Core Insights - Pan American Silver (PAAS) and First Majestic Silver (AG) are prominent players in the silver mining sector, both headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, and providing exposure to silver and gold [1][2] - Silver prices have increased by 28% and gold prices by 29% this year, driven by safe-haven demand, geopolitical tensions, and supply deficits [1] - The silver market is projected to face another deficit in 2025, which is expected to positively impact prices [1] Company Overview: Pan American Silver - Pan American Silver is a leading silver and gold producer in the Americas, operating 12 mines across several countries [3] - As of June 30, 2024, Pan American's mineral reserves included 468 million ounces of silver and 6.7 million ounces of gold, with an expected increase of 58 million ounces from the acquisition of MAG Silver Corp. [4][5] - The company reported a 28.6% year-over-year revenue increase to $773 million in Q1, with record mine operating earnings of $250.8 million [6][10] - Silver production was 5 million ounces in Q1, with expectations to meet 2025 guidance of 20-21 million ounces of silver [8][9] Company Overview: First Majestic Silver - First Majestic Silver focuses on silver and gold production primarily in Mexico and the U.S., operating four underground mines [13] - Proven and probable mineral reserves are estimated at 86.8 million ounces of silver and 594,000 ounces of gold as of December 31, 2024 [14] - The company achieved a 130% increase in Q1 revenues to $243.9 million, driven by the Cerro Los Gatos Silver Mine and higher silver prices [16][10] - Total production reached 7.7 million silver-equivalent ounces in Q1, marking a 49% year-over-year increase [15] Financial Performance Comparison - Pan American's adjusted earnings per share for 2025 are estimated at $1.47, reflecting an 86.1% year-over-year growth [21] - First Majestic's earnings estimate for 2025 is 12 cents per share, an improvement from a loss of 14 cents in 2024 [22] - PAAS stock has increased by 40% over the past year, outperforming the industry's growth of 18.5%, while AG has gained 30.7% [23] Valuation and Market Position - Pan American is trading at a forward price-to-sales multiple of 3.39X, below the industry average of 4.06X, while AG trades at 4.48X [25] - Pan American offers a dividend yield of 1.38%, significantly higher than First Majestic's 0.22% [27] - The average price target for Pan American suggests a 9% increase, while First Majestic's average price target implies a 2% decline [28] Investment Outlook - Both companies are positioned to benefit from rising silver and gold prices, with strong production expectations and expansion efforts [29] - Pan American has shown better performance in share price gains and dividend yield, along with positive earnings estimate revisions [30] - With a more attractive valuation and higher growth potential, Pan American Silver is viewed as a more compelling investment choice compared to First Majestic [33]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a bearish outlook on oil prices, expecting Brent crude to decline to $60-65 per barrel in the coming months from current levels of $68-70 per barrel [1] Core Insights - Ongoing geopolitical tensions provide a selling and hedging opportunity for oil producers, particularly in light of potential military actions involving Iran [1] - The report suggests a 60% chance of a US/Iran nuclear deal, which could lead to increased oil supply and lower prices [1] - If substantial progress is made in the upcoming Oman meeting, Brent prices are expected to revert to the mid-$60s per barrel range [5][24] Summary by Sections Geopolitical Context - The geopolitical situation is currently contained, with scheduled meetings between the US and Iran, and discouragement of military action from the US [2][10] - Many Gulf states are now more supportive of engaging Iran compared to a decade ago, indicating a shift in regional dynamics [10] Price Projections - In the event of a nuclear deal, Brent prices could drop to around $60 per barrel or lower, with WTI potentially falling to the low-$50s per barrel [6][26] - Conversely, if military actions escalate, prices could temporarily surge to $75-80 per barrel [3][23] Market Dynamics - Historical data indicates that similar geopolitical tensions have previously led to price increases of approximately $6-8 per barrel [4][11] - Managed money net length changes could also influence price movements, with potential for a price rise if positioning shifts occur [16][17] Supply Considerations - An increase in unsanctioned Iranian oil supply could further depress prices, especially if Iran raises production by an additional 0.5 million barrels per day [5][26] - OPEC+ may slow or pause its production return in response to falling prices, which could set the stage for a future price recovery [6][25]

Now, we're going to turn to more breaking news. The markets down this morning in the wake of Israel's strikes on Iran and renewed fears of a broader regional war after Iran's nuclear sites were targeted. You can see the Dow now down 661 points.Joining us now is NBC News senior business correspondent Christine Romans. What are the big takeaways emerging here. Which markets are we watching specifically.Which sectors. Well, spiking oil markets here is the really big thing to watch. And you see the stock market ...

Group 1 - Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have led to an increase in crude oil prices, with U.S. crude up 8.5% at $73.81 per barrel [1] - Chevron Corp stock is up 1.7% trading at $146.91, while ConocoPhillips and EOG Resources stocks have risen 4.5%, trading at $98.94 and $126.05 respectively [2] - The increase in stock prices has pushed Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and EOG Resources out of the red for 2025 [2] Group 2 - Options trading activity has surged, with Chevron seeing 9,640 calls traded, which is triple its typical intraday pace [3] - ConocoPhillips has experienced call volume at twice the average, with 2,606 calls traded [3] - EOG Resources is also witnessing increased call volume, with 475 contracts exchanged, indicating strong trader interest [3]

Geopolitical Impact on Natural Gas Market - Middle East tensions highlight the importance of American energy and its role in global energy security [1] - American natural gas can replace energy from pro-dictator nations, fostering global stability, peace, and prosperity [2] - Geopolitical tensions are spiking, impacting trade dynamics [3] US LNG as a Strategic Tool - US LNG, as the number two export for America, is a key trading tool for strengthening international relationships and mitigating tariff impacts [4] - The current administration's support for US LNG is seen as a positive factor for stable trade and certainty for American business [4] - Leveraging US LNG can contribute to global peace and prosperity [5] Natural Gas Demand and Supply - The Middle East is expected to be a supplier of LNG, while Asia and Europe will be major demand centers for American LNG [7] - Increased US LNG is needed to replace Russian gas in Europe [8] - US LNG demand is projected to double by 2030, increasing by an incremental 15 BCF (billion cubic feet) per day [8] - The world is energy short, requiring more American energy to meet demand [9]

Core Insights - SSR Mining Inc. has temporarily suspended operations at the Seabee mine in Canada due to power outages caused by nearby forest fires [1][8] - The Seabee mine produced 26,001 ounces of gold in Q1 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 9.4% [2][8] - Despite the operational halt, SSR Mining's shares rose by 3% and reached a 52-week high of $13.33, driven by high gold and silver prices [4][8] Production and Financial Outlook - SSR Mining expects the Seabee mine to produce between 70,000 to 80,000 ounces of gold for the full year of 2025 [3] - The cost of sales for the mine is projected to be between $1,230 and $1,270 per payable ounce, with an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) anticipated to be between $1,710 and $1,750 per payable ounce for 2025 [3] Market Performance - Silver prices have reached a 13-year high above $36 per ounce, while gold prices have also seen significant increases, currently around $3,320 per ounce [5] - SSR Mining's share price has surged by 147.9% over the past year, contrasting with a 2.2% decline in the industry [7] Strategic Moves - The recent acquisition of the Cripple Creek & Victor mine from Newmont Corporation positions SSR Mining as the third-largest gold producer in the United States, expected to boost annual production by 170,000 ounces of gold [6]

Key Takeaways from the Global Container Shipping Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Global Container Shipping - **Key Players**: Adani Ports, Concor, Maersk, Matson, ZIM Core Insights 1. **Geopolitical Impact**: Geopolitical tensions and recent tariffs by the USA administration are influencing global container freight volumes and rates, which are expected to remain strong in CY25 [1][3][10] 2. **Volume Correlation**: India Port Container volumes show a high correlation with global GDP and container growth, indicating potential benefits for Adani Ports and Concor from rising container trade [1][4][10] 3. **Rate Fluctuations**: Asia-US West Coast rates spiked by 40% following the China-US trade agreement, despite a 30-40% YoY drop in China-US volumes in April [2] 4. **Demand Dynamics**: Non-China-US trade lanes experienced a 4-5% demand growth, offsetting the decline in China-US volumes, leading to overall positive demand growth globally [2] 5. **Future Projections**: Global container rates increased by 136% YoY in CY24 due to Middle East tensions, but are expected to moderate by 30% YoY in CY25, with rates remaining elevated [3][10] Company-Specific Insights 1. **Adani Ports Performance**: In FY25, Adani Ports' container volumes rose by 22% YoY, contributing to 42% of its total volume mix, while overall port volumes increased by 11% YoY [4][10] 2. **Concor's Volume Growth**: Concor's volumes are heavily reliant on EXIM trade, which constitutes 81% of its total volumes, although its growth was impacted by a weak rail modal share [4] 3. **Trade Deal Potential**: An interim trade deal between India and the US is anticipated by June 25, which could further boost port container volumes ahead of the peak season [5] Additional Considerations 1. **Inventory Trends**: US retail inventories have been building at a moderate pace of +4.5% YoY, compared to sales growth of +4%, indicating a key dynamic to monitor [2] 2. **Capacity Adjustments**: Approximately 12% of global container capacity has been removed due to rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, impacting Asia-Europe trade significantly [3][10] 3. **Suez Canal Normalization**: A return to normalcy in the Suez Canal could lead to excess capacity and a potential decline in container rates [3] This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the global container shipping call, highlighting the interplay between geopolitical factors, trade dynamics, and company-specific performance within the industry.

Core Viewpoint - Chevron Corporation (CVX) is actively lobbying for an extension to wind down its operations in Venezuela, following the revocation of its license by President Trump, amid geopolitical tensions and U.S. sanctions [1][4][13] Group 1: Chevron's Operations in Venezuela - CVX has been a significant player in Venezuela's oil industry, accounting for approximately 25% of the country's total oil production and about a third of its oil exports [9] - The company has joint ventures with Venezuela's state-owned oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), and its operations are crucial for maintaining some financial stability in the country [10][12] - Critics argue that CVX's presence supports Nicolás Maduro's regime, while others believe that a withdrawal would worsen the economic crisis and increase instability and migration [2][5] Group 2: Lobbying Efforts and Political Dynamics - CEO Mike Wirth has engaged in extensive lobbying efforts, meeting with high-ranking officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, to secure more time for CVX's exit [3][8] - Wirth's discussions emphasize the strategic importance of CVX's continued presence in Venezuela, warning that a sudden departure could allow U.S. adversaries like China to expand their influence [7][12] - Rubio, a critic of the Maduro regime, insists that CVX should comply with the administration's deadline, reflecting the broader policy direction of the Trump administration [6][8] Group 3: Economic Implications of Withdrawal - Chevron has warned that a rapid exit could destabilize Venezuela's oil sector, leading to increased unemployment and exacerbating the migration crisis [5][12] - The potential exit of CVX could also impact other international players in Venezuela's oil sector, including European companies like Repsol, Shell, and BP, which are interconnected with CVX's activities [11] - Management has indicated that CVX intends to comply with U.S. sanctions while gradually handing over operations to PDVSA to minimize disruption [12][13]

Chinese stocks struggled today after President Donald Trump said additional tariffs on Chinese imports are slated to go into effect Tuesday. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index fell 3.3%, suffering one of its worst days since mid October.Shares of Alibaba (BABA -2.91%) traded 2.7% lower as of 11:30 a.m. ET, while shares of Tencent (TCEHY -2.84%) traded 2.4% lower. Shares of GDS Holdings (GDS 0.40%) initially slid almost 8% in pre-market trading but had recouped most of those losses by 11: 30.Trump may be more serio ...