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Saskatchewan has introduced a new royalty framework for lithium production, marking a major step toward supporting the province’s growing role in Canada’s critical minerals sector.

The amendments to 2017 subsurface mineral royalty regulations formally establish a 3 percent Crown royalty on the value of brine mineral sales, coupled with a two year holiday for new productive capacity.

Provincial officials said the change aligns Saskatchewan’s royalties for lithium with those already applied to potash, salt and sodium sulfate, and keeps the province competitive with leading jurisdictions worldwide.

“Lithium is a critical mineral that is expected to see strong demand and growth in the decades ahead, and Saskatchewan is well-positioned to take advantage of this opportunity,” Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young said.

“By putting this royalty framework in place now, we are providing certainty for industry, while ensuring the people of Saskatchewan benefit as this sector develops,” Young added.

Industry participants have welcomed the move, calling it a clear signal that the province intends to be a serious player in the global lithium supply chain. Canada-based explorer EMP Metals (CSE:EMPS,OTCQB:EMPPF) described the royalty rate as internationally competitive and a meaningful boost for project economics.

“This is very welcome news. The government of the province of Saskatchewan has once again proven itself to be supportive of lithium production in the province,” EMP Metals CEO Karl Kottmeier said. “This is a highly competitive royalty rate internationally, and a two-year royalty holiday on new production immediately makes a positive impact on financial modelling of what is already a compelling business case for our Project Aurora lithium production project.”

Grounded Lithium (TSXV:GRD) President and CEO Gregg Smith noted that the policy encourages further investment, while recognizing the high upfront costs of developing processing capacity.

“This new regulatory framework provides a reasonable royalty rate while also recognizing the significant risk and initial investment companies make in processing facilities to ultimately achieve commercial production,” he said.

Saskatchewan has emerged as one of Canada’s top destinations for mining investment. The Fraser Institute’s annual mining company survey ranked it the country’s leading jurisdiction, with the province projected to attract over US$7 billion in mining investment this year — more than a quarter of Canada’s total.

The lithium framework also aligns with the province’s broader Critical Minerals Strategy, launched in 2023 to position Saskatchewan as a key contributor to Canada’s resource independence and energy transition.

The plan targets a 15 percent share of national mineral exploration by 2030, the doubling of critical mineral production, and the expansion of existing potash, uranium, and helium output.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (October 8) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

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

Bitcoin and Ether price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$123,495, up by 1.5 percent in 24 hours. The cryptocurrency’s lowest valuation of the day was US$121,829, and its highest was US$124,072.

Bitcoin price performance, October 8, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

Despite retreating to around US$121,000 on Tuesday (October 7), Bitcoin on-chain data and a rising relative strength index still indicate strong momentum and accumulation, with resistance near US$135,000 and support around US$113,300. Analysts believe the crypto market is transitioning from a speculative phase to a “maturity phase,” where institutional strategies and asset allocation will drive price discovery rather than retail hype.

A new report from CF Benchmarks forecasts that Bitcoin could climb another 20 percent to reach US$148,500 by the end of 2025, while the number of crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is expected to double to 80.

The report also projects that stablecoins could hit US$500 billion in circulation.

Various macro factors are shaping this bullish narrative for the sector. Market uncertainty tied to US President Donald Trump’s economic and fiscal policies, his ongoing tension with the Federal Reserve and uncertainty surrounding the ongoing government shutdown have spurred what analysts describe as a “debasement trade.” Investors seeking protection from currency risk are turning to traditional hedges like gold, and increasingly to Bitcoin.

The Fed’s recent interest rate cut has provided additional support for risk assets. CF Benchmarks expects two more reductions by the end of the year, bringing rates closer to the 3.25 percent level.

Despite inflation concerns, analysts argue that Bitcoin remains undervalued, sitting at the lower end of its estimated fair-value range between US$85,000 and US$212,000. According to trader Ted Pillows, if Bitcoin manages to hold the US$120,000 area, it could mark the beginning of a reversal phase and signal renewed bullish momentum.

By Wednesday afternoon, Bitcoin had steadied near US$123,400, recovering some losses, with ETF inflows continuing to boost institutional confidence. The total market cap of cryptocurrencies currently stands at around US$4.3 trillion, per CoinGecko, while the circulating value of stablecoins has already surpassed $300 billion.

Ether (ETH) also slid after last week’s rally, but has since recovered some of its losses. It was up by 0.7 percent over 24 hours to US$4,518.05. Ether’s lowest valuation on Wednesday was US$4,441.20, and its highest was US$4,544.36.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) was priced at US$229.20, an increase of 1.6 percent over the last 24 hours and its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest valuation on Wednesday was US$220.04.
  • XRP was trading for US$2.91, up by 3.2 percent over the last 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$2.86, and its highest was US$2.92.

Crypto derivatives and market indicators

Total Bitcoin futures open interest was at US$98.85 billion, an increase of roughly 0.84 percent in the last four hours.

Ether open interest stood at US$60.24 billion, down by 0.07 percent in four hours.

Bitcoin liquidations were at US$34.01 million over four hours, primarily forcing long positions to close, which could lead to selling pressure. Ether liquidations totaled US$25.18 million, with the majority being short positions.

Fear and Greed Index snapshot

CMC’s Crypto Fear & Greed Index climbed into high neutral territory after dipping to fear during the last week of September. The index currently stands around 55, inching closer to greed.

CMC Crypto Fear and Greed Index, Bitcoin price and Bitcoin volume.

Chart via CoinMarketCap.

Today’s crypto news to know

JPMorgan says stablecoins could add US$1.4 trillion in dollar demand by 2027

A new JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) research note estimates that global stablecoin adoption could generate up to US$1.4 trillion in additional demand for US dollars within the next two years, according to Reuters.

The bank’s analysts argue that as foreign investors and corporations increasingly hold dollar-pegged stablecoins, they will effectively strengthen the greenback’s global position. The report projects that the stablecoin market could reach US$2 trillion in a high-end scenario, up from roughly US$260 billion today.

With 99 percent of stablecoins pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, JPMorgan says expansion will translate directly into higher dollar-denominated reserves. The findings counter fears that digital currencies could accelerate “de-dollarization” by offering alternatives to the US financial system.

ICE to invest US$2 billion in Polymarket

Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the owner of the New York Stock Exchange, is making a major bet on crypto-powered prediction markets. The company announced plans to invest up to US$2 billion in Polymarket, valuing the blockchain-based betting platform at about US$8 billion, a sharp rise from its US$1 billion valuation just two months ago.

Polymarket has gained prominence for its political, sports and entertainment wagers, including high-profile bets on the US presidential race. The deal will allow ICE to distribute Polymarket’s market data globally, signaling a push to integrate event-based contracts into mainstream finance. Founder Shayne Coplan said in a press release that the investment “marks a major step in bringing prediction markets into the financial mainstream.”

The firm is also working to re-enter the US market after acquiring a small derivatives exchange earlier this year.

BNY Mellon to explore tokenized deposits

BNY Mellon, the world’s largest custodian bank, is reportedly exploring tokenized deposits to enable instant, 24/7 fund transfers for clients, aiming to overcome limitations in legacy systems. Carl Slabicki, executive platform owner for Treasury Services, stated that this initiative is part of an effort to upgrade real-time and cross-border payments. The goal is to move a portion of BNY’s US$2.5 trillion daily payment flow onto the blockchain.

Slabicki highlighted that tokenized deposits help banks overcome technology constraints, facilitating the movement of deposits and payments within their own ecosystems and eventually across the broader market.

S&P Global to launch new crypto ecosystem index

The S&P Global, in partnership with Dinari, is creating a new investment index that will bring together both cryptocurrencies and publicly traded blockchain-related companies into a single benchmark called the S&P Digital Markets 50 Index. The index will include 15 cryptocurrencies and 35 public companies in the sector.

No single component will exceed 5 percent. Major companies like Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR), Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN) and Riot Platforms (NASDAQ:RIOT) are expected to be included.

Dinari plans to issue a tokenized version of the index, known as a “dShare,” which would allow investors to gain direct exposure. The investable version is expected to launch by the end of 2025.

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

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

In a major XRP news today, whales are betting against XRP ETF launch anticipation and gradually liquidating their holdings. On-chain data confirms 440 million XRP were dumped by whales in the last 30 days, causing the price to slump below $2.85 again in the last 24 hours. Today’s Big XRP News: Whales Dump 440 Million

The post XRP News: Why Whales Sold 440M Coins in a Month Despite ETF Launch Buzz appeared first on CoinGape.

Coinbase:-  The leading crypto ecosystem Coinbase often describes itself as “a remote first company,” however, in a changing stance this week, the company made a significant announcement in its remote working culture. With the firm entering the fourth quarter of the year and industry keeping eyes on its Q3 results, the company said it will keep

The post Coinbase Tweaks Remote Work Policy Amid Expansion And Falling Trading Volumes appeared first on CoinGape.

Flare Network has recorded over $43 million worth of XRP now bridged onto its blockchain. This comes as a crypto expert predicts a potential breakout that could push the token toward a new all-time high (ATH). Flare Network’s Hit Liquidity Milestone In a recent X post, Flare Network co-founder Hugo Philion confirmed that the network

The post Flare Network Surpasses $43M in Bridged XRP, Expert Predicts Breakout to New ATH appeared first on CoinGape.

Bitcoin and Ethereum are dragging lower amid massive volatility ahead of Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech today. Comments on dovish monetary policy amid the U.S. government shutdown and the mention of further Fed rate cuts could set the tone for crypto market recovery. Crypto Market Awaits Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s Speech Broader crypto market recovery

The post Bitcoin, Ethereum Drag Broader Crypto Market Lower Ahead of FED Powell Speech appeared first on CoinGape.

Solana price continues to attract renewed market interest as analysts and institutions align on a bullish long-term outlook. Market expert Ali Charts recently highlighted a major breakout structure forming on the Solana weekly chart, suggesting potential for significant upside. Meanwhile, Solana Company announced its plan to acquire a substantial portion of SOL’s supply, reinforcing long-term

The post Solana Price Prediction as SOL DAT Company Plans 5% Supply Acquisition—Analyst Targets $1,300 Breakout appeared first on CoinGape.

Canada One Mining (TSXV:CONE, OTC:COMCF, FSE:AU31) is an emerging explorer focused on the Quesnel porphyry belt, one of Canada’s most prolific critical mineral districts. Its flagship Copper Dome project, adjacent to the 45,000 t/day Copper Mountain mine (702 Mt at 0.24 percent copper, 0.09 grams per ton gold, 0.72 grams per ton silver), offers brownfield porphyry copper potential with strong discovery upside.

The flagship Copper Dome project is a 12,800-hectare, 100-percent-owned land package located just 1.5 km south of Hudbay Minerals’ Copper Mountain mine and 18 km from Princeton, British Columbia. With year-round road access, grid power, water supply, and nearby services, the project requires no camp or helicopter support and sits within a three-hour drive of Vancouver.

Positioned in the lower Quesnel porphyry belt—one of Canada’s most prolific porphyry copper districts—Copper Dome offers compelling exploration potential. Backed by a fully permitted, five-year drill program, the project is poised to deliver near-term results and game-changing catalysts.

Company Highlights

  • Flagship Copper Project in Tier-1 Jurisdiction: 12,800 ha Copper Dome land package, adjacent to Hudbay’s Copper Mountain mine, one of Canada’s most prominent copper operations.
  • Discovery Thesis: Porphyry cluster-style deposit potential; Copper Mountain deposit analogs average ~150 to 200 Mt.
  • Logistics Advantage: Year-round access, no camp/helicopters; 3 to 3.5 hrs from Vancouver; pine-beetle-thinned cover aids access.
  • Technical Uplift: Transitioning to four-acid digestion (industry standard) vs. the historical three-acid will, on average, return materially high metal values especially where minerals are more resistant to dissolution.
  • Near-term Catalysts: Five-year drill permits in place; upcoming geophysics, geochemistry and drill programs across multiple porphyry copper/gold zones.
  • Multiple Assets in Canada: In addition to Copper Dome, Canada One’s other exploration assets include the historical small-scale, past-producing Goldrop property and the Zeus gold project.
  • Valuation Upside: Market cap just below C$3 million provides significant leverage to discovery and exploration success.
  • Capital Strategy: Management will not finance below $0.10; interim self-funding to minimize dilution.
  • Experienced Leadership: Management team is supported by resource veterans such as Dave Anthony, head of the company’s advisory board, past COO of Barrick Africa and current CEO of Assante Gold Corporation (TSX:ASE) with a $1.7 billion market capitalization.

This Canada One Mining profile is part of a paid investor education campaign.*

Click here to connect with Canada One Mining (TSXV:CONE) to receive an Investor Presentation

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Thanks to exchange-traded funds (ETFs), investors don’t have to be tied to one specific stock. When it comes to biotech ETFs, they give sector participants exposure to many biotech companies via one vehicle.

ETFs are a popular choice as they allow investors to enter the market more safely compared to investing in standalone stocks. A key advantage is that even if one company in the ETF takes a hit, the impact will be less direct.

All other figures were also current as of that date. Read on to learn more about these investment vehicles.

1. ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF (ARCA:SBIO)

AUM: US$95.57 million

Launched in December 2014, the ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF tracks small- and mid-cap biotech stocks that have one or more drugs in either Phase II or Phase III US FDA clinical trials. Its holdings must have a market cap between US$200 million and US$5 billion.

There are 102 holdings in this biotech fund, with about 40 percent being small- and micro-cap stocks. Its top holdings include Cytokinetics (NASDAQ:CYTK) at a weight of 3.62 percent, Merus (NASDAQ:MRUS) at 3.51 percent and Avidity Biosciences (NASDAQ:RNA) at 3.43 percent.

2. Tema Oncology ETF (NASDAQ:CANC)

AUM: US$82.42 million

The Tema Oncology ETF provides exposure to biotech companies operating in the oncology industry. Launched in August 2023, it includes companies developing a range of cancer treatments, including CAR-T cell therapies and bispecific antibodies.

There are 51 holdings in this biotechnology fund, of which just over half are small- to mid-cap stocks. Among its top holdings are Revolution Medicines (NASDAQ:RVMD) at a weight of 6.29 percent, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) at 5.47 percent and Genmab (NASDAQ:GMAB) at 5.32 percent.

3. Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bear 3x Shares (ARCA:LABD)

AUM: US$78.98 million

The Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bear 3x Shares ETF is designed to provide three times the daily return of the inverse of the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index, meaning that the ETF rises in value when the index falls and falls in value when the index rises. Leveraged inverse ETFs are designed for short-term trading and are not suitable for holding long-term. They also carry a high degree of risk as they can be significantly affected by market volatility.

Unlike the other ETFs on this list, LABD achieves its investment objective through holding financial contracts such as futures rather than holding individual stocks.

4. ProShares Ultra NASDAQ Biotechnology (NASDAQ:BIB)

AUM: US$62.42 million

The ProShares Ultra NASDAQ Biotechnology ETF, launched in April 2010, is leveraged to offer twice daily long exposure to the broad-based NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, making it an ideal choice “for investors with a bullish short-term outlook for biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies.” However, analysts also advise investors with a low risk tolerance or a buy-and-hold strategy against investing in this fund due to its unique nature.

Of the 260 holdings in this ETF, the top biotech stocks are Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VRTX) at a 5.05 percent weight, Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) at 5.01 percent and Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD) at 4.93 percent.

5. Tema Heart and Health ETF (NASDAQ:HRTS)

AUM: US$51.68 million

Launched in November 2023, the Tema GLP-1 Obesity and Cardiometabolic ETF tracks biotech stocks with a focus on diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The fund was renamed on March 25 from Tema Cardiovascular and Metabolic ETF, and again on June 27 from the GLP-1 Obesity and Cardiometabolic ETF.

There are 47 holdings in this biotechnology fund, with about 75 percent being large-cap stocks and 22 percent mid-cap. About three-quarters of its holdings are based in the US. Its top biotech holdings are Eli Lilly and Company at a 8.47 percent weight, AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN) at 4.39 percent and Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) at 4.58 percent.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com