Gold prices reflect a shift in paradigm – Part I

MP's "Strong" Quarter: Accelerated Production, Long-Term Agreements With Major Tech Companies MP Materials Corp. reported fourth quarter revenue of $52.7 million and net income of $9.4 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, yesterday reflecting a sharp year-over-year improvement driven largely by price floor protection under its agreement with the U.S. Department of War. Full year revenue rose 10% to $224.4 million as the company ramped separated product output and began generating magnetic precursor sales.  MP said in a press release yesterday that operationally, 2025 marked a step-change in upstream and midstream execution. MP...

Iran War Puts Ukraine Peace Talks On Hold, As Gulf Venue Under Attack The Russia-Ukraine war, having just last month entered its fifth year, continues experiencing spillover effects from the Trump-ordered Operation Epic Fury in Iran. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has newly announced (overnight) that trilateral peace talks with Russia and the United States are on hold due to the Iran war. In his nightly address, Zelensky said Ukraine remains in constant contact with Washington but the diplomatic process has paused: "We continue to engage with the United States practically on...

US Intel Aided Mexican Special Forces In "El Mencho" Kill As Spillover Risks Rise The Sunday killing of Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), by Mexican security forces unleashed coordinated cartel retaliation attacks, driving rapid instability across Guadalajara (Jalisco's capital) and spilling into high-traffic resort areas, including Puerto Vallarta. CNN reported that the US provided intelligence support to Mexican Army Special Forces, aided by aircraft and the National Guard's Immediate Reaction Force, during the operation to capture Oseguera. The operation, however, devolved into a...