Breaking
Invest Core Path
Author

admin

Browsing
Investing

Canada Makes Tech Leadership Moves: Axl Launches, Carney Shares Priorities at G7 Summit

Investing 5 Mins Read

Canada’s tech sector saw momentum this week, with announcements spanning venture capital and quantum computing, as well as global policy leadership news out of the G7 summit.

Axl on a mission to retain Canadian innovation

On Tuesday (June 17), Axl, a newly founded Canadian venture studio, announced plans to help launch 50 artificial intelligence (AI) companies in Canada over the next five years, supported by a C$15 million fund led by co-founder Daniel Wigdor, a computer science professor at the University of Toronto.

The venture’s other founders are Tovi Grossman, another University of Toronto professor, entrepreneur Ray Sharma and former Telus (TSX:T,NYSE:TU) executive David Sharma. Mining magnate Rob McEwen of McEwen Mining (TSX:MUX,NYSE:MUX) and Smart Technologies co-founder David Martin are also investors.

According to Wigdor, Axl will tackle practical business problems and connect them with promising academic research in a bid to keep Canadian innovation at home. “The social contract academics believe we have with society is that we invent these technologies and inspire people,” he told the Globe and Mail on Tuesday. “The tragedy is that the foundational technologies we’re inventing in Canada are not accruing capital for Canada.’

Wigdor pointed to his own career as a cautionary tale, explaining that the iPhone’s multi-touch interface was presaged by research he conducted in the early 2000s for his University of Toronto thesis, which itself built on concepts pioneered by University of Toronto professor Bill Buxton in the 1980s.

Other University of Toronto AI breakthroughs fueled the international rise of figures like Geoffrey Hinton, OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever and xAI’s Jimmy Ba, all of whom took their expertise to US-based companies.

Carney talks tech leadership at G7 summit

Initiatives like Axl’s signal a proactive approach to Canada’s challenge of retaining tech talent and capitalizing on its world-class research; however, its success will hinge on broader public support.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has signaled that fostering tech innovation at home is a priority. He told G7 leaders that driving the digital transition, led by AI and quantum computing, would be one of his top goals at the summit.

Quantum technology was reportedly discussed at length during the two day meeting, which took place in Kananaskis, Alberta. In addition, a joint statement from members released by the prime minister’s office indicates that Canada will launch the G7 GovAI Grand Challenge and host a series of Rapid Solution Labs “to develop innovative and scalable solutions to the barriers we face in adopting AI in the public sector.”

That emphasis echoes longstanding concerns from the research community.

A 2024 letter acquired by the Logic and sent to then-innovation minister François-Philippe Champagne by the Quantum Advisory Council cites the significant sums that other countries have invested in quantum technology.

“The cost of inaction is tremendous,” the group wrote at the time, pointing to Canada’s history of “inventing core technologies,” but letting other countries “grow industries around our inventions.”

The council proposed a C$1 billion program that would mirror the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), which fosters domestic quantum computing in the US. The QBI has selected 18 companies for its first phase, including three from Canada; firms that demonstrate the ability to build a functional quantum computer by 2033 will be eligible to receive up to US$316 million, making it a potential “kingmaker” program.

The second phase of the program is set to launch in August 2025. While no relocation demands have been made, concerns exist that later-stage QBI terms could force Canadian winners to the US.

The Quantum Advisory Council said its proposed program would be run by the National Research Council, which would independently assess firms to accelerate the development of competitive domestic quantum companies.

It would build on a C$360 million national quantum strategy announced in April 2021.

The council’s recommendations include increased grants for scientific and social science research into quantum technologies, and a new federal clusters program to foster regional quantum ecosystems encompassing research, development and training, alongside ethical and secure use. It also calls for significant investment in quantum-safe software certification and the development of other security systems.

In a speech at the Quantum Now conference in Montreal on Thursday (June 19), Canada’s AI minister, Evan Solomon, emphasized the need to protect Canada’s talent pipeline. “We cannot allow short-term funding opportunities to hollow out our domestic capabilities or transfer generations of Canadian innovation outside our borders,” he said.

Earlier this month, the minister said he would move away from “over-indexing on warnings and regulation” and instead focus on finding ways to unleash the economic potential of AI. The ongoing collaboration between government initiatives and private ventures will be key to unlocking Canada’s full potential in the new digital era.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
Investing

Blue Lagoon Secures $2 Million Line of Credit from Nicola Mining Enhancing Financial Flexibility Ahead of Production

Investing 6 Mins Read

(TheNewswire)

June 23, 2025 TheNewswire – Vancouver, British Columbia Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (the ‘ Company ‘) (CSE: BLLG; FSE: 7BL; OTCQB: BLAGF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a credit agreement with its toll milling partner, Nicola Mining Inc . providing the Company with a $2 million line of credit without any security against the Company’s mineral property or physical assets.

The facility, which carries a competitive interest rate linked to the 3-month SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate), is repayable over a 12-month term with interest-only payments during the first eleven months. At the Company’s discretion, the loan can be extended for an additional 12 months, with adjusted terms.

Importantly, the loan is structured to allow maximum operational flexibility , with no requirement for project collateralization — underscoring Nicola’s confidence in the Dome Mountain Gold Project and its near-term production trajectory.

‘We’re extremely pleased to have the continued support of Nicola Mining, not only as our toll milling partner but also as a continued financial backer,’ said Rana Vig , President and CEO of Blue Lagoon. ‘This line of credit adds an extra layer of security to our already strong balance sheet and gives us added flexibility as we finalize preparations for gold production this summer. It’s a clear sign that sophisticated investors recognize the value of Dome Mountain and its cash flow potential.’

This agreement comes on the heels of Blue Lagoon’s recently completed financing, which was fully subscribed by long time existing shareholders that included Crescat Capital and Phoenix Gold fund as well as new strategic investors. The Company remains fully funded , with no short-term debt and over $3.6 million in in-the-money warrants , positioning it strongly as it enters the final phase of development.

While the Company may ultimately never need to draw on this facility, having access to it provides an important financial backstop. It ensures capital is available if needed to support production ramp-up, seize opportunity, or manage any unforeseen short-term needs – all without causing further dilution to existing shareholders.

Peter Espig , President and CEO of Nicola Mining, commented: ‘We’ve worked closely with the Blue Lagoon team for some time and continue to be impressed by their methodical and disciplined approach. Successfully navigating B.C.’s rigorous permitting process, while also building a strong, trust-based relationship with the Lake Babine Nation, speaks volumes about their leadership. We are pleased to provide this credit facility and look forward to supporting their transition to gold and silver production.’

If the Company chooses to access this facility, Nicola Mining will maintain a short-term security interest over the Company’s gold and silver production from the Dome Mountain Gold Project until the loan is repaid in full.

About Blue Lagoon Resources Inc.

Blue Lagoon Resources is a Canadian based publicly listed mining company (CSE: BLLG; FSE: 7BL; OTCQB: BLAGF) focused on building shareholder value through the aggressive development of its 100% owned Dome Mountain Gold project. The Company is run by professionals with significant finance and mining experience and operates within a prime mining jurisdiction in British Columbia, Canada. With the granting of a full mining permit, a key milestone achieved in February 2025 – one of only nine such permits issued in British Columbia since 2015 – Blue Lagoon is now focused on last preparatory activities and tasks related to the safe and secure opening of the Dome Mountain Gold Mine, targeting Q3 2025 as the start of gold production . The Company’s primary objective has always been to become a cash-flowing mining company, to ultimately deliver tangible monetary value to shareholders, state, and local communities.

The Company is not basing its production decision at Dome Mountain on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. The production decision is based on having existing mining infrastructure, past bulk sampling and processing activity, and the established mineral resource.  The Company understands that there is increased uncertainty, and consequently a higher risk of failure, when production is undertaken in advance of a feasibility study.

For further information, please contact:

Rana Vig

President and CEO

Telephone: 604-218-4766

Email: ranavig@bluelagoonresources.com

The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed ‘forward-looking statements’. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (the ‘Company’) expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words ‘expects’, ‘targets’, ‘plans’, ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘estimates’, ‘projects’, ‘potential’, ‘mine’, ‘production’ and similar expressions, or that events or conditions ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘may’, ‘could’ or ‘should’ occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to

differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include results of exploration activities may not show quality and quantity necessary for further exploration or future exploitation of minerals deposits, volatility of gold and silver prices, delays in mine development activities, future cash flow expectations and continued availability of capital and financing, permitting and other approvals, and general economic, market or business conditions.  Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company’s management, contractors and consultants on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s, contractor’s and consultants’ beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
Sport

SGA doubles up, wins NBA Finals MVP after capturing regular-season award

Sport 4 Mins Read

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder star, is commonly referred to by initials, SGA. You can also call him MVP – not only of the 2024-25 regular season but now of the 2025 NBA Finals, too.

A fluid, 6-foot-6 guard, Gilgeous-Alexander became the first Canadian to win the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award after leading the Thunder past the Indiana Pacers for the franchise’s first NBA title since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points and added a playoff career-high 12 assists and five rebounds in the Thunder’s 103-91 win in Game 7 on Sunday, June 22.

Wearing Classic 6 Stitch Braids and a look of utter confidence, Gilgeous-Alexander, 26, was unmistakable and almost unstoppable during the series.

‘So much weight off my shoulders. So much stress relieved,’ Gilgeous-Alexander said. ‘No matter what, you go into every night wanting to win. Sometimes it just doesn’t go your way. … So proud of this group. Wouldn’t want to do it with any other group in the world. Feels good to be a champion.’

WINNER: Celebrate Thunder’s NBA title with gear, books, exclusive keepsakes

GAME 7 RECAP: Highlights from Thunder’s win over Pacers

Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 30.3 points, 5.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.9 steals and shot 44.3% from the field in the Finals. That made him the clear pick for Finals MVP honors, and he put his name in elite company.

Gilgeous-Alexander became just the third player in NBA history and the first since 2000 to win league MVP, Finals MVP and the scoring title in the same season, joining legends Michael Jordan, who accomplished the feat four times (1990-91, ’91-92, ’95-96, ’97-98), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1970-71) and Shaquille O’Neal (1999-2000).

He became the 11th player in NBA history to win the league MVP and Finals MVP in the same season, joining Willis Reed (1969-70), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1970-71), Moses Malone (1982-83), Larry Bird (1983-84, 1985-86), Magic Johnson (1986-87), Michael Jordan (1990-91, 1991-92, 1995-96, 1997-98), Hakeem Olajuwon (1993-94), Shaquille O’Neal (1999-00), Tim Duncan (2002-03) and LeBron James (2011-12, 2012-13).

Celebrate With Championship Prints

‘it’s hard to believe that I’m part of that group. It’s hard to even fathom that I’m that type of basketball player sometimes,’ Gilgeous-Alexander said. ‘As a kid, you dream. Every kid dreams. But you don’t ever really know if it’s going to come true. I’m just glad and happy that my dreams have been able to come true. That’s a ‘thank you’ to everyone that’s been in my corner that helped me get there. Wouldn’t have been able to get here without them. They know who they are. It’s a win for the family.’

MOST VALUABLE: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins first NBA MVP award

The road to MVP status began in 2018. Gilgeous-Alexander was drafted 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets and traded that same night to the Los Angeles Clippers. After making the All-Rookie Second Team, he traded to Oklahoma City, and that’s where he blossomed.

This season, his seventh in the league, Gilgeous-Alexander has gone from very good to great. He led the league in scoring with 32.7 points per game and total points (2,484), made his third All-Star Game and was named to the All-NBA First Team for the third time.

He scored at least 30 points in 15 of 23 playoff games, including 40 against Minnesota in the Western Conference finals and four games with 30 or more in the Finals.

‘All the achievements and accolades and things, they don’t even come close to the satisfaction of winning with your brothers and people that you are so close to and want to succeed just as much as you want yourself to succeed,’ Gilgeous-Alexander said. ‘That’s been the most impressive and fun part of it, just to know that I have 15 brothers that I just experienced a once-in-a-lifetime experience with. I’ll never forget them, they’ll never forget me.’

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.  Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Keep Reading
Sport

Watch Tyrese Haliburton greet teammates after Pacers’ Game 7 loss

Sport 1 Min Read

Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers fell short of their quest for an NBA championship after losing Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Haliburton did not return to the bench after the injury but did watch the rest of the game in the locker room. The Pacers’ star was seen on crutches after the conclusion of the game, greeting his teammates as they made their way back to the locker room.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Keep Reading
Sport

Report: Tyrese Haliburton injured Achilles in NBA Finals Game 7

Sport 3 Mins Read
  • Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton suffered an Achilles injury in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, according to his father.
  • Haliburton’s dad, John Haliburton, told ESPN that the injury will sideline him for the remainder of Game 7 vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Clarity is coming after Tyrese Haliburton suffered what appeared to be an excruciating injury in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.

John Haliburton, the father of the Indiana Pacers star, told ESPN his son suffered an Achilles injury in the first quarter of the winner-take-all game against the Thunder on Sunday, June 22, in Oklahoma City.

‘What happened with Tyrese, all of our hearts dropped,’ Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. ‘He will be back. I don’t have any medical information about what may or may not have happened, but he’ll be back in time, and I believe he’ll make a full recovery.’

Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury update

Haliburton showed signs of visible pain and frustration while he was down on the court with 5:02 left in the quarter. He went down after catching a pass from Obi Toppin and attempting to make a move with the ball past Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

‘Mr. Haliburton confirmed that it is an Achilles injury,’ sideline reporter Lisa Salters said on the ESPN broadcast. ‘He said Tyrese was doing as well as he can be under the circumstances. He says the entire family was back (in the locker room) with him, his mom, his dad, his brother.

Haliburton suffered a right calf injury in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series and was questionable for Game 6 but managed to play in the game. Haliburton was deemed healthy enough to play in Game 7.

After suffering the injury, Haliburton was seen being embraced by teammates on the court before he was helped back to the locker room with a towel over his head. He did not return to the game.

The Pacers rallied in the first half and led the Thunder 48-47 at the break. Haliburton had nine points in seven minutes of play in the first quarter.

‘He says that he seems to be in good spirits,’ Salters said on the broadcast. ‘He’s watching the game, and he’s trying to root on his team from back in the locker room.’

The Pacers couldn’t overcome the loss of Haliburton and struggled to take advantage of their halftime lead in the second half, eventually losing Game 7 to the Thunder 103-91.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Keep Reading
Sport

Thunder wins NBA championship: Highlights from victory over Pacers

Sport 14 Mins Read

The Oklahoma City Thunder started the season with a victory and ended the season with a victory.

The Thunder capped a dominant season with a 103-91 triumph against the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, giving the franchise its first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City from Seattle in 2008.

It was not easy for the Thunder even with the Pacers missing star guard Tyrese Haliburton who left the game with 4:55 left in the first quarter due to a lower right leg injury.

The Pacers’ resilience makes an opponent earn each victory, and the Thunder were challenged in the series more than they had been in the Western Conference playoffs.

The Thunder pulled away in the third and fourth quarters – carried by stars and depth that produced the best defensive team and No. 3 offensive team this season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 29 points, 12 assists, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal and became the first player since LeBron James in 2013 to win a title, regular-season MVP and Finals MVP in the same season.

All-Star Jalen Williams scored 20 points, and Chet Holmgren added 18 points, eight rebounds and five blocks. Off the bench, Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace each had 10 points and three steals.

The Thunder won a league-best 68 regular-season games and 16 playoff games, becoming the third team in NBA history to win at least 84 games and capture the title in the same season.

In this mini-era of NBA parity – Oklahoma City is the seventh different champion in the past seven seasons – the Thunder are set up roster-wise to compete for multiple championship. They are also the second-youngest team to win a title in the past 50 seasons.

While the Thunder celebrated, a deflating pall hung over the Pacers’ loss. Haliburton, who suffered a right calf strain in Game 5 and played through it in Game 6, sustained the injury with 5:02 remaining in the first quarter trying to drive by Gilgeous-Alexander. He left the game when Indiana called timeout seconds later.

The Pacers’ mental and physical strength powered them to a 48-47 halftime lead, and the score was 56-56 with 8:32 left in the third quarter. But Haliburton’s absence was too much to overcome. Oklahoma City outscored Indiana 25-12 in the final 8:16 of the third for an 81-68 lead headed into the final quarter and pushed its advantage to 90-68 with 7:41 left in the fourth.

The Pacers’ 23 turnovers led to 32 Thunder points. Too many possessions without a shot attempt proved detrimental for Indiana.

Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 24 points and 13 rebounds, and T.J. McConnell and Pascal Siakam each scored 16 points.

Celebrate Thunder’s NBA title with gear, books, keepsakes

NBA Finals Game 7 final score

  • Indiana Pacers — 91
  • Oklahoma City Thunder — 103

NBA Finals MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder star, is commonly referred to by initials, SGA. You can also call him MVP – not only of the 2024-25 regular season but now of the 2025 NBA Finals, too.

Gilgeous-Alexander became the first Canadian to win the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award after scoring 29 points and adding 12 assists and five rebounds in the Thunder’s 103-91 win in Game 7.

Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 30.3 points, 5.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.9 steals and shot 44.3% from the field in the Finals. That made him the clear pick for Finals MVP honors, and he put his name in elite company.

Gilgeous-Alexander became the 11th player in NBA history to win the league MVP and Finals MVP in the same season, joining Willis Reed (1969-70), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1970-71), Moses Malone (1982-83), Larry Bird (1983-84, 1985-86), Magic Johnson (1986-87), Michael Jordan (1990-91, 1991-92, 1995-96, 1997-98), Hakeem Olajuwon (1993-94), Shaquille O’Neal (1999-00), Tim Duncan (2002-03) and LeBron James (2011-12, 2012-13). — Josh Peter

NBA Finals score: Two minutes to play

Two free throws by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has extended the Thunder lead to 98-86 with 1:51 remaining in the game.

Pacers staging late rally

After falling behind by 21 points, Indiana has proceeded on a 11-2 run that has made things slightly interesting in OKC.

The Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin drove for a layup to cut Indiana’s deficit to 12 points at 91-79. The Thunder have called timeout with 4:45 remaining to go.

NBA Finals Game 7 score: Thunder opening things up

OKC has started the fourth and final quarter of this NBA season on an 8-0 run, the last three coming on a Jalen Williams 3-pointer. The Thunder now lead 89-68, opening up a 21-point lead with just 8:27 remaining.

End Q3: Thunder 81, Pacers 68

If the Indiana Pacers cannot hold onto the ball, they will lose the NBA Finals.

Already without star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, sidelined with an Achilles injury, Indiana’s inability to get quality possessions allowed the Thunder to open a 13-point lead – their largest of the game – headed into the final quarter of the NBA season.

The Thunder are harassing Pacers guards and using active hands to deflect and force errant passes. In the first four-and-a-half minutes of the third, the Pacers committed four turnovers. In the third, they committed eight. Overall, they have given it away 17 times.

Oklahoma City has turned those turnovers into a massive advantage; the Thunder are leading the battle in points off turnovers by a margin of 27-5.

Oklahoma City has four players in double figures, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading all players with 22 points and 10 assists.

Backup Pacers point guard T.J. McConnell, once again, had a massive third quarter, scoring 12 points in the period, to give him a team-high 16. In fact, McConnell scored the final 12 Pacers points of the period.

Tyrese Haliburton injury: Dad calls it ‘an Achilles injury’

John Haliburton, the father of Tyrese Haliburton, told reporter Lisa Salters that the Pacers star suffered an ‘Achilles injury’ during the first quarter of Game 7.

‘He said that Tyrese is doing as well as he can be under the circumstances and the entire family was back there with him. …’ Salters said. ‘He says that (Tyrese) is in good spirits and he is watching the game and he is trying to root on his team from back in the locker room.’

How to watch Pacers vs Thunder in NBA Finals Game 7

  • Time: 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT)
  • Location: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City)
  • TV: ABC
  • Stream: Fubo, Sling TV

Q2: Pacers 48, Thunder 47

The Indiana Pacers are showing some resilience without Tyrese Haliburton.

Despite Haliburton suffering a non-contact, right lower leg injury in the first quarter that knocked him out of the game, the Pacers, thanks to their depth and balance, are have taken a one-point lead into halftime after outscoring Oklahoma City by four in the period.

The Pacers have embraced a swarming defense, high energy and off-ball movement on offense to make up for Haliburton’s absence. Eight different Pacers have scored, with four of them having at least eight points. Forward Pascal Siakam leads all Indiana players with 10 points.

The 3-point shot is keeping Indiana in this game; the Pacers shot 8-of-16 from deep, while Oklahoma City – as it has for most of the Finals – struggled from deep, hitting just 4-of-18 (22.2%) of its looks from 3-point range.

For the Thunder, NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the way with 16 points, though his most important contribution thus far may be his shot creation for his teammates; SGA dished out seven assists.

Oklahoma City has worked the ball into paint and is outscoring Indiana down low by a margin of 20-12. The Thunder have also forced Indiana into nine turnovers.

End Q1: Thunder 25, Pacers 22

A shadow, unfortunately, hung over the first quarter of Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

The Thunder took a three-point lead in what was a back-and-forth period, but that will be overshadowed by an apparent serious right leg injury to star Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton.

With 5:02 in the period, when trying to blow past Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Haliburton tumbled to the floor with a non-contact injury. Haliburton immediately slapped the floor in pain and discomfort, expression obvious emotion, appearing to shout “no” repeatedly.

After trainers spent several minutes tending to him, Haliburton was eventually helped off the floor and into the locker room with a towel draped over his head.

Haliburton had been aggressive with his shot, scoring 9 points on 3-of-5 shooting, with all makes coming from 3-point range.

Despite Haliburton going down, the Pacers were able to stabilize, inserting backup guard T.J. McConnell into the game.

The Pacers are shooting 38.1%, while Oklahoma City is shooting 50%.

Backup guard Alex Caruso came into the game and hit a pair of quick 3s to chip in 6 points, while Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder with 8 points on 3-of-6 shooting.

Tyrese Haliburton injury

Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton went down with a scary injury with 5:02 left in the first quarter. Haliburton slipped with 5:02 on the clock after catching a pass from Obi Toppin and trying to drive by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He was emotional, pounding on the court as his teammates circled around him.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers timeline

With everything on the line, both teams came out with energy and intent.

But it was the visiting Indiana Pacers who took the early lead at the first media timeout.

The Pacers are up 14-10 through the first five minutes of action, with Indiana shooting a blistering 66.7% from beyond the arc. Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton was aggressive with his shot, particularly the 3, hitting 3-of-4 attempts from deep.

Haliburton leads all players with 9 points.

The Thunder are shooting 57.1% from the floor, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way with 6 points. 

NBA Finals national anthem

Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and Oklahoma native Kristin Chenoweth (aka Glinda from the musical ‘Wicked’) gave a rousing rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ before the start of Game 7.

What time is Pacers vs Thunder game today?

The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local) at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.

Watch the NBA Finals with Fubo

Where is Game 7 between the Pacers and Thunder?

The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Indiana Pacers in a decisive Game 7 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.

Pacers vs. Thunder Game 7 starting lineups

Indiana Pacers

  • Aaron Nesmith
  • Pascal Siakam
  • Myles Turner
  • Andrew Nembhard
  • Tyrese Haliburton

Oklahoma City Thunder

  • Jalen Williams
  • Chet Holmgren
  • Isaiah Hartenstein
  • Lu Dort
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Thunder already have NBA championship buses; Pacers coach not happy

Oklahoma City Thunder officials are certainly confident of a Game 7 win over the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals. Buses were seen at the Paycom Center, primed and painted and ready for a victory parade, with the words 2025 NBA Champions on them before Sunday’s winner-take-all game against the Indiana Pacers.

Word of the colorfully painted buses got around to Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, who no doubt will use that as motivation to ruin any championship plans by the Thunder.

“I just saw a video that’s probably going to go viral of some buses, open-top buses, presumably for the parade that are already painted with them as champions. That’s all I’m thinking about right now,” Carlisle said.

Indiana is looking to become the first road team to win a Game 7 on the road since the Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors in 2016.

Pacers-Thunder Game 7 referees

  • James Capers (13th Finals; officiated Game 3)
  • Josh Tiven (Sixth Finals; officiated Game 4)
  • Sean Wright (Second Finals; officiated Game 4)

Pacers vs. Thunder odds: NBA Finals Game 7

The Oklahoma City Thunder are favorites to win the series vs. the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, according to BetMGM (odds as of afternoon of Sunday, June 22):

  • Spread: Thunder (-6.5)
  • Moneyline: Thunder (-275); Pacers (+220)
  • Over/under: 215.5

Thunder vs. Pacers NBA Finals Game 7 predictions

USA TODAY: Majority pick Thunder

  • Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder 101, Pacers 96
  • Lorenzo Reyes: Thunder 107, Pacers 106
  • Scooby Axson: Pacers 116, Thunder 113
  • James Williams: Thunder 110, Pacers 105
  • Jordan Mendoza: Thunder 102, Pacers 99

How many Finals have the Oklahoma City Thunder won?

The Oklahoma City Thunder have one NBA championship. However, it came in 1979 when the team was the Seattle SuperSonics. They have not won a title since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008.

How many Finals have the Indiana Pacers won?

The Indiana Pacers have not won an NBA championship. They have two Eastern Conference titles (2000, 2025).

What was the last NBA Finals to go to Game 7?

The most recent NBA Finals to reach a Game 7 came in 2016 when the Cleveland Cavaliers won their first championship in franchise history. The Cavs were down 3-1 against the Golden State Warriors through the first four games before winning two games in a row to tie the series. Cleveland then won Game 7 on the road and became the first team in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 series deficit in the NBA Finals.

How many NBA Finals have gone to a Game 7?

The NBA Finals have gone to a full seven games 19 times in the league’s history. The first seven-game series was in 1951 when the Rochester Royals (now the Sacramento Kings) won Game 7 at home over the New York Knicks. The first 12 of those 19 seven-game series occurred in the 1950s, 60s or 70s, with just seven taking place since. The last time an NBA Finals went to a Game 7 was 2016, when the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Golden State Warriors on the road in the decisive game.

The Lakers have played in nine Game 7s – the first two as the Minneaplis Lakers before moving to Los Angeles – which is the most in NBA history. But the Lakers have only won four of those nine games. The Boston Celtics are 7-1 when playing in a Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

How many teams have won Game 7 of the NBA Finals on the road?

The Indiana Pacers have a chance to etch their name in a very exclusive list should they win the NBA championship: winning a Game 7 on the road. When the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals, they became just the fourth team in NBA history to win a Game 7 on the road. Here are the four teams that won the decisive Game 7 on their opponent’s home court (home in italics):

  • 2016: Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Golden State Warriors
  • 1978: Washington Bullets defeated Seattle Supersonics
  • 1974: Boston Celtics defeated Milwaukee Bucks
  • 1969: Boston Celtics defeated Los Angeles Lakers

NBA Finals MVP odds

Players with the best odds to win the Most Valuable Player award of the 2025 NBA Finals, according to BetMGM (odds as of afternoon of Sunday, June 22):

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): -235
  • Pascal Siakam (Pacers): +310
  • Jalen Williams (Thunder): +1200
  • Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers): +1500
  • TJ McConnell (Pacers): +10000
  • Obi Toppin (Pacers): +25000

NBA Finals schedule: Thunder vs. Pacers

  • Game 1, June 5: Pacers 111, Thunder 110
  • Game 2, June 8: Thunder 123, Pacers 107
  • Game 3, June 11: Pacers 116, Thunder 107
  • Game 4, June 13: Thunder 111, Pacers 104
  • Game 5, June 16: Thunder 120, Pacers 109
  • Game 6, June 19: Pacers 108, Thunder 91
  • Game 7, June 22: Pacers at Thunder | ABC, Fubo | 8 p.m.

Pacers vs. Thunder NBA Finals Game 7 TV channel

ABC is televising Game 7 of the NBA Finals between Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT).

How to stream NBA Finals Game 7: Pacers vs. Thunder

Game 7 between the Thunder and Pacers is available on ABC. Fans can also stream the action with Sling TV and Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Keep Reading
Sport

Winners and losers from LSU’s College World Series title

Sport 5 Mins Read

After winning a mesmerizing pitching duel in Saturday night’s College World Series opener, LSU took advantage of Coastal Carolina’s sloppy start and won, 5-3, on Sunday, June 22 to capture the eighth national championship in program history.

The two-game sweep solidifies the Tigers’ place among the very upper crust of college baseball. Only one program has won more: Southern California has won an even dozen, though none since 1998.

For Coastal Carolina, it’s a heartbreaking and disappointing end to what had been a dream run to the doorstep of the Chanticleers’ second championship, following the 2016 team that came out of relative anonymity and defeated Arizona in the finals.

Coastal Carolina head coach Kevin Schnall and first-base coach Matt Schilling were ejected in the first inning of Sunday’s clincher for “continued arguing about balls and strikes,” the NCAA said in a statement.

Given where they started the year, though, and the lower expectations after an offseason coaching change, the appearance in Omaha opposite LSU establishes Coastal as maybe the best program outside the non-major conferences.

Looking back at the entire tournament, here are the winners and losers from this year’s CWS:

WINNERS

LSU

Talent eventually won out. That was apparent on Saturday night, when LSU sophomore Kade Anderson put together the first complete-game shutout in the CWS finals since 2018 and just the third since the championship series was added into the tournament format in 2003. What the Tigers had was room for error — and more than enough athleticism and MLB-level ability to take advantage of any opportunity provided by the Chanticleers’ missteps. Handed that opportunity on Sunday afternoon, LSU plated a run in the third and four in the fourth on a pair of two-run singles.

Coastal Carolina

The Chanticleers will always have that 23-game winning streak heading into Omaha, Nebraska, which passed the previous record heading into the College World Series set by Oregon State in 2017. They added three more to push that run to 26 games before meeting LSU. That the magic ran out in the best-of-three finals is the biggest source of disappoint from Coastal, which felt like a team of destiny in overcoming several big-name programs in the regional and super regional rounds before breezing through the double-elimination section of the World Series.

The SEC

LSU gives the SEC five national championships in a row: Vanderbilt in 2019, Mississippi State in 2021, Mississippi in 2022, the Tigers in 2023 and Tennessee last season. It hadn’t been a picture-perfect tournament for the conference, which placed a record-setting 13 teams in the tournament but had just four reach the super regionals. The Tigers’ win this weekend erases the league’s inept run through the first two weekends and cements the SEC as the top baseball conference in the country.

Murray State

The Racers were the feel-good story of the tournament after making the program’s CWS debut. Beyond a distinct lack of national success, Murray State simply wasn’t expected to reach that stage even after booking a spot in the 64-team field: Underdogs in the Oxford regional against Mississippi, the Racers beat the Rebels to reach the program’s first super regional and then rallied out of another hole with a pair of wins against Duke to become just the fourth regional No. 4 seed to reach Omaha.

Gage Wood

While Arkansas was unable to mount a winning streak and reach the finals, Wood had the tournament’s defining moment with his epic 19-strikeout no-hitter against the Racers. The no-no was the first in Omaha since 1960 and his strikeout total set a new record for a nine-inning game. Before that performance, Wood had gone more than five innings in a start just once all season with just one start with double-digit strikeouts.

LOSERS

Arkansas

The long dry run continues for the Razorbacks. Arkansas has now made 12 CWS appearances with two trips to the finals, tying North Carolina and Clemson for the second-most trips to Omaha without a national championship. This most recent exit stands among the most painful in program history, bested by the 2018 loss to Oregon State defined by a misplayed fly ball in foul ground. After scoring two runs in the top of the ninth to take a 5-3 lead in a must-win game against LSU on Wednesday, June 18, the Razorbacks allowed a two-run double that tied the score and then a walk-off single to loss 6-5.

North Carolina

The Tar Heels suffered maybe the most brutal loss of the super regionals in giving away the elimination game against Arizona. Ahead 3-1 heading into the eighth inning thanks to a three-run homer from senior Jackson Van De Brake, UNC coughed away the lead with a pair of errors on the infield. The first, on a grounder booted by Van De Brake, cost the Tar Heels a possible double play. After a pitching change, UNC committed a throwing error on the Wildcats’ bunt attempt to move runners over, allowing a run to score. Another pitching change resulted in a two-run single that gave Arizona the lead and eventually the World Series berth.

Kevin Schnall

The former Coastal assistant pushed all the right buttons in piloting the Chanticleers to a record-setting win streak and to the doorstep of another national championship. But his ejection on Sunday threatens to overwrite his deft touch in reaching that point. Was he trying to motivate his team and raise the Chanticleers’ energy after a tough-to-swallow defeat in the opener? While that might have been his intent, Coastal continued to play listlessly the rest of the way, especially at the plate.

The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports’ newsletter.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Keep Reading
Stock

The NASDAQ 100, On The Brink Of A Breakout, Needs Help From This Group

Stock 4 Mins Read

U.S. stocks are on the cusp of a very impressive breakout to all-time highs, but are still missing one key ingredient. They need help in the form of a semiconductors ($DJUSSC) breakout of its own. When the DJUSSC reached its all-time high on June 20, 2024, one year ago, a nasty bearish engulfing candle printed on extremely heavy volume, I wrote an article, “The Semiconductors Have Topped; Look Elsewhere for Opportunities”. Simply put, it was buyers’ exhaustion”. I looked for a 20% drop in the index, providing this chart at the time:

There’s now been a lengthy period of sideways consolidation on the semiconductors as you can see from this updated chart as that 20% drop immediately occurred:

Semiconductor leadership has been held firmly in check by the overhead price resistance just below 22000. Until that resistance is cleared, the QQQ has a lid on it.

Let’s keep in mind that the QQQ, an ETF that tracks the NASDAQ 100 index, can be broken down into its top 2 industry groups, as follows:

  • Semiconductors ($DJUSSC): 21.65%
  • Software ($DJUSSW): 19.11%

More than 40% of the QQQ is comprised of semiconductors and software. Here’s what the longer-term, 5-year software chart looks like:

Software’s relative strength is powerful and we’ve recently seen an absolute price breakout – an awesome combo. On a 5-year weekly chart of semis, it’s quite apparent that when the semiconductors break out, they carry the NASDAQ 100 on their shoulders higher and we’re close to a breakout now:

We just saw a relative strength breakout on the DJUSSC, there’s only one thing missing – that absolute breakout and it’s coming fairly soon, in my opinion.

Market Outlook

A big part of what happens over the next 6-12 months will be highly dependent on the two industry groups above. There are over 100 industry groups and this may be oversimplifying stocks a bit, but make no mistake about it. Higher growth prospects and lower interest rates can result in flying PE ratios and these two groups are home to companies that can expand their businesses very rapidly.

Market Manipulation

I’ve discussed the role of market makers and their manipulation of the stock market many times over the past several years and there’s no doubt in my mind we were just exposed to another massive dose of it in the first half of 2025. At EarningsBeats.com, however, we’ve become experts at spotting it and pointing it out. I discussed the importance of being in cash back in late January and in February before the massive Wall Street ripoff started and I also wrote about the importance of getting back in early. Remember my article in the second week of April, “The Bottom is Here or Rapidly Approaching”? These are real-time articles, folks. You need to see the tops and bottoms before they occur. It does little good to talk about it now. We don’t get a “do over.”

Or do we?

What do I mean by that? Well, we’ll have plenty more chances to spot tops and bottoms in the future, but you need to learn from this year’s mistakes RIGHT NOW. Don’t let these big-money, Wall Street crooks do it to you again. We have one MASSIVE advantage on our side vs. these big Wall Street firms. We can enter and exit stocks in seconds. It takes them days and weeks.

If you want to be better-positioned to see this nonsense AHEAD OF TIME the next time it comes around, I’d suggest that you join me on Saturday, June 28th at 10:00am ET for a 100% free event, “Trading The Truth: How Market Manipulation Creates Opportunity”. CLICK HERE to register and learn more about the event! This is a MUST-ATTEND event and seating is limited. Be sure to save your seat and learn how to protect your hard-earned money for the rest of your financial future!

Happy trading!

Tom

Keep Reading
Investing

Tech 5: OpenAI/Microsoft Talks Get Tense, SoftBank Floats Arizona Robotics Hub

Investing 5 Mins Read

This week, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and OpenAI’s once tight alliance showed signs of strain, while Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) continued to source artificial intelligence (AI) talent from rival companies.

Meanwhile, SoftBank’s (TSE:9434) CEO is considering a new chip and robotics venture in Arizona, and Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is looking to bring AI solutions to American cities.

Read on to dive deeper into this week’s top tech stories.

1. OpenAI and Microsoft partnership faces tension

Microsoft and OpenAI’s once-close partnership is reportedly entering a tense period of renegotiation as OpenAI restructures into a public-benefit company and seeks more autonomy.

According to sources for The Information, recent negotiations have centered on reducing Microsoft’s long-term revenue share in exchange for a 33 percent stake in the newly formed entity. Additionally, OpenAI would like to limit Microsoft’s access to future models such as Windsurf, which OpenAI acquired in May.

The company has competitive concerns with Microsoft’s GitHub Copilot, according to the people.

Tensions have risen enough that some OpenAI executives are even weighing antitrust action against Microsoft, according to sources for the Wall Street Journal. In a joint statement, both companies maintained they want to continue working together; however, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday (June 18) that if they can’t reach an agreement, Microsoft is prepared to walk away and rely on its existing contract with the startup, which extends until 2030.

2. SoftBank floats trillion-dollar robotics hub in Arizona

SoftBank is reportedly interested in a trillion-dollar infrastructure project and has reached out to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:TSM) as a potential collaborative partner.

Sources for Bloomberg revealed on Friday (June 20) that SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son has approached the Taiwanese chipmaker to play a “prominent role” in a manufacturing park in Arizona codenamed “Project Crystal Land,” which may serve as a major production facility for AI-powered industrial robots.

The sources said SoftBank has also approached Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) and other companies with the idea. SoftBank officials have reportedly engaged in discussions with federal and state government officials, including US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, to explore potential tax incentives for companies onshoring high-tech manufacturing.

In other semiconductor news, Texas Instruments (NASDAQ:TXN) said on Wednesday that it will spend more than US$60 billion building seven new semiconductor facilities across the US. Meanwhile, Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) announced over the weekend that it will invest AU$20 billion to expand data center infrastructure in Australia by 2029.

3. Intel reportedly planning sizeable layoffs

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) is reportedly set to implement substantial layoffs, impacting 15 to 20 percent of its factory workforce, according to an internal memo distributed on Saturday (June 14) and obtained by the Oregonian.

This move comes amidst continuing efforts to overhaul a company lagging behind its peers.

For some time, Intel’s offerings have struggled to compete effectively against those of key rivals in the highly competitive market of AI products and chip divisions. In a concerted effort to address this gap and reinvigorate its innovation pipeline, Intel has also been actively recruiting top-tier engineering talent.

On Wednesday, Intel expanded its sales and engineering leadership team to include experienced professionals from Cadence Design Systems (NASDAQ:CDNS), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google.

These strategic hires are intended to inject fresh perspectives and expertise into crucial engineering departments, directly contributing to the company’s ambitious plans to develop more competitive and advanced AI solutions.

4. Google partners with Conference of Mayors for city AI strategies

On Friday, Google announced that it has partnered with the US Conference of Mayors to help speed the adoption of city-wide AI strategies. With the announcement, the company released a playbook titled A Roadmap for America’s Mayor that provides a framework for city leaders to develop and host an “AI Adoption Workshop,’ which would be structured to help cities identify and explore how AI can support specific needs, drawing on experiences from other communities.

The roadmap suggests cities conduct a general survey to tailor workshop content by gathering information on current AI usage, as well as concerns and ideas for AI applications. Various approaches are suggested for drafting the strategy document, including a dedicated working group, an appointed lead drafter, a hybrid model or engaging external expertise, with a recommended deadline of four to six weeks post-workshop for the first draft.

5. Meta hires top AI talent

Sources for the Information indicated on Wednesday that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is bringing Daniel Gross, CEO of Ilya Sutskever’s startup Safe Superintelligence, and former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman onboard.

According to the report, Gross and Friedman will both join Meta, with Gross leaving his startup to focus on AI products at Meta and Friedman taking on a broader role. Both are expected to work directly with Zuckerberg and Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang, who signed a US$14.3 billion deal to join Meta last week.

In exchange, Meta will get a stake in NFDG, the venture capital firm co-owned by Gross and Friedman that has backed companies such as Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN), Figma, CoreWeave (NASDAQ:CRWV), Perplexity and Character.ai.

On the most recent episode of his brother’s “Uncapped” podcast, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said that Meta has also offered signing bonuses as high as US$100 million and large compensation packages to OpenAI employees.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
Investing

Editor’s Picks: Silver Price Hits 13 Year High, Gold Takes a Breather

Investing 6 Mins Read

Gold was on the decline this week, closing just below US$3,370 per ounce, after tensions in the Middle East pushed it past the US$3,430 level toward the end of last week.

All eyes were on the US Federal Reserve, which in a widely expected move left interest rates unchanged on Wednesday (June 18) following its two day meeting. The central bank cut rates in December 2024, but has kept them steady for its last four gatherings.

US President Donald Trump wasn’t pleased, calling Powell ‘too late’ in a Thursday (June 19) post on Truth Social. While speculation that Trump will fire Powell has died down, the president did recently say he intends to announce his next pick for the Fed leader position ‘very soon.’

Of course, Fed meetings are never just about rate decisions — experts often look to Powell’s post-meeting commentary to read between the lines of what’s said (and not said).

Tariffs were definitely in focus this time around, with Powell emphasizing that it’s still soon to tell how much of an impact they will have and how the Fed should react.

‘We have to learn more about tariffs. I don’t know what the right way for us to react will be. I think it’s hard to know with any confidence how we should react until we see the size of the effects’ — Jerome Powell, US Federal Reserve

Chris Temple of the National Investor, who offered another perspective on Powell’s comments.

He noted that while Powell didn’t say the Fed is going to abandon its 2 percent inflation target, it may be leaning in that direction. This is what he said:

The consensus still — although it was extremely close — is barely still for two 25 basis point rate cuts in the balance of 2025. Whether we get them or not, who knows, (but) that’s the current snapshot, which may well change. But that’s against a backdrop of admitting for the second SEP, summary of economic projections … in a row that inflation is going to continue to move back higher — that we’ve seen the best numbers for inflation — at the same time that GDP slows a bit.

So okay, you just told us that your favored inflation number, which is a lot of smoke and mirrors to begin with, is going to go back up to north of 3 percent, which is what they said yesterday. And yet you still — the consensus is you’re going to lower interest rates twice in 2025? So he did everything but come right out and admit that the 2 percent inflation target isn’t going to be reached.

Stay tuned to our YouTube channel for the full interview with Temple.

Bullet briefing — Silver hits 13 year high, SPUT raising US$200 million

Is silver’s price rise real?

Gold has stolen the precious metals spotlight in 2025, but this month silver is shining.

The white metal has been on the rise since the beginning of June, and this week it broke the US$37 per ounce mark for the first time in 13 years.

While silver is known to lag behind gold before playing catch up, it’s also known for its volatility. Its move has created excitement, but market participants are also wary of a correction.

When asked what factors are driving silver, Peter Krauth of Silver Stock Investor he said he sees a ‘perfect storm’ emerging. Here’s how he explained it:

You’ve got the macroeconomic picture that is I think certainly bullish for silver, like it is for gold and a lot of the other commodities. But I think at the same time you’ve got the market kind of coming to terms with the fact that silver is in a deficit, (and) it’s unlikely to be able to rectify that deficit for several years — in fact, the Silver Institute thinks we’re going to see record deficits at some point over the next five years.

And silver supply is unable to grow. We saw a peak 10 years ago in mined silver, and overall silver supply is essentially flat.

So flat supply, growing demand — demand that’s nearly 20 percent above supply — and our ability to meet those deficits is shrinking because we’re tapping into these aboveground stockpiles that have shrunk by about 800 million ounces in the last four years, which is the equivalent of an entire year’s mine supply. So it’s the perfect storm, it’s really all coming together. And I think that the market’s realizing that.

But does that necessarily mean silver is ready for a big breakout? Krauth has a target of US$40 by the end of 2025, but said silver could potentially go 10 percent above that.

For his part, Jeffrey Christian of CPM Group attributes the silver price boost to increased demand from investors, especially when it comes to exchange-traded funds and wholesale products.

He’s projecting a bumpier path forward for the metal:

You also have — the last time I looked it was like 490 million ounces of open interest in the July Comex futures contract. And that’s two weeks from first delivery. So most of the people (who) have those shorts – those are hedges of their physical inventories. They keep those hedges in place, but they roll them forward. So they’ll be buying back their Julys and selling September futures to keep that hedge in place with the next active futures contract. That buying back of the Julys could push silver prices higher.

So if you really want to talk granular prices, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the price of silver fall to US$33, US$34 an ounce, and go up to US$40 an ounce and then back to US$33 an ounce over the next four weeks.

Click the links above to watch the interviews with Krauth and Christian.

SPUT raising US$200 million

The uranium spot price made moves this week after the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust (TSX:U.U,OTCQX:SRUUF) announced a US$100 million bought-deal financing on Monday (June 16).

It was bumped up to US$200 million the same day due to strong demand.

Spot uranium has been in a consolidation phase since hitting triple-digit levels in early 2024, creating frustration among those who are waiting for the industry’s strong long-term fundamentals to be better expressed. This week’s move past US$75 per pound has helped reinvigorate investors.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading