Economic Impact - The ongoing government shutdown is projected to cost the U.S. economy up to $14 billion, equivalent to a 2 percentage point hit to GDP [2] - U.S. businesses and consumers are facing an average tariff rate of 18%, the highest in about 90 years, leading to an estimated income loss of around $1,800 per household this year [3] - Consumers are shouldering most of the tariffs, with American households responsible for about 55% of the new levies [4] Consumer Spending Trends - Record spending on Halloween is anticipated, with Americans expected to spend $13.1 billion this year, up from $11.6 billion last year [5] - Preliminary data suggests U.S. households will spend 4% less on gifts and 12% less on other items for Christmas compared to last year due to tariffs [6] Cocoa Market Dynamics - Cocoa prices have spiked due to plant disease and drought in West Africa, with futures prices reaching as high as $12,000 per metric ton [6] - Major chocolatiers have announced higher prices for chocolate products and have reformulated recipes to reduce cocoa content [7][8] - European chocolate manufacturers are expected to see a decline in operating margins this year due to increased competition and reduced demand for cocoa-containing products [10] Market Performance and Investor Sentiment - The S&P 500 has spent over 125 trading sessions above its 50-day moving average, the longest stretch since 2011, driven by enthusiasm over artificial intelligence [12] - Historical data suggests that stocks tend to outperform from November to April, with an average return of 7% during this period since 1945 [13] - If the S&P 500 is up more than 15% year-to-date by the end of October, stocks have finished higher in November and December 95% of the time [14]

San Antonio, TX, Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- U.S. Global Investors, Inc. (“the Company”), a San Antonio-based registered investment adviser known for it focus on niche markets around the world, is proud to announce an ongoing partnership with Keystone School, the city’s top-rated, private college preparatory institution, in an effort to address the democratic backsliding that appears to be happening around the globe. The partnership kicks off with a $10,000 donation to Keystone’s award-winning Model U ...

Core Viewpoint - China's recent restrictions on rare earth exports signify a strategic shift in the global supply chain for critical minerals, potentially igniting a new "gold rush" in the West as countries seek to secure their own supplies [2][20]. Industry Overview - China currently dominates the rare earth market, controlling approximately 70% of global mining, 92% of refining, and 98% of magnet production [5]. - The 17 rare earth elements (REEs) are essential for various modern technologies, including electric vehicles, defense systems, and consumer electronics [4]. Recent Developments - Starting December 1, 2023, companies exporting goods with over 0.1% of their value from Chinese-sourced rare earths must obtain a government license, marking the most extensive export ban in China's history [7]. - The new regulations also impact supply chains linked to foreign defense contractors, affecting advanced weapon systems like the F-35, which relies on significant amounts of rare earths [8]. Market Reaction - Following China's announcement, rare earth stocks have surged, particularly those of Lynas Rare Earths, Iluka Resources, and MP Materials, the largest rare earth miner in the U.S. [11]. Government Initiatives - The U.S. Department of Defense has made a $400 million equity investment in MP Materials to secure a stable supply of neodymium-praseodymium magnets for defense applications [12]. - The U.S. and Australia have signed a Critical Minerals Framework Agreement, committing at least $1 billion to enhance processing capacity and reduce reliance on Chinese supplies [13]. Future Outlook - The current situation may lead to a new resource supercycle in critical minerals, driven by bipartisan support for reshoring and significant capital investments [20]. - Historical precedents, such as the U.S. semiconductor industry's recovery in the 1990s, suggest that the U.S. could regain its footing in the rare earth sector if it maintains its strategic focus [18][19].

Group 1 - The U.S. government has been in a shutdown since October 1, marking the first shutdown since 2019, primarily due to political gridlock over funding issues [1] - Frank Holmes is a notable figure in the investment community, serving as CEO and chief investment officer of U.S. Global Investors, which manages over $4 billion in assets [1] - Holmes is recognized for his expertise in gold and precious metals, as well as for launching innovative investment products [1] Group 2 - Holmes also holds the position of executive chairman at HIVE Blockchain Technologies, the first publicly traded cryptocurrency mining company [1]

Group 1 - The article does not provide any specific content related to a company or industry [1]

Market Analysis by covering: S&P 500, Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Oracle Corporation. Read 's Market Analysis on Investing.com ...

Core Viewpoint - U.S. Global Investors, Inc. continues to pay monthly dividends amid a strong gold market, highlighting the company's focus on gold mining stocks and the airline industry [1][3]. Dividend Announcement - The Board approved a monthly dividend of $0.0075 per share starting in October 2025, with record dates on October 14, November 10, and December 15, and payment dates on October 27, November 24, and December 29 [2][8]. - Based on the closing price of $2.48 on September 15, 2025, this dividend yields an annualized rate of 3.63% [2]. Gold Market Insights - Gold prices have reached historic highs in 2025, driven by central bank purchases, persistent inflation, and global political uncertainties [3]. - The average all-in sustaining costs (AISC) for gold mining are around $1,500 per ounce, while spot prices exceed this, resulting in significant profit margins for miners [3]. - The NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index has achieved all-time highs, with many mining companies reporting triple-digit gains year-to-date [3]. Investment Opportunities - The U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF (GOAU) provides targeted exposure to gold mining, combining traditional producers with royalty and streaming companies [4]. - GOAU reached a record intraday high of $37.75 per share on September 19, 2025, nearly doubling its price since the beginning of the year [5]. - As of June 30, 2025, GOAU held 29 companies with a weighted average market cap of $10.9 billion, including major royalty firms like Wheaton Precious Metals and Franco-Nevada [5]. Performance Metrics - The U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF reported total annualized returns of 56.93% for one year as of June 30, 2025 [9].

Core Insights - The article discusses the earnings call insights compiled from various transcripts and content available on the Seeking Alpha website, emphasizing the limitations of AI-generated insights [1][1]. Group 1 - The earnings call insights are generated by an AI tool and have not been curated or reviewed by editors, which raises concerns about their accuracy and completeness [1][1]. - The insights are intended for informational purposes only and do not account for individual financial situations or objectives [1][1]. - Seeking Alpha does not provide personalized investment advice and is not a licensed securities dealer or investment adviser [1][1].

Company Overview - U.S. Global Investors is an innovative investment manager with extensive experience in global markets and specialized sectors [5] - The company employs a quantamental strategy to develop thematic smart beta 2.0 products [5] - Founded as an investment club, U.S. Global Investors became a registered investment adviser in 1968 [5] Presentation Details - The webcast features presentations from Frank Holmes, CEO and Chief Investment Officer, Lisa Callicotte, Chief Financial Officer, and Holly Schoenfeldt, Director of Marketing [1] - The company expresses appreciation for its loyal shareholders during the presentation [4]

Company Overview - U.S. Global Investors is an innovative investment manager with extensive experience in global markets and specialized sectors [5] - The company employs a quantamental strategy to develop thematic smart beta 2.0 products [5] - Founded as an investment club, U.S. Global Investors became a registered investment adviser in 1968 [5] Presentation Details - The webcast features presentations from Frank Holmes, CEO and Chief Investment Officer, Lisa Callicotte, Chief Financial Officer, and Holly Schoenfeldt, Director of Marketing [1] - The company expresses appreciation for its loyal shareholders during the presentation [4]