Group 1 - The non-ferrous metal sector experienced a decline on December 31, with significant drops in companies such as Alcoa and Century Aluminum, both falling over 2%, while Kaiser Aluminum and Southern Copper saw declines exceeding 1% [1] - The Chicago Mercantile Exchange raised margin requirements for precious metal futures for the second time this week, aiming to cool down the recently surging precious metals market [1] - As a result of the increased margin requirements, precious metals experienced a substantial drop, with New York silver futures falling over 9% and dropping below $71 per ounce [1]

Core Viewpoint - The North American aluminum industry is facing opportunities from increased U.S. trade barriers on aluminum imports and challenges from data centers competing for limited power resources. The supply-demand gap for primary aluminum in North America is expected to widen over the next five years, with local U.S. aluminum maintaining a high premium [2]. Supply Overview - The supply of primary aluminum in North America is limited due to power constraints and uncertainties in trade policies. Since 2011, new primary aluminum capacity has stagnated, and cost pressures from aging power and equipment have led to many U.S. projects being idled or shut down. The U.S. local Mt Holly project has announced a restart of idle capacity, while new projects by Emirates Global Aluminum and Century Aluminum depend heavily on policy support. Canada currently has no expansion projects with net capacity increases planned. It is expected that North American primary aluminum production will slightly increase from 3.99 million tons in 2024 to 4.16 million tons by 2030, mainly from the restart of idle capacity [5][11][18]. Demand Overview - North American aluminum demand is expected to maintain rapid growth, with the regional supply-demand gap likely to widen further. The transportation sector is anticipated to see a recovery in automotive manufacturing capacity utilization under U.S. tariff protection, while strong orders in aerospace will support aircraft manufacturing demand. Residential construction aluminum demand may stabilize and rebound after new housing starts bottom out. The high investment in the power sector may continue to drive related aluminum demand [5][11][43]. Key Companies - The North American aluminum industry is dominated by three major companies: Alcoa, Century Aluminum, and Rio Tinto. Rio Tinto maintains a relatively stronger profitability due to its low-cost hydroelectric power and integrated bauxite resources. Century Aluminum benefits more from U.S. tariff protections due to its high domestic production ratio. Alcoa, with a higher proportion of alumina revenue, can better withstand cost pressures related to alumina prices, while its higher cash cost per ton of aluminum provides greater profit elasticity [6][45]. Trade and Policy Impact - U.S. aluminum net imports reached a historical high in 2017 but have since declined due to tariff policies. The U.S. aluminum dependency ratio rose from 3% in 2011 to 59% in 2017, then fell to 38% in 2020 due to tariff protections. However, the dependency ratio is expected to rise again to around 50% from 2021 to 2024. The recent increase in tariffs to 25% and 50% will significantly elevate trade barriers [25][26][30]. Price Dynamics - The Midwest premium for aluminum in the U.S. has been expanding due to tariff impacts. The premium has risen from below $0.10 per pound before 2012 to around $0.20 per pound after the introduction of tariffs in 2018, and further to $0.80-$0.90 per pound with the recent tariff increases, effectively covering additional costs imposed by tariffs [35][36]. Future Outlook - The supply of primary aluminum in North America is expected to remain limited due to power resource constraints and uncertainties in trade policies. The demand for aluminum is projected to grow rapidly, particularly in the transportation and packaging sectors. The supply-demand gap is likely to widen from 2025 to 2030, with the Midwest premium expected to remain at a high level sufficient to cover tariff costs [38][43].

Group 1 - Alcoa Corp. has seen a significant increase in its momentum score, rising from 84.25 to 92.28, indicating strong price strength and growing investor optimism amid an aluminum market recovery [1][2] - The company's momentum score reflects robust relative price performance and lower volatility compared to peers, confirmed across short, medium, and long timeframes [2] - Alcoa is a key supplier of lightweight aluminum alloys to major companies like Ford and RTX, which supports its strong market position [2] Group 2 - Recent analyst upgrades have positively impacted Alcoa's stock outlook, with Wells Fargo raising its price target to $58 and Citi to $54 [3][4] - The consensus rating for Alcoa remains "Buy," with an average target price around $49-50, supported by multiple firms reiterating positive views [4] - Aluminum prices have increased nearly 17% in 2025, nearing $2,970 per tonne, driven by tightening global supply, which positions Alcoa for significant EBITDA upside [5] Group 3 - Alcoa's stock has performed well in 2025, with a year-to-date increase of 41.54%, 82.21% over the last six months, and 29.10% in the last month [6] - Despite a recent slight decline of 0.88% to $53.77, the stock showed a 1.04% increase in premarket trading [6]

Group 1 - Alcoa Corp. has entered the top 10th percentile of momentum-ranked stocks, with its momentum percentile increasing from 84.25 to 92.28, indicating strong price strength and growing investor optimism amid an aluminum market recovery [1][2] - The company's momentum score reflects robust relative price performance and lower volatility compared to peers, confirmed across short, medium, and long timeframes [2] - Alcoa is a key supplier of lightweight aluminum alloys to major companies like Ford Motor Co. for F-150 truck bodies and RTX Corp.'s Pratt & Whitney jet engine components [2] Group 2 - Recent analyst upgrades have strengthened the bullish outlook for Alcoa, with Wells Fargo raising its price target to $58 from $40 and Citi increasing its target to $54 from $42 [3][4] - The consensus rating for Alcoa remains "Buy," with an average target price around $49-50, supported by positive views from firms like UBS and BMO [4] Group 3 - The aluminum market has seen a recovery, with prices climbing nearly 17% in 2025, reaching approximately $2,970 per tonne, the highest since May 2022, due to tightening global supply [5] - Alcoa's vertical integration is expected to provide significant EBITDA upside during this cyclical recovery in the aluminum market [5] Group 4 - Alcoa's stock has performed strongly in 2025, with a year-to-date increase of 41.54%, 82.21% over the last six months, and 29.10% in the last month [6] - Despite a recent closing drop of 0.88% to $53.77, the stock was up 1.04% in premarket trading [6]

Core Viewpoint - Credissential Inc. is currently under a Management Cease Trade Order (MCTO) due to delays in filing its audited annual financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, with the anticipated completion date set for December 31, 2025 [2][6][7]. Group 1: Management Cease Trade Order (MCTO) - The Alberta Securities Commission granted the MCTO due to delays in the filing of the Company's Annual Filings, which include audited financial statements and management discussions [2]. - The MCTO prohibits trading in the Company's securities by the CEO and CFO until the Annual Filings are completed [3]. - The general investing public can still trade the Company's shares freely despite the MCTO [3]. Group 2: Audit Delays - The audit process has been prolonged due to the complexity of the fiscal year, which involved consolidating two acquisitions and accounting for convertible note financings [4]. - The transition of day-to-day accounting work to Cavalry Advisory Group has resulted in additional reconciliatory work, contributing to the delay [5]. - The Company's auditor, Kenway Mack Slusarchuk Stewart LLP (KMSS), has committed to completing the audit by December 31, 2025, despite previous staffing and scheduling constraints [6]. Group 3: Compliance and Reporting - Credissential intends to comply with alternative information guidelines by issuing biweekly default status reports until the Annual Filings are made [8]. - There have been no material changes to the information disclosed in the default announcement from October 29, 2025, that would be expected to impact investors [8].

Core Viewpoint - Stearman Resources Inc. will change its name to UraniumX Discovery Corp. effective December 31, 2025, reflecting its strategic focus on uranium exploration and the evolving nuclear energy landscape [1][2][3] Company Overview - Stearman Resources Inc. is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company focused on uranium discovery in the Saskatchewan Athabasca Basin, which hosts 10 of the world's top 15 highest-grade uranium deposits [6] - The company's flagship property is the Murphy Lake Uranium Property, where it is earning up to 70% through an option with F4 Uranium [7] - The company also owns the Zoo Bay Uranium Project (15 claims; 19,850 ha) and the NeoCore Uranium Property (6 claims; 13,012 ha), both located in regions with historical uranium occurrences [8][9] Strategic Direction - The name change to UraniumX Discovery Corp. is intended to sharpen the company's focus and enhance its brand, aligning its identity with its long-term growth objectives in the energy sector [2][3] - The company emphasizes its ambition to build a high-quality exploration platform in commodities critical to global energy security [3] Operational Details - There will be no change to the company's share capital or consolidation of shares due to the name change, and existing shareholders will not need to take any action [4][5] - The company's trading symbol is expected to remain unchanged unless otherwise announced [3]

Core Viewpoint - A significant increase in aluminum prices is anticipated due to rising demand from data center construction and electricity costs, which will lead to inflationary pressures on various consumer goods. Industry Overview - Aluminum, once a rare and expensive metal, is now facing a resurgence in demand, particularly driven by technological advancements and infrastructure developments [2][7]. - The production of aluminum is energy-intensive, requiring approximately 14 megawatt-hours of electricity per metric ton, equivalent to powering an average American home for 18 months [3]. Market Dynamics - Analysts predict a shortfall of 16 million metric tons of aluminum within the next three years, representing about 23% of global annual demand, which will significantly impact prices [8]. - The current price of aluminum is around $1.15 per pound, a stark contrast to historical prices where it was once more expensive than gold [4][6]. Company Focus - Alcoa, a leading aluminum producer with a market cap of $12 billion, is highlighted as a key player to monitor in the aluminum market trend [10]. - Despite a substantial increase in Alcoa's stock price this year, it remains below its 2022 high, indicating potential for future growth as demand surges [10]. Investment Insights - The aluminum market is currently considered an "uncrowded trade," suggesting that early investments could yield significant returns as demand from data centers escalates [11].

Core Insights - Two stocks in the materials sector are signaling potential warnings for momentum-focused investors as of December 19, 2025 [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - Freeport-McMoRan Inc (NYSE:FCX) has seen its stock price increase by approximately 16% over the past month, reaching a 52-week high of $49.12 [5] - Alcoa Corp (NYSE:AA) experienced a stock price increase of around 31% in the last month, with a 52-week high of $48.73 [5] Group 2: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - UBS analyst Daniel Major maintained a Buy rating for Freeport-McMoRan and raised the price target from $55 to $60 [5] - Alcoa received a Neutral rating from UBS, with the price target increased from $42 to $48 [5] Group 3: Momentum Indicators - Freeport-McMoRan has an RSI value of 71.3, indicating it may be overbought [5] - Alcoa has a higher RSI value of 72.8, also suggesting it may be overbought [5]

Group 1: Materialise NV (MTLS) - Materialise NV specializes in software, medical applications, and manufacturing services related to 3D printing, holding a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Materialise's current year earnings has increased by 33.3% over the last 60 days [1] - Materialise's shares have gained 2% over the last three months, outperforming the S&P 500's advance of 0.8%, and it has a Momentum Score of A [2] Group 2: Calix, Inc. (CALX) - Calix, Inc. provides cloud and software platforms and also holds a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Calix's current year earnings has increased by 15.4% over the last 60 days [2] - Calix's shares have gained 12.7% over the last six months, slightly outperforming the S&P 500's advance of 12.4%, and it has a Momentum Score of B [2] Group 3: Alcoa Corporation (AA) - Alcoa Corporation produces and sells bauxite, alumina, and aluminum products, maintaining a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Alcoa's current year earnings has increased by 6.1% over the last 60 days [3] - Alcoa's shares have gained 44.3% over the last three months, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's advance of 0.8%, and it has a Momentum Score of B [3]

Core Insights - Alcoa Corporation is a leading player in the industrial products sector, focusing on aluminum and alumina production, benefiting from vertical integration and a strong balance sheet to navigate commodity price cycles [1] - The company is currently trading at a 50% discount to the sector median EV/EBITDA, indicating potential for growth as market conditions improve [2][6] Investment Sentiment - Carlos De Alba from Morgan Stanley has set a price target of $52 for Alcoa, suggesting a potential upside of 14.16% from its current trading price of $45.55 [2][6] - Institutional investors, including Federated Hermes Inc. and Arrow Capital Pty Ltd, have increased their stakes in Alcoa, reflecting positive sentiment towards the company's future [3][4][6] Market Performance - Alcoa's market capitalization is approximately $11.8 billion, with a recent stock price decrease of 1.28% [5] - The stock has traded between $45.40 and $46.68 today, with a 52-week high of $47.48 and a low of $21.53, indicating active investor interest [5]