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Cracker Barrel assures customers its values remain the same amid logo uproar

Business 2 Mins Read

Cracker Barrel tried to reassure customers Monday that its values have remained the same after it received criticism following a new logo reveal and general brand refresh.

The company promised customers in a statement that while its logo may be different, its values — “hard work, family, and scratch-cooked food made with care’ — are not.

“You’ve shown us that we could’ve done a better job sharing who we are and who we’ll always be,” the statement read, adding that Cracker Barrel will remain “a place where everyone feels at home, no matter where you’re from or where you’re headed.”

Last week, the company unveiled a new logo that no longer features a man leaning against a barrel or the words ‘Old Country Store.’ Instead, it featured the company’s name, in a color scheme that it said was inspired by the chain’s scrambled eggs and biscuits.

The change was part of a ‘strategic transformation’ that aimed to update the chain’s visual elements, spaces, food and retail offerings. The company’s shares are down about 8.5% since the reveal ignited criticism, especially from those in conservative circles.

Donald Trump Jr., the president’s son, amplified a post Wednesday suggesting that the logo change was intended to erase the American traditions aspect of the branding and make it more general and lean into diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

On Monday, the chain also shared an update on the man in the original logo, Uncle Herschel, who is said is still featured on menus and road signs and in stores.

‘He’s not going anywhere — he’s family,’ the company said in the statement.

Cracker Barrel said its focuses remain country hospitality and generous portions of food at fair prices. The refresh, it said, was to ensure the restaurant will be there for the next generation.

‘That means showing up on new platforms and in new ways, but always with our heritage at the heart,’ it said.

‘We know we won’t always get everything right the first time, but we’ll keep testing, learning, and listening to our guests and employees.’

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

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HyProMag USA Commences Stockpiling of Feedstock

Investing 8 Mins Read

CoTec Holdings Corp. (TSXV:CTH)(OTCQB:CTHCF) (‘CoTec’) and Mkango Resources Ltd. (AIM/TSX-V: MKA) (‘Mkango’) are pleased to announce that Intelligent Lifecycle Solutions LLC (‘ILS’) has formally commenced its stockpiling of feedstock initiative pursuant to the recently announced feedstock supply and pre-processing site share agreement between HyProMag USA LLC (‘HyProMag USA’ or the ‘Project’) and ILS. Pre-processing of the feedstock is expected to commence prior to December 31, 2025.

The stockpiling and pre-processing will take place at both the ILS sites in Williston, South Carolina and Reno, Nevada (the ‘ILS sites’). ILS is a global electronics recycling company processing electronic waste. It is a full-service IT asset disposition, electronics recycling and scrap purchasing company and is fully compliant in ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018 and ‘Responsible Recycling R2v3 Recycler’ at its USA locations. Through ILS, HyProMag USA will provide full traceability on its products to support the ‘closed loop’ circular economy and critical mineral supply chains within the United States.

Julian Treger, CoTec CEO commented:‘This is another major milestone in the execution of the HyProMag USA project. Securing feedstock is key to the success of any recycling business and we are pleased to work with credible companies such as ILS. HyProMag USA’s target is to secure between 6 months and 12 months of feedstock prior to commissioning of HyProMag USA’s advanced stage rare earth magnet recycling and manufacturing plant to be located in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. HyProMag USA aims to become a major contributor to the USA supply chain of rare earth magnets, a critical input for accelerating the reshoring of the U.S industrial base.’

Will Dawes, Mkango CEO commented: ‘The agreement with ILS and commencement of stockpiling of NdFeB feedstock underpins the rapid deployment of Hydrogen Processing of Magnet Scrap (HPMS) and associated magnet manufacturing into the United States by HyProMag USA, with detailed engineering well underway following the positive feasibility study last year. These developments will catalyse development of a more robust rare earth supply chain, whilst unlocking new NdFeB scrap sources in the United States and generating significant value for HyProMag USA and its stakeholders.’

About HyProMag USA LLC.

HyProMag USA is owned 50:50 by CoTec and HyProMag Limited. HyProMag Limited is 100 per cent owned by Maginito (‘Maginito’), which is owned on a 79.4/20.6 per cent basis by Mkango and CoTec.

For more information, please visit www.hypromagusa.com

About CoTec Holdings Corp.

CoTec is a publicly traded investment issuer listed on the Toronto Venture Stock Exchange (‘TSX- V’) and the OTCQB and trades under the symbols CTH and CTHCF respectively. CoTec Holdings Corp. is a forward-thinking resource extraction company committed to revolutionizing the global metals and minerals industry through innovative, environmentally sustainable technologies and strategic asset acquisitions. With a mission to drive the sector toward a low-carbon future, CoTec employs a dual approach: investing in disruptive mineral extraction technologies that enhance efficiency and sustainability while applying these technologies to undervalued mining assets to unlock their full potential. By focusing on recycling, waste mining, and scalable solutions, the Company accelerates the production of critical minerals, shortens development timelines, and reduces environmental impact. CoTec’s strategic model delivers low capital requirements, rapid revenue generation, and high barriers to entry, positioning it as a leading mid-tier disruptor in the commodities sector.

For more information, please visit www.cotec.ca.

About Mkango Resources Ltd.

Mkango is listed on the AIM and the TSX-V. Mkango’s corporate strategy is to become a market leader in the production of recycled rare earth magnets, alloys and oxides, through its interest in Maginito Limited (‘Maginito’), which is owned 79.4 per cent by Mkango and 20.6 per cent by CoTec, and to develop new sustainable sources of neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium to supply accelerating demand from electric vehicles, wind turbines and other clean energy technologies.

Maginito holds a 100 per cent interest in HyProMag and a 90 per cent direct and indirect interest (assuming conversion of Maginito’s convertible loan) in HyProMag GmbH, focused on short loop rare earth magnet recycling in the UK and Germany, respectively, and a 100 per cent interest in Mkango Rare Earths UK Ltd (‘Mkango UK’), focused on long loop rare earth magnet recycling in the UK via a chemical route.

Maginito and CoTec are also rolling out HPMS recycling technology into the United States via the 50/50 owned HyProMag USA LLC joint venture company.

Mkango also owns the advanced stage Songwe Hill rare earths project in Malawi (‘Songwe’) and the Pulawy rare earths separation project in Poland (‘Pulawy’). Both the Songwe and Pulawy projects have been selected as Strategic Projects under the European Union Critical Raw Materials Act. Mkango has signed a Binding Combination Agreement with Crown PropTech Acquisitions to list the Songwe Hill and Pulawy rare earths projects on NASDAQ via a SPAC Merger.

For more information, please visit www.mkango.ca

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 (‘MAR’) which has been incorporated into UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of that term under applicable securities laws) with respect to Mkango and CoTec. Generally, forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as ‘plans’, ‘expects’ or ‘is expected to’, ‘scheduled’, ‘estimates’ ‘intends’, ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results ‘can’, ‘may’, ‘could’, ‘would’, ‘should’, ‘might’ or ‘will’, occur or be achieved, or the negative connotations thereof. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur, which may cause actual performance and results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, without limiting the foregoing, the delivery and effectiveness of the HDD magnet separation system built by Inserma, the results of the Accelerated Pilot Programme at UoB, the availability of (or delays in obtaining) financing to develop Songwe Hill, the Recycling Plants being developed by Maginito in the UK, Germany and the US (the ‘Maginito Recycling Plants’), governmental action and other market effects on global demand and pricing for the metals and associated downstream products for which Mkango is exploring, researching and developing, geological, technical and regulatory matters relating to the development of Songwe Hill, the ability to scale the HPMS and chemical recycling technologies to commercial scale, competitors having greater financial capability and effective competing technologies in the recycling and separation business of Maginito and Mkango, availability of scrap supplies for Maginito’s recycling activities, government regulation (including the impact of environmental and other regulations) on and the economics in relation to recycling and the development of the Maginito Recycling Plants, and Pulawy and future investments in the United States pursuant to the proposed cooperation agreement between Maginito and CoTec, cost overruns, complexities in building and operating the plants, and the positive results of feasibility studies on the various proposed aspects of Mkango’s, Maginito’s and CoTec’s activities. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company and CoTec disclaim any intention and assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Additionally, the Company and CoTec undertake no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

For further information on CoTec, please contact:

CoTec Holdings Corp.
Braam Jonker
Chief Financial Officer
braam.jonker@cotec.ca
Canada: +1 604 992-5600

For further information on Mkango, please contact:

Mkango Resources Limited

William Dawes

Alexander Lemon

Chief Executive Officer

President

will@mkango.ca

alex@mkango.ca

Canada: +1 403 444 5979

www.mkango.ca

@MkangoResources

SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP
Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker
Jeff Keating, Jen Clarke, Devik Mehta
UK: +44 20 3470 0470

Alternative Resource Capital
Joint Broker
Alex Wood, Keith Dowsing
UK: +44 20 7186 9004/5

The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. 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.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any equity or other securities of the Company in the United States. The securities of the Company will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘U.S. Securities Act’) and may not be offered or sold within the United States to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except in certain transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act.

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Peabody Scraps Plans to Acquire Anglo’s Steelmaking Coal Portfolio

Investing 3 Mins Read

Peabody Energy (NYSE:BTU) has terminated purchase agreements with Anglo American (LSE:AAL,OTCQX:AAUKF) following a material adverse change (MAC) to the latter’s steelmaking coal assets.

In a Tuesday (August 19) announcement, Peabody said the decision follows an ignition event at Anglo’s Moranbah North mine in Bowen Basin, Queensland, an instance that made headlines in April.

ABC News Australia states that the ignition led to an evacuation following “dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.”

‘The two companies did not reach a revised agreement to cure the MAC that compensated Peabody for the material and long-term impacts of the MAC on the most significant mine in the planned acquisition,’ explained Peabody President and CEO Jim Grech, adding that the company’s portfolio is still well positioned moving forward.

Anglo CEO Duncan Wanblad said in a separate statement that the firm is confident in its belief that what happened at Moranbah “does not constitute a MAC” under the sale agreements with Peabody.

“Our view is supported by the lack of damage to the mine and equipment, as well as the substantial progress made with the regulator, our employees and the unions, and other stakeholders as part of the regulatory process towards a safe restart of the mine,” Wanblad said. Anglo recently signed a risk assessment that underpins the restart strategy.

Anglo announced the sale of its steelmaking coal portfolio to Peabody in November 2024 for US$3.78 billion.

The portfolio primarily consists of an 88 percent interest in the Moranbah North joint venture, a 70 percent interest in the Capcoal joint venture and an 86.36 percent interest in the Roper Creek joint venture.

“We are therefore very disappointed that Peabody has decided not to complete the transaction … We continue to reserve our rights under the definitive agreements, we are confident in our legal position and will shortly initiate an arbitration to seek damages for wrongful termination,” Anglo said in its Tuesday press release.

Peabody said it will continue to execute plans to create substantial value from its diversified global asset portfolio.

‘(Our) portfolio is very well positioned, with growing exposure to seaborne metallurgical coal highlighted by our new 25-year premium hard coking coal Centurion Mine, a low-cost seaborne thermal coal platform, and a leading U.S. thermal coal position capitalizing on rising power generation demand,’ noted Grech.

‘Moving forward, we intend to execute a four-pronged strategy for value creation.’

Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Crypto Market Update: Dormant Whale Offloads US$2.7 Billion in Bitcoin, Market Cap Drops

Investing 5 Mins Read

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Monday (August 25) as of 9:00 a.m. UTC.

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

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$111,481, a 2.6 percent decrease in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$110,788, and its highest was US$114,779.

Bitcoin price performance, August 25, 2025.

Chart via TradingView

Bitcoin tumbled sharply on Sunday (August 24) after a whale dumped 24,000 BTC, triggering a flash crash that wiped out roughly US$550 million in long positions and drove prices briefly below US$111,000.

By Monday (August 25), markets recovered slightly but remained in a downtrend overall as broader crypto sell-offs and cautious sentiment prevailed.

ETH was priced at US$4,642.54, down by 2.7 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation was US$4,538.58 and its highest was US$4,946.05.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) was priced at US$198.05, down by 3.1 percent. Its lowest was US$195.54 and its highest as of Monday was US$212.69.
  • XRP was trading for US$2.95, up by 2.4 percent in the past 24 hours. Its highest valuation of the day was at US$3.12 and its lowest was US$2.93.
  • Sui (SUI) was trading at US$3.48, down by 3.9 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day so far was US$3.345 and its highest was US$3.84.
  • Cardano (ADA) was trading at US$0.8653, down by 3.3 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest valuation for the day was US$0.8575 and its highest was US$0.9587.

Today’s crypto news to know

Bitcoin whale selloff triggers US$80 billion market slide

Crypto markets turned sharply lower late Sunday after a dormant whale unloaded roughly US$2.7 billion worth of Bitcoin.

Onchain data shows the entity, inactive since 2019, moved 24,000 BTC originally linked to a withdrawal from the HTX exchange. The whale rotated into Ether, amassing more than 400,000 ETH while opening leveraged longs and staking positions.

The timing coincided with a shift in sentiment following Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole remarks, which were initially read as dovish but left traders questioning how soon rate cuts might arrive.

By Monday, leveraged liquidations topped US$715 million, erasing more than US$80 billion from total crypto market capitalization. CME’s FedWatch tool still prices September cuts as highly likely, but analysts warn Powell’s speech was more cautious than markets first assumed. T

The pullback ended a brief rally that had lifted Ether nearly 10 percent and XRP over 5 percent earlier in the week.

Metaplanet enters FTSE Japan index, buys more Bitcoin

Metaplanet, the Tokyo-listed hotel operator that has rebranded as a Bitcoin treasury firm, will join the FTSE Japan Index following FTSE Russell’s September 2025 review.

The upgrade moves Metaplanet from small-cap to mid-cap status, with index inclusion set after markets close on September 19.

CEO Simon Gerovich called the milestone proof of the firm’s ambition to be Japan’s top Bitcoin holding company, while also confirming a fresh purchase of 103 BTC, lifting reserves to 18,991 BTC.

The company’s stock base expanded by 4.9 million shares last week after stock acquisition rights were exercised, which provided new funds for Bitcoin buys but diluting existing investors.

Bloomberg reported last week that Eric Trump, who joined as a strategic adviser in March, is expected at Metaplanet’s shareholder meeting in Tokyo next month.

Japan’s Finance Minister Backs Crypto in Diversified Portfolios

Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato said Monday that crypto assets can serve as part of a diversified portfolio, even as he cautioned about their volatility.

Speaking at an event in Tokyo, Kato emphasized the government’s role in fostering innovation while avoiding excessive regulation. Contextually, his remarks come as Japan faces mounting public debt exceeding 200 percent of GDP, raising the likelihood of financial repression measures.

Notably, Japan has recently updated its stablecoin regulations and approved its first yen-denominated token.

Philippine lawmaker proposes Bitcoin Reserve to address national debt

A Philippine congressman has introduced legislation to create a sovereign Bitcoin reserve designed to pay down the country’s debt.

The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, filed by Rep. Miguel Luis Villafuerte, mandates the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to acquire 2,000 BTC annually over five years, totaling 10,000 BTC.

The holdings would be locked for two decades, with sales permitted only to retire government debt, and capped at 10 percent of assets in any two-year span thereafter. Villafuerte likened the reserve to the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve or Canada’s maple syrup stockpile, arguing it would diversify the Philippines’ financial base.

The country’s debt reached US$285 billion, or 60 percent of its GDP, as of January.

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

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Kazatomprom Cuts 2026 Uranium Output as Market Tightens, Demand Seen Rising

Investing 5 Mins Read

Kazakhstan’s state-owned uranium giant Kazatomprom will scale back production in 2026, saying that current supply and demand dynamics do not justify a return to full capacity even as long-term prices hold firm.

The company, which accounts for more than one-fifth of the world’s primary uranium output, said it expects to lower production by roughly 10 percent compared with earlier targets, reducing its nominal output level from 32,777 metric tons of uranium (tU) to 29,697 tU.

That equates to a drop of around 8 million pounds of uranium, or about 5 percent of global supply. Most of the reduction will come from adjustments at its Budenovskoye joint venture.

“As the world’s largest producer and seller of natural uranium, Kazatomprom fully recognises the critical role the Company has in supporting the global energy transition,” Chief Executive Meirzhan Yussupov said, as the miner released its first half 2025 results.

Kazatomprom said the present market environment does not warrant lifting production to its previous 100 percent level. The long-term uranium price has remained stable at around US$80 per pound, despite volatility in spot markets and financial uncertainty tied to tariff disputes.

Instead, Kazatomprom said it plans to “exercise its downflex opportunity within the acceptable 20 percent deviation under the updated 2026 Subsoil Use production levels.” It added that the actual guidance for the 2026 output will be released in a later disclosure.

The company further added that supplies of sulphuric acid, a critical reagent for the in-situ recovery (ISR) mining method used across its operations, are expected to be stable in 2026.

Kazatomprom also pointed to Kazakhstan’s own nuclear energy ambitions. The government has floated plans for three nuclear power plants, each of which would require about 400 metric tons (1.04 million pounds) of uranium annually.

Financially, the announcement accompanied weaker half-year results. Kazatomprom reported a 54 percent fall in net profit to 263.2 billion Kazakhstani tenge (around US$489.5 million) in the first six months of 2025, compared with the same period a year earlier. Revenue further slipped 6 percent to 660.2 billion tenge due to lower sales volumes.

In August 2024, the company cut its 2025 uranium output forecast by 12–17 percent amid a sulfuric acid shortage. Its new acid plant won’t be ready until at least 2026, while higher mineral extraction taxes starting which commenced earlier this year are set to raise costs and erode its traditional competitive edge.

Even as it trims output targets, Kazatomprom stressed that it is pushing ahead with large-scale exploration programs across Kazakhstan. The initiatives are aimed at replenishing reserves and safeguarding the company’s status as the leading global supplier of nuclear fuel.

“Kazatomprom is currently undertaking a large-scale exploration in Kazakhstan, which is a top priority for replenishing its resource base and maintaining its leading position as a global nuclear fuel supplier,” Yussupov said.

Potential market deficit ahead

​Although Kazatomprom has seen a decline in profits, sector major Cameco (TSX:CCO,NYSE:CCJ) registered growth in Q2 2025, and is anticipating a broad uptick in global demand.

​“We believe that supportive government policies, the tangible actions of energy-intensive industries, and positive public conversations are all pointing to a global convergence: nuclear energy is a critical solution for providing clean, constant, secure and reliable power to electrify global economies, wrote Tim Gitzel, Cameco’s president and CEO.​​

​
Uranium’s key role in clean energy has prompted FocusEconomics analysts to forecast uranium prices to stay well above 2010s levels through the decade, with price projected in the US$65 to US$80 per pound range.

The World Nuclear Association (WNA) projects demand will rise 28 percent by 2030, outpacing an 18 percent supply increase, driven by emerging-market growth, AI-related power needs, modular reactor adoption and energy security concerns.

Primary uranium production from mines, conversion and enrichment plants meets most global reactor demand, with secondary supplies helping bridge short-term gaps.

‘However, secondary supply is projected to have a gradually diminishing role in the world market, decreasing from the current level in supplying 11-14 percent of reactor uranium requirements to 4-11 percent in 2050,’ notes the WNA’s recent Nuclear Fuel Report.

Despite the looming shortfall, FocusEconomics analysts don’t anticipate a return to 2024’s highs, when prices overshot fundamentals amid investor exuberance.

“Supply/demand dynamics are supportive of higher uranium prices: We forecast a structural supply deficit of ~20 million pounds in 2025 to grow to ~130 million pounds by 2040, or representing 40 percent-45 percent undersupply,’ an email from FocusEconomics stated. ‘This view is supported by increasing demand for uranium as the global nuclear fleet expands to support growing power needs amid a lack of meaningful potential supply to come online.”

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

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Trump flexes power over big business as U.S. takes 10% stake in Intel

Business 4 Mins Read

The Trump administration said Friday that it had taken a 10% stake in Intel, the president’s latest extraordinary move to exert federal government control over private business.

The United States will not seek direct representation on Intel’s board and pledged to vote with the current Board of Directors on matters requiring shareholder approval, ‘with limited exceptions,’ according to a joint release from the Trump administration and Intel. The move also comes as the United States vies with China in the race to dominate the artificial intelligence industry.

President Donald Trump announced the deal on his Truth Social platform Friday, praising the company’s CEO just two weeks after he called on the executive to resign over alleged China ties.

‘It is my Great Honor to report that the United States of America now fully owns and controls 10% of INTEL, a Great American Company that has an even more incredible future,’ he wrote. ‘I negotiated this Deal with Lip-Bu Tan, the Highly Respected Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The United States paid nothing for these Shares, and the Shares are now valued at approximately $11 Billion Dollars. This is a great Deal for America and, also, a great Deal for INTEL. Building leading edge Semiconductors and Chips, which is what INTEL does, is fundamental to the future of our Nation.’

While the U.S. held temporary stakes in firms at the center of the 2008-2009 global financial meltdown as part of a bailout, this move is unusual since the economy is not embroiled in a crisis. Congress published a study in 2003 that examined the impact of the federal government taking direct stakes in public companies, concluding that doing so would “not offer a free lunch” and expose taxpayers to “greater risk” alongside the upside potential.

The stake will be paid for through $5.7 billion in grants previously awarded to Intel under the 2022 U.S. CHIPS and Science Act, plus $3.2 billion awarded to the company as part of a program called Secure Enclave. It’s a formerly classified initiative that Congress appropriated funds for in 2024 after lobbying by Intel, Politico reported in 2024.

Including $2.2 billion in CHIPs grants Intel has received so far, the total investment is $11.1 billion, or 9.9%. Intel is valued at about $108 billion on the stock market.

Trump continues to bulldoze through long-held norms regarding government and business, departing from the free-market ethos that has long prevailed in both major U.S. political parties.

This month, Trump persuaded the chipmakers Nvidia and AMD to pay the U.S. government 15% of their revenues from some sales to China in return for securing export licenses there.

While those firms have seen their fortunes rise amid the larger artificial intelligence boom, a windfall from any of them is no sure thing. In the case of California-based Intel, the company has struggled to keep up with rivals in recent years, with its shares down some 60% from the highs seen during the pandemic.

But amid the ongoing artificial intelligence arms race — and the goal of making computer chips a national security priority — Trump officials zeroed in on Intel as a means of leveling up U.S. control over semiconductor production.

Earlier this week, Japan’s SoftBank also announced it would invest $2 billion in Intel to “deepen their commitment to investing in advanced technology and semiconductor innovation in the United States.’

Some Democrats signaled they were on board with the move.

‘U.S. leadership is critical for both our economy and national security,’ U.S. Senator Mark Warner, D-Virginia, said in a statement Friday evening.

‘Taking an equity stake in Intel may or may not be the right approach, but one thing is clear: allowing cutting-edge chips to flow to China without restraint will erode the value of any investment we make here at home. We need a strategy that protects American innovation, strengthens our workforce, and keeps the technologies of the future firmly in American hands.’

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

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From American Eagle to Swatch, why brands seem to keep getting it so wrong

Business 3 Mins Read

From American Eagle to Swatch, brands appear to be making a lot of blunders lately.

When actress Sydney Sweeney’s jeans campaign came out last month, critics lambasted the wordplay of good “jeans” and “genes” as tone deaf with nefarious undertones.

More recently, an advert from Swiss watchmaker Swatch sparked backlash for featuring an Asian model pulling the corners of his eyes, in an offensive gesture.

Colgate-Palmolive’s ad for Sanex shower gel was banned in the U.K. for problematic suggestions about Black and white skin tones. And consumers derided Cracker Barrel’s decision to ditch its overalls-clad character for a more simplistic text-based logo as “sterile,” “soulless,” and “woke.”

The new Cracker Barrel logo.Wyatte Grantham-Philips / AP

Meanwhile, recent product launches from Adidas and Prada have raised allegations of cultural appropriation.

That has reignited the debate about when an ad campaign is effective and when it’s just plain offensive, as companies confront increased consumer scrutiny.

“Each brand had its own blind spot,” David Brier, brand specialist and author of “Brand intervention” and “Rich brand, poor brand” told CNBC via email.

He noted, however, that too many brands are attempting to respond to consumers with an outdated playbook.

“Modern brands are trying to navigate cultural complexity with corporate simplicity. They’re using 1950s boardroom thinking to solve 2025 human problems,” he continued.

“These aren’t sensitivity failures. They’re empathy failures. They viewed culture as something to navigate around rather than understand deeply.”

Some companies have had success in tapping into the zeitgeist — and, in some cases, seizing on other brands’ shortcomings.

Gap, for instance, this week sought to counter backlash against Sweeney’s advertisement with a campaign in which pop group Katseye lead a diverse group of dancers performing in denim against a white backdrop.

Brier said companies should consider how they can genuinely connect with consumers and be representative, rather than simply trying to avoid offense.

“No brand can afford to fake understanding. No brand can ‘committee its way’ to connection. No brand can focus-group its way to authenticity. In 2025, customers can smell the difference from a mile away,” he added.

Nevertheless, ads are meant to spark conversation, and at a time when grabbing and maintaining consumers’ attention — and share of wallet — is increasingly difficult, brands have a fine balance to tread.

“Brands live and die by standing out and grabbing attention. On top of that, iconic and culturally relevant brands want to stand for something and be recognized for it. Those are tough asks,” Jonathan A.J. Wilson, professor of brand strategy and culture at Regent’s University London.

In an age of social media and with ever more divided public opinions, landing one universal message can be difficult, Wilson noted. For as long as that remains the case, some brands may still see value in taking a calculated risk.

“It’s hard to land one universal message, and even if you try and tailor your message to various groups, others are watching,” he said.

“Controversy grabs attention and puts you at the front of people’s minds. It splits crowds and forces people to have a decision when otherwise they probably wouldn’t care. That can lead to disproportionate publicity, which could be converted into sales.”

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

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What’s the secret of their success? Summer camp

Business 1 Min Read

Summer camp: It’s for munching on s’mores, seizing victory in tug-of-war and making lifelong friends.

For this group of successful businesswomen, though, it’s also about trading tactical advice about managing boards of directors and selling companies. And fighting to get a piece of an investment world dominated by men.

Welcome to Camp Female Founders Fund, a coastal oasis in Montauk, New York, on eastern Long Island, where female business leaders broaden their networks, share their struggles and triumphs and have some fun.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

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Top 5 Canadian Mining Stocks This Week: StrategX Jumps 64 Percent on Fundraising

Investing 11 Mins Read

Statistics Canada released July’s consumer price index (CPI) data on Tuesday (August 19). The figures show that inflation decelerated in the month, posting a 1.7 percent year-on-year gain, down from the 1.9 percent recorded in June.

The most significant contributor to the fall was a 16.1 percent decline in gasoline prices from the same period last year.

Excluding the lower costs at the pumps, CPI remained steady at 2.5 percent, the same increase as May and June.

The national reporting agency released June’s mineral production survey on Wednesday (August 20).

The data indicates that production and shipments increased across the board, with copper production rising to 39.17 million kilograms, gold rising to 16,935 kilograms and silver increasing to 29,081 kilograms.

For shipments, copper increased to 45.96 million kilograms from 34.38 million kilograms, gold shipments rose to 18,554 kilograms from 16,725, and silver jumped to 31,391 kilograms from 27,614 kilograms.

On Thursday (August 21), Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had a phone call with US President Donald Trump. Although the prime minister’s office has provided few details, the two leaders reportedly had a “productive and wide-ranging conversation” about the current trade dispute, as well as economic and security relations.

Carney and Trump are expected to speak again soon.

South of the border, US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell gave his speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium on Friday (August 22). In his remarks, he said that the Fed’s dual mandate goal is in balance, with the labor market remaining near maximum employment, while inflation has eased from post-pandemic highs.

However, he also said that “a shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance,” hinting at a near-term cut to the Fed’s benchmark interest rate. Expectations are high for a 25 basis point cut in September.

Markets and commodities react

Canadian equity markets were positive this week. The S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) was in record territory, closing the week up 1.44 percent to set at another all-time high of 28,333.13. The S&P/TSX Venture Composite Index (INDEXTSI:JX) did even better, climbing 2.45 percent to finish Friday at 803.61. The CSE Composite Index (CSE:CSECOMP) slumped mid-week but recovered on Friday to post a slight gain of 0.48 percent to 158.82.

US equity markets were mixed this week, but strong gains on Friday following Powell’s comments kept them in record high territory. The S&P 500 (INDEXSP:INX) was up 1.52 percent on Friday, but down by 0.16 percent over the past five days to 6,466.92, while the Nasdaq 100 (INDEXNASDAQ:NDX) rose 1.51 percent on Friday, but sank 1.33 percent on the week to 23,497.83 on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) was the sole weekly gainer, rising 1.89 percent on Friday and 1.04 percent on the week to post a new record high of 45,631.73.

The gold price was largely flat this week, but also surged on Friday after Powell hinted at a near-term rate cut, rising 1.11 percent on the week to US$3,373.21 per ounce by 4:00 p.m. EDT on Friday.

Silver saw similar movements, but ended the week with a more significant gain of 2.62 percent US$38.90 per ounce.

Copper saw little change again this week, posting a 0.22 percent decrease to US$4.52 per pound. The S&P GSCI (INDEXSP:SPGSCI) commodities index posted an increase of 1.92 percent by close on Friday, finishing at 545.11.

Top Canadian mining stocks this week

How did mining stocks perform against this backdrop?

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

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

1. StrategX Elements (CSE:STGX)

Weekly gain: 63.64 percent
Market cap: C$11.57 million
Share price: C$0.18

StrategX Elements is advancing a portfolio of projects in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Canada.

Its most recent focus has been its Nagvaak project in Nunavut, which hosts a 6 kilometer mineralized zone with deposits of nickel, vanadium, cobalt, copper, silver and platinum-group metals.

On March 3, the company discovered a wide zone of high-grade graphite mineralization at Nagvaak, with one assay returning an average of 15 percent graphitic carbon over 32 meters, including an intersection of 22 percent graphitic carbon over 17 meters. StrategX said the hole also returned encouraging concentrations of other minerals, including nickel, copper and silver, supporting potential for a multi-mineral system.

The most recent news from the project came on July 30, when the company announced it was in the process of mobilizing for a 2025 drill program intended to delineate and validate the discoveries.

On Tuesday, the company completed a non-brokered private placement for 3.71 million shares, raising gross proceeds of C$296,960. It announced the placement on August 7 and said funds would be used for general working capital.

2. Max Resource (TSXV:MAX)

Weekly gain: 62.5 percent
Market cap: C$12.59 million
Share price: C$0.065

Max Resource is an explorer working to advance a portfolio of projects in Colombia.

Its Sierra Azul property is a district-scale copper and silver project consisting of 20 mining concessions covering an area of 188 square kilometers in northeastern Colombia.

The asset is covered by a May 2024 earn-in agreement with Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX), in which Freeport can receive up to an 80 percent stake by funding of C$50 million over 10 years. The site hosts multiple target areas with high-grade copper and silver mineralization, including a 20 kilometer red-bed style copper system at the AM district.

Max also owns the Florália hematite direct-shipping ore iron project located in the Minas Gerais region. The company completed the acquisition of the property in October 2024 from Jaguar Mining (TSX:JAG,OTCQX:JAGGF) for total cash considerations of US$1 million and 4 million performance share units, contingent upon reaching certain milestones. The site hosts hematite deposits with grades over 60 percent iron. Max intends to use a direct-shipping ore process to mine, crush and screen the ore before exporting the material directly to steel mills.

The company’s most recent announcement came this past Tuesday, when it secured the right to acquire Mora title, which lies adjacent to Aris Mining’s (TSX:ARIS,NYSEAMERICAN:ARMN) Marmato mine. The property hosts 40 historic workings with five active mines, with reserves with grades of 3.2 grams per metric ton (g/t) gold from 31.3 million metric tons and a resource of 9 million ounces of gold grading 3 g/t from 61.5 million metric tons.

3. Maple Gold Mines (TSXV:MGM)

Weekly gain: 50 percent
Market cap: C$45.6 million
Share price: C$0.105

Maple Gold Mines is a gold exploration company focused on the advancement of its Douay and Joutel projects located in the Abitibi greenstone belt in Québec, Canada.

The Douay project covers an area of 357 square kilometers. In a 2022 technical report, the company said the site hosts an indicated resource of 511,000 ounces of gold from 10 million metric tons with an average grade of 1.59 g/t gold, with an additional inferred resource of 2.53 million ounces from 76.7 million metric tons at 1.02 g/t.

Joutel is located directly south of Douay. The company announced on May 5 that it had staked an additional 128 mining claims, bringing the total land area at the property to 111 square kilometers from the original 39. The site hosts Agnico Eagle Mines’ (TSX:AEM,NYSE:AEM) past-producing Eagle-Telbel gold mine, which operated from 1974 to 1993. To date, the company has used 250,000 meters of historic drill results to create 3D models to aid in current exploration efforts.

The most recent news from Maple came on Wednesday when it announced a C$5 million non-brokered private placement led by strategic investor Michael Gentile. Additionally, the company reported that Agnico Eagle has indicated it intends to participate in the offering to maintain its pro rata ownership interest in Maple Gold.

The release also said that it has appointed Marc Legault and Chris Adams to the board of directors.

4. Capitan Silver (TSXV:CAPT)

Weekly gain: 40.45 percent
Market cap: C$113.2 million
Share price: C$1.25

Capitan Silver is an explorer focused on advancing silver and gold projects in Durango, Mexico.

The company’s flagship asset is the 100 percent owned Cruz de Plata project, in the heart of Mexico’s historic Penoles Mining District. The district is known for hosting significant silver mineralization and historic mining.

The Cruz de Plata project encompasses two historic silver mines — Jesus Maria and San Rafael — and the El Capitan oxide gold prospect, all within a 22.9 square kilometer land package.

To date, the company has completed 86 diamond drill holes totaling over 11,550 meters.

A 2020 technical report demonstratesd an inferred resource of 16.99 million ounces of contained silver and 331,000 ounces of contained gold from 28.3 million metric tons of ore with grades of 18.7 g/t silver and 0.36 g/t gold.

The most recent news from Capitan came on Friday, when it announced it executed a definitive agreement to acquire a strategic land package at its Cruz de Plata property from Fresnillo (LSE:FRES,OTC Pink:FNLPF) for total cash considerations of US$4 million. The transaction was initially announced in June.

The new parcel consists of seven mineral concessions covering an area of 2,171.4 hectares and increases its total holdings in the area by 85 percent and the surface expression of the silver and gold trend by 1.2 kilometers to the east.

5. District Metals (TSXV:DMX)

Weekly gain: 36.9 percent
Market cap: C$163.98 million
Share price: C$1.15

District Metals is a uranium exploration company focused on advancing a portfolio of assets in Sweden.

Its flagship Viken property covers an area of 38,657 hectares in Jämtland County and in addition to uranium hosts mineral deposits of vanadium, molybdenum, nickel, copper and zinc.

On June 13, District filed a technical report for the project’s updated mineral resource estimate. It shows an indicated resource of 176 million pounds of U3O8 from 456 million metric tons of ore with a grade of 175 parts per million (ppm) U3O8 and an inferred resource of 1.54 billion pounds of U3O8 from 4.3 billion metric tons with a grade of 161 ppm.

The company has also been advancing its Tomtebo-Stollberg zinc project in South-Central Sweden. The project is part of an October 2023 definitive agreement in which Boliden (STO:BOL) can earn an 85 percent interest in the property by spending C$10 million over four years and District can earn a 15 percent stake in Boliden’s Stollberg property.

Tomtebo covers an area of 5,144 hectares and hosts the historic Tomtebo and Lovas mines, while Stollberg covers an area of 5,180 hectares and is located near Boliden’s Garpengerg mine.

The most recent update from Tomtebo came on July 29, when District released assays from a five hole, 2,485 meter drill program conducted between February and April. One highlighted drill hole recorded multiple zones of silver and base metals mineralization, including 88 g/t silver, 3 percent zinc and 1.9 percent lead over 7.85 meters.

The company has not released any news since.

FAQs for Canadian mining stocks

What is the difference between the TSX and TSXV?

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

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

As of February 2025, there were 1,572 companies listed on the TSXV, 905 of which were mining companies. Comparatively, the TSX was home to 1,859 companies, with 181 of those being mining companies.

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

How much does it cost to list on the TSXV?

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

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

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

How do you trade on the TSXV?

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

Article by Dean Belder; FAQs by Lauren Kelly.

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

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Tech 5: Softbank to Invest US$2 Billion in Intel, Figure Seeks Nasdaq IPO

Investing 6 Mins Read

A broad selloff in heavyweight tech stocks at the start of the week abruptly reversed after US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell delivered a speech that bolstered expectations of a September interest rate cut.

Speaking at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium, Powell took a more dovish tone than investors may have been expecting, noting a slowdown in both worker supply and demand that could lead to employment risks.

He stated that the shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting the Fed’s policy stance, stressing the need to balance both sides of the central bank’s dual mandate when goals are in tension.

This is a change from the Fed’s previous stance, which had been more focused on the need to keep rates high to fight inflation. Powell acknowledged the visible, though likely temporary, effects of tariffs, cautioning about the potential for persistent inflation, but signaled that the Fed is now also seriously considering the downside risks to employment.

A risk-on rally ensued, impacting various market sectors: the S&P 500 (INDEXSP:.INX), Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) and Nasdaq Composite (INDEXNASDAQ:.IXIC) all closed up by more than 1.5 percent.

Bitcoin climbed above US$116,800, the Russell 2000 Index (INDEXRUSSELL:RUT) surged by 3.9 percent and 10 year treasury yields decreased by 0.07 percentage points to 4.26 percent. Traders now have higher expectations for a September rate cut, with probabilities exceeding 83 percent according to CME Group’s (NASDAQ:CME) FedWatch tool.

Here’s a look at the other drivers that shaped the tech sector this week.

1. Softbank to invest US$2 billion in Intel

Intel’s (NASDAQ:INTC) share price got a boost this week after a series of major announcements, beginning with SoftBank Group’s (TSE:9984) Monday (August 18) announcement that it plans invest US$2 billion in the company.

“Semiconductors are the foundation of every industry. For more than 50 years, Intel has been a trusted leader in innovation,’ said Masayoshi Son, chairman and CEO of SoftBank, in a press release.

‘This strategic investment reflects our belief that advanced semiconductor manufacturing and supply will further expand in the United States, with Intel playing a critical role,” he added.

Following that news, sources confirmed last week’s reports that the US government was seeking an equity stake in Intel in exchange for Biden-era Chips Act funding. Then, on Friday (August 22), US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced that Intel had agreed to sell an 8.9 percent stake to the federal government, a move that will convert billions of dollars in previously awarded grants into a passive ownership stake.

Intel performance, July 28 to August 18, 2025.

Chart via Google Finance.

These developments have sent Intel’s market value soaring, with its share price increasing over 28 percent from the start of the month. Shares of Intel closed up on Friday at US$24.80.

2. Figure files for Nasdaq IPO

Figure Technology filed for an initial public offering (IPO) on the Nasdaq on Monday under the ticker symbol FIGR, joining a growing list of crypto-related companies looking to access public markets following the successful debut of stablecoin issuer Circle Internet Group (NYSE:CRCL).

Figure leverages blockchain to streamline financial services. The company’s filing reveals a strong financial performance, with profit reaching US$29 million in the first half of 2025, compared to a US$13 million loss in the same period last year. Its revenue for the first half of the year was US$191 million.

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), Jefferies Financial Group (NYSE:JEF) and Bank of America Securities are acting as lead underwriters for the offering. The number of shares and price ranges are yet to be confirmed.

3. Google unveils new Pixel and more

Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) made headlines this week with several new developments spanning its business lines.

The week kicked off with the tech giant announcing it has increased its stake in data center operator and Bitcoin miner TeraWulf (NASDAQ:WULF) to roughly 14 percent, worth US$3.2 billion.

The company also revealed a partnership with advanced nuclear startup Kairos Power and the Tennessee Valley Authority to power its data centers in Tennessee and Alabama using a new nuclear reactor.

On Wednesday (August 20), Google unveiled its latest Pixel smartphone, the Pixel 10, and accessories, with upgrades including a health coach powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

The week culminated with reports of a US$10 billion cloud computing agreement with Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) to provide the necessary servers and infrastructure for Meta’s expanding AI operations. The news sent Google’s share price up by over 3 percent and Meta’s up by over 2 percent.

4. NVIDIA tumbles amid China tension and chip sales

NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) experienced a volatile week, with its share price slipping in early trading on Monday following reports of renewed tensions with China. The downturn was triggered by news that Beijing will move to restrict sales of the H20 AI chip, the company’s most advanced product approved for the Chinese market.

China’s internet and telecom regulator, as well as the state planning agency, issued informal guidance to major tech companies, instructing them to halt new orders of the H20 chips, citing security concerns.

According to unnamed officials who spoke to the Financial Times, the decision was also influenced by “insulting” remarks from US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.

In response to the Chinese directive, NVIDIA has reportedly instructed its component suppliers, including Foxconn Technology (TPE:2354), Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) and Amkor Technolgy (NASDAQ:AMKR), to suspend production of the H20 chip; the company also said it is working on a new AI chip for China.

Alphabet, NVIDIA, Palo Alto Networks and Meta Platforms performance, August 19 to 22, 2025.

Chart via Google Finance.

NVIDIA saw the greatest losses midweek, falling over 4 percent between Tuesday and Thursday. The company recovered some of its losses during Friday’s rally, but finished the week over one percent lower.

5. Palo Alto Networks rises on strong forecast

Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:PANW) surged over 7 percent on Tuesday after the cybersecurity company forecast that revenue and profit for its 2026 financial year will come in above estimates.

The company gave a strong performance in its 2025 fiscal year, with total revenue increasing 15 percent year-on-year to US$9.2 billion, fueled by an increase in revenue from newer, cloud-based security products. This growth occurred alongside a 24 percent rise in its future contracted business to US$15.8 billion.

The company also surpassed a US$10 billion revenue run rate while maintaining its “Rule-of-50” status — a measure of the balance between growth and profitability — for the fifth consecutive year.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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