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The Best Five Sectors, #28
Sector Rotation Stalls, Tech Remains King

Despite a slight rise in the S&P 500 over the past week, the sector rotation landscape is presenting an intriguing picture. For the first time in recent memory, we’re seeing absolutely no changes in the composition of the sector ranking — not just in the top five, but across the board. Will this stability kick off a return to a period of more significant trends in relative strength and a return to outperformance for the portfolio?
1. (1) Technology – (XLK)
2. (2) Industrials – (XLI)
3. (3) Communication Services – (XLC)
4. (4) Financials – (XLF)
5. (5) Materials – (XLB)
6. (6) Utilities – (XLU)
7. (7) Consumer Discretionary – (XLY)
8. (8) Consumer Staples – (XLP)
9. (9) Real-Estate – (XLRE)
10. (10) Energy – (XLE)
11. (11) Healthcare – (XLV)
Technology

The tech sector continues to flex its muscles, moving up on the price ratio scale while maintaining a stable momentum around 103. This sustained strength is a clear indication that tech remains the sector to beat in the current market environment.

On the daily RRG, we’re seeing a nice rotation backup for tech while inside the weakening quadrant, a sign of strength that confirms the move on the weekly RRG. The raw RS line for tech is climbing almost straight up, reflecting very strong RRG lines. There might be a slight loss of momentum, but make no mistake, tech is still the strongest player in the game.

Industrials

Industrials is currently rotating out of the leading quadrant and sits on the verge of moving into weakening. However, it’s crucial to note that it still holds the second-highest rank based on the RS ratio. This positioning suggests that the odds for a rotation back up towards the leading quadrant are still in play.

The daily RRG shows industrials confirming its strength with a move further into the leading quadrant, moving up on the RS ratio scale while keeping stable momentum.

After breaking out of overhead resistance, the price chart continues higher, and a new higher low is visible on the relative strength line. This keeps the RS ratio line at elevated levels, though the RS momentum line is still moving lower just above 100. If this RS line can maintain a series of higher highs or higher lows, I expect the RS momentum line to bottom out soon and follow the RS ratio higher.

Communication Services

The communication services sector is positioned inside the weakening quadrant on the weekly RRG but has hooked back to the left and is now even lower on the RS ratio scale. It’s moving towards the lagging corner, which is a concerning trend for its top 5 position.

On the daily RRG, communication services have moved into the lagging quadrant. It has started to slow down on the negative momentum, but we need a rotation back up on this daily RRG into the improving quadrant and back to leading to have that weekly tail curl back up to its leading quadrant as well.

The price chart shows the sector holding up after breaking higher, with a pullback now finding support at the level of old resistance, respecting the rule that old resistance is expected to work as support going forward. The problem child here is the raw RS line, which has fallen below its rising support line. This is taking its toll on the RRG lines, with both RS ratio and RS momentum rolling over and starting to move down.

Financials

Financials are inside the lagging quadrant on the weekly RRG, moving at a negative heading. This means that a significant amount of strength is needed from the daily tail to keep this sector within the top five.

On the price chart, financials are playing around with overhead resistance around 52, with a small consolidation area and a pennant-like formation suggesting more upside potential on the price chart.

However, this is not confirmed on the relative strength chart, where the RS line has broken its rising trend and is moving lower.

Materials

Materials are also inside the lagging quadrant on the weekly RRG and traveling a negative heading, like financials. Here, also, strength is needed from the daily teams to keep the sector inside the top five.

Materials are holding up on the price chart after a break that could be described as a head-and-shoulders reversal pattern. The relative strength line remains contained within the boundaries of its falling channel, but hugging the falling resistance line.

We need a break higher to turn that trend around. Only an upward breakout of that relative downtrend will turn the RRG lines around and provide a lifeline for materials to maintain its position inside the top five.

Portfolio Performance

The portfolio continues to lag the S&P 500, currently sitting around 8% behind. It seems to be stabilizing for now, but it’s not exactly what we want, of course. A drawdown of around 8-10% is not unprecedented, based on historical backtests; however, it’s somewhat disappointing that it occurs right when we begin operating in a semi-live environment.

That said, the fact that we’re now stable with no changes after a period of significant volatility over recent months could be a sign that we’re ready to enter a new period with stable relative trends that can bring the portfolio back to outperformance.

#StayAlert and have a great week. –Julius
July 24, 2025
Tech Taps the Brakes, Homebuilders Hit the Gas: See the Rotation on StockCharts Today

The stock market feels like it’s holding its breath ahead of Big Tech earnings. The first two days of the trading week were mostly quiet, but Tuesday gave us a few nuggets worth chewing on.

The S&P 500 ($SPX) squeaked out another record close, up by a modest +0.06%. It’s barely a blip, but it keeps the uptrend intact.

Tech momentum slowed down a tad, but we didn’t see a wave of selling. It was more like a little profit-taking after a strong run. No reason to hit the panic button just yet.

StockCharts Tip: Head to the Market Summary page and take a glance at the Market Factors panel. On Tuesday, Large-Cap Growth and Large-Cap Momentum were the only factors in the red (see image below).

FIGURE 1. MARKET FACTORS PANEL IN THE MARKET SUMMARY PAGE. Here you see the one-day performance metrics of the factors. You can change the timeframe using the dropdown menu at the top of the page. Image source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

In the US Sectors panel in the Market Summary page, Technology was the lone S&P 500 sector that finished lower. Tuesday’s action can be seen in the StockCharts MarketCarpet of the S&P 500, based on a one-day performance.

FIGURE 2. MARKETCARPET FOR THE S&P 500. The Technology sector took a bit of a hit on Tuesday, but other sectors saw gains. Image source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

The big names — NVIDIA (NVDA), Microsoft Corp. (MSFT), Amazon.com (AMZN), Meta Platforms (META), and Broadcom (AVGO) — were all in the laggard camp. This pause in tech stocks comes right before a wave of Big Tech earnings.

Some of the big tech companies reporting earnings this week are Alphabet, Inc. (GOOGL), Tesla, Inc. (TSLA), and International Business Machines (IBM). All three report on Wednesday after the close. If GOOGL and TSLA come in hot with solid numbers and upbeat guidance, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite ($COMPQ) could catch a tailwind. (Fun fact: both stocks closed higher on Tuesday.)

Despite Tuesday’s tech wobble, major support levels are holding. The Nasdaq Composite remains comfortably above its 20-day exponential moving average (EMA), and breadth is improving (see chart below).

FIGURE 3. DAILY CHART OF THE NASDAQ COMPOSITE. The index is above its 20-day exponential moving average, and market breadth is improving. Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

Small Caps Still in the Game

We’re also seeing small-cap stocks rising. When small-caps participate in the market’s upside move, it’s an indication of a healthy stock market. Healthcare stocks represent a significant portion of the small-cap indexes, which explains why Health Care was the top-performing sector on Tuesday.

Another area that stole the spotlight was homebuilders. The SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) broke above its 200-day simple moving average (SMA), a positive sign for the struggling industry group (see chart below). Its Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicates that momentum is relatively strong.

FIGURE 4. SPDR S&P HOMEBUILDERS ETF (XHB). The ETF broke above its 200-day simple moving average, and momentum is relatively strong. XHB has underperformed SPY over the last year. Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

Over the last year, XHB has lagged the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) by roughly 18%. Strong earnings from DR Horton, Inc. (DHI) and PulteGroup, Inc. (PHM), however, have given the group a welcome boost, even with a soft housing backdrop. We’ll get the June Existing Home Sales data on Wednesday. A stronger-than-expected report could add fuel to XHB’s rally.

StockCharts Tip: The XHB chart above is part of the Market Summary ChartPack, which is free for StockCharts subscribers. Install it, and you’ll have a ready-to-use list of charts for days like this.

Also worth a peek is the U.S. Dow Jones Home Construction Index ($DJUSHB), which topped the Dow Industries list (check the US Industries panel in Market Summary and hit the Dow Industries tab).

Gold and Silver Nudge Higher

While tech cooled and home builders heated up, precious metals prices climbed higher. Gold ($GOLD) rose 0.92% and silver ($SILVER) gained 0.94%. Gold sits just under its all-time high, and silver is back to levels we haven’t seen since 2011.

The Big Picture: Still a Healthy Market Environment

None of Tuesday’s actions suggests a crack in the market’s growth story. We are in the thick of earnings season, and that always brings uncertainty and volatility. Expectations are high for Big Tech, especially in light of a weaker dollar. Stay patient, watch the price action, and let the charts guide your next move.

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

July 24, 2025
A Wild Ride For the History Books: 2025 Mid-Year Recap

Markets don’t usually hit record highs, risk falling into bearish territory, and spring back to new highs within six months. But that’s what happened in 2025.

In this special mid-year recap, Grayson Roze sits down with David Keller, CMT, to show how disciplined routines, price-based signals, and a calm process helped them ride the whipsaw instead of getting tossed by it. You’ll see what really happened under the surface, how investor psychology drove the swings, and the exact StockCharts tools they leaned on to stay objective.

If you’re focused on protecting capital, generating income, and sleeping well at night while still capturing the upside, this is a must-watch. Discover which charts deserve your attention now, what to ignore, and how to prep for the back half of 2025.

This video premiered on July 23, 2025. Click on the above image to watch on our dedicated Grayson Roze page on StockCharts TV.

You can view previously recorded videos from Grayson at this link.

July 24, 2025
Is META Breaking Out or Breaking Down?

The chart of Meta Platforms, Inc. (META) has completed a roundtrip from the February high around $740 to the April low at $480 and all the way back again. Over the last couple weeks, META has now pulled back from its retest of all-time highs, leaving investors to wonder what may come next.

Is this the beginning of a new downtrend phase for META? Or just a brief pullback before a new uptrend phase propels META to new all-time highs?

Today we’ll look at two potential scenarios, including the double top pattern and the cup and handle pattern, and share which technical indicators and approaches could help us determine which path plays out into August.

The double top scenario basically means that the late July retest of the previous all-time high was the end of the recent uptrend phase. The double top pattern is literally when a major resistance level is set and then retested. The implication is that a lack of willing buyers means the uptrend is exhausted, and there is nowhere to go but down.

While the 21-day exponential moving average is currently in play for META, I would say that a break below the 50-day moving average could confirm this as the correct scenario. If that smoothing mechanism does not hold, then the price action would imply less of a pullback and more like the beginning of a real distribution phase.

What is META pulls back but then resumes an uptrend phase, leading META to another new all-time high? That would result in a confirmed cup and handle pattern, created by a large rounded bottoming pattern followed by a brief pullback. The key to this pattern is the “rim” of the cup, which sits right at $740 for META.

Given the pullback META has demonstrated so far in July, I would say that a break above the $740 level would basically confirm a bullish cup and handle pattern. That would suggest much more upside potential for META, as the stock would literally go into previously uncharted territory.

So how can we determine which scenario is more likely to play out? This is where we need to incorporate more technical indicators into the discussion, as a way to further validate and confirm our investment thesis.

Just to review, I think a break above $740 would confirm a bullish cup and handle pattern. I would also say that a break below the $680 level, which would represent a move below the 50-day moving average as well as the June swing lows, would basically confirm a bearish double top pattern.

We can also use the Relative Strength Index (RSI) to help determine whether META remains in a bullish trend phase. During bull phases, the RSI rarely gets below 40, because buyers usually step in to “buy the dips” and keep the momentum fairly constructive. So if the price would break down, and the RSI would not hold that crucial 40 level, that could mean a bearish outlook is warranted.

Finally, we can use volume-based indicators to assess whether moves in the price are supported by stronger volume readings. Here I’ve included the Accumulation/Distribution Line, which tracks the trend in daily volume readings over time. We can see that the high in July resulted in a divergence, as the A/D line was trending lower. If the A/D line would break below its June and July lows, marked by a dashed red line, that would represent a bearish volume reading for META.

Technical analysis is less about predicting the future, and more about determining the most probable scenarios based on our analysis of trend, momentum, and volume. I hope this discussion shows how the outlook for META can be easily determined and tracked using the best practices of technical analysis!

RR#6,

Dave

PS- Ready to upgrade your investment process? Check out my free behavioral investing course!

David Keller, CMT

President and Chief Strategist

Sierra Alpha Research LLC

marketmisbehavior.com

https://www.youtube.com/c/MarketMisbehavior

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

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

July 24, 2025
5 Best-performing Canadian Oil and Gas Stocks of 2025

Oil prices fell sharply during the second quarter, after reaching year-to-date highs early in the year.

Between January and the end of June, Brent shed 18.26 percent from US$81.69 to US$66.77. West Texas Intermediate made a similar decline falling 16.94 percent from US$78.86 to US$65.50, over the same time period.

The contraction was largely attributed to OPEC+ easing production cuts and increasing output.

Global supply was further bolstered by China’s strong import volumes and rising domestic output, giving refiners room to delay purchases and adding to a mild US inventory build, both of which added downward pressure.

Conversely, seasonal demand from the US summer driving season and solid Q2 GDP growth in China offered some support.

Despite that backdrop, the five top-performing oil and gas stocks on the TSX and TSXV have seen share price growth over Q2 2025. All year-to-date performance and share price data was obtained on July 16, 2025, using TradingView’s stock screener, and oil and gas companies with market caps above C$10 million at that time were considered.

1. Falcon Oil & Gas (TSXV:FO)

Year-to-date gain: 43.75 percent
Market cap: C$127.55 million
Share price: C$0.115

Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Falcon Oil & Gas is an international oil and gas company incorporated in BC, Canada. The company specializes in the exploration and development of unconventional oil and gas assets, with interests in assets in Australia, South Africa and Hungary.

On January 24, Falcon issued its first corporate update of 2025, announcing the launch of a well stimulation campaign for two wells for the Shenandoah South pilot project in the Beetaloo Sub-Basin, located in Australia’s Northern Territory.

The company has a 22.5 interest in the Beetaloo joint venture, with Tamboran Resources (NYSE:TBN,ASX:TBN) owning the remaining 77.5 percent.

Falcon’s share price spiked several times in June, reaching a year-to-date high of C$0.14 on June 17, which it maintained through late June. The stock movement coincided with Beetaloo updates, including “stellar” flow test results on June 17.

“The IP30 flow rate results announced today of 7.2 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d), are truly stellar and marks another major data point in the Beetaloo Sub-basin again demonstrating that it compares to the best shale wells in the United States,” CEO Philip O’Quigley wrote in the press release.

2. Imperial Oil (TSX:IMO)

Year-to-date gain: 25.67 percent
Market cap: C$57.37 billion
Share price: C$112.70

Calgary-based Imperial Oil is a prominent Canadian energy company involved in the exploration, production, refining and marketing of petroleum products. With a history spanning over 140 years, Imperial operates diverse assets across Canada, including oil sands, conventional crude oil and natural gas assets.

On January 31, Imperial released its Q4 2024 results, reporting an estimated net income of C$1.23 billion in Q4 2024, slightly down from C$1.24 billion in Q3. The decline was attributed to lower price realizations, partly offset by higher production and improved refinery utilization in the Downstream segment.

On May 2, the company announced a Q2 2025 dividend of C$0.72 payable on July 1.

Imperial shares reached a year-to-date high of C$113.05 on July 13. The rally occurred after Scotiabank raised its share price target for Imperial from C$100 to C$110 on July 11, citing stronger refining margins and earnings outlook.

3. MEG Energy (TSX:MEG)

Year-to-date gain: 10.07 percent
Market cap: C$6.7 billion
Share price: C$26.35

MEG is an energy company solely focused on in-situ thermal oil production in the southern Athabasca oil region of Alberta, Canada. Utilizing innovative enhanced oil recovery projects, including steam-assisted gravity drainage extraction methods, the company aims to increase oil recovery responsibly while reducing carbon emissions.

In mid-May, Strathcona Resources (TSX:SCR) made an unsolicited C$4.1 billion offer for MEG, a move company executives quickly denounced.

In a subsequent press release on June 16, MEG called the offer “inadequate, opportunistic, and NOT in the best interests of MEG or its shareholders.”

Chairman of the Board James McFarland stated in the release, ‘A combination with Strathcona would expose shareholders to inferior assets and significant capital markets risks, including a C$6 billion overhang resulting from Waterous Energy Fund’s 51 percent ownership in the combined company.”

MEG has launched a strategic review and welcomed alternative bids from other companies.

Shares of MEG rose to a year-to-date high of C$26.14 on June 20, on the heels of the statement and alongside news that operations at the company’s Christina Lake operations in Alberta would resume at full capacity following wildfire interruptions.

4. Headwater Exploration (TSX:HWX)

Year-to-date gain: 3.75 percent
Market cap: C$1.65 billion
Share price: C$6.92

Headwater Exploration is a Canadian oil and gas company focused on developing high-quality assets in Alberta’s Clearwater play and low-decline natural gas in New Brunswick’s McCully Field.

In March, Headwater reported strong 2024 results, with annual production up 13 percent year-over-year to 20,310 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) and net income rising 20 percent to C$188 million.

Headwater released its Q1 2025 results and a company update in May, highlighting the receipt of TSX approval for a normal course issuer bid, allowing it to repurchase up to 10 percent of its public float over the next year.

Additionally the company reported record production of 22,066 boe/d during Q1 and adjusted funds flow of C$92.4 million. Net income for the period came in at C$50 million. The company declared a quarterly dividend of C$0.11 per share during Q1 and ended the quarter with no debt and C$63.6 million in adjusted working capital.

Company shares spiked to a year-to-date high of C$7.43 on January 9, and reached a Q2 high of C$7.22 on June 19, which coincided with a broader surge in the oil market.

5. Athabasca Oil (TSX:ATH)

Year-to-date gain: 3.72 percent
Market cap: C$2.84 billion
Share price: C$5.57

Athabasca Oil is focused on developing thermal and light oil assets within Alberta’s Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. The company has established a substantial land base with high-quality resources. Its light oil operations are managed through its private subsidiary, Duvernay Energy, in which the company holds a 70 percent equity interest.

On March 5, Athabasca Oil released its 2024 year end results, highlighting strong production and significant cash flow increases. The company averaged 36,815 boe/d during 2024, marking a 7 percent year-over-year increase.

Its Q1 2025 results released on May 7 reported further production growth, with average petroleum and natural gas production of 37,714 boe/d and average thermal oil output of 34,742 barrels per day.

Athabasca Oil generated C$130 million in adjusted funds flow and C$71 million in free cash flow. The company returns capital to shareholders through annual share buybacks, and at the time of the release, it had completed C$94 million in buybacks since the start of 2025.

Broad market positivity in mid-June pushed shares of Athabasca Oil to a year-to-date high of C$6.16 on June 20.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

July 24, 2025
Crypto Market Update: SEC Pauses Bitwise ETF Conversion Soon After Approving Application
Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (July 23) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

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

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$118,148, down by 0.7 percent over the last 24 hours. Its highest valuation on Wednesday was US$118,462, while its lowest valuation was US$117,583.

Bitcoin price performance, July 23, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

Bitcoin traded lower over the past 24 hours, hovering between $117,000 and $120,000 amid several market pressures.

A major whale moved over US$1.2 billion in dormant BTC, sparking speculation of potential selling.

After a rotation into altcoins, investors took profits following recent highs, while outflows from spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) signaled weaker institutional demand.

Ethereum (ETH) was priced at US$3,592.65, down by 1.9 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation as of Wednesday was US$3,568.86, and its highest was US$3,657.02.
Altcoin price update
- Solana (SOL) was priced at US$188.86, down by 5.5 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Wednesday was US$186.95, and its highest was US$192.58.
- XRP was trading for US$3.25, down 8.9 percent in the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$3.18, and its highest valuation was US$3.36.
- Sui (SUI) is trading at US$3.70, down 5.5 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$3.67, and its highest was US$3.84.
- Cardano (ADA) was trading at US$0.8152, down by 6.9 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Wednesday was US$0.8058, and its highest was US$0.8370.
Today’s crypto news to know

PNC Bank and Coinbase partner to advance digital asset solutions

PNC Bank and Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN) have announced a strategic partnership to broaden access to digital asset solutions for PNC’s clients and institutional investors.

The collaboration will leverage Coinbase’s crypto-as-a-service platform, enabling PNC to offer secure and scalable cryptocurrency access. PNC clients will be able to buy, hold and sell cryptocurrencies directly through PNC’s platform.

PNC will also provide essential banking services to Coinbase, signifying a mutual commitment to strengthening the digital financial system. Both companies emphasize that this partnership will meet the increasing demand for secure and streamlined digital asset access.

Goldman Sachs and BNY to launch tokenized money market funds

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) and BNY (NYSE:BK) are preparing to offer institutional investors access to tokenized money market funds, aiming to enhance capital markets with real-time settlement, 24/7 access and increased efficiencies.

BNY clients will soon be able to invest in money market funds with ownership recorded on Goldman Sachs’ private blockchain, as per a Wednesday news release.

“As the financial system transitions toward a more digital, real-time architecture, BNY is committed to enabling scalable and secure solutions that shape the future of finance,” said Laide Majiyagbe, global head of liquidity, financing and collateral at BNY, adding that mirrored tokenization of money market funds is the first step.

This initiative involves major players such as BlackRock (NYSE:BLK), Fidelity Investments, Federated Hermes and the asset management divisions of Goldman and BNY.

Tokenized money market funds offer a contrast to interest-bearing stablecoins, which are specifically prohibited under the GENIUS Act, which was signed into law last week. They provide yield, which makes them a low-volatility tool for hedge funds, pensions and corporations.

SEC halts Bitwise crypto index ETF conversion for review

On Tuesday (July 22), the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Division of Trading and Markets approved the Bitwise 10 Crypto Index to convert to an ETF, only to immediately pause it for review.

In a letter issued later that day, SEC Assistant Secretary Sherry Haywood said that the order will remain “stayed until the Commission orders otherwise.” Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas has suggested that the SEC might be delaying its approval until it establishes a listing standard for crypto ETFs.

Bitwise had applied for this conversion in November for its fund, which offers exposure to a range of cryptocurrencies.

Nate Geraci, president of NovaDius Wealth Management, described the situation as “bizarre,” drawing parallels to the Grayscale Digital Large Cap ETF conversion, which experienced a similar approval and subsequent pause on July 1.

Bitcoin millionaires surge by 16,000 in 2025, according to report

Nearly 16,000 new Bitcoin wallets have crossed the million-dollar threshold since Donald Trump assumed the presidency in January 2025, according to a Finbold report. The number of Bitcoin millionaires is up from 132,842 in November 2024 to 192,205 as of July 20, marking a 45 percent increase in just eight months.

Large holders with over US$10 million in BTC also saw gains exceeding 16 percent in the same period.

The surge has been linked to renewed investor optimism following Trump’s re-election, along with clear signals of regulatory support and clarity for digital assets.

A significant boost came this week when the US House passed the Genius Act. The legislation, expected to streamline compliance for institutions, is widely seen as the most comprehensive federal crypto framework to date.

The rapidly changing policy environment has encouraged capital inflows and bolstered confidence in US-based crypto markets, with the resulting daily average tallying to 88 new Bitcoin millionaires in 2025 alone.

South Korea warns fund managers to reduce exposure to crypto stocks

South Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has issued informal warnings to asset managers over their exposure to crypto-related stocks and ETFs. According to the Korea Herald, firms with significant holdings in US-listed crypto companies such as Coinbase and Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) were reportedly told to scale back.

The directive follows the FSS’s longstanding 2017 stance prohibiting direct investment in virtual assets by financial institutions, despite recent global shifts in crypto regulation. While the agency has been reviewing possible easing of crypto rules, officials reportedly said that licensed entities must continue observing current guidelines.

The FSS has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the report.

PayPal unveils cross-border wallet platform

PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL) has launched PayPal World, a cross-border payments network that integrates several of the world’s largest digital wallets, aiming to simplify international commerce for billions.

The platform’s initial partners include India’s UPI (via NPCI International), China’s Weixin Pay (via Tenpay Global) and PayPal’s own services including Venmo.

A memorandum of understanding has also been signed with Mercado Pago in Latin America.

According to PayPal CEO Alex Chriss, the initiative allows users to pay with their native wallets regardless of location. Chriss called it a potential “game changer” for frictionless payments in travel and e-commerce.

“The challenge of moving money across borders is incredibly complex, and yet this platform will make it so simple for nearly two billion consumers and businesses,’ Chriss said a recent press release.

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

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com
July 24, 2025
Joe Cavatoni: Gold’s Key Driver Now, Catalyst for Next Leg Higher

Joe Cavatoni, senior market strategist, Americas, at the World Gold Council, explains that market risk and uncertainty are driving gold, with H1 2025 seeing multiple record highs.

‘Think strategically when you think about gold, and keep that allocation in mind,’ he said.

He also shares thoughts on the importance of central bank allocations and the potential impact of tariffs and US economic conditions on gold during the second half of 2025.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

July 24, 2025
White House Unveils 90 Point AI Strategy

The White House on Wednesday (July 23) released a sweeping national strategy for artificial intelligence (AI), outlining over 90 federal actions designed to strengthen America’s position as the global leader in AI development.

The document fulfills a mandate laid out in President Donald Trump’s January 23 executive order, which called for the removal of what the administration described as “barriers to American leadership” in the field.

Titled “Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan,” the plan sets priorities across three core pillars: accelerating innovation, building domestic infrastructure and leading on global AI diplomacy and security.

The White House said parts of the strategy will be enacted via executive orders in the coming weeks.

Trump and senior officials are set to promote the initiative at an event on Thursday (July 2) night that will be hosted by the Hill and Valley Forum, a group of influential tech donors and investors.

“President Trump has prioritized AI as a cornerstone of American innovation,” said Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

“This plan galvanizes federal efforts to turbocharge our innovation capacity, build cutting-edge infrastructure, and lead globally, ensuring that American workers and families thrive in the AI era.”

The new initiative marks a clear departure from previous federal policy, explicitly revoking the Biden-era Executive Order 14110, “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence,” which had emphasized caution, regulation and ethical oversight. In contrast, the Trump administration’s AI directive aims to remove what it describes as “onerous” federal restrictions and foster what it calls innovation free from “ideological bias.”

The goal, according to Trump administration officials, is to secure the global proliferation of US-made AI technologies and prevent the dominance of foreign alternatives. Domestically, the plan pledges to fast track the permitting process for building new data centers and semiconductor fabs, and to launch national workforce initiatives targeting technical trades essential to AI infrastructure, such as electricians and HVAC technicians.

David Sacks, White House special advisor for AI and crypto, framed the plan in strategic and geopolitical terms.

“Artificial intelligence is a revolutionary technology with the potential to transform the global economy and alter the balance of power in the world,” Sacks said, adding that in order to win the AI race, the US must center its innovation domestically and “avoid Orwellian uses of AI.”

In May, the Trump administration reached agreements with the United Arab Emirates to grant the country access to advanced AI chips — part of a broader US$200 billion cooperation deal announced alongside plans for a 5 gigawatt AI campus in the United Arab Emirates. .

As of now, the White House has not provided a timeline for the full rollout of the 90 outlined actions, but officials said implementation would begin “in the coming weeks.”

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

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July 24, 2025
Walker Lane Resources Ltd. Announces Closing of Private Placement

Walker Lane Resources Ltd. (TSX – V: WLR) (F r ankfurt:6YL ) (‘WLR’ o r t h e ‘ Comp a ny’) is pleased to announce, further to its news releases of June 10, 2025, that it has received TSX Venture Exchange approval to close the non-brokered private placement (the ‘ Private Placement ‘). On July 23, 2025, the Company issued 2,508,335 non-flow through Units (each a ‘ NFT Unit ‘) at a price of $0.12 per NFT Unit, for gross proceeds of $301,000, and 607,143 flow-through Units (each a ‘ FT Unit ‘) at a price of $0.14 per FT Unit, for gross proceeds of $85,000, for aggregate gross proceeds of $386,000. Each NFT Unit is composed of one common share and one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a ‘ NFT Warrant ‘). Each FT Unit is composed of one common share and one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a ‘ FT Warrant ‘), each NFT Warrant and each FT Warrant are exercisable for two (2) years at $0.16 per common share.

An insider of the Company subscribed for an aggregate of 1,178,571 Units, composed of 750,000 NFT Units and 428,571 FT Units. Such participation was considered to be a ‘related party transaction’ as this term is defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions (‘ MI 61-101 ‘). The Company relied on the exemption from valuation requirement and minority approval pursuant to subsection 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, for the insider participation in the Offering, as the securities do not represent more than 25% of the Company’s market capitalization, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101.

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the sale of FT Units to incur ‘Canadian exploration expenses’ and ‘flow through mining expenditures’ as these terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) and, in particular, the Company’s exploration program at its Amy and Silver Hart Properties in the Rancheria Silver District, (Yukon/British Columbia), and potentially limited activities at Logjam (Yukon). Such proceeds will be renounced to the subscribers with an effective date not later than December 31, 2025, in the aggregate amount of not less than the total amount of gross proceeds raised from the issue of FT Units. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of NFT units for its properties in Nevada including Tule Canyon, Cambridge and Silver Mountain and for general working capital. The FT and NFT Units issued under the financing are subject to a four-month hold.

   A     bout Walker Lane Resources Ltd.

Walker Lane Resources Ltd. is a growth-stage exploration company focused on the exploration of high-grade gold, silver and polymetallic deposits in the Walker Lane Gold Trend District in Nevada and the Rancheria Silver District in Yukon/B.C. and other property assets in Yukon. The Company intends to initiate exploration programs to advance the drill-ready Tule Canyon (Walker Lane, Nevada) and Amy (Rancheria Silver, B.C.) projects to resource definition stage through proposed drilling campaigns that the Company desires to undertake in the near future.

The company intends to conduct early stage exploration efforts on its Cambridge and Silver Mountain Properties in the Walker Lane Area, Nevada, evaluate its Silver Hart/Blue Heaven property for medium term development, and advancing exploration on its Logjam property in Yukon.

On behalf of the Board:
   ‘Kevin Brewer’
Kevin Brewer, President, CEO and Director
Walker Lane Resources Ltd.

For Further Information and Investor Inquiries:

Kevin Brewer, P. Geo., MBA, B.Sc. (Hons), Dip. Mine Eng.
President, CEO and Director
Tel: (709) 327 8013
kbrewer80@hotmail.com
Telephone (604) 602-0001
www.walkerlaneresources.com
Suite 1600-409 Granville St.,
Vancouver, BC, V6C 1T2

   Ne     i     t     h     er     t     h     e     TS     X     Ven     t     ure     Exc     h     a     n     ge     n     o     r     its     Reg     u     l     a     ti     o     n     S     ervices     Prov     i     der     (as     t     h     at     term     is     de     fi     ned     in     t     h     e p     o     li     c     ies     of     the     T     SX     Vent     u     re     Excha     n     ge)     accepts     re     s     ponsi     b     ility     f     or     t     he     ade     q     u     acy     or     accuracy     of     this     release.

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and related figures, contain certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to as forward-looking statements). These statements relate to future events or our future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words ‘anticipate’, ‘plans’, ‘continue’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘project’, ‘predict’, ‘potential’, ‘should’, ‘believe’ ‘targeted’, ‘can’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘likely’, ‘should’, ‘could’ or grammatical variations thereof and similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this presentation. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: our strategy and priorities including certain statements included in this presentation are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding the Tule Canyon, Cambridge, Silver Mountain, and Shamrock Properties in Nevada (USA), and its Silverknife and Amy properties in British Columbia, the Silver Hart, Blue Heaven and Logjam properties in Yukon all of which now comprise the mineral property assets of WLR. WLR has assumed other assets of CMC Metals Ltd. including common share holdings of North Bay Resources Inc. and all conditions and agreements pertaining to the sale of the Bishop mill gold processing facility and remains subject to the condition of the option of the Silverknife Property with Coeur Silvertip Holdings Ltd. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to the Company and assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. The Company has made various assumptions, including, among others, that: the historical information related to the Company’s properties is reliable; the Company’s operations are not disrupted or delayed by unusual geological or technical problems; the Company has the ability to explore the Company’s properties; the Company will be able to raise any necessary additional capital on reasonable terms to execute its business plan; the Company’s current corporate activities will proceed as expected; general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; and budgeted costs and expenditures are and will continue to be accurate. Actual results and developments may differ materially from results and developments discussed in the forward looking statements as they are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties, including: public health threats; fluctuations in metals prices, price of consumed commodities and currency markets; future profitability of mining operations; access to personnel; results of exploration and development activities, accuracy of technical information; risks related to ownership of properties; risks related to mining operations; risks related to mineral resource figures being estimates based on interpretations and assumptions which may result in less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently anticipated; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; changes in operating expenses; changes in general market and industry conditions; changes in legal or regulatory requirements; other risk factors set out in this presentation; and other risk factors set out in the Company’s public disclosure documents. Although the Company has attempted to identify significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other risks that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are beyond the Company’s control. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurances that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences or benefits to, or effect on, the Company. The information contained in this presentation is derived from management of the Company and otherwise from publicly available information and does not purport to contain all of the information that an investor may desire to have in evaluating the Company. The information has not been independently verified, may prove to be imprecise, and is subject to material updating, revision and further amendment. While management is not aware of any misstatements regarding any industry data presented herein, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made or given by or on behalf of the Company as to the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the information or opinions contained in this presentation and no responsibility or liability is accepted by any person for such information or opinions. The forward-looking statements and information in this presentation speak only as of the date of this presentation and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, prospective investors should not read forward-looking information as guarantees of future performance or results and should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Nothing in this presentation is, or should be relied upon as, a promise or representation as to the future. To the extent any forward-looking statement in this presentation constitutes ‘future-oriented financial information’ or ‘financial outlooks’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, such information is being provided to demonstrate the anticipated market penetration and the reader is cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose and the reader should not place undue reliance on such future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks. Future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks, as with forward-looking statements generally, are, without limitation, based on the assumptions and subject to the risks set out above. The Company’s actual financial position and results of operations may differ materially from management’s current expectations and, as a result, the Company’s revenue and expenses. The Company’s financial projections were not prepared with a view toward compliance with published guidelines of International Financial Reporting Standards and have not been examined, reviewed or compiled by the Company’s accountants or auditors. The Company’s financial projections represent management’s estimates as of the dates indicated thereon.



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July 24, 2025
Musk’s brain implant company filed as a ‘disadvantaged business’

Elon Musk’s health tech company Neuralink labeled itself a “small disadvantaged business” in a federal filing with the U.S. Small Business Administration, shortly before a financing round valued the company at $9 billion.

Neuralink is developing a brain-computer interface (BCI) system, with an initial aim to help people with severe paralysis regain some independence. BCI technology broadly can translate a person’s brain signals into commands that allow them to manipulate external technologies just by thinking.

Neuralink’s filing, dated April 24, would have reached the SBA at a time when Musk was leading the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency. At DOGE, Musk worked to slash the size of federal agencies.

MuskWatch first reported on the details of Neuralink’s April filing.

According to the SBA’s website, a designation of SDB means a company is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more “disadvantaged” persons who must be “socially disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged.” An SDB designation can also help a business “gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities,” the SBA website says.

The Department of Justice has previously fined companies for making false claims about their SDB status.

Musk, the world’s wealthiest person, is CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, in addition to his other businesses like artificial intelligence startup xAI and tunneling venture The Boring Company. In 2022, Musk led the $44 billion purchase of Twitter, which he later named X before merging it with xAI.

Jared Birchall, a Neuralink executive, was listed as the contact person on the filing from April. Birchall, who also manages Musk’s money as head of his family office, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Neuralink, which incorporated in Nevada, closed a $650 million funding round in early June at a $9 billion valuation. ARK Invest, Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund, Sequoia Capital and Thrive Capital were among the investors. Neuralink said the fresh capital would help the company bring its technology to more patients and develop new devices that “deepen the connection between biological and artificial intelligence.”

Under Musk’s leadership at DOGE, the initiative took aim at government agencies that emphasized diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). In February, for example, DOGE and Musk boasted of nixing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of funding for the Department of Education that would have gone towards DEI-related training grants.

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July 24, 2025