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China is solidifying its position as the primary engine for global platinum demand

Record participation in Shanghai Platinum Week underscores the country’s expanding influence in a market facing a deepening supply deficit. The event, which attracted over 590 delegates from 30 countries, took place at a critical moment — just as the platinum market is tightening and a supply shortfall is deepening through 2029.

The World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) notes that China now accounts for 64 percent of global demand for platinum bars and coins — up from 11 percent in 2019 — driven largely by investors seeking alternatives to gold.

“Platinum demand in China is continuing to expand, as the growth in physical platinum investment we are currently witnessing demonstrates,” said WPIC CEO Trevor Raymond, who also warned of persistent market tightness to 2029.

Also during the event, Valterra Platinum (JSE:VAL) CEO Craig Miller delivered his first public address in Asia since the company’s high-profile demerger from Anglo American (LSE:AAL,OTCQX:AAUKF) in May.

Miller confirmed Shanghai as one of Valterra’s three new international marketing hubs, emphasizing the company’s intent to shape demand within China’s growing platinum-group metals (PGMs) ecosystem.

“Attending Shanghai Platinum Week has highlighted its value for connecting with the PGM market in China,” he said. “Shaping demand for PGMs through market development remains an integral part of our strategy.”

Although new tariffs are expected to dent platinum demand by an estimated 112,000 ounces in 2025, that 1.4 percent decline is being far outweighed by a boom in investment and jewelry consumption.

The Chinese jewelry sector, too, is undergoing a transformation. Wholesalers are commissioning stock that mimics popular gold designs, making platinum jewelry more accessible and appealing to retailers and consumers alike.

If this trend continues, the WPIC forecasts a sharp rise in jewelry-related platinum usage from 2026 onward.

Platinum market fundamentals also remain tight, with supply expected to lag behind growing demand through at least 2029. Several Chinese refiners have recently secured “good delivery” accreditation from the London Platinum and Palladium Market, bolstering investor confidence and strengthening the local trading ecosystem.

Beyond investment and jewelry, regulatory and industrial shifts are setting the stage for long-term structural demand. China’s upcoming China VII/7 vehicle emissions standards, due to take effect in 2026, are expected to significantly increase PGMs loadings per vehicle due to more stringent cold start and real-world emissions testing.

Meanwhile, a global phaseout of mercury-based catalysts in polyvinyl chloride manufacturing is likely to drive adoption of platinum-based alternatives by 2030. In the hydrogen economy — a sector widely seen as platinum’s next frontier — the outlook remains bullish. Installed global electrolysis capacity is forecast to reach 100 gigawatts by 2030, with platinum-intensive proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology expected to dominate nearly half the market.

“This year we were delighted to welcome more overseas interest than ever before,” said Raymond. “Platinum investment is a natural mechanism for attracting metal into any geography, providing a pool of liquidity to supply future demand — particularly vital for countries like China, which rely on imports and recycling for supply.”

The week also celebrated Shanghai Platinum Week’s fifth anniversary with the unveiling of a commemorative 999.5 platinum medal designed by master engraver Luo Yonghui, limited to just 200 pieces.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

 

Scout Drilling Discovered the Extension of the High-grade Merten Vein Creating an Opportunity to Expand the Dpb Resource up to 1,200 Metres to the East

 

SCOUT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

 

  • Assay results from the Company’s reverse circulation Scout Drill Program (see March 31, 2025 news) returned significant gold & silver values in 7 drillholes that successfully expanded the footprint of mineralization up to 1,200 metres from the east of the existing DPB resource toward the historic Ohio mine;

  •  

  • These intercepts cover a new zone of silver and gold interpreted to be the outer ring structure of the Fraction caldera, and are not included in the 2024 resource;

  •  

  • A fully funded 15 drillhole program totalling up to 5,000 metres is underway; and

  •  

  • Results from this program will be incorporated into an updated Mineral Resource Estimate in Q1, 2026.

  •  

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – July 21, 2025) – Blackrock Silver Corp. (TSXV: BRC,OTC:BKRRF) (OTCQX: BKRRF) (FSE: AHZ0) (‘Blackrock‘ or the ‘Company‘) announces commencement of a fully-funded expansion drill program (‘Expansion Program’) to follow up on the successful Scout Drilling campaign that expanded the DPB South zone 1,200 metres in an easterly direction on its 100% owned Tonopah West project located in Nye and Esmeralda Counties, Nevada, United States.

 

The Expansion Program will utilize one Reverse Circulation (RC) drill overseen by Legacy Drilling and two core drill rigs operated by Alloy Drilling to complete 2,450 metres (8,000 ft) of RC precollars and 2,550 metres (8,400 ft) of core tails across 15 drillholes targeting the Eastern Expansion zone between the DPB resource area and the eastern extent of the project. Drilling is anticipated to be completed in October with assay results expected through year end.

 

Andrew Pollard, Blackrock’s President and CEO, stated, ‘With drills now turning on this fully financed program, we’re stepping out across a 1.2-kilometre corridor with strong potential to significantly expand our mineral inventory at Tonopah West. Scout drilling confirmed the eastern extension of the high-grade Merten vein well beyond the current resource boundary, returning standout grades including 2,063 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent (AgEq) (1,198 g/t silver (Ag) and 9.6 g/t gold (Au)) over 1.52 metres, and 952 g/t AgEq (10 g/t Ag and 10.5 g/t Au) over 4.57 metres. This newly defined zone, situated along the outer ring structure of the Fraction caldera, lies entirely outside our 2024 resource and presents an opportunity to quickly and meaningfully grow the scale of the project. Results from this program are expected to underpin a resource update in Q1 2026. The Company remains on track to deliver a separate resource update in Q3 2025 that will incorporate all results from the recently completed M&I conversion program.’

 

As announced on March 31, 2025, the Company discovered the 1,200 metre eastern extension zone representing the continuation of the outer-ring structure or Fraction caldera margin from DPB South to the historic Ohio mine. The Scout Drilling showed the Merten vein extends eastward and is arched and dips southward. This orientation suggests multiple ring structures associated with the Fraction caldera running across Tonopah West. An inner structure hosting the Victor and DPB North (Denver and Paymaster) resources, and an outer, more southern, ring structure hosting DPB South (Merten and Bermuda) and the NW Stepout resources (See Figure 1). The arching geometry of the Merten vein is similar to that described from the historic Ohio vein which was 15 metres thick when mined in the early 1900s1. Given the geometry and location, the Merten is potentially the extension of the Ohio vein. Table 1 summarizes the Scout Drilling assay results above 150 g/t AgEq.

 

Table 1: Scout Drilling Program results above 150 g/t AgEq

 

                                                                                                 

Drillhole ID Hole 
Type
Area From 
(m)
To
 (m)
Drill
 Interval
 (m)
Ag g/t Au g/t AgEq g/t
TW25-125 RC DPB East 220.98 222.50 1.52 76.41 2.010 257.3
TW25-127 RC DPB East 390.15 391.67 1.52 8.00 1.750 165.5
TW25-130 RC DPB East 188.98 190.50 1.52 290.00 3.300 587.0
TW25-132 RC DPB East 245.36 246.89 1.52 78.58 1.180 184.8
TW25-133 RC DPB East 280.42 283.47 3.05 129.08 1.575 270.8
TW25-133 RC DPB East 309.37 313.95 4.57 10.65 10.456 951.8
Including 309.37 310.90 1.52 15.73 21.467 1,948.0
TW25-128 RC Ohio 292.61 294.13 1.52 1,198.00 9.610 2,063.0
TW25-128 RC Ohio 297.18 298.71 1.52 219.00 1.720 373.8
TW25-131 RC Ohio 269.75 271.27 1.52 89.10 2.630 325.8
AgEq gpt=(Au gpt*90)+Ag gpt; True thickness unknown at this time; Cut-off grade is 150 gpt AgEq;
RC = Reverse Circulation Drilling

 

 

 

TW25-133 returned significant silver and gold with values starting at 309-metres grading 10.46 g/t gold and 10.6 g/t silver over 4.57 metres (952 g/t AgEq), and show mineralization extends along the Merten vein for 540 meters to the east-southeast of the main DPB South resource. With the inclusion of TW25-128 which returned 9.6 g/t gold and 1198 g/t silver over 1.5-metres (2,063 g/t AgEq), the zone could be up to 1,200-metres in length.

 

The mineralized zone traced by these assay results is new and not included in the 2024 resource. These results could have a substantive impact on the future resource estimate.

 

 

Figure 1: Tonopah West expansion potential

 

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/676/259346_2ae57e3a248179b3_001full.jpg

 

 

Figure 2: Drillhole location map with cross section line at location 478540E

 

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/676/259346_2ae57e3a248179b3_002full.jpg

 

 

Figure 3: Geologic cross section along 478540E

 

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/676/259346_2ae57e3a248179b3_003full.jpg

 

Quality Assurance/ Quality Control

 

All sampling is conducted under the supervision of the Company’s project geologists, and a strict chain of custody from the project to the sample preparation facility is implemented and monitored. The RC samples are hauled from the project site to a secure and fenced facility in Tonopah, Nevada, where they are loaded on to American Assay Laboratory’s (AAL) flat-bed truck and delivered to AAL’s facility in Sparks, Nevada. A sample submittal sheet is delivered to AAL personnel who organize and process the sample intervals pursuant to the Company’s instructions.

 

The RC samples are lined out at the lab and logged into AAL’s system. The samples are dried, crushed to 85% passing 10 mesh (2mm) and a 250-gram sub-sample split is collected and pulverized to 200 mesh (74 micron) in a ring and puck pulverizer. Then the pulverized material is digested and analyzed for gold using fire assay fusion and an Induced Coupled Plasma (ICP) finish on a 30-gram assay split (FA-PB30-ICP). Silver is determined using five-acid digestion and ICP analysis (ICP-5AM48). Over limits for gold and silver are determined using a gravimetric finish (GRAVAU30 and GRAVAG30). Data verification of the assay and analytical results are completed to ensure accurate and verifiable results. Blackrock personnel insert a blind prep blank, lab blank or a certified reference material approximately every 15th to 20th sample.

 

Qualified Persons

 

Blackrock’s exploration activities at Tonopah West are conducted and supervised by Mr. William Howald, Executive Chairman of Blackrock. Mr. William Howald, AIPG Certified Professional Geologist #11041, is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. He has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

 

About Blackrock Silver Corp.

 

Backed by gold and silver ounces in the ground, Blackrock is a junior precious metal focused exploration and development company driven to add shareholder value. Anchored by a seasoned Board of Directors, the Company is focused on its 100% controlled Nevada portfolio of properties consisting of low-sulphidation, epithermal gold and silver mineralization located along the established Northern Nevada Rift in north-central Nevada and the Walker Lane trend in western Nevada.

 

Additional information on Blackrock Silver Corp. can be found on its website at www.blackrocksilver.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information

 

This news release contains ‘forward-looking statements’ and ‘forward-looking information’ (collectively, ‘forward-looking statements‘) within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things: the Company’s strategic plans; the timing of and successful completion of the Company’s Expansion Program at Tonopah West and the anticipated objectives and results therefrom; timing and estimates of mineral resource quantities and qualities; timing of updated resource estimates; estimates of mineralization from drilling; geological information projected from sampling results; and the potential quantities and grades of the target zones.

 

These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, among other things: conditions in general economic and financial markets; accuracy of assay results; geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services; future operating costs; the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones; the availability of skilled labour and no labour related disruptions at any of the Company’s operations; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled activities; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for operations are received in a timely manner; the ability to secure and maintain title and ownership to properties and the surface rights necessary for operations; and the Company’s ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

 

The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; the interpretation and uncertainties of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project costs overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; availability of funds; failure to delineate potential quantities and grades of the target zones based on historical data; general market and industry conditions; and those factors identified under the caption ‘Risks Factors’ in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form.

 

Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

 

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

 

 

For Further Information, Contact:

 

Andrew Pollard
President and Chief Executive Officer
(604) 817-6044
info@blackrocksilver.com 

 

 

1 All historic production information from Nevada Bureau of Mines & Geology, Bulletin 51

 

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/259346

 

 

 

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

The Ethereum blockchain’s next major upgrade, Fusaka, is slated for a November launch, promising enhanced efficiency and scalability for the network. The news comes as developers gear up for the launch of Devnet-3 this week, which will feature 11 key Ethereum improvement proposals. Ethereum Fusaka Upgrade, Timeline And Details According to today’s Ethereum Daily Report,

The post Ethereum News: Fusaka Mainnet Upgrade in November, Devnet-3 Launch This Week appeared first on CoinGape.

Michael Saylor’s Strategy, previously known as Strategy, has announced another weekly purchase, which it made last week. This comes just as the company surpassed the 600k BTC milestone with its purchase two weeks ago. Meanwhile, the MSTR stock is up 2% today, recovering from last week’s dip. Strategy Acquires 6,220 BTC For $739.80 Million In

The post Breaking: Michael Saylor’s Strategy Announces $739M Bitcoin Purchase, MSTR Stock Up appeared first on CoinGape.

The White House is scheduled to release its inaugural crypto policy report tomorrow. This move is poised to reshape the country’s digital asset landscape. Following the passage of the landmark market structure bills like the CLARITY Act, the White House is setting the stage for a new era in crypto regulation. White House Crypto Policy

The post White House to Release Major Crypto Policy Report Tomorrow, Why It’s A Big Deal? appeared first on CoinGape.

Pi Network’s app studio has recorded over 7,900 dApps launched in just weeks after its launch. This sets a new benchmark for grassroots Web3 development. Pioneers Power Pi Network App Studio With Over 7,900 dApps In a recent blog post, Pi Network announced that since the Pi App Studio debut, Pioneers have developed more than

The post Pi Network App Studio Sees Over 7,900 dApps Launched Debut, Community Shares Early Feedback appeared first on CoinGape.

The Nifty traded in a broadly sideways and range-bound manner throughout the previous week and ended the week with a modest decline. The Index oscillated within a narrow 276-point range, between 25144.60 on the higher end and 24918.65 on the lower end, before settling mildly lower. The India VIX declined by 3.60% over the week to 11.39, suggesting continued complacency in the markets. On a weekly basis, Nifty ended with a net loss of 181.45 points or (-0.72%).

The Nifty is presently consolidating just below a key resistance zone after attempting a breakout above a rising channel. This zone, between 25100 and 25350, has proven to be a supply area where profit-taking has emerged. While the broader trend remains intact and the Nifty is above key moving averages, it is still within a complex zone of consolidation. This pause in momentum comes after a sharp up move from the lows near 21743 in April. A strong breakout above the 25265 –25350 zone, with a closing confirmation, may resume the uptrend. Conversely, a sustained move below 24750 could trigger incremental weakness and drag the Nifty towards lower supports.

 As we head into the new week, the markets may see a cautious start amid the current range-bound setup. The immediate resistance is at 25150, followed by 25400. On the lower side, the key support zones are placed at 24750 and further near 24380.

The weekly RSI stands at 56.54 and remains neutral without showing any divergence against price. It has made a fresh 14-period low, which is bearish. The MACD remains above its signal line on the weekly chart, continuing to indicate a positive crossover. No significant candlestick formation was observed for the week.

From a pattern analysis perspective, Nifty is trading just below the upper bound of a rising channel that it had briefly broken out of. With the Index slipping below the support levels of 25000-25150, it faces resistance at this zone again, failing to follow through on the breakout. Price action is still above the 20-week and 50-week moving averages, maintaining a bullish undertone from a medium-term perspective. However, the ongoing sideways action indicates a lack of fresh directional conviction.

Given the current technical structure, it would be prudent for traders to remain selective and protect profits at higher levels. The markets are not displaying signs of aggressive strength, and unless there is a convincing move above 25350, a stock-specific approach with tight risk management is advised. Traders may avoid aggressive fresh buying until a directional move is clearly established. Cautious optimism, with a focus on stocks exhibiting stronger relative strength, is the ideal approach for the coming week.


Sector Analysis for the coming week

In our look at Relative Rotation Graphs®, we compared various sectors against the CNX500 (NIFTY 500 Index), representing over 95% of the free-float market cap of all the listed stocks. 

Relative Rotation Graphs (RRG) show that the Nifty Media and the Metal Index have rolled inside the leading quadrant. The Midcap 100, Realty, and PSU Bank Index are also inside the leading quadrant. These groups are likely to relatively outperform the broader Nifty 500 Index.

The Nifty Bank, PSE, and the Financial Services Index are inside the weakening quadrant. They may experience a decline in relative performance compared to the broader markets.

The Nifty Services Sector Index, Pharma, Consumption, and the FMCG Index continue to languish inside the lagging quadrant. Among these groups, the Pharma Index shows improvement in its relative momentum against the broader markets.

The IT Index is inside the improving quadrant; it continues to improve its relative momentum against the benchmark. The Auto Index, which is also inside the improving quadrant, is seen deteriorating in relative momentum.


Important Note: RRG charts show the relative strength and momentum of a group of stocks. In the above Chart, they show relative performance against NIFTY500 Index (Broader Markets) and should not be used directly as buy or sell signals.  


Milan Vaishnav, CMT, MSTA

Consulting Technical Analyst

www.EquityResearch.asia | www.ChartWizard.ae

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


Investors honed in on tech stocks again as Q2 earnings season kicked off on Monday (July 14).

Some experts believe the rallying market is showing signs of frothiness.

Apollo Global Management (NYSE:APO) Chief Economist Torsten Sløk highlighted concerns about overvaluation mid-week, comparing the current tech craze to the dotcom bubble of the 1990s.

“The difference between the IT bubble in the 1990s and the AI bubble today is that the top 10 companies in the S&P 500 today are more overvalued than they were in the 1990s,” he wrote in a note on Wednesday (July 16).

Similar thoughts were expressed by Moor Insights & Strategy founder Patrick Moorhead last week.

However, Sanctuary Wealth’s chief investment strategist, Mary Ann Bartels, told CNBC’s Power Lunch team that valuations are justified by the technology that’s being unleashed. Major financial firms like Citigroup (NYSE:C), Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) and Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) also said they are increasingly exploring digital asset offerings, signaling traditional finance’s growing involvement in crypto and the broader adoption of innovative technologies.

These announcements came alongside positive earnings reports and mixed inflation data that helped lift markets to renewed highs, culminating in global manufacturer 3M (NYSE:MMM) raising its full-year profit forecast on Friday.

The company is projecting a smaller tariff-related hit to its 2025 earnings.

1. TSCM, ASML release latest quarterly results

This week saw semiconductor giants Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:TSM) and ASML Holding (NASDAQ:ASML) report their latest quarterly earnings.

The companies received vastly different reactions from the market. Contract chipmaker TSMC saw its valuation soar on Thursday (July 17) morning after it posted record profits that exceeded expectations and raised its full-year revenue forecast by 30 percent due to demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chips.

While the chipmaker addressed minor concerns about US tariffs and inventory, AI-driven growth dominated investor sentiment. Shares of TSMC opened 4.51 percent higher from Wednesday’s (July 16) closing price.

Positive sentiment spilled over into other chip stocks, with NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) and Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) also seeing gains. TSMC maintained its position to close up 5.87 percent for the week.

TSMC and ASML performance, July 15 to 18, 2025.

Chart via Google Finance.

Conversely, ASML, a lithography systems monopolist, saw its share price plunge more than 8 percent ahead of Wednesday’s open, despite solid Q2 numbers, due to a cautious outlook for late 2025 and 2026.

In a statement, the company said it cannot confirm growth in 2026 due to current macroeconomic and geopolitical developments. ASML closed the week 7.39 percent below its Monday opening price.

The divergence highlights their supply chain positions: TSMC directly benefits from the immediate AI boom, while the prospects for ASML, a step removed, remain uncertain.

2. US announces major investments in Pennsylvania

US President Donald Trump joined Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick (R) at the inaugural Energy and Innovation Summit at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh on Tuesday (July 15).

He announced an investment amounting to over US$90 billion in AI and energy infrastructure in the state.

The announcement from Trump covers several multibillion-dollar spending plans from the likes of Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Blackstone (NYSE:BX), Anthropic, GE Verona (NYSE:GEV) and others for power generation and grid modernization. It also includes natural gas production to help power data centers.

Additionally, the preview mentions AI training programs and apprenticeships for businesses.

“These commitments will create tens of thousands of construction jobs and thousands of permanent jobs, signaling Pennsylvania’s readiness to power the AI and energy revolution, further strengthening America’s resilience and independence,” McCormick’s office wrote in a press release.

Separately, Google and Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM) announced on Tuesday that they have entered into a framework agreement to provide up to 3,000 MW megawatts of domestically produced hydropower from Brookfield’s Holtwood and Safe Harbor hydroelectric facilities in Pennsylvania. The agreement allows for future expansion, with an initial focus on the mid-Atlantic and mid-continent electricity markets.

3. NVIDIA resumes chip sales to China

On Monday, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang said his company will resume H20 GPUs sales to China after productive meetings with government officials from the US and Beijing earlier this month.

In a press release, the company said it has been assured by the US government that licenses will be granted.

NVIDIA performance, July 15 to 18, 2025.

Chart via Google Finance.

Shares of the chipmaker opened 4.27 percent higher on Tuesday and closed the week up 4.25 percent.

4. Apple to invest in US rare earths miner

On Tuesday, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) said it will invest US$500 million in rare earths miner MP Materials (NYSE:MP) as part of an effort to strengthen the American rare earths supply chain.

MP is the only fully integrated rare earths miner operating in the US. Last week, the US Department of Defense said it would buy a direct equity stake in the company, becoming its largest shareholder.

The company’s Apple collaboration also includes plans to build out MP’s neodymium magnet manufacturing lines at its Texas factory specifically for Apple products. This expansion is slated to boost production and create jobs in advanced manufacturing and research and development, helping to meet global demand.

Apple and MP will also collaborate to establish a rare earths recycling line in Mountain Pass, California, and will develop new magnet materials and processing technologies to improve magnet performance.

“American innovation drives everything we do at Apple, and we’re proud to deepen our investment in the U.S. economy,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.

5. OpenAI and AWS launch new AI agent features

Open AI has launched a powerful new Agent mode in ChatGPT for pro, plus and team users.

It can autonomously complete tasks across the web, and also includes productivity tools.

The new feature enables AI agents that can help automate workflow by creating and editing spreadsheets and presentations, generating reports, analyzing data and managing calendars on users’ desktops; agents can also browse websites and fill out forms with user approval. The company has plans to add e-commerce checkouts.

Aside from that, the Financial Times reported this week that OpenAI plans to take a cut of online shopping purchases made within its chatbot as a way to generate revenue from people using AI for shopping inspiration.

Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) also made major announcements around AI agents this week. At its Amazon Web Services (AWS) Summit in New York, the company launched Bedrock AgentCore, a suite of enterprise-grade services that will allow developers to build, deploy and run scalable agents. AWS also introduced AI Agents & Tools, a new category on AWS Marketplace. It features pre-built agents from partners like Anthropic, IBM (NYSE:IBM) and Stripe.

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

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An XRP whale moved $70.19 million worth of the token to Coinbase, leading to growing fears about a selloff. This action happened alongside a drop in price, low volume, and mixed derivatives activity. XRP Whale Transfer Coincides with Price but Bullish Sentiment Remains The transfer of the $70.19 million XRP to the leading crypto exchange

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