Core Viewpoint - The US has canceled a $500 million tender for cobalt procurement, which was intended to build resilience against critical minerals shortages, following multiple extensions and less than two months after its launch [1]. Group 1: Tender Cancellation - The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) initially invited bids for up to 7,500 tons of alloy-grade cobalt over five years, marking the first stockpile acquisition since 1990 [1]. - The cancellation was due to unresolved issues with the Statement of Work, with plans to re-issue the solicitation once these issues are addressed [2]. Group 2: Supplier Limitations - Eligible suppliers for the cobalt tender were limited to three producers: Vale SA in Canada, Sumitomo Metal Mining in Japan, and Glencore's Nikkelverk refinery in Norway, indicating a preference for sourcing from allied nations [3]. Group 3: Challenges in Stockpiling - Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy highlighted significant challenges in the US stockpiling initiative, emphasizing the need for clarity, strategic alignment, and substantial investment [4][5]. - Concerns were raised about poor storage conditions potentially degrading cobalt's usability over time, which could undermine the value of the stockpile [5]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - Earlier this year, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which produces approximately 75% of the world's cobalt, banned exports to curb oversupply and increase prices, resulting in a more than doubling of prices [6]. - The DRC has since replaced its export ban with a quota-based system, requiring companies to export their full allocated volumes or risk losing their quotas [7]. Group 5: Future Strategies - The Trump administration is shifting towards equity stakes in strategic industries as a response to market uncertainties, with plans to enhance efforts in controlling critical supply chains rather than solely relying on stockpiles [8][9].

The White House taking a 10% stake in Trilogy Metals, securing energy and mining projects in Alaska. With the latest is Bloomberg's Tyler Kendall. Hi, Tyler.Yeah. Hey, Jon. So this company has these mining claims in a remote area of Alaska.And importantly, the deal comes in tangent with President Trump reversing a Biden era decision which blocked something known as the Ambler Road Project. This is a controversial project that would build an access road to this mineral rich mining district in Alaska. And as ...

Industrial policy is no longer a dirty word, but the Intel purchase shows how Trump has corrupted a good idea (via @opinion) https://t.co/q5RbBhuKtt ...

Government Policy & Strategy - The Trump administration is increasingly intervening in free-enterprise to advance its strategic goals [1] - "Industrial policy," once rejected by Ronald Reagan's party, is now being embraced [1]

question for you. We've seen a centralization of authority in the federal government and we're sitting here talking about, hey, central government plus capitalism doesn't work as well as rule of law. Do you worry sometimes, hey, Biden wanted to use executive orders to do the student loan thing and you know, Trump obviously has taken tariffs and there's a big question, maybe the tariffs are, my understanding is they're supposed to reside with Congress and there's a lawsuit about that.Maybe that goes back to ...

Market Trends & Political Influence - M&A bankers find deal-making tough due to partisan agendas, reflecting unprecedented intrusion from the Trump White House [1] - The current political climate is described as autocratic, with interference in the free market, drawing parallels to Hugo Chavez-style leftist policies, despite being led by a leader claiming right-wing or conservative ideologies [1] - There's a perceived shift where the Republican party is embracing industrial policy, a concept previously criticized, impacting views of Wall Street sources [1] Government Intervention & Corporate Concerns - Major companies fear potential repercussions, including government attacks and even the jailing of leaders, if they don't comply with demands on diversity programs and hiring [1] - CEOs are now considering back-channeling with the president's administration before making hiring decisions to avoid potential backlash [1] - Business leaders, including some Republicans, are hesitant to speak out on issues like gun violence due to fear of negative consequences from the president [3] Democratic Party & Wall Street Views - Wall Street perceives the Democratic party as either broken or moving in a different direction, particularly concerning issues like the Mandami situation in New York City [2][3] - The traditional belief that wealth (starting with a billion dollars) insulates individuals and allows for independent speech is being challenged by the current political climate [3] - Even the wealthiest individuals recognize the government's power to potentially imprison them, highlighting a limitation to their influence [4][5]