

Recent International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts show that solar photovoltaic (solar PV) technology will generate more power by 2027 than any other source.

Deer Horn also has a large silver resource, the company said. Silver is another important element in solar panels.

“We have a very attractive mix of precious and green metals, including copper porphyry mineralization, in a time of strong metals markets,” First Tellurium President and Chief Executive Officer Tyron Docherty said.

According to the company, 11% of First Tellurium is owned by management and insiders. Docherty owns 10.50% or 7.63 million shares, Director Josef Anthony Steve Fogarassy has 1.38% or 1 million shares, and Director Lyle Allen Schwabe has 0.77% or 0.56 million shares. There are no institutional investors, and the rest is retail.

The company has a market cap of CA$11.6 million, with 72.7 million shares outstanding, 63.46 of them free-floating. It trades in a 52-week range of CA$0.255 and CA$0.085.

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Disclosures:
1) Steve Sobek wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC. He or members of his household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. He or members of his household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None.

2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: None. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. As of the date of this article, an affiliate of Streetwise Reports has a consulting relationship with: First Tellurium Corp. Please click here for more information.

3) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports’ terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports.

4) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the decision to publish an article until three business days after the publication of the article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of First Majestic Silver Corp. and First Tellurium Corp., companies mentioned in this article.

Biden’s new banking reforms are badly focused – here’s why

By George Prior

President Joe Biden’s push for regulators to tighten the rules for banks is “well-intentioned but badly focused,” says the CEO of one of the world’s largest financial advisory, asset management and fintech organizations.

The observation from deVere Group’s Nigel Green comes as The White House on Thursday called for federal banking agencies, in conjunction with the Treasury Department, to implement a raft of reforms.

These include raising liquidity requirements for banks, updating liquidity stress tests to consider high-speed digital withdrawals, and requiring banks to submit plans to regulators on how they would close should they fail.

He says: “This is the US government’s boldest response yet to the banking crisis that recently led to the collapse of two banks – although it’s not definite that the regulators will impose the changes.

“Clearly, and especially after previous waves of deregulation, the tightening of rules must be a good thing.

“A robust regulatory framework is important for protecting depositors and consumers, promoting financial stability, and preventing fraud and illegal activities.

“But, while this move by the Biden administration is well-intentioned, it is also badly focused.”

The deVere CEO continues: “At the same time as The White House is pushing for greater regulation for legacy banks, they must also simultaneously focus on digital-only financial institutions. The government can and should do both.

“But currently, there’s too much emphasis on traditional banks, which seem to have been in a perpetual game of ‘catch-up’ in recent years amid evolving customer expectations, regulatory requirements and tech advances, when digital is inevitably the future of banking.”

Nigel Green says demographics, tech and mistrust show why digital banking should get more attention from regulators as it is destined to outrun traditional banking.

“Not only are Millennials and Gen Z the fastest-growing cohort of clients, but they are also becoming the beneficiaries of the Greatest Transfer of Wealth in history.

“According to some estimates, $68 trillion in wealth is to be passed down from the baby boomers – the wealthiest generation ever – to their children and other heirs over the next few decades.

“Also, critically, Millennials and Gen Z have grown up on technology. They are ‘digital natives’.

“They’ve been influenced by the enormous surge in tech as they came into adulthood and they seemingly became comfortable using fintech [financial technology] to help them access, manage and use their money, rather than using a traditional bank.

He continues: “This wave of tech that bought us not only fintech, but the likes of Uber, AirBnB, and Amazon, also coincided with the financial crash.

“Many people blame the traditional banking industry for causing that crisis and believe that banks prioritise their own profits over their customers’ interests, that they lack transparency, fees are too high, customer experience is low and they have poor standards or corporate responsibility.

“In short, there’s huge mistrust in legacy institutions.”

This environment has helped fuel the demand for digital-only banks, as customers seek out more convenience, accessibility, a better user experience, innovation, and security.

Another major reason why the US government “must focus on digital” is its own move towards a digital dollar.

Nellie Liang, the US Treasury Department’s undersecretary for domestic finance, noted recently that the federal government will start meetings in the “coming months” on a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).

“A digital dollar – which, again, seems like an inevitability in our increasingly tech-driven world – would destroy traditional banks, it’ll be the final nail in the coffin. Therefore, it seems misguided that the regulatory resources are focused on them,” says Nigel Green.

The American Bankers Association has recently argued that the digital dollar would mean “deposits accounting for 71% of bank funding are at risk of moving to the Federal Reserve.” This would increase the cost of funding in banking to an “unsustainable” level.

The deVere CEO concludes: “Our world is increasingly being shaped and driven by the blistering pace of tech innovation.

“More and more of us are turning to fintech instead of a traditional banking system that is perceive as outdated, inconvenient, expensive and/or untrustworthy.

“Yet the US government is seemingly focusing its attention and resources on legacy rather than future-focused digital banking. Unless this changes, it will mean that it will forever be playing catch-up with a fast-changing sector.”

About:

deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of more than 70 offices across the world, over 80,000 clients and $12bn under advisement.