Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current sentiment and positioning of funds in the U.S. futures market for precious metals, highlighting shifts in net long and short positions, particularly for gold, silver, platinum, and copper, as well as the implications of changing interest rate expectations on metal prices [2][28]. Group 1: Fund Positioning and Market Sentiment - As of January 6, net long positions for all metals except gold and copper have increased month-over-month, with palladium contracts returning to a net long position after two weeks of net short [2][6]. - The net long position for U.S. gold funds decreased by 2% to 386 tons, marking the lowest level in five weeks [2][6]. - The U.S. copper fund's short position has fallen to the lowest level recorded since 2007, indicating an overly optimistic sentiment in the market [2][16]. Group 2: Interest Rate Expectations - Market expectations for a rate cut in March have dropped from 49.5% to 29.9%, and for April from 62.5% to 42.4%, with the first rate cut not expected to exceed 50% probability until June [2][28]. - The delay in the Fed's rate cut timeline may serve as a reason for potential softening in precious metal prices [2][28]. Group 3: Precious Metals Performance - The net long position for U.S. silver funds increased by 6% to 2,746 tons, the highest level in two weeks, despite a drop in long positions to the lowest since October 2013 [6][8]. - Platinum funds saw an 80% increase in net long positions, reaching 11 tons, the highest in two weeks, while short positions fell to the lowest level in 133 weeks [6][10]. - Gold prices have risen by 64.4% despite a contraction in net long positions, indicating strong physical demand outpacing futures market dynamics [14][16]. Group 4: Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The article notes that the copper market has been influenced by expectations of strong demand due to AI and new technologies, leading to price increases and historical highs [16][30]. - The article emphasizes the importance of monitoring the gold-to-mining stock ratio as a forward-looking indicator for gold prices [19][21]. - The silver-to-gold ratio is currently near historical averages, suggesting potential volatility in both directions [24][26].

Core Viewpoint - ATHA Energy Corp. has announced a binding term sheet with Queen's Road Capital Investment Ltd. for a private placement of USD$20 million in unsecured convertible debentures [1] Group 1: Company Overview - ATHA Energy Corp. is engaging in a private placement to raise capital through the issuance of unsecured convertible debentures [1] - The principal amount of the offering is USD$20 million, which is approximately CAD$27.7 million [1] Group 2: Financial Details - The offering consists of unsecured convertible debentures, indicating a potential for conversion into equity at a later date [1] - The transaction is expected to enhance the company's financial position and support its growth initiatives [1]

Core Viewpoint - Par Pacific Holdings (PARR) has experienced a significant increase of over 113% in its stock price, indicating potential for further growth despite the substantial rise already observed [1]. Company Insights - The analyst has over a decade of experience in financial markets, primarily in hedge funds, and emphasizes a rigorous approach to investment analysis [1]. - The analyst has a long position in PARR shares, indicating confidence in the company's future performance [2]. Sector Analysis - The analyst has a strong interest in the energy and minerals sectors, which are perceived to offer incredible growth opportunities and are actively researched [1].

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing conflict between President Trump and Fed Chair Jerome Powell may lead to inflationary pressures, potentially unanchoring inflation expectations [1]. Group 1: Federal Reserve and Inflation - The credibility of the Federal Reserve is at risk, which could undermine progress in controlling inflation expectations [2]. - Year-ahead inflation expectations remained steady at 4.2% in January, the lowest since January 2025, indicating some stability despite underlying tensions [5]. - The Federal Reserve's independence is crucial for maintaining stable interest rates, and any challenge to this independence could lead to increased inflation expectations [4]. Group 2: Market Reactions and Investment Strategies - Investors are advised to consider real assets, such as gold and energy stocks, as hedges against potential inflation risks [2]. - A potential sell-off in stocks may occur as investors adjust to the heightened risks associated with the Fed's independence being challenged [5]. - The situation is expected to evolve, with Fed independence risks becoming a significant theme throughout 2026 [5].

Core Insights - Cohen & Company Capital Markets has opened a new office in Houston, aiming to enhance its advisory services in the energy and energy transition sectors following a significant increase in deal flow, closing $44 billion in transactions in 2025 [1][4] Company Expansion - The firm appointed Rahul Jasuja as Head of Energy and Energy Transition, who brings 20 years of investment banking experience, particularly in M&A advisory and capital markets transactions [2] - The Houston office will serve as a hub for energy and energy transition advisory services, focusing on disciplined capital allocation across traditional energy and sustainable solutions [3] Strategic Focus Areas - The Houston office will concentrate on four core verticals: 1. Advising on nuclear, geothermal, and other dispatchable energy platforms to support long-term demand growth 2. Advising companies in critical minerals and technology sectors essential for energy security 3. Supporting sustainable fuels and decarbonization technologies 4. Assisting traditional energy operators with M&A and portfolio evolution strategies [7] Market Positioning - Cohen & Company Capital Markets is recognized as a leading SPAC bank, having led various SPAC IPOs in 2025, and is committed to investing in infrastructure that supports AI, defense, and energy transition [4][5] - The firm emphasizes a high-touch alternative to bulge-bracket banks, focusing on the transition from incubation to industrial scale-up in frontier technology [5] Asset Management Overview - As of September 30, 2025, Cohen & Company managed approximately $1.4 billion in assets, primarily in fixed income across various asset classes, including European bank securities and commercial real estate loans [8] Company Profile - Cohen & Company Capital Markets operates as a full-service boutique investment bank, providing strategic counsel and execution capabilities across M&A advisory, capital markets, and SPAC transactions, with a focus on middle-market and growth companies [9]

Market Overview - The sharemarket opened positively, influenced by an upbeat Wall Street session and higher oil prices, with gains led by financials, consumer discretionary, and energy stocks [1] - The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.8% to 8,785.90 points, recovering from a 0.1% decline last week [2] Sector Performance - Financials advanced by 1.2%, recovering from a 2.5% decline the previous week due to concerns over potential rate hikes and market competition [2][8] - Consumer discretionary was the best-performing sector, gaining 2.12% and 3.01% over the past five days [7][10] - Energy stocks increased by 1.2%, driven by higher oil prices amid geopolitical tensions [8] Top Gainers - Light & Wonder Inc. (LNW) led the top performers, closing at $182.500, up $27.800, a gain of 17.970% [3][9] - Catapult Sports Ltd (CAT) rose to $4.410, gaining $0.270 or 6.521% [3][9] - Other notable gainers included Ramelius Resources Limited (RMS), Newmont Corporation (NEM), and Pantoro Gold Limited (PNR) [9] Notable Declines - Mesoblast Limited (MSB) was among the weakest performers, closing at $2.850, down $0.220 or 7.167% [5][10] - Super Retail Group Limited (SUL) fell to $14.890, down $0.830 or 5.280% [5][10] - Additional losses were seen in DroneShield Limited (DRO), Insurance Australia Group Limited (IAG), and BHP Group Limited (BHP) [6][10] Mining Sector - The mining sector slipped by 0.1%, impacted by a 1% decline in BHP due to rising iron ore inventories at Chinese ports [9][10]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the focus on cash flow and the potential for value and growth in the oil and natural gas sector [1] - Crude Value Insights provides a service that includes a 50+ stock model account and in-depth cash flow analyses of exploration and production (E&P) firms [1] - Subscribers benefit from live chat discussions about the oil and gas sector, enhancing community engagement and information sharing [1] Group 2 - A two-week free trial is offered to new subscribers, encouraging them to explore the services related to oil and gas investments [2]

Core Viewpoint - Meta's recent nuclear power agreements are positioned as a strategic move to bolster the U.S. in the AI competition against China, addressing rising energy demands and enhancing the power grid [1][5]. Group 1: Nuclear Power Agreements - Meta has signed 20-year agreements to purchase power from three Vistra-owned nuclear plants located in Ohio and Pennsylvania [1][5]. - The deals are projected to supply up to 6.6 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2035 [2]. - The agreements will also support the development of small modular nuclear reactors in collaboration with Oklo and TerraPower, the latter being backed by billionaire Bill Gates [6]. Group 2: Economic Impact - The investments are expected to create thousands of skilled jobs in local communities, including positions for pipefitters, steel workers, electricians, and plumbers [8]. - Meta's agreements, along with a previous deal to extend the operation of an Illinois nuclear plant for another 20 years, will position the company as one of the largest corporate buyers of nuclear power in U.S. history [10]. Group 3: Strategic Partnerships - The company expresses enthusiasm about partnering with American firms and the Trump administration to drive significant energy investments in new nuclear power [2][5]. - Kaplan emphasizes the positive contributions these investments will have on the economy and local communities [5][11].

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman attend an event to pitch AI for businesses in Tokyo, Japan Feb. 3, 2025.OpenAI and SoftBank Group announced plans to invest $1 billion in SB Energy as part of a strategic partnership that will support OpenAI's artificial intelligence infrastructure buildout.The partnership is part of the $500 billion Stargate commitment that OpenAI, SoftBank and Oracle announced last January at the White House, according to a Friday release. As part of the agreement, SB E ...

Group 1: Morgan Stanley - Morgan Stanley is expanding into digital assets with plans to launch a digital wallet in the second half of 2026, which is seen as a positive development for its wealth management business [1] - Analyst Kian Abouhossein from JPMorgan maintained a Neutral rating on Morgan Stanley and raised the price target from $157 to $162 [1] - Morgan Stanley shares fell 0.1% to close at $184.68 [4] Group 2: Leidos Holdings - Leidos Holdings appointed Theodore "Ted" Tanner Jr. as its new chief technology officer on December 15 [2] - Analyst Bill Baruch highlighted the strong chart and balance sheet of Leidos, suggesting a bullish outlook above $200 [2] - Leidos shares fell 0.7% to settle at $195.22 [4] Group 3: Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners has a dividend yield of 6.9%, as noted by Gilman Hill Asset Management CEO Jenny Harrington [2] - Analyst Justin Jenkins from Raymond James downgraded Enterprise Products Partners from Strong Buy to Outperform while maintaining a price target of $36 [3] - Enterprise Products Partners shares rose 0.5% to close at $31.86 [4] Group 4: Amazon - Joshua Brown from Ritholtz Wealth Management selected Amazon.com as his final trade [3] - Jefferies analyst Brent Thill maintained a Buy rating on Amazon and raised the price target from $275 to $300 [3] - Amazon shares rose 1.9% to settle at $246.29 [4]