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Three Charts to Watch for an “All Clear” Signal

Stock 5 Mins Read

With all eyes and ears on this week’s Fed meeting, it’s worth taking a big step back to reflect on conditions related to momentum, breadth, and leadership.  And while the rally of the early April lows has been significant, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 now face considerable resistance at the 200-day moving average.

With that backdrop in mind, here are three charts we’re watching that have not yet signaled an “all clear” for risk assets.

Our Market Trend Model Remains Medium-Term Bearish

Long-time market newsletter author Paul Montgomery used to point out that the most bullish thing the market can do is go up. The way we make this simple assessment of market trend is using our Market Trend Model.

As of last Friday’s close, our Market Trend Model shows a short-term bullish signal, given the strength off the early April low. The medium-term model, however, remains bearish, as the recent bounce is still defined as a bear market rally. If the S&P 500 can push above its own 200-day moving average, that would likely be enough to move the medium-term model to the bullish side for the first time since October 2023.

Over the years, I’ve found the Market Trend Model to be a fantastic way of separating the short-term “flickering ticks” of day-to-day market movements from the more significant shifts in sentiment from bullish to bearish. And by staying on the right side of this model, I’ve been able to capture most of the market upside, and more importantly, avoid disastrous bear phases!

Don’t miss our daily market recap show, CHART THIS with David Keller, CMT. We’ll track how these charts evolve through the course of the week, highlight key stocks on the move, and boil down the most important market themes from a technical perspective. Join us live every trading day at 5pm ET, or catch the replay on our YouTube channel!

Will Key Stocks Breakout Above the 200-Day?

While the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 are testing their own 200-day moving averages, many S&P 500 members are in a very similar position. At the April 2025 market low, less than 10% of the S&P 500 stocks were above their 50-day moving average. That reading has reached almost 60% this week as literally half of the S&P 500 members have regained this short-term moving average.

While the bottom panel shows the percent of stocks above the 50-day moving average, the next panel up displays the percent of S&P 500 members above their 200-day moving average. While this has also increased over the last month, it still remains below 50%.

The countertrend rally in March 2025 saw this indicator go up to 50% and then reverse lower, providing a warning sign of further lows to come. Will we see a similar stall in this indicator in May 2025? If so, that could indicate a retest of the April low. On the other hand, if both of these gauges push above 50%, then investors should brace for much further upside for the S&P 500.

Offense Needs to Dominate Defense

Leadership themes could become incredibly important, as many leading growth stocks remain in a position of technical weakness. And unless the top growth stocks go into full rally mode, it’s hard to imagine meaningful upside for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100. One way to consider this relationship is to chart the ratio between Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples.

The top panel shows the cap-weighted sector ETFs, and the bottom panel shows the same ratio using equal-weighted sector ETFs. Both of these ratios made a major peak in Q1 2025, and both of them trended lower into a mid-April low. Over the last three weeks, we’ve seen a dramatic upside reversal in these offense-defense rations, indicating a rotation from defensive to offensive positioning.

Quite simply, I don’t see the major averages pushing higher unless these ratios continue to gain ground to the upside. We have observed strength in some Consumer Staples names, from Kroger (KR) to Coca Cola (KO), but it would take charts like Amazon (AMZN) making a significant move higher to give the S&P 500 any real chance of pushing above its own 200-day moving average. This ratio moving higher would confirm that “things you want” are outperforming “things you need”, and that has bullish implications for risk assets.

Investors are facing more uncertainty than ever as we brace for the latest Fed announcement, the newest tariff headline, and mixed results in the form of economic indicators. By watching charts like these, and keeping a watchful eye on the updated Market Summary page, StockCharts users can approach these markets with confidence.

RR#6,

Dave

P.S. Ready to upgrade your investment process? Check out my free behavioral investing course!

David Keller, CMT

President and Chief Strategist

Sierra Alpha Research LLC

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The ideas and strategies should never be used without first assessing your own personal and financial situation, or without consulting a financial professional.

The author does not have a position in mentioned securities at the time of publication. Any opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person or entity.

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Fed Watch: Key Bullish Patterns in the S&P 500, Utilities, and Crypto

Stock 6 Mins Read

The S&P 500 ($SPX) wrapped up Tuesday just below its intraday midpoint and posted one of the narrowest ranges we’ve seen in the past two months. That’s a clear sign traders are reluctant to take major bets ahead of Wednesday’s 2:00 PM ET Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decision.

And honestly, this caution makes sense. If we look back at how the stock market has reacted following the first two FOMC meetings of 2025, there has been a mix of hesitation and sharp moves.

Below is an updated chart marking each FOMC date since 2024 alongside the S&P 500. After the late January meeting, the S&P 500 zig-zagged to marginal new highs over the next two weeks before the first of two sharp down legs unfolded.

FIGURE 1. FOMC DATES SINCE 2024.

Coincidence or not, the S&P 500 is trading at nearly the same price level now, six weeks later, as it was back then. So, how close are today’s prices compared to the close on March 18, the day before the last Fed meeting?

This close (see chart below):

FIGURE 2. THE S&P 500 IS TRADING VERY CLOSE TO LAST FOMC MEETING LEVELS.

The difference is that the index has been rallying for four weeks, starting from the pivot low on April 7, a month ago today. In March, the S&P 500 was trying to bounce after topping four weeks earlier on February 19. That bounce continued for a few more days before dominant down-trending price action took over.

But over the last few weeks, the dominant trend is definitely higher. So the big question now is: can this mini uptrend resume after this pause?

A Short-Term Setup to Watch

A few days ago, the 14-period relative strength index (RSI) on the two-hour chart grazed the 70-overbought level for the first time since late January (see chart below). Yes, it took a nearly 18% rally in a very short time frame for it to finally happen, but remember, the indicator was coming off its lowest level since the COVID lows. Modest 3–5% pops were enough to trigger overbought readings for much of 2024. Not this time.

As you know, overbought conditions never persist, especially in very short timeframes like this. However, if this rally has anything left in the tank, we’ll see the indicator hit overbought again soon. That may not happen in the next day or two, but if the market reacts negatively to today’s news, but a bid returns soon after, it could keep some of the bullish patterns we’ve been tracking in play. That’s just one scenario, but one we’ll be closely watching.

FIGURE 3. TWO-HOUR CHART OF THE S&P 500.

Bullish Patterns Still Intact

There are two bullish pattern breakouts still in play on the S&P 500 chart:

And barring a very extreme and negative reaction, the patterns will stay alive today, as well.

FIGURE 4. INVERSE HEAD-AND-SHOULDERS AND CUP WITH HANDLE PATTERNS.

FIGURE 5. INVERSE HEAD-AND-SHOULDERS PATTERN IN THE S&P 500.

FIGURE 6. CUP WITH HANDLE PATTERN IN THE S&P 500.

A Bright Spot: Utilities

The Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) was the first sector ETF (and one of the first of all the ETFs we track) to notch a new 50-day high, which it hit on Tuesday. On the weekly chart, it’s clear the ETF is now trying to leverage a multi-month bottoming formation.

This is especially notable because the formation has developed above two bullish pattern breakouts from 2024. Ironically, XLU’s first major breakout of 2024 happened around this time last year (late April), which set the stage for an extremely strong run, at least through late November.

The current snapback is important to watch, given how well XLU has recently capitalized on bullish breakouts. Some upside follow-through from here would also put the former highs back in the crosshairs.

FIGURE 7. WEEKLY CHART OF UTILITIES SELECT SECTOR SPDR (XLU).

Invesco Solar (TAN) Still Has Work to Do

Invesco Solar ETF (TAN) has been rallying since the April lows, much like nearly every ETF we track. On the daily chart, it’s been trying to leverage a bullish cup and handle pattern, a formation we’ve also seen emerge in many other areas. It’s coming off an extremely oversold condition, with its 14-week RSI undercutting 30 for just the third time since 2021. So TAN could see some additional upside from here.

But the ETF will need to do much more to materially improve its long-term technical picture. Nearly every rally has stalled near the key weekly moving averages, all of which continue to slope lower. Selling strength in TAN has been a highly effective strategy since it peaked in early 2021.

FIGURE 8. WEEKLY CHART OF INVESCO SOLAR ETF (TAN).

Bitcoin Holding Up

Bitcoin has held its breakout from two weeks ago quite well so far. The next upside target remains near 103k. Again, regardless of whether or not you follow crypto, seeing the bid continue is a bullish sign for risk appetite across different asset classes, especially equities.

Fun fact: Bitcoin topped a few weeks before the SPX, so it can be a useful leading indicator.

FIGURE 9. BITCOIN BREAKS OUT.

Ethereum Playing Catch-Up

While Ethereum’s extreme relative weakness vs. Bitcoin has continued, it too has rallied over the last few weeks. It’s now close to breaking out from a cup with handle formation. At the same time, it’s testing its now flat 50-day moving average.

The combination of a bullish breakout and a move through the 50-day moving average produced a very strong follow-through rally in November, something Ethereum will try to replicate.

FIGURE 10. ETHEREUM BREAKS ABOVE 50-DAY MOVING AVERAGE.

Final Thoughts

As we head into the Fed decision, we’re seeing a lot of cautious optimism in the charts. Key bullish patterns are still holding, sectors like Utilities are showing strength, and crypto is flashing green.

The next few sessions will be important. If we get a knee-jerk reaction to the Fed, but buyers step in quickly it could set the stage for the next leg higher in this rally.

Stay alert.

Frank Cappelleri is the founder and president of CappThesis, an independent technical analysis newsletter firm. Previously, Frank spent 25 years on Wall Street, working for Instinet, the equity arm of Nomura and Smith Barney. Frank’s various roles included being an equity sales trader, technical analyst, research sales specialist and desk strategist. Frank holds the CFA and CMT designations and is a CNBC contributor.

https://cappthesis.com

https://www.youtube.com/@cappthesis

https://twitter.com/FrankCappelleri/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-cappelleri-cfa-cmt-a319483/

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Bold Ventures to Present at Metals Investor Forum in Vancouver on May 9, 2025

Investing 4 Mins Read

Bold Ventures Inc. (TSXV: BOL) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Bold’) is pleased to announce that the Company will be presenting at Metals Investor Forum (MIF) on May 9 at The Rosewood Hotel, 801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC. The Company’s President and COO, Bruce MacLachlan, and the Company’s V.P. Exploration, Coleman Robertson, will be present during the conference.

John Kaiser, author of Kaiser Research Online, will be introducing Coleman Robertson at 4:50 p.m. Local Time, who will provide an overview and update on the Company’s assets and plans for the upcoming field season. Please see the link to the May 9 Metals Investor Forum web page.

The Bold exhibition booth at the Forum will showcase various samples, maps and photographs from the Company’s properties. Of particular interest is the recent high-grade gold discovery at the Burchell Project. The 111 Zone discovery yielded impressive gold values ranging from 10 ppb Au up to 68,000 ppb Au (68 g/t Au or 2.2 oz./t Au). See Bold press releases dated December 12, 2024 and January 9, 2025.

The technical information in this news release was reviewed and approved by Coleman Robertson, B.Sc., P. Geo., the Company’s V.P. Exploration and a qualified person (QP) for the purposes of NI 43-101.

Bold Ventures management believes our suite of Battery, Critical and Precious Metals exploration projects are an ideal combination of exploration potential meeting future demand. Our target commodities are comprised of: Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Gold (Au), Silver (Ag), Platinum (Pt), Palladium (Pd) and Chromium (Cr). The Critical Metals list and a description of the Provincial and Federal electrification plans are posted on the Bold Critical and Battery Minerals page.

About Bold Ventures Inc.

The Company explores for Precious, Battery and Critical Metals in Canada. Bold is exploring properties located in active gold and battery metals camps in the Thunder Bay and Wawa regions of Ontario. Bold also holds significant assets located within and around the emerging multi-metals district dubbed the Ring of Fire region, located in the James Bay Lowlands of Northern Ontario.

For additional information about Bold Ventures and our projects please visit boldventuresinc.com or contact us at 416-864-1456 or email us at info@boldventuresinc.com.

‘Bruce A MacLachlan’ ‘David B Graham’
Bruce MacLachlan David Graham
President and COO CEO
   
Direct line: (705) 266-0847  
   
Email: bruce@boldventuresinc.com  

 

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

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This Press Release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. When used in this document, the words ‘may’, ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘will’, ‘intend’, ‘plan’, ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’ and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to such risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including those factors discussed in filings made by us with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties, such actual results of current exploration programs, the general risks associated with the mining industry, the price of gold and other metals, currency and interest rate fluctuations, increased competition and general economic and market factors, occur or should assumptions underlying the forward looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, or expected. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/251201

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Investing

Los Andes Copper at 121 Mining Investment London

Investing 2 Mins Read

Los Andes Copper Ltd. (TSXV: LA) (OTCQX: LSANF) (‘Los Andes’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that the Company will be attending and participating in the upcoming 121 Mining Investment London event (‘121’) on 12-13 May 2025.

The 121 conference is London’s largest dedicated mining investment event with over 100 companies and more than 400 sophisticated investors attending for two days of pre-booked 1-2-1 meetings.

Alongside the curated schedule of pre-booked meetings matching investors with appropriate projects, the conference program will provide expert commentary and the latest market intelligence on key industry developments.

About Los Andes Copper Ltd.

Los Andes Copper Ltd. is an exploration and development company with an 100% interest in the Vizcachitas Project in Chile. The Company is focused on progressing the Project, which is located along Chile’s most prolific copper belt, into production. Vizcachitas is one of the largest copper deposits in the Americas not controlled by the majors and the Company believes it will be Chile’s next major copper mine.

The Project is a copper-molybdenum porphyry deposit, located 150 kilometres north of Santiago, in an area of very good infrastructure. An independent technical report for the PFS, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, is available on the Company’s SEDAR profile.

Los Andes Copper Ltd. is listed on the TSX-V under the ticker: LA.

For more information please contact:

Santiago Montt, CEO
santiago.montt@losandescopper.com
Tel: +56 2 2954-0450

Elizabeth Johnson, Investor Relations
Elizabeth.johnson@losandescopper.com

E-Mail: info@losandescopper.com or visit our website at: www.losandescopper.com
Follow us on X: @LosAndesCopper
Follow us on LinkedIn: Los Andes Copper Ltd

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/251284

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Group Eleven Intersects 12.0m of 2.30% Cu and 560 g/t Ag, Including 6.4m of 3.72% Cu and 838 g/t Ag, Demonstrating High-Grade Copper and Silver Potential at Ballywire

Investing 14 Mins Read

Group Eleven Resources Corp. (TSXV: ZNG) (OTC Pink: GRLVF) (FSE: 3GE) (‘Group Eleven’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce assay results from four new holes from the ongoing drill program at the Company’s 100%-owned Ballywire zinc-lead-silver discovery (‘Ballywire’), PG West Project (‘PG West’), Republic of Ireland.

Highlights:

  • 25-3552-31, a 65m step-out hole, intersected two strongly mineralized horizons:
    • Cu-Ag horizon (starting at 348.7m downhole)
      • 19.9m of 1.46% Cu and 356 g/t Ag, including
      • 12.0m of 2.30% Cu and 560 g/t Ag, including
      • 6.4m of 3.72% Cu and 838 g/t Ag
    • Zn-Pb-Ag horizon (starting at 297.0m downhole)
      • 47.1m of 4.5% Zn+Pb (3.1% Zn and 1.4% Pb) and 22 g/t Ag, including
      • 25.9m of 7.4% Zn+Pb (5.1% Zn and 2.3% Pb) and 35 g/t Ag, including
      • 12.9m of 11.0% Zn+Pb (7.7% Zn and 3.2% Pb) and 57 g/t Ag, including
      • 3.7m of 20.4% Zn+Pb (15.8% Zn and 4.6% Pb) and 151 g/t Ag
  • Up to 10.45% Cu (over 0.80m) and up to 1,880 g/t Ag (over 0.86m) intersected in the Cu-Ag horizon; to the Company’s knowledge, this represents the highest-grade Ag intercept in Ireland over the last >60 years (by any operator) and similarly, one of the highest-grade Cu intercepts
  • Cu-Ag horizon consists of replacement-style mineralization along the base of the Waulsortian Limestone in proximity to a fault structure; mineralization appears to consist mostly of tennantite-tetrahedrite (detailed mineralogy work to be undertaken in due course)
  • Noteworthy is the presence of elevated antimony in the Cu-Ag zone, grading 0.27% Sb within the above 6.4m interval (including 0.80m of 10.45% Cu, 1215 g/t Ag and 0.83% Sb)
  • This hole expands the footprint of the 2.6km long discovery trend by at least 65m down-dip, to a total of at least 170m down-dip along this section (and remains open further down-dip)
  • Drilling continues at Ballywire with two rigs testing (i) the NE extension and (ii) 1.3km ENE of the Ballywire discovery in the vicinity of the prospective ‘D’ gravity-high anomaly; a third rig was added this week, testing the deeper Cu-Ag target (below the Waulsortian Limestone)

‘Intersecting spectacular copper-silver grades over significant thicknesses is a pivotal moment for the Ballywire discovery,’ stated Bart Jaworski, CEO. ‘These results not only strongly point to a stratigraphically deeper Cu-Ag horizon but also represent a proof of concept that substantial grades and thicknesses of copper and silver exist at the discovery, in addition to excellent grades of Zn-Pb. The growing presence of critical minerals at Ballywire, namely, copper, germanium and now potentially antimony, highlights the rising strategic importance of this discovery for Ireland, the EU and our shareholders. With today’s Cu-Ag milestone, continued drilling to the NE and along our prospective 6km trend, plus the start of drilling with our third rig, we are poised to further grow shareholder value as the year progresses.’

Exhibit 1. Cross-Section Showing New Drilling (25-3552-31) at Ballywire Discovery

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_exhibit1.jpg

Note: True width of mineralized intervals in 25-3552-31, as a percent of down-hole interval, is estimated to be 50-70%

Exhibit 2. Plan Map Showing New Drilling and Intersected High-Grade Cu-Ag Mineralization

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_exhibit2.jpg

New Step-Out Holes at Ballywire Discovery

The Ballywire prospect at the Company’s 100%-owned PG West Project in Republic of Ireland, represents the most significant mineral discovery in Ireland in over a decade. First announced in Sept-2022, the discovery has 52 holes drilled and reported by Group Eleven to date, including the most recent four holes (25-3552-30, -31, -32, and -33) reported today (see Exhibits 1 to 7).

High-grade Zn-Pb mineralization from 25-3552-31 (see Page 1 and Exhibits 1 to 4) consists predominantly of sphalerite, galena and pyrite. High-grade Cu-Ag mineralization in this hole consists of suspected tennantite/tetrahedrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena and pyrite along and/or close to the base of the Waulsortian Limestone (see Exhibit 1). Noteworthy is the presence of elevated antimony within the Cu-Ag zone. For example, the 6.39m interval below, grading 3.72% Cu and 838 g/t Ag, also grades 0.27% Sb (including 0.80m of 10.45% Cu, 1215 g/t Ag and 0.83% Sb).

Exhibit 3. Summary of Assays from 25-3552-31 at Ballywire

Item From
(m)		 To
(m)		 Int
(m)		 Zn
(%)		 Pb
(%)		 Zn+Pb
(%)		 Ag
(g/t)		 Cu
(%)
25-3552-31 155.00 155.84 0.84 8.41 1.70 10.11 93.8 –
And 188.89 192.61 3.72 2.34 0.22 2.56 11.9 –
Incl. 190.82 191.75 0.93 4.77 0.45 5.22 25.2 –
And 296.95 344.07 47.12 3.13 1.37 4.50 21.6 –
Incl. 300.76 301.70 0.94 5.21 0.72 5.93 13.9 –
And 309.07 334.96 25.89 5.10 2.27 7.37 35.4 –
Incl. 310.00 322.88 12.88 7.72 3.24 10.95 57.4 –
Incl. 315.49 319.20 3.71 15.81 4.56 20.37 151.1 –
And 347.79 370.42 22.63 0.47 0.51 0.98 315.8 1.30
Incl. 348.71 368.60 19.89 0.49 0.57 1.07 356.5 1.46
Incl. 348.71 360.73 12.02 0.59 0.79 1.38 560.1 2.30
Incl. 353.39 360.73 7.34 0.68 1.27 1.95 768.0 3.36
Incl. 354.34 360.73 6.39 0.65 1.46 2.11 838.0 3.72
Incl. 354.34 355.20 0.86 0.77 0.06 0.83 1880.0 5.73
And 355.20 356.09 0.89 0.09 0.02 0.11 516.0 1.12
And 356.09 357.02 0.93 0.40 8.47 8.87 399.0 1.16
And 357.02 357.98 0.96 0.36 1.15 1.51 128.0 1.19
And 357.98 358.78 0.80 2.44 0.21 2.65 1215.0 10.45
And 358.78 359.84 1.06 0.33 0.06 0.38 979.0 3.92
And 359.84 360.73 0.89 0.45 0.03 0.48 871.0 3.52

 

Note: True width of the mineralized interval in hole 25-3552-31, as a percentage of the down-hole interval, is estimated to be 50-70%; for photographs of Cu-Ag rich core, see Appendix and www.groupelevenresources.com.

Three other holes released today were drilled in a 150m gap to the NE of 25-3552-31 (25-3552-30, -32 and -33; see Exhibit 2). Hole 25-3552-30 returned nil mineralization, 25-3552-32 returned three intervals of mineralization up to 0.94m of 2.4% Zn+Pb (0.9% Zn and 1.5% Pb) and 8 g/t Ag, and 25-3552-33 returned three intervals of mineralization up to 0.82m of 2.9% Zn+Pb (1.1% Zn and 1.8% Pb) and 7 g/t Ag. These zones of mineralization are narrower and weaker than those at the main discovery trend but generally in line with recent holes drilled further to the ENE (see holes G11-3552-24, -26 and 28 in news release dated 25-Mar-2025). Disseminated copper mineralization, as well as, mineralized veins and fractures, is strengthening towards the north, suggesting massive sulphide mineralization may be present further north (see northern-most purple line in Exhibit 4). A second mineralized trend is also emerging to the south where the interpreted Cu-Ag rich ‘feeder’ fault pierced by drilling along the main discovery trend appears to correlate with mineralization approx. 350m along strike to the ENE, intersected in G11-3552-08 (see solid and dashed purple lines in Exhibit 4). Drilling is ongoing in the NE area to test the above targets.

Copper-Silver Target

Today’s results add to a growing body of evidence that support the interpretation of a Cu-Ag ‘feeder’ fault parallel to and spatially associated with the main Zn-Pb-Ag discovery at Ballywire (see Exhibit 4). With up to 10.45% Cu and 1,880 g/t Ag in a mineralized horizon near a steeply dipping structure, mineralizing fluids are interpreted to have emanated from deeper in the sedimentary sequence (see Exhibit 5). Meanwhile, the stratigraphy of the region suggests that the Lower Limestone Shale horizon exists approximately 100-200m below the discovery horizon (base of the Waulsortian Limestone). This horizon hosts four well known Cu-Ag historic occurrences in the surrounding area (see Denison, Oola, Gortdrum and Tullacondra in Exhibit 8, located approx. 5km, 9km, 10km and 45km away from Ballywire, respectively).

These historic Cu-Ag occurrences can be interpreted as the eroded remnants of originally more vertically extensive mineralizing systems, likely representing the roots of stratigraphically higher Zn-Pb-Ag mineralization. At Ballywire, the mineralizing system has the potential to be much larger than its neighbouring occurrences (based on a relatively larger footprint to date); additionally, any Cu-Ag mineralization would notionally be intact below the existing Zn-Pb-Ag mineralization.

Given the compelling nature of this exploration model, Group Eleven added a third rig and began drilling this deeper Cu-Ag target this week.

Exhibit 4. Plan Map Showing Interpreted Cu-Ag ‘Feeder’ at Ballywire

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_exhibit4.jpg

Exhibit 5. Cross-Section Showing Hypothesized Cu-Ag Mineralization in the Lower Limestone Shale

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_exhibit5.jpg

Exhibit 6. Oblique 3D View of Cu-Ag Mineralization at Ballywire

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_exhibit6.jpg

Note: Bodies shown (calcite, Zn-Pb-Ag and Cu-Ag) are not constrained by any grade cut-off and are meant for illustrative purposes only

Exhibit 7. Regional Gravity at Ballywire Showing 6km Long Prospective Trend

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_exhibit7.jpg

Notes to Exhibit 8: (a) Pallas Green MRE is owned by Glencore (see Glencore’s Resources and Reserves Report dated December 31, 2024); (b) Stonepark MRE: see the ‘NI 43-101 Independent Report on the Zinc-Lead Exploration Project at Stonepark, County Limerick, Ireland’, by Gordon, Kelly and van Lente, with an effective date of April 26, 2018, as found on SEDAR; and (c) the historic estimate at Denison was reported by Westland Exploration Limited in ‘Report on Prospecting Licence 464’ by Dermot Hughes dated May, 1988; the historic estimate at Gortdrum was reported in ‘The Geology and Genesis of the Gortdrum Cu-Ag-Hg Orebody’ by G.M. Steed dated 1986; and the historic estimate at Tullacondra was first reported by Munster Base Metals Ltd in ‘Report on Mallow Property’ by David Wilbur, dated December 1973; and later summarized in ‘Cu-Ag Mineralization at Tullacondra, Mallow, Co. Cork’ by Wilbur and Carter in 1986; the above three historic estimates have not been verified as current mineral resources; none of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to prepare the historic estimates were reported and no resource categories were used; significant data compilation, re-drilling and data verification may be required by a Qualified Person before the historic estimates can be verified and upgraded to be compliant with current NI 43-101 standards; a Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify them as a current mineral resource and the Company is not treating the historic estimates as current mineral resources. ‘Rathdowney Trend’ is the south-westerly projection of the Rathdowney Trend, hosting the historic Lisheen and Galmoy mines.

Exhibit 8. Regional Map of Ballywire Discovery and Surrounding Cu-Ag Historic Occurrences

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_exhibit8.jpg

Qualified Person

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Professor Garth Earls, Eur Geol, P.Geo, FSEG, geological consultant at IGS (International Geoscience Services) Limited, and independent ‘Qualified Person’ as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101.

Sampling and Analytical Procedures

All core drilled at Ballywire is NQ (47.6mm) and is cut using a rock saw. Sample intervals vary between 0.42m to 1.3m with the majority of samples in the 0.79m to 0.99m range. The half-core samples are bagged, labelled and sealed at Group Elevens core store facility in Limerick, Ireland. Selected sample bags are examined by the Qualified Person. Transport is via an accredited courier service and/or by Group Eleven staff to ALS Laboratories in Loughrea Co. Galway, Ireland. Sample preparation at the ALS facility comprises fine crushing 70%

Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Information

Group Eleven inserts certified reference materials (‘CRMs’ or ‘Standards’) as well as blank material, to its sample stream as part of its industry-standard QA/QC programme. The QC results have been reviewed by the Qualified Person, who is satisfied that all the results are within acceptable parameters. The Qualified Person has validated the sampling and chain of custody protocols used by Group Eleven.

About Group Eleven Resources

Group Eleven Resources Corp. (TSXV: ZNG) (OTC Pink: GRLVF) (FSE: 3GE) is drilling the most significant mineral discovery in the Republic of Ireland in over a decade. The Company announced the Ballywire discovery in September 2022, demonstrating high grades of zinc, lead, silver, copper, germanium and locally, antimony. Key intercepts to date include:

  • 10.8m of 10.0% Zn+Pb and 109 g/t Ag (G11-468-03)
  • 10.1m of 8.6% Zn+Pb and 46 g/t Ag (G11-468-06)
  • 10.5m of 14.7% Zn+Pb, 399 g/t Ag and 0.31% Cu (G11-468-12)
  • 11.2m of 8.9% Zn+Pb and 83 g/t Ag (G11-3552-03)
  • 29.6m of 10.6% Zn+Pb, 78 g/t Ag and 0.15% Cu (G11-3552-12) and
  • 11.8m of 11.6% Zn+Pb, 48 g/t Ag (G11-3552-18)
  • 15.6m of 11.6% Zn+Pb, 122 g/t Ag and 0.19% Cu (G11-3552-27)
  • 12.0m of 1.4% Zn+Pb, 560 g/t Ag, 2.30% Cu and 0.17% Sb (25-3552-31), including
  • 6.4m of 2.1% Zn+Pb, 838 g/t Ag, 3.72% Cu and 0.27% Sb (25-3552-31)

Ballywire is located 20km from Company’s 77.64%-owned Stonepark zinc-lead deposit1, which itself is located adjacent to Glencore’s Pallas Green zinc-lead deposit2. The Company’s two largest shareholders are Glencore Canada Corp. (16.1% interest) and Michael Gentile (16.0%). Additional information about the Company is available at www.groupelevenresources.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bart Jaworski, P.Geo.
Chief Executive Officer

E: b.jaworski@groupelevenresources.com | T: +353-85-833-2463
E: j.webb@groupelevenresources.com | T: 604-644-9514

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

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future results of operations, performance and achievements of the Company, including the timing, content, cost and results of proposed work programs, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/ reserves and geological interpretations. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-Looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located. All of the Company’s public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company’s mineral properties.

APPENDIX – CORE PHOTOS
COPPER-SILVER ZONE IN HOLE 25-3551-31
(With Key Assay Results and Brief Descriptions of Key Mineralogy)

Core Boxes 103-105

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_d0b183a384f7ba3f_009full.jpg

Core Boxes 106-108

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Core Boxes 109-111

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_d0b183a384f7ba3f_011full.jpg

(1) Close-Up Core Photo

Above: Dolomitized Waulsortian Limestone, cross-cut by sulphide bearing veins (suspected tennatite-tetrahedrite, chalcopyrite and/or pyrite)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_d0b183a384f7ba3f_012full.jpg

(2) Close-Up Core Photo

Above: Suspected tennantite/tetrahedrite (grey), chalcopyrite and pyrite (yellow) and calcite (white)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_d0b183a384f7ba3f_013full.jpg

(3) Close-Up Core Photo

Above: Chalcopyrite with some pyrite (yellow) and suspected tennantite/tetrahedrite (grey), calcite (white)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_d0b183a384f7ba3f_014full.jpg

(4) Close-Up Core Photo

Above: Semi-massive chalcopyrite and pyrite (yellow), galena (reflective grey)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_d0b183a384f7ba3f_015full.jpg

(5) Close-Up Core Photo

Above: Waulsortian Limestones (grey), calcite (white), pyrite and chalcopyrite (yellow)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_d0b183a384f7ba3f_016full.jpg

(6) Close-Up Core Photo

Above: Suspected tennantite and tetrahedrite (dark grey), chalcopyrite (yellow), calcite (white)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_d0b183a384f7ba3f_017full.jpg

(6a) Close-Up Core Photo

Above: Suspected tennantite and tetrahedrite (dark grey), chalcopyrite (yellow), calcite (white)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_d0b183a384f7ba3f_018full.jpg

(7) Close-Up Core Photo

Above: Suspect tennantite and tetrahedrite (dark grey), chalcopyrite (yellow), calcite (white)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_d0b183a384f7ba3f_019full.jpg

(8) Close-Up Core Photo

Above: Chalcopyrite (yellow), suspected tennantite/tetrahedrite (grey), calcite (white)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_d0b183a384f7ba3f_020full.jpg

(9) Close-Up Core Photo

Above: Fault zone (juxtaposing sub-Waulsortian lithologies against Waulsortian Limestone)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/251260_d0b183a384f7ba3f_021full.jpg

1 Stonepark MRE is 5.1 million tonnes of 11.3% Zn+Pb (8.7% Zn and 2.6% Pb), Inferred (Apr-17-2018)
2 Pallas Green MRE is 45.4 million tonnes of 8.4% Zn+Pb (7.2% Zn + 1.2% Pb), Inferred (Glencore, Dec-31-2024)

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/251260

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SAGA Metals Extends Claims at the Radar Ti-V-Fe Project –Securing the Entire Titanomagnetite-Bearing Intrusion

Investing 8 Mins Read

Saga Metals Corp. (‘SAGA’ or the ‘Company’) (TSXV: SAGA) (OTCQB: SAGMF) (FSE: 20H) a North American exploration company specializing in the discovery of critical minerals, is pleased to announce the addition of 97 new claims covering 2,425 hectares, increasing the total area of the Radar Ti-V-Fe Project to 24,175 hectares.

The Company’s 100%-owned Radar Property is strategically located just 10 kilometres from the coastal city of Cartwright, Labrador. The location offers excellent infrastructure advantages, including:

  • Road access
  • Deep-water port on the Atlantic Ocean
  • Cartwright Airport
  • Proximity to hydroelectric power

With the recent expansion, the Radar Property now fully encompasses the Dykes River intrusive complex, a recently identified Mesoproterozoic layered mafic intrusion (Gower, 2017). The complex has garnered significant interest due to its geological resemblance to large AMCG-type intrusions and the presence of an extensive titanium-vanadium-iron (Ti-V-Fe) enriched layer containing vanadiferous titanomagnetite (‘VTM’).

Regional airborne magnetic surveys highlighted the mafic oxide layer, revealing an arcuate exploration target extending over 20 kilometers in length.

Michael Garagan, CGO & Director of SAGA commented: ‘To lay claim to the entire Dykes River Intrusion is an important milestone for SAGA and its shareholders. Throughout history, many of these mineralized geological settings have been shared amongst multiple companies vying to advance their projects. It’s a unique and significant opportunity to hold the entire 160 square km intrusion mapped at the surface and benefits from tremendous infrastructure. The claim acquisition consolidates the entire intrusion and allows the company to delegate zones for both additional infrastructure and further exploration. We’ve only just begun uncovering the true potential and extent of the oxide layering hosted within the intrusion.’

Figure 1: Map of the Radar project highlighting the oxide layering, road access, and proximity to the town of Cartwright, Labrador. SAGA’s 2024 field programs now confirm compilation of historical airborne geophysics.

Saga Metals Confirms Geological Success with Drilling:

The Company recently reported assays from the first two of seven holes drilled on the Hawkeye zone of the Radar Ti-V-Fe property. Please click here to review the full press release on drill holes #1 and #4. Highlights are listed below.

Highlights:

  • Drilled 2,200m confidently testing targets down to a depth of 200 meters, covering a 500-meter by 350-meter target panel.
  • Winter program analytical results have been obtained for the first two diamond drill holes.
  • Petrographic analysis and the new assays confirm that the main economic mineral is a vanadiferous titanomagnetite (‘VTM’), which is prospective for simplified metallurgical processing.
  • Exceptional intercepts of VTM included 31.5m @ 25.95% Fe + 5.34% TiO 2 + 0.28% V 2 O 5 in HEZ-01 and 50m @ 24.49% Fe + 4.74% TiO 2 + 0.305 % V 2 O 5 in HEZ-04.
  • Massive high-grade VTM samples including HEZ-01 with 0.3m @ 39.5% Fe + 9.4% TiO 2 + 0.339% V 2 O 5 and HEZ-01 with 0.5m @ 43.0% Fe + 9% TiO 2 + 0.512% V 2 O 5 .
  • Drilling intercepts average 20-40% VTM, and particular massive layers exceed 60% VTM.
  • Drilling to vertical depths of 200 meters confirms magnetic anomalies identified by geophysics.
  • Initial drilling covers just 1/40th of the identified 20 km strike extent of the oxide layering zone in the Dykes River intrusion.

Drilling also confirmed massive to semi-massive oxide layering, hosting VTM mineralization, with significant widths up to 210 meters within the drill core. The geological context identified by Dr. Al Miller’s petrographic studies substantially advanced the understanding of Radar Property mineralization. These findings indicate that the VTM mineralization system is advantageous for simplified metallurgical processing and potentially improves economic outcomes.

Figure 2: The prospective oxide layering zone on the Radar property extends for an inferred 20km strike length, as shown on a compilation of historical airborne geophysics, which SAGA confirmed in the 2024 field programs.

Figure 3: Hawkeye Zone displays a   500m strike by 350m width magnetic anomaly drilled in the winter 2025 program. (2024 Saga Metals. TMI Magnetic Survey).

Given the success of the maiden drill program within the Hawkeye zone over a 500 m strike and the strong correlation between drill core, rock samples and geophysics (Figure 3), SAGA plans to repeat this model over the five priority targets along the 20 km strike length of the oxide layer. The geophysical anomaly drilled in the Hawkeye zone is potentially one of the lesser anomalies. Early indications from geophysics being conducted over the Trapper zone report an even stronger magnetic response.

Qualified Person

Paul J. McGuigan, P. Geo. is an Independent Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information related to the Radar Ti-V-Fe Project disclosed in this news release.

About Saga Metals Corp.

Saga Metals Corp. is a North American mining company focused on the exploration and discovery of critical minerals that support the global transition to green energy. The company’s flagship asset, the Double Mer Uranium Project, is located in Labrador, Canada, covering 25,600 hectares. This project features uranium radiometrics that highlight an 18km east-west trend, with a confirmed 14km section producing samples as high as 0.428% U 3 O 8 and uranium uranophane was identified in several areas of highest radiometric response (2024 Double Mer Technical Report).

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

SAGA also holds additional exploration assets in Labrador, where the company is focused on the discovery of titanium, vanadium, and iron ore. With a portfolio that spans key minerals crucial to the green energy transition, SAGA is strategically positioned to play an essential role in the clean energy future.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Mike Stier, Chief Executive Officer

For more information, contact:
Saga Metals Corp.
Investor Relations
Tel: +1 (778) 930-1321
Email: info@SAGAmetals.com
www.SAGAmetals.com

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Disclaimer

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as ‘will’, ‘may’, ‘should’, ‘anticipates’, ‘expects’, ‘believes’, and similar expressions or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the Company’s Radar Ti-V-Fe project. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, environmental risks, limitations on insurance coverage, risks and uncertainties involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and the risks detailed in the Company’s final prospectus in Manitoba and amended and restated final prospectus for British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario dated August 30, 2024, filed under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations from time to time. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by applicable law.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e5fcaa32-0144-4ab1-8675-6311908d44c5

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4d825e7b-917e-4d9b-a851-f4e0bb4edee0

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/19f0eab7-33e1-4997-b231-965227540f9a

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Crypto Market Recap: New Hampshire Launches First State Crypto Reserve, Trump Stirs Controversy

Investing 7 Mins Read

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (May 7) as of 9:00 p.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$96,171.23 as markets closed, up 1.3 percent in 24 hours. The day’s range has seen a low of US$95,967.46 and a high of US$97,387.02.

Bitcoin performance, May 7, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

Bitcoin showed signs of a bullish reversal leading up to the US Federal Reserve’s Wednesday interest rate decision. Roughly US$83.6 million in short Bitcoin positions were liquidated on Wednesday, significantly more than the US$15 million in long liquidations, indicating strong upward momentum. Bitcoin open interest has also increased by a notable percentage over the last 24 hours, adding to a nearly 30 percent increase over the last 30 days.

Analysts have noted that holding above US$95,000 will be crucial for a potential climb towards Bitcoin’s all-time high, while dropping below risked a significant fall. The next target is near US$98,000, with a longer-term target around US$100,200 if that resistance breaks. However, analysts for CryptoQuant have also pointed to significant profit-taking as a potential headwind that could interrupt this upward trend.

Ethereum (ETH) finished the trading day at US$1,797.11, a 0.6 percent increase over the past 24 hours. The cryptocurrency reached an intraday low of US$1,792.06 and saw a daily high of US$1,831.84.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) hit a value of US$145.86 at the end of the day, up 0.7 percent over 24 hours. SOL experienced a low of US$145.24 and a high of US$147.32
  • XRP was trading at US$2.11, reflecting a 1.2 percent decrease over 24 hours and its lowest point of the day. The cryptocurrency peaked this morning at US$2.14.
  • Sui (SUI) was priced at US$3.26, showing an increaseof 0.8 percent over the past 24 hours. It achieved a daily low of US$3.24 and a high of US$3.38.
  • Cardano (ADA) is trading at US$0.6599, down 0.6 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest price of the day was US$0.6580, and it reached a high of US$0.6754.

Today’s crypto news to know

New Hampshire becomes first state to launch crypto reserve

New Hampshire has officially become the first US state to greenlight a cryptocurrency reserve after Governor Kelly Ayotte signed House Bill 302 into law.

The measure authorizes the state treasurer to invest up to 5 percent of public funds in digital assets with a market cap above US$500 billion — effectively limiting the scope to Bitcoin for now.

The assets, along with precious metals, will be held either via a secure custodian or an exchange-traded product. The law goes into effect in 60 days and marks a significant milestone in state-level crypto adoption.

Unlike the federal government’s stagnant plans for a bitcoin reserve, New Hampshire is moving ahead with direct investment. Advocates hope the move will inspire similar initiatives in other states and potentially drive further institutional interest in Bitcoin.

Trump’s crypto projects spark legislative gridlock on Capitol Hill

President Donald Trump’s growing involvement in the crypto sector is intensifying partisan divisions in Congress and jeopardizing progress on digital asset legislation.

A hearing that was set to lay groundwork for crypto market regulation was abruptly cancelled after Rep. Maxine Waters voiced strong objections, citing Trump’s self-promotional crypto ventures as a conflict of interest.

Trump’s $TRUMP meme coin and his partial ownership of World Liberty Financial have drawn criticism from ethics experts and lawmakers alike. Democrats argue that advancing regulation while the former president promotes personal crypto investments creates a perception of impropriety.

Meanwhile, the administration defends the projects, stating Trump’s assets are held in a trust and pose no conflict. Nonetheless, legislative momentum on crypto has clearly slowed, with bipartisan collaboration now under strain.

Crypto gains traction in New Jersey democratic primary

Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls in New Jersey are leaning into crypto policy as a key plank of their campaigns, signaling a broader political shift.

A Bloomberg exclusive reports that leading candidates like Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop have publicly endorsed integrating digital assets into state governance.

Fulop even proposes allocating part of the state’s pension fund to Bitcoin ETFs, a move he previously advanced at the city level. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, another contender, has framed crypto as a driver of economic growth and has backed federal legislation aimed at regulating the industry.

With Donald Trump having successfully capitalized on crypto enthusiasm in his reelection campaign, Democrats are recalibrating their stance to stay competitive.

The growing acceptance of digital assets among candidates suggests crypto will remain a prominent topic in the 2025 election cycle.

Pectra upgrade goes live

Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade, featuring the Prague execution layer hard fork and the Electra consensus layer upgrade, went live on the Ethereum mainnet at about 10:00 am UTC on Wednesday at the start of epoch 364032.

The three main Ethereum improvement proposals (EIPs) included are EIP-7702, EIP-7251 and EIP-7691, which aim to improve user-friendliness and efficiency.

EIP-7702 will enable externally owned accounts to function like smart contracts, handling gas fees and payments in various tokens. EIP-7251 will raise the validator staking limit to 2,048 ETH, streamlining operations for large stakers. Lastly, EIP-7691 will increase data blobs per block, enhancing layer-2 scalability and potentially lowering transaction costs.

The change comes as the growth of Ethereum’s total value locked has lagged behind that of Solana and BNB Chain this year. Artemis data reveals a net outflow of US$50.7 billion for Ethereum year-over-year, contrasting with US$8.3 billion for Base and US$5.8 billion for Solana. However, in the month leading up to the upgrade, Ethereum experienced higher inflows than both Base and Solana.

BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF outpaces gold funds in 2025 Inflows

Despite gold outperforming bitcoin in price appreciation this year, BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) has outshined traditional gold funds in net inflows.

Since January, IBIT has drawn nearly US$7 billion, surpassing the SPDR Gold Trust, which brought in US$6.5 billion over the same period.

The ETF’s success comes even as Bitcoin prices have lagged behind gold’s recent surge, reflecting institutional faith in digital assets’ long-term value.

Analysts say this trend underscores a shift in investor behavior, with many viewing Bitcoin as a digital complement — or even replacement — for gold.

Analysts now believe bitcoin ETFs could triple gold’s assets under management within the next five years.

Strive Asset Management to form Bitcoin treasury company

Strive Asset Management, an enterprise founded by former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, revealed plans to transition into a Bitcoin treasury company on Wednesday.

According to the announcement, the transition will be accomplished by a reverse merger with publicly traded Asset Entities (NASDAQ:ASST). The company will operate under the Strive brand, and will likely continue to trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol ASST for the foreseeable future. The merged entity will leverage its combined stock value and access to public equity markets to fund further Bitcoin acquisitions.

“Strive Asset Management intends to use all available mechanisms to build a Bitcoin war chest in a minimally dilutive manner to common shareholders and build a long-term investment approach designed to outperform Bitcoin, by using Bitcoin itself as the hurdle rate for capital deployment,’ Strike said in its release.

Metaplanet increases Bitcoin holdings

Metaplanet (OTCQX:MTPLF,TSE:3350) purchased an additional 555 Bitcoin on Wednesday for US$53.4 million at an average price of US$96,134. The purchase is valued at over US$536 million at current prices.

The company now holds 5,555 BTC, purchased for US$481.5 million at an average price of US$86,672 per Bitcoin, according to CEO Simon Gerovich. The company also announced the issuance of another US$25 million in zero-coupon ordinary bonds to fund additional BTC buys.

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.

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Dallas Stars standout unstoppable again with hat trick in Game 1 win

Sport 2 Mins Read

When Mikko Rantanen takes over a game, he takes over a game.

Rantanen continued his hot streak Wednesday when he scored a second-period hat trick in the Dallas Stars’ 3-2 victory in Game 1 against the Winnipeg Jets. That ended the Stars’ streak of losing Game 1 in eight consecutive series.

He already became the first player in NHL history to record four-point periods in back-to-back games in Games 6 and 7 against the Colorado Avalanche. His Game 7 hat trick in the third period helped Dallas overcome a 2-0 deficit and knock off his former team.

By the time he scored his third goal on Wednesday, he had a hand in 12 consecutive Stars goals, an NHL playoff record. He’s also the first NHL player with multiple three-goal periods in the same postseason.

His Game 1 hat trick couldn’t have been more varied.

Rantanen, who was being double-shifted, poked a rebound into the net with one hand on his stick while he was being knocked down. That tied the game at 8:43.

He tipped in a Thomas Harley shot at 14:21 for a 2-1 lead. The third goal was a fluke when his pass attempt banked in off Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg at 16:38.

But when you’re hot, those things happen.

‘Let’s see how long he can run this for,’ Stars coach Peter DeBoer said. ‘He’s rolling and he’s feeling it. Pretty impressive what he’s doing, considering the opponent and the time of year and how he’s dominating games.’

Rantanen, nicknamed Moose, is known for his size, shot and skating, plus his playoff prowess. He had 101 points in 81 playoff games with the Avalanche before they shockingly traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes in January. The Hurricanes, worried they wouldn’t be able to re-sign him, dealt him to Dallas on trade deadline day and he signed an extension there to play alongside the Stars’ stable of Finnish players.

With the hat trick, Rantanen leads the NHL with eight playoff goals, passing Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon, who’s out of the playoffs.

(This story has been updated with new information.)

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‘I’m keeping on’: How MLB’s second-oldest hitter keeps slugging

Sport 7 Mins Read

WASHINGTON – It is the kind of turnaround any ballplayer dreads, a most extreme version of the day game after a night game, and the Cleveland Guardians’ clubhouse reflected that harsh reality Wednesday morning.

The Guardians played 18 innings the day before, finishing off a doubleheader around 9:30 Tuesday night, only to be greeted by a noon start to finish the series and cap a span of 22 games in 23 days. Classic rock plays gently on the speakers and Gatorade cups are filled with coffee, the better to summon whatever energy to get through this necessary evil of a 162-game schedule.

In another year not too long ago, Carlos Santana would have his own setup, a coffeemaker that produced the good stuff, befitting a ballplayer who hails from the Dominican Republic hometown from which Café Santo Domingo draws its name.

But Santana is 39 years old, and coffee is no longer in the equation.

He is now the second-oldest position player in Major League Baseball, and surviving the game’s rigors comes with sacrifice. And preparation. And discipline.

It is why he has a personal chef at his disposal, both for homestands in Cleveland and at his Tampa home in the off-season. And spends time atop the massage table before and after every game.

And, in a sacrifice that stung, left his coffeemaker behind and cut his caffeine intake to virtually nothing.

“Last year, I quit. And my body feels good,” Santana tells USA TODAY Sports. “It was tough. It’s hard, everybody knows, at my age.

“People have retired. But I’m keeping on.”

He’s not just keeping on: Santana salvaged a split for the Guardians in that doubleheader the night before, crushing a three-run home run to ensure their 9-1 victory. He had four hits in nine at-bats over those 18 innings – and was in the lineup once again at first base the next morning.

He played savior for the second time in less than 18 hours, erasing a 3-0, sixth-inning deficit with a bases-clearing double off Washington Nationals starter Michael Soroka to rouse the Guardians from their afternoon slumber. It was the key blow in an eight-run inning and the Guardians went on to an 8-6 victory Wednesday.

Hey, the Guardians aren’t paying him $12 million this season to sit. Santana has four homers and 16 RBI as he begins a third tour of duty with Cleveland.

Technically, he’s played for eight teams. But Cleveland was where it began at the big league level for Santana, way back in 2010, an eight-year run during which he hit 174 home runs and helped Cleveland to Game 7 of the World Series and, now that Michael Brantley has retired, outlasted all the position players from a debut squad with several guys worth remembering.

With Carlos Carrasco’s designation for assignment by the Yankees, Santana’s the last man standing from that team. Only Justin Turner, the Chicago Cubs’ 40-year-old DH, is older among position players across the big leagues.

And many of his current teammates were in grade school when Santana first stepped on a major league diamond.

“First and foremost, he’s just a professional,” says Guardians All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan, a sixth-grader when Santana debuted. “Takes care of his body, does everything right. He’s very vocal about what he does in the weight room, off the field. He doesn’t drink, makes sure he eats the right things, gets full sleep.

“I think it’s a really cool role model for a lot of us young guys. It shows if you want to play in this game a long time, this is what it looks like. There’s no secrets. Just all the stuff that’s been hammered into us at a really young age.”

It’s a role Santana takes seriously, particularly given the makeup of the Guardians’ roster.

‘You think you know everything’

More than one-quarter of Cleveland’s roster hails from the Dominican, including franchise player Jose Ramirez, All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase and charismatic outfielder Jhonkensy “Big Christmas” Noel.

Beyond being a familiar face and comforting voice from home, Santana tries to hammer home that nothing in this game is permanent.

In turn, his half-dozen Dominican teammates – ranging in age from 23 to 32 – keep Santana feeling spry.

“I try to help the Dominicans,” he says. “They follow me. They ask so many questions, asking why I play for a long time and look good. I feel like a kid. I feel like a younger guy when I’m playing with them.

“When you’re younger, you think that you know everything. You think, at the time, it’s never coming to an end. I remember that when I was 23 years old. I thought I knew everything.”

At this point, there’s not much Santana hasn’t done. He’s hit 328 career home runs, and his stellar .353 career on-base percentage and .783 OPS ensures his phone in Tampa will ring each winter.

His notorious plate discipline is still there: Santana averages 4.11 pitches per plate appearance, just off the 4.15 for his career, nearly 8% higher than the MLB average during that time.

‘It’s always really important to have that veteran presence in the middle of the lineup, especially with how he takes his ABs – not necessarily the outcome but the approach, and that sets the tone for the whole lineup,’ says infielder Gabriel Arias, who had a career-high four hits Wednesday. ‘Our lineup gets a lot better when you see that type of veteran presence.’

Santana endured an 0-for-25 stretch last month and survived, now on an 11-for-35 run while reaching base each of the past 11 games. The Guardians – surprise winners of the AL Central a year ago – have flourished in that period, too, winning seven of 10 games to improve to 22-15.

‘We really feel like he’s starting to come into his own right now, and we’re seeing the ‘los who has 16 years in the big leagues,’ says Guardians manager Stephen Vogt. ‘He’s a great player, consistent, and we’re really excited how he’s starting to swing the bat.’

 Santana is embarking on a quest for his seventh postseason appearance, and winning the final game of the season is one of the few things he hasn’t seen in this career.

‘An open book’

The man who once smashed a clubhouse TV to better focus his video game-playing teammates is perhaps a little more mellow now, or perhaps simply surrounded by professionalism.

He speaks freely of his baseball past, not in a “back in my day” fashion but rather imparting what he’s picked up through a vast array of diamond experience.

“It’s the stories he tells about different teammates and the places he’s been,” says Kwan. “He loves sharing them, and I appreciate that. With veterans like that, I’m a little sheepish to ask them for their secrets.

“But he’s an open book. I think that’s why he’s so beloved across the league.”

And perhaps that’s why Santana keeps coming back. Sure, a beloved personality helps, but simplicity in his off hours probably matters more.

It sounds so easy: “Drink a lot of water, sleep well,” he says. “That keeps me playing.”

Eight hours a night. An hour nap when the Guardians are at home. And above all, listening to a body that has served him well: Santana has spent just 31 days on the injured list since the start of the 2011 season.

That’s a model the youngsters can appreciate – especially when he’s still winning them games, and answering the bell, just a month after turning 39.

“He takes into account, too, that when you’re younger you’re going to fail and rely on your body to bounce back,” says Kwan. “As he’s had years in the league, he’s picked up things here and there and it’s culminated in where he is now.”

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Baseball-soccer power couple announce pregnancy

Sport 1 Min Read

A sports power couple will be welcoming a new addition to the family.

USWNT star forward Mallory Swanson and Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson announced on Instagram that they are expecting their first child.

‘Our greatest blessing,’ the caption reads.

The athletic couple have been dating since 2017 and were married in 2022. Mallory Swanson is coming off a stellar 2024 in which she played a key role on the USWNT team that won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as she scored game-winning goal in the gold medal match against Brazil. It also was her 100th cap with the national team.

A member of Chicago Stars FC in the NWSL, Swanson hasn’t played this season as she missed the season opener due to personal reasons. Now with the pregnancy, it is unlikely Swanson will play this year.

Dansby Swanson is batting .236 with seven home runs and 20 RBI as Chicago is 22-16 and in first place of the NL Central.

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