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Houston handles Colorado, drops Buffaloes to 1-2: Highlights

Sport 11 Mins Read

HOUSTON – Colorado football coach Deion Sanders tried out a new starting quarterback Friday night against Houston but didn’t get the kind of results he wanted and now might have to reconsider the position again after a 36-20 loss at TDECU Stadium.

As expected, Sanders started Ryan Staub, who answered the call at quarterback with an underwhelming  performance that included a slow start, one late touchdown pass and two fourth-quarter interceptions. Meanwhile, Houston kept hogging the ball in the second half and finished with five field goals from Cougars kicker Ethan Sanchez and two touchdown runs after halftime from quarterback Conner Weigman.

Staub, a redshirt sophomore, completed 19 of 35 passes for 204 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.

He had risen to the starting position this week after a “tryout” performance last week coming off the bench in a 31-7 win against Delaware. He was listed as Colorado’s third-string quarterback as recently as a week ago, then shot up to No. 1 on Friday before starting slowly on his first four possessions against the Cougars, all of which ended in punts.

He recovered with two touchdown drives on his final two series before halftime, cutting Houston’s lead to 16-14. But it wasn’t enough.

The loss drops Colorado to 1-2 and adds uncertainty to the quarterback position, where Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter started the first two games for the Buffaloes. Houston improved to 3-0 in front of announced crowd of 37,899.

Colorado vs. Houston highlights

Final: Houston 36, Colorado 20

Houston adds another field goal

Another field goal from Ethan Sanchez gives Houston a 36-20 lead with 3:34 left. Sanchez this time hit from 49 yards, his fifth field goal of the game.

Colorado cuts into deficit

Colorado cuts Houston’s lead to 33-20 as Colorado quarterback Ryan Staub threw his first touchdown pass of the game with 4:34 remaining. Staub’s scoring pass to receiver Joseph Williams went 37 yards on second down.

The ensuing two-point attempt failed, leaving the Buffaloes with too little, too late. Staub has completed 18 of 32 passes for 191 yards and one touchdown with one interception.

Houston pushes lead to 33-14

Houston quarterback Conner Weigman scored a 7-yard touchdown run, helping lift his team to a 33-14 lead with 11:39 left. The score ended a three-play, 61-yard possession highlighted by a 54-yard pass from Weigman to receiver Stephon Johnson on second down.

It’s Weigman’s second touchdown run of the game.

Colorado has had only nine plays for minus-5 yards in the second half.

Houston leads 26-14

Houston running back Dean Connors burst left on an 18-yard run before crashing just short of the front corner of the end zone. But Houston followed through with a quarterback sneak for a touchdown on the next play, helping the Cougars extend their lead to 26-14 with 1:21 left in the third quarter.

Colorado has only had the ball for three plays so far in the third quarter. 

Houston leads 19-14

Houston leads 19-14 after another field goal from Houston kicker Ethan Sanchez, this time from 35 yards with 6:25 left in the third quarter. That makes Sanchez 4-for-4 on field-goal tries for the night as Colorado’s defense once again bent but didn’t break. The Houston drive lasted 8:35 and went 57 yards in 17 plays. The Buffaloes haven’t had the ball yet in the second half.

Houston loses another offensive lineman

Houston offensive lineman McKenzie Angello limped off the field after being injured with 11:14 left in the third quarter, marking at least the second injury of the game for Houston’s offensive front. Houston lineman David Ndukwe was carted off in the first half with an apparent leg injury.

Houston leads at halftime 16-14

Quarterback Ryan Staub led his team downfield with passes of 36 and 25 yards before scrambling for 19 yards to the goal line and nearly scoring a touchdown to end the first half. The ball popped loose from him short of the end zone but was recovered by tight end Zach Atkins for a Colorado touchdown with 26 seconds left in the first half.

The score cut Houston’s lead to 16-14 after Staub seemed to catch fire during this two-minute drill, much like he did to end the first half last week in a 31-7 win against Delaware.

Staub is 12-for-18 passing for 120 yards. He started slowly, having led his team to punts on their first four possessions. But he’s since led his team downfield for touchdowns on their final two series of the second quarter.

Another field goal lifts Houston to 16-7 lead

Houston kicker Ethan Sanchez is 3-for-3 on field-goal tries after drilling a 47-yarder with 1:45 left in the first half. The kick gives the Cougars a 16-7 lead after Colorado scored on the previous drive. Sanchez has scored from 52, 43 and 47 yards so far. 

Colorado running game wakes up

Colorado put together its best drive of the game so far to cut Houston’s lead to 13-7 with 7:33 left before halftime. Running back Simeon Price, a transfer from Coastal Carolina, took off on a 38-yard touchdown run to cap a 93-yard drive for the Buffaloes. A pass interference call against Houston enabled it when Colorado faced third down from its own 7-yard line early in the series. Instead of punting again, the Buffs got a first down and took advantage of it.

Colorado offense fails to convert again

The Buffaloes under new quarterback Ryan Staub have gone three-and-out on three straight possessions while Houston has scored on all three of its possessions. It’s not clear how long this will go on before coach Deion Sanders switches quarterbacks. Houston leads 13-0 with 12:43 left in the first half.

Colorado’s only first downs in the game came on its first series. 

Deion Sanders calls his defense ‘hot garbage’

The Cougars are now up 13-0 after nailing a 43-yard field goal with 14:13 left in the first half. The Cougars have scored on all three of their possessions and have outgained Colorado 181-45 in total yards. After the first quarter, Colorado coach Deion Sanders told ESPN his defense looked like “hot garbage.”

Another three-and-out for Ryan Staub

On Staub’s third series, the Buffaloes went three-and-out again. Staub got sacked and threw two incompletions and is now 6-for-9 passing for 42 yards. He hasn’t driven his team farther than the Houston 47-yard line. Houston still leads 10-0 late in the first quarter.

Houston takes 10-0 lead

Houston quarterback Conner Weigman took off on a 49-yard run down the right side of the field on first down to set up a touchdown for the Cougars with 3:52 left in the first quarter. Running back Dean Connors capped the five-play, 79-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown run.

Houston has outgained Colorado 137-36 in total yards and has six first downs compared to two for Colorado after two possessions each for both teams.

Ryan Staub’s second drive fizzles

On Ryan Staub’s second drive, Colorado went three-and-out before punting. He completed an 8-yard pass but then threw an incompletion on third down and 2. He’s now 5-for-7 passing for 32 yards. A big question hovering over him is how long coach Deion Sanders will stick with him if he fails to march the team downfield. 

Houston takes 3-0 lead

Houston kicker Ethan Sanchez kicked a 52-yard field goal that barely cleared the crossbar to lift the Cougars to a 3-0 lead with 6:42 left in the first quarter. The kick capped a 10-play drive that went 63 yards after starting at Houston’s own 3-yard line.

Houston lineman carted off

Houston offensive lineman David Ndukwe was carted off the field with an apparent leg injury with 6:48 left in the first quarter and the game tied 0-0. A Colorado defender apparently fell on his leg, leading to a stoppage in play as he was helped onto the cart and taken off the field. 

Ndukwe sat up in the cart and waved to the crowd as he left.

Ryan Staub starts game, leads stalled drive

Ryan Staub indeed did start the game for Colorado at quarterback, but his first drive petered out when he underthrew a pass over the middle on third down and 12 from the Houston 47-yard line. He completed 4 of 5 passes for 24 yards. Houston takes over with 10:39 left in the first quarter.

When is Colorado vs Houston game?

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 12 from TDECU Stadium in Houston.

How to watch Colorado vs Houston

The game will be televised on ESPN and also is available on Fubo.

Watch Colorado vs. Houston on Fubo with a free trial

Colorado vs Houston odds

College football odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook; Odds updated Sept. 11. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

  • Spread: Houston (-4.5)
  • Moneyline: Houston (-200), Colorado (+165)
  • Total: 45.5 points

Ryan Staub warming up with first-team offense

Colorado quarterback Ryan Staub warmed up with the first-team offensive line about 30 minutes before the game. He also was listed on top of the depth chart distributed in the press box before the game. If he starts as expected, it would be his second career start and first since a 23-17 loss at Utah to end the regular season in 2023.

Tent covering portable toilet falls down

Colorado coach Deion Sanders has been open about his health issues since having his cancerous bladder removed in May. Earlier this week, he spoke about the portable toilet he has on the sideline in case he needs it. He said he hasn’t used it yet but joked about somebody possibly using it in a game and whether a wind gust might knock it down to reveal the occupant on the toilet.

Well, guess what happened hours before Friday’s game?

Colorado brought a Depend-sponsored portable toilet with him to Houston and put it on the sideline, but the tent that covers it fell down. No one was in it at the time.

Pop-Tarts Bowl credentialed for this game

Representatives from the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando have been credentialed for this Big 12 Conference opener. After the College Football Playoff has filled its bracket, the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Dec. 27 matches the top selection from the Atlantic Coast Conference against the second selection from the Big 12.

Scouts from the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints and New York Giants also had assigned seats in the press box.

Who are Colorado’s other two quarterbacks?

Before Friday, Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter had started the first two games for Colorado. Heralded freshman Julian Lewis previously was listed as the No. 2 QB. Salter is a dual threat quarterback who led Liberty to a 13-1 record in 2023. He played the entire season opener for Colorado on Aug. 29, a 27-20 loss against Georgia Tech. But then in the Delaware game, Sanders said he wanted to give each of his three quarterbacks at least two series initially and then see who would emerge.

Salter led the team to a 10-0 lead on his first two series vs. Delaware. Lewis’s first two possessions ended in punts.

Who is Ryan Staub, the new Colorado quarterback?

Staub is a redshirt sophomore from Stevenson Ranch, California, who served as backup the past two seasons under Deion Sanders’ quarterback son Shedeur. He barely played except for the final regular season game of 2023, when Shedeur was injured. He played well in the game but lost 23-17.

He was listed as Colorado’s third-string quarterback as recently as last week but was put in the game on a tryout basis of sorts last week vs. Delaware with 45 seconds left before halftime. The Buffaloes led at the time 10-7. By the time he left the game in the second half, Colorado led 31-7 after Staub had led the team on three touchdown drives in four possessions, highlighted by touchdown passes of 21 and 71 yards. The Buffaloes won 31-7.

That led coach Deion Sanders to consider starting Staub vs. Houston.

Why is this a key game for Deion Sanders?

It’s the Big 12 Conference opener for both teams. It’s also a key test for Colorado at the most important position on the field. Who will be Colorado’s quarterback this season? Deion Sanders said he wants to settle on one quarterback and not play “musical chairs” in the position. Ryan Staub could steal the job if he plays well. If not, the Buffs might go back to Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter.

Announcers for Colorado vs Houston

ESPN play-by-play broadcaster Anish Shroff will call the game along with former Houston quarterback Andre Ware, the 1989 Heisman Trophy winner. They will be joined by sideline reporter Paul Carcaterra.

Colorado injury update

Wide receiver Omarion Miller is expected to be out a second consecutive game with a hamstring injury. Running back Dallan Hayden could make his season debut if he comes back from a hand injury.

How will Colorado win or lose this game?

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Investing

Newmont to Exit Toronto Stock Exchange as Cost Cuts Deepen

Investing 3 Mins Read

Newmont (TSX:NGT,NYSE:NEM,ASX:NEM) is preparing to withdraw from the Toronto Stock Exchange later this month, the latest in a string of moves to streamline operations and rein in costs following its US$15 billion takeover of Newcrest Mining in 2023.

The Denver-based miner said Wednesday it has applied for a voluntary delisting of its common shares from the TSX, effective at the close of trading on September 24.

The company cited “low trading volumes” on the Canadian exchange and said the decision is expected to “improve administrative efficiency and reduce costs for the benefit of Newmont’s shareholders.”

Newmont’s shares will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange, where it maintains its primary listing, as well as on the Australian Securities Exchange and the Papua New Guinea Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol NEM.

Rising costs and restructuring plans

Newmont’s all-in sustaining costs reached record levels earlier this year, eroding profits even as bullion prices hit all-time highs above US$3,500 an ounce in April and remained above US$3,300 through most of the summer.

The company has acknowledged that its cost base has outpaced peers. In the second quarter, Newmont’s costs were nearly 25 percent higher than those of Agnico Eagle Mines, a Canadian rival considered one of the industry’s leanest producers.

Costs have also risen more than 50 percent over the past five years, driven by higher energy, labor, and material prices, as well as integration expenses tied to Newcrest’s operations.

Chief Executive Officer Tom Palmer told investors in July that Newmont was pursuing additional measures to lower its expenses.

Behind the scenes, Newmont has been preparing for more aggressive measures.

People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg News that management has set an internal target to lower costs by as much as US$300 per ounce, or roughly 20 percent.

Meeting that benchmark could require thousands of layoffs across the company’s global workforce of about 22,000, excluding contractors.

While Newmont has not disclosed the scope of planned reductions, some employees have already been informed of redundancies, according to the report. Managers have also been briefed on potential curbs to long-term incentive programs as part of a broader restructuring.

A company spokesperson confirmed earlier this year that Newmont launched a cost and productivity improvement program in February.

Alongside cost cutting, Newmont has moved swiftly to divest non-core assets acquired in the Newcrest deal.

Since late 2024, the company has sold multiple Canadian operations: the Eleonore mine for about US$795 million, the Musselwhite mine in Ontario for $850 million, and its stake in the Porcupine operations for US$425 million.

The asset sales are intended not only to cut debt but also to sharpen focus on higher-margin operations, particularly in North America and Australia.

Despite higher costs, Newmont shares have surged 95 percent this year, followed by also announcing a US$3 billion share repurchase program in July.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Investing

Canada’s First Set of Nation-Building Projects Paves Way for Mining, Energy Operations

Investing 3 Mins Read

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the country’s first five nation-building projects.

In March and April, the Build Canada Strong platform was a cornerstone of Carney’s election campaign, which came amid increasing trade tensions between Canada and the US. Among his promises was to create a Major Projects Office (MPO) that would review projects deemed to be in the national interest.

That office was established over the summer, with a release saying it would be headquartered in Calgary and overseen by former TransAlta (TSX:TA,NYSE:TSE) and Trans Mountain CEO Dawn Farrell.

The MPO was created as part of a shift in the regulatory framework for approving infrastructure and resource projects in Canada. Part of that will involve streamlining reviews and assessments, as well as reducing duplication between the federal and provincial governments, an issue that has hindered investment in Canada over the last 20 years.

“One of many studies has shown that the regulatory requirements in Canada have increased by more than 40 percent since 2006 and that’s been suppressing investment growth by 9 percent,” Carney said on Thursday (September 11).

In his statement, the prime minister introduced the first tranche of projects, and suggested the second will be announced before the Canadian Football League’s Grey Cup match, scheduled for November 16.

He also outlined criteria for projects to be covered by the MPO. They must be in the national interest, and must strengthen Canada’s autonomy, resilience and security; they must also have clear benefits for Canadians.

The first group of projects selected by the MPO has already seen significant development.

The prime minister noted that they have already been through extensive consultation with Indigenous communities, and have worked with provincial and territorial governments to meet necessary regulatory standards.

For these, Carney said the goal is for the MPO to get them across the finish line.

“In some cases, they are in the last stages of regulatory approvals. In most cases, there is some aspect of the financing or support packages for the projects that remain to be determined,” he said.

Mining, energy projects highlighted in first tranche

Among the first five projects featured are three involving Canada’s mining and energy sectors:

        Additionally, the MPO has committed to supporting the Darlington New Nuclear Project in Clarington, Ontario. This project aims to develop the first small modular reactor in a G7 country.

        The MPO will also help speed up the expansion of the Contrecour Terminal container project at the Port of Montreal. This expansion is expected to boost shipping volumes along the St. Lawrence Seaway.

        A project that could be included in a future announcement is the Pathways Plus carbon capture project, which the prime minister said will eventually lead to further oil sands development and the construction of a pipeline to reach markets beyond the US. Additionally, Carney said the MPO is looking at upgrades to the Port of Churchill, as well as an Arctic economic and security corridor, a high-speed rail corridor between Toronto and Québec City and Wind West Atlantic Energy, which would provide wind power to the provinces on the Atlantic coast.

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

        This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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        Investing

        Altech Batteries LtdCERENERGY Battery Prototype Reaches Key Milestones

        Investing 6 Mins Read

        Perth, Australia (ABN Newswire) – Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC,OTC:ALTHF) (FRA:A3Y) (OTCMKTS:ALTHF) is pleased to announce the latest performance results of the CERENERGY(R) cell and battery pack prototypes. These results confirm the technological maturity and robustness of the CERENERGY(R) technology and mark another decisive step towards industrialisation.

        Highlights

        – 650+ cycles with no capacity loss, proving exceptional material stability and long operational lifespan compared to conventional batteries

        – Near 100% Coulombic efficiency, confirming minimal side reactions and strong intrinsic safety of sodium nickel chloride chemistry

        – High energy efficiency of up to 92%, surpassing typical 70-80% levels of competing battery technologies

        – Proven safety under extreme conditions – cells remained stable during overcharge, deep discharge, and thermal cycling up to 300 degC with no gassing, leakage, or rupture

        – Robust and reliable chemistry – sodium nickel chloride avoids flammable electrolytes and runaway risks, confirming suitability for safe, large-scale grid and renewable energy storage

        – ABS60 prototype validated under real-world conditions -tested across diverse load profiles, high-current pulses up to 50 A, and thermal variations

        – Stable, efficient performance – achieved ~88% round-trip efficiency with no observable capacity fade over 110+ cycles

        CELL PERFORMANCE

        The CERENERGY(R) prototype cells have successfully completed over 650 charge-discharge cycles without any detectable capacity loss. Cycle life is a critical measure of battery durability, as most conventional batteries experience gradual degradation with every cycle. Achieving such performance highlights the outstanding stability of the materials and points to the potential for a long operational lifespan.

        For stationary energy storage systems (ESS), this translates into fewer battery replacements, lower lifetime operating costs, and greater reliability for end users.

        The cells also delivered nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency alongside an energy efficiency of up to 92% across 650 cycles. Coulombic efficiency reflects the proportion of charge recovered during discharge relative to what was supplied during charging. A value approaching 100% indicates minimal side reactions or parasitic losses, confirming the intrinsic stability and safety of sodium nickel chloride chemistry. This high efficiency demonstrates that the cells are not expending energy on unwanted processes such as electrode degradation. Such performance is vital for scalability, ensuring reliable, longterm operation in commercial energy storage applications.

        Energy efficiency represents the proportion of energy delivered relative to the energy supplied. Competing technologies, including conventional high-temperature batteries and many flow batteries, typically achieve only around 70-80%. By reaching 92%, CERENERGY(R) positions itself in a highly competitive class, offering more cost-effective energy storage, stronger economics for grid operators, and seamless compatibility with the requirements of renewable energy integration.

        The cells achieved a nominal capacity of 100 Ah and 250 Wh, with reliable performance even at higher discharge rates. A key feature is their ability to support multiple daily charge-discharge cycles within the 20-80% state of charge (SoC) range at 25 A. This capability positions CERENERGY(R) as a highly flexible solution for grid operators and energy storage providers, enabling cost-efficient, long-life performance in applications that demand frequent cycling such as renewable integration, peak shaving, and backup power.

        CERENERGY(R) prototype cells underwent rigorous abuse testing, including overcharge to 4 V, deep discharge to 0.2 V, and thermal cycling between room temperature and 300 degC. In all cases, the cells remained stable with no gassing, leakage, or rupture -clear proof of their outstanding safety. These results highlight the intrinsic stability of sodium nickel chloride chemistry, which avoids the flammable electrolytes and runaway risks common in lithium-ion batteries. The ability to withstand extreme electrical and thermal stress demonstrates CERENERGY(R)’s robustness and confirms its suitability for safe, largescale deployment in grid, renewable, and industrial energy storage applications. This was achieved over 3 cycles with 1.8 Full Charge Equivalent (FCE) into 22 hours.

        BATTERY PACK ABS60 (60 kWh) PROTOTYPE

        The first ABS60 battery pack prototype has been successfully validated under real-world operating conditions, marking a major step forward in product readiness. Testing included diverse load profiles,

        continuous discharges at 25 A (equivalent to C-rate of C/4 (discharges in 4 hours), or one-quarter of the pack’s rated capacity per hour) at 80% depth of discharge (DoD), short-duration high-current pulses up to 50 A, and carefully controlled thermal variations.

        The pack consistently demonstrated stable performance, achieving ~88% round-trip efficiency while maintaining reliable thermal management. Efficiency refers to the proportion of input energy that can be retrieved during operation-a critical measure of economic viability for large-scale storage. Over more than 110 cycles, results showed no observable capacity fading and only a slight increase in internal resistance. Capacity fading refers to the gradual decline in usable energy over repeated cycles, while internal resistance influences power delivery and heat generation.

        The absence of meaningful degradation confirms the durability and electrochemical stability of the ABS60 design. These outcomes are highly significant as they demonstrate that the pack can withstand real-world duty cycles while retaining performance and efficiency, translating into longer service life, fewer replacements, and lower total cost of ownership.

        For grid operators and renewable integration projects, this combination of robust cycling capability, efficiency, and thermal stability underscores the ABS60’s commercial readiness and competitive advantage in the stationary energy storage market.

        These results are a strong confirmation of CERENERGY(R)’s technological leadership and a clear signal of the technology’s competitiveness and robustness for future applications in energy storage and industrial markets.

        Group Managing Director, Iggy Tan said ‘These results confirm CERENERGY(R)’s robustness and readiness for market adoption. Demonstrating long cycle life, high efficiency, and unmatched safety, we are now strongly positioned to deliver a competitive and sustainable alternative for grid and industrial energy storage.’

        *To view photographs, tables and figures, please visit:
        https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/17QS44T3

        About Altech Batteries Ltd:

        Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC,OTC:ALTHF) (FRA:A3Y) is a specialty battery technology company that has a joint venture agreement with world leading German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS (‘Fraunhofer’) to commercialise the revolutionary CERENERGY(R) Sodium Alumina Solid State (SAS) Battery. CERENERGY(R) batteries are the game-changing alternative to lithium-ion batteries. CERENERGY(R) batteries are fire and explosion-proof; have a life span of more than 15 years and operate in extreme cold and desert climates. The battery technology uses table salt and is lithium-free; cobalt-free; graphite-free; and copper-free, eliminating exposure to critical metal price rises and supply chain concerns.

        The joint venture is commercialising its CERENERGY(R) battery, with plans to construct a 100MWh production facility on Altech’s land in Saxony, Germany. The facility intends to produce CERENERGY(R) battery modules to provide grid storage solutions to the market.

        Source:
        Altech Batteries Ltd

        Contact:
        Corporate
        Iggy Tan
        Managing Director
        Altech Batteries Limited
        Tel: +61-8-6168-1555
        Email: info@altechgroup.com

        Martin Stein
        Chief Financial Officer
        Altech Batteries Limited
        Tel: +61-8-6168-1555
        Email: info@altechgroup.com

        News Provided by ABN Newswire via QuoteMedia

        This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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        Investing

        WPIC: Platinum to Hit Third Annual Deficit as Supply Fails to Meet Demand

        Investing 6 Mins Read

        Platinum is heading for a third consecutive annual deficit in 2025, with the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) projecting an 850,000 ounce shortfall as demand continues to outpace weak mine supply.

        In its latest Platinum Quarterly, the WPIC states that despite a 22 percent year-on-year decline in demand, a lack of metal is expected to create a supply shortfall that’s only 13 percent lower than 2024’s 968,000 ounce shortfall.

        Its call comes amid a price breakout for platinum, which pushed past US$1,450 per ounce in July.

        Why is the platinum market in deficit?

        The biggest challenge for platinum has been weak refined production, which slipped to 1.45 million ounces during the quarter from 1.54 million ounces produced during the same time last year.

        This has led the WPIC to predict a 6 percent decrease in primary supply to 5.43 million ounces, down from the 5.76 million ounces produced in 2024. Output declines in top producer South Africa have had outsized effects on supply, as Q1 output came in at just 713,000 ounces, as heavy rainfalls negatively impacted production.

        Although output grew to 1.05 million ounces in the second quarter, it was still 8 percent lower than in Q2 2024.

        Additional decreases to output are also expected in Zimbabwe and North America, slipping 4 percent and 26 percent, respectively. However, Russia is set to see a 1 percent rise in output, increasing to 686,000 ounces from 677,000 in 2024.

        On a more positive note, recycling supply saw an increase to 423,000 ounces during Q2 from 379,000 reported in 2024. This has led the WPIC to predict a 6 percent annual increase to 1.6 million ounces from 1.52 million last year.

        The majority of this increase comes from growth in automotive recycling, aided by higher platinum group basket prices. However, the WPIC notes that despite the growth, recycling will remain depressed compared to historic levels.

        The WPIC predicts an overall supply decrease of 3 percent in 2025 to 7.03 million ounces, from 7.28 million ounces in 2024. With three years of deficits, the group is also expecting further drawdowns of above-ground stocks with a 22 percent decrease to 2.98 million ounces, representing four and a half months of demand coverage.

        In recent years, stockpiles have fallen from 5.51 million ounces in 2022 to 4.8 million ounces in 2023 and 3.83 million ounces in 2024.

        “I don’t think we’re going to see any meaningful mine supply response at these levels. It’s also worth bearing in mind that these are, for the most part, deep-level underground mines. So even if we had another 50 percent increase in the basket price, you’re still not going to see a supply response over the near to medium term,” he said.

        Watch Sterck discuss the platinum market.

        He went on to explain that development times for mining operations will take several years and wouldn’t be possible on time frames shorter than 18 months.

        “Recycling is definitely much more price elastic than mine supply over the near to medium term,” Sterck said.

        However, he added that while people tend to scrap vehicles at a consistent rate, the pace and overall supply entering the market from the auto sector is constrained.

        “Yes, we’ve seen quite a big increase in the platinum price year to date, but it’s not the main driver of the economics for those scrap aggregators and recyclers. It’s really more of a palladium story, even more so than rhodium. So, you need a sustained increase in palladium prices to drive a meaningful change there,” Sterck said.

        Demand to weaken in 2025, jewelry a bright spot

        Despite the expected deficit, the WPIC expects demand to weaken this year.

        Q2 saw automotive demand fall to 769,000 ounces, down from 788,000 ounces in the year-ago period.

        The WPIC’s expectation is that the auto sector will require 3.03 million ounces of platinum in 2025, a 3 percent decrease from the 3.11 million ounces needed in 2024. Likewise, the council is expecting a decrease in industrial demand for the metal as consumption drops off by 22 percent to 1.9 million, down from 2.42 million ounces last year.

        Jewelry demand, however, has been on the rise, with the expectation that it will increase by 11 percent to 2.23 million ounces in 2025. The WPIC suggests the higher growth is owed to its discount relative to gold, and notes that it is seeing the most substantial increase in China — fabrication is seen growing 42 percent in 2025 to 585,000 ounces.

        “What’s driving that increase has been fabrication funded by wholesalers, and they’re promoting platinum because they’ve seen a huge drop in their gold jewelry sales,” Sterck explained.

        Despite an increase in holdings of bars, coins and exchange-traded funds, overall investment demand was dragged down in Q2 by a 317,000 ounce decrease in stocks held in exchanges due to tariff-related concerns.

        Sterck said ongoing uncertainty in the platinum market earlier this year caused physical metal to shift from overseas markets into the US as traders began to worry about tariffs being applied.

        Although movement reversed as traders were told tariffs wouldn’t be applied, fears were later stoked when copper tariffs were announced, and an “ideological disconnect” between the White House and South Africa emerged.

        “Given that the current US administration has shown that it is willing to use tariffs as a kind of stick, if you like, for enacting foreign policy, you kind of come back to this sort of whole situation where there’s a non-zero chance of platinum being subject to tariffs in the US,” Sterck commented during the conversation.

        Overall, the WPIC expects total platinum demand to drop by 4 percent year-on-year in 2025 to 7.88 million ounces.

        Will the platinum price rise further in 2025?

        Fundamentals should remain the primary driver for platinum. Despite weakening demand through the first half of 2025, a structural deficit in the market still exists due to a lack of supply to close the gap.

        However, Sterck suggested the mining supply is likely to increase before the end of the year.

        “This year was particularly accentuated by flooding in South Africa during the first quarter of the year, so we do expect a bit of an increase in mining supply,” he said. However, he also noted that until there are more significant changes to the amount of supply, the price conditions aren’t likely to change much.

        “Fundamentally, at the moment, it just appears that the platinum price at current levels isn’t sufficient to attract enough metal into the market to really ease those market conditions,” Sterck noted.

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

        This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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        Sport

        Canelo Alvarez guaranteed over $100M for fight, deal broker says

        Sport 3 Mins Read

        It’s a big fight with an even bigger paycheck.

        Canelo Alvarez is guaranteed to make more than $100 million to fight Terence Crawford on Saturday, Sept. 13, said Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi matchmaker and deal broker who has led his country’s massive investment in boxing.

        One of the biggest deals Alalshikh made is a three-fight deal with Alvarez. And on Sept. 11, during the final press conference before the two boxers face off, he responded when asked if he would become the first person to guarantee a Mexican athlete $100 million.

        “No, you get the number wrong,’’ said Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. “… More than that.’’

        Alalshikh, often referred to as “His Excellency,’’ offered no other details. But this fight will mark the second of the three-fight contract with Alvarez coming off his lackluster victory over William Scull by unanimous decision.

        Alalshikh has been credited with putting together the fight between Alvarez and Crawford – two of the best fighters of their generation – and it will be live-streamed by Netflix. He also has brought in UFC CEO Dana White as a business partner.

        “When Sheik Turki asked me to be a part of this thing, there’s absolutely no way you wouldn’t do it,’’ White said. “… It’s going to be an incredible fight on Saturday night and I’m honored to be here.’’

        Terence Crawford seeks to quiet doubters

        Crawford used the press conference as an opportunity to air his grievances, largely about failing to get the credit he thinks he deserves from the boxing world. He said people have taken issue with the quality of boxers he’s fought while going 41-0.

        “And for what everybody say, I haven’t fought anybody,’’ Crawford said. “So come Saturday we’re going to all see.’’

        That’s been a theme of the pre-fight buildup, Crawford saying he’s been disrespected while winning world titles in four weight classes. A victory over Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) would end the doubt about Crawford’s greatness, the boxer from Omaha, Nebraska, said.

        “It’s been a long time coming, it’s been long overdue,’’ Crawford said, “and come Saturday I’m going to show the world what they’ve been missing out on.’’

        Exuding confidence, Crawford said he thought he could beat Alvarez not only in boxing, but anything else.

        “The only thing he probably can beat me in is horseback riding because I don’t ride horses,’’ Crawford said. “But anything else you don’t come close.’’

        Not surprisingly, Crawford elicited boos from the pro-Alvarez crowd – and it brought a smile to his face.

        Canelo Alvarez faces drought

        Alvarez made no promises about ending his knockout drought. His last one came eight fights ago, when he beat Caleb Plant by ninth-round TKO in 2021.

        “If the knockout come, good,’’ Alvarez said. “If not, I’m going to show why I’m the best.’’

        Whereas Crawford griped about his doubters and agitated Alvarez supporters, Alvarez embraced the role of grateful champion.

        “This fight for me is big,’’ he said. “It’s one of the biggest fights in my career.’’

        But some people already are looking ahead.

        One reporter asked Alvarez if, before the boxer’s career ends, he would fight David Benavidez, the WBA world light heavyweight champion. Alvarez has sidestepped that matchup, which likely would test Alvarez.

        “Look, I never say no to anything,’’ he said. “We’ll see later, but I’m focused 100% on this fight.’’

        This story has been updated with new information.

        This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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        ‘Thank you, Jerry’: Packers fans praise Cowboys owner for Parsons trade

        Sport 1 Min Read

        Linebacker Micah Parsons and the Green Bay Packers earned their second win in as many games to start the season.

        Parsons had two tackles and half a sack in the win and stopped by the Thursday Night Football postgame show desk afterwards.

        The Packers fans stuck around to show their appreciation for Parsons, who was traded to Green Bay by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on Aug. 28.

        The fans were chanting “Thank you, Jerry!” Parsons was seen on the broadcast encouraging them to scream louder.

        This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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        Packers make statement as Eagles’ biggest threat in NFC

        Sport 5 Mins Read

        The Philadelphia Eagles entered the 2025 NFL season as the clear-cut favorites to represent the NFC in Super Bowl 60.

        Just two weeks into the season, the Green Bay Packers have announced themselves as the top challenger to the reigning NFC champions.

        The Packers dominated the Washington Commanders 27-18 in Week 2’s ‘Thursday Night Football’ matchup. The game wasn’t quite as close as the score might have indicated, as Green Bay outgained Washington 404-230 during the contest and saw Jordan Love (19-of-31 passing, 292 yards, two TDs) outplay Jayden Daniels (24-of-42 passing, 200 yards, two TDs).

        The Packers’ rise as a legitimate challenger comes after they spent most of the offseason flying under the radar. They were able to do so by virtue of being the most mundane team in the NFC North, as the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings all underwent seismic shifts with their coaching staffs (Chicago and Detroit) or quarterback rooms (Minnesota).

        But once the Packers – who have made the NFL playoffs in back-to-back seasons as the No. 7 seed – traded for Micah Parsons, their outlook changed. They went from having a good-looking defense to a potentially great one.

        How Micah Parsons has helped make Packers defense elite

        Through two weeks, the Packers have looked every bit the part of an elite defense. Second-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has the unit playing at a high level, and the reason for their success was evident in the team’s win over the Commanders.

        The Packers faced a Commanders team led by Daniels, one of the league’s top dual-threat quarterbacks. Throughout the evening, Green Bay’s defense was able to contain the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, rarely allowing him to make big plays with his legs and limiting his ability to complete long, downfield passes. As a result, the Commanders totaled just 230 yards of offense, their fewest ever in a game started by Daniels.

        How did Green Bay do it? Hafley’s defense routinely disguised its coverages to keep Daniels off balance. That forced the quarterback to check the ball down often, which was also a staple of the Packers’ success in their Week 1 matchup with the Detroit Lions. They forced Jared Goff to work more horizontally than vertically with their defensive looks, which limited his average depth of target (ADOT) to a league-low 4.29 yards.

        Of course, part of the reason this strategy worked is because the Packers were able to routinely generate pressure with just four rushers. That allowed the team to drop seven into coverage, which crowded the field and made it harder for each quarterback to generate downfield completions.

        Parsons is playing a significant role in leveling up Green Bay’s ability to generate pressure with four men. His versatility and quickness off the snap were both on display often as he wreaked havoc against the Commanders.

        That consistent pressure is a big part of why the Packers have allowed an average of 15.5 points per game through two games. More impressively, they haven’t allowed a single touchdown in the first three quarters of either contest. All three of the touchdowns they have surrendered have come in the fourth quarter when the team has had a two-score lead.

        Eventually, the Packers may run into a team against which the four-man rush and shell coverage isn’t as successful. Still, the Lions and Commanders are no pushovers. Detroit was the NFC’s No. 1 seed last year while Washington beat the Lions to reach the NFC championship game. And each sported a top-four offense in EPA per play.

        So, considering the Packers are achieving these results against high-end offenses with Parsons playing a limited role as he works into shape after battling a back injury, Green Bay has to be happy with where its defense is at.

        Jordan Love playing at high level gives Packers excellent balance

        The Packers spent the 2024 NFL season hoping Love would take the next step after his torrid finish to the 2023 campaign. That never happened as he battled a knee injury that impacted him throughout the season.

        Love appears to be making that leap in the 2025 season. The 26-year-old has gotten off to a strong start, looking comfortable as a passer and performing efficiently in each of Green Bay’s wins.

        Love looked particularly comfortable against Washington. He read the field well throughout the evening and was largely able to deliver his passes accurately. He did have a couple of overthrows on deep passes that could have gone for big gains, but he didn’t have any critical mistakes, remaining turnover-free for a second consecutive game.

        The most impressive part of Love’s performance against the Commanders was that he thrived without one of his top targets, Jayden Reed, available for most of the game. The team’s leading receiver from 2024 suffered a shoulder injury in the first quarter and did not return to action.

        Love’s progression should strike some fear into Green Bay’s NFC counterparts. He is already elevating the weapons around him without Reed and Christian Watson (torn ACL) available and is also showing a willingness to take chances downfield. He logged the NFL’s second-highest ADOT among quarterbacks in Week 1 (11.5).

        How will Love do when Reed returns, or after he develops more chemistry with rookie first-round speedster Matthew Golden? The sky is the limit for the young quarterback.

        Add in Green Bay’s strong, Josh Jacobs-helmed running game and its elite defense and the Packers look like one of the best-balanced teams in the NFL.

        That should be enough to make the Eagles sweat as they watch their previously unquestioned stranglehold on the NFC begin to diminish.

        This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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        Austin Ekeler carted off with injury on ‘Thursday Night Football’

        Sport 2 Mins Read

        The Washington Commanders already lost one of their defensive players, Deatrich Wise, to injury in their ‘Thursday Night Football’ matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

        Now, they have lost running back Austin Ekeler to a non-contact leg injury.

        Ekeler went down on a passing play in the fourth quarterback away from the ball. The 30-year-old veteran appeared to be making a cut but fell to the ground, reaching for his right lower leg.

        Ekeler attempted to get up, but the Commanders’ medical staff had him remain down on the turf. He eventually got up to stand and was helped off the field, putting no weight on his right leg.

        The Amazon Prime broadcast initially showed Ekeler sitting on the bench while continuing to get treatment. However, just a few minutes later, the veteran running back was seen being carted into the locker room.

        The Commanders quickly ruled Ekeler out for the game with an Achilles injury, stoking fears he had suffered a significant injury.

        Austin Ekeler injury update

        The belief is Ekeler suffered a torn Achilles at the end of the Commanders’ loss to the Packers, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Ekeler will have an MRI on Friday to confirm the diagnosis.

        Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said the team won’t have an update until Monday.

        Commanders RB depth chart

        Ekeler is listed as the top running back on Washington’s depth chart. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, whose nickname is Bill, would likely see an uptick in playing time if Ekeler’s MRI confirms an Achilles tear.

        Below is the full look at Washington’s running back depth chart:

        1. Austin Ekeler
        2. Bill Croskey-Merritt
        3. Jeremy McNichols
        4. Chris Rodriguez Jr.
        5. Donovan Edwards (practice squad)

        Rodriguez did not dress for Thursday’s game. The bruiser would likely replace Ekeler on the active, game-day roster and become the short-yardage and potential goal-line back in Washington’s backfield-by-committee.

        (This story will be updated as more information becomes available.)

        This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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