Why silver could top $100 an ounce within weeks. - Getty Images/iStockphoto Trading-exchange operator CME Group made it more expensive in recent weeks for people to trade silver futures contracts. That doesn’t seem to bother investors, who have lifted prices up to their highest levels on record, with many setting their sights on the psychologically important $100-an-ounce mark. CME CME already raised its silver futures contract performance bond requirement, also known as margin, once in January after bu ...

KEY TAKEAWAYS A decision by CME Group to adjust its metals contracts halted a recent rally in precious metalsTraders must apply more upfront cash to bet on metals pricesGold and silver remain on pace for their highest returns since 1979. After a strong week-long rally that sent gold, silver and other precious metals prices to all-time highs, prices fell sharply Monday after exchange operator CME Group made a key change to its metals contracts. After peaking at $4,565 per troy ounce Friday, spot gold wa ...

Summary of Abaxx Technologies FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company Name**: Abaxx Technologies (OTCPK:ABXX.F) - **Industry**: Commodity trading and technology - **Focus**: Development of software tools for commodity traders and finance professionals in Canada [1][2] Core Points and Arguments - **Market Inefficiencies**: The company identifies significant inefficiencies in the trading of commodities, particularly metals, due to outdated market structures [3][5] - **Unique Positioning**: Abaxx aims to be a full-stack commodity exchange and clearing house, focusing solely on commodities rather than diversifying into other financial products like crypto [5][6] - **Regulatory Milestone**: The company is one of the first globally regulated commodity clearing houses since Dodd-Frank, with operations based in Singapore [7][8] - **Flagship Products**: - **Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)**: The world's first physical futures contract for LNG, which is expected to become a major commodity market [10][11] - **Battery Metals**: Contracts for nickel sulfate and lithium carbonate, addressing the lack of physical pricing in these markets [13] - **Gold Contracts**: A kilo bar gold contract tailored for the Asian market, differing from existing US-based contracts [14] Market Dynamics - **Commodity Market Characteristics**: The commodity market is described as "sticky," with established contracts holding significant market share, making it difficult for new entrants to gain traction [12] - **Growth Potential**: The total addressable market (TAM) for LNG and related products is estimated at 300,000 average daily volume (ADV), with current trading at approximately 1,000 ADV [19] Revenue Model - **Trading Fees**: Revenue is generated through fees for trading and clearing contracts, with potential high margins due to the fixed cost structure of exchanges [18] - **Future Revenue Streams**: Plans to expand into data services and technology solutions, including a SaaS model for digital title management [15][36] Technology and Innovation - **Cloud-Native Infrastructure**: Abaxx operates as a fully cloud-native exchange, leveraging modern technology for trading and settlement processes [22][23] - **Tokenization and Real-Time Transactions**: The company is focused on real-time tokenization of assets, addressing issues of legal finality and privacy in blockchain applications [24][25][27] Competitive Landscape - **Competitors**: Major competitors include CME, ICE, Hong Kong Exchanges, and Deutsche Börse, but Abaxx differentiates itself by focusing on underdeveloped commodity markets [38][39] - **Human Capital Advantage**: The company boasts a strong team with extensive experience in commodities, which is seen as a competitive advantage over larger, established exchanges [40] Financial Position - **Market Capitalization**: The enterprise value is approximately $1 billion, with significant backing from institutional investors [30] - **Funding and Runway**: The company has a solid balance sheet and over a year of runway at current operating costs, with ongoing efforts to ramp up revenue [31] Additional Insights - **Education and Outreach**: Abaxx emphasizes the importance of educating the market about its products and the commodity trading landscape through initiatives like podcasts [42] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the Abaxx Technologies FY Conference Call, highlighting the company's strategic focus, market positioning, and growth potential in the commodity trading sector.