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New Age Metals $NAM.ca – Investor demand to create deficit in #platinum market in 2019 $WG.ca $XTM.ca $WM.ca $PDL.ca $GLEN

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 2:55 PM on Tuesday, November 26th, 2019

SPONSOR: New Age Metals Inc. The company owns one of North America’s largest primary platinum group metals deposit in Sudbury, Canada. Updated NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate 2,867,000 PdEq Measured and Indicated Ounces, with an additional 1,059,000 PdEq Ounces in the Inferred. Learn More.

Investor demand to create deficit in platinum market in 2019 – WPIC

  • In its Platinum Quarterly report for the third quarter, the WPIC updated its supply and demand forecast for the year and released its initial estimates for 2020
  • Because of strong demand for exchange-traded products the platinum’s expected surplus of 345,000 ounces is projected to fall into a 30,000 ounce deficit

(Kitco News) – Unprecedented investment demand has helped to transform the platinum market, shifting what was expected to be a surplus market into a small deficit, according to the latest data from the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC).

In its Platinum Quarterly report for the third quarter, the WPIC updated its supply and demand forecast for the year and released its initial estimates for 2020. Because of strong demand for exchange-traded products the platinum’s expected surplus of 345,000 ounces is projected to fall into a 30,000 ounce deficit.

“The substantial 12% increase in total demand is driven by record ETF buying, which more than offsets expected demand decreases in the automotive (-5%), jewelry (-6%) and industrial (-1%) segments and total supply growth of 2% for full-year 2019,” the WPIC said in a press release.

According to the report, funds investment demand has driven platinum-backed ETF holding to one million ounces so far this year; “the highest seen since physically backed platinum ETFs were launched in 2007,” the report said.

“This ETF buying by large institutional investors, who typically take 2 to 3 year views and positions, reflect the value opportunity they see; driven by future demand growth potential and constrained supply,” the WPIC said.

Looking ahead, the council said that they are forecasting a surplus of 670,000 ounces next year, reflecting a 1% increase in supply and a 10% decrease in demand.

However, Trevor Raymond, director of research with the council, said that the estimates are fairly conservative and it wouldn’t take much to push the market back into neutral territory. Raymond added that he expects investor demand to remain strong.

“You only need two or three funds to increase their platinum holding to see a repeat of this year,” he said. “The fact that investment demand has turned the market around so quickly should not be ignored.”

Along with investment demand, Raymond said that their estimates also don’t include substitute projections and rising diesel vehicle demand.

With palladium expected to see its ninth consecutive year of supply deficits, Raymond said that substitution remains an important topic within the PGM market. He added that he suspects that auto companies are already using cheaper platinum instead of palladium.

“I think we will start to see signs of substitution within the next 12 to 18 months,” he said.

Raymond added that a bottoming in the European diesel auto market would also be a positive sign for platinum.

“Every 4% increase in market share in the European auto market equals roughly 100,000 ounces of platinum,” he said. “Auto companies substituting 4% of the palladium for platinum would equal about 400,000 ounces. If a few factors come together next year the market can easily become balanced again.”

As for platinum jewelry demand, which has declined 6% so far this year, Raymond said that stable higher prices could ignite renewed interest, especially in China and India, as those markets continue to deal with near-record high gold prices.

Source: https://www.kitco.com/news/2019-11-21/Investor-demand-to-create-deficit-in-platinum-market-in-2019-WPIC.html

CLIENT FEATURE: ZEN Graphene Solutions $ZEN.ca Creating a Sustainable Graphene Market Through Research and Development $LLG.ca $FMS.ca $NGC.ca $CVE.ca $DNI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 2:43 PM on Tuesday, November 26th, 2019

Multiple Intellectual Property Licensing Agreements:

Definitive Graphene Manufacturing Process License Agreement

  • This agreement licenses to ZEN the intellectual property created by scientists and laboratories in collaboration with ZEN, and provides that a royalty is payable by ZEN based on the annual amount of material processed under the intellectual property.
  • Signed an 18-month exclusive initial option agreement with the University of Guelph for intellectual property regarding an electrochemical exfoliation (ECE) process to produce Graphene Oxide.
  • Collaborative Research Agreement (CRA) Template – Forms the basis of each agreement with various UBC researchers and Universities.
  • Each contributing significantly to unlocking the value of the Albany Graphite deposit and creating a strong intellectual property foundation.

Graphene Aerogel Battery Development Program:

Coordinating with the German Aerospace Center

  • A proprietary aerogel formulation containing doping with either ZEN’s reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) or Graphene produced via ZEN’s licensed process was tested. The unoptimized results are believed to be better than those currently reported in the literature for Graphene Aerogel batteries.
  • Graphene-containing aerogels could have the potential to be a low-cost, low-weight, high-performance composite materials for near future energy storage applications.
  • Results extremely positive, and DLR applied for and received federal funding to create a new Innovation Lab (the Center for Aerogels) to work with industrial partners on the development of Aerogels and other graphene-based products.

Albany Graphite:

  • Significantly outperforms both flake/sedimentary graphite and synthetic graphite, demonstrating the uniqueness of ZEN’s graphite and its superior performance to exfoliate into graphene products.
  • ZEN currently has an inventory of approximately 110 tonnes of graphite-mineralized material with an average grade of 6% graphitic carbon (Cg), 110 kilograms of 86% Cg material, 18 kilograms of 99.8% Cg, and 300 grams of GO.
  • The Company will continue to process material and manufacture graphene-related products on an as-needed basis for research and development (R&D) and marketing
  • ZEN’s is developing a proposed webstore which has an anticipated launch date in the first quarter of 2020, for which it is developing an inventory in advance of sales.
Graphene-Enhanced Materials
for Next-Level Performance.

About ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd.

ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd. is an emerging advanced materials and graphene development company with a focus on new solutions using pure graphene and other two-dimensional materials. Our competitive advantage relies on the unique qualities of our multi-decade supply of precursor materials in the Albany Graphite Deposit. Independent labs in Japan, UK, Israel, USA and Canada have demonstrated that ZEN’s Albany Graphite/Naturally PureTM easily converts (exfoliates) to graphene, using a variety of simple mechanical and chemical methods.

ZEN Graphene Solutions Hub on Agoracom

FULL DISCLOSURE: ZEN Graphene Solutions is an advertising client of AGORA Internet Relations Corp

Empower Clinics $CBDT.ca – Canadian #Cannabis 2.0 is on its way and the U.S. is set to be the “biggest and the best cannabis market in the world” $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 12:43 PM on Tuesday, November 26th, 2019

SPONSOR:

Why Empower Clinics

  • A leading owner/operator of physician staffed health and pain management clinics
  • Patient database of over 165,000 patients 
  • Platform generating $4MM USD in revenue annually (2019)
  • Proprietary technology platforms including Electronic Health Records portal and e-Commerce for CBD product distribution
  • Launching CBD extraction facility
  • First extraction system capacity = 6,000 Kg per year.

Canadian Cannabis 2.0 is on its way and the U.S. is set to be the “biggest and the best cannabis market in the world”

By: Ruth Saldanha

Ruth Saldanha: Cannabis stocks in Canada have been a bit of a roller coaster recently. After a dramatic drop earlier this month, the stocks have somewhat recovered but are still trading below our fair value estimates. Is now a buying opportunity? Morningstar Analyst, Kristoffer Inton covers cannabis and is here today to talk about his views.

Kris, thank you so much for being here today.

Kristoffer Inton: Thank you for having me.

Saldanha: What’s going on with Canadian cannabis? Is the distribution the main culprit here?

Inton: Yeah, I think that’s one of the primary causes of what’s going on in Canadian distribution. I think also a part of it is investor expectations. So, I think people forget, this is a growth industry. These are all very early stage stocks. And when we look at where we are in terms of the growth cycle, we’ve only just past one year of recreational legalization. On top of that when you look at how Canada has been doing in terms of its rollout, you look at its two biggest provinces, Ontario and Quebec. They’ve really underperformed relative to expectations in terms of opening dispensaries. So, to us, it’s a little combination of slower than expected government rollout limiting demand growth and investor expectations for growth and even more so profitability a little too soon.

Saldanha: So, should Canadians consider investing in established U.S. retail players while we still wait for the market here to develop a bit more.

Inton: Yeah, I would definitely say so. I think that in our view, the U.S. is going to be the biggest and the best cannabis market in the world. And they operate in isolation the U.S. and Canada and so while the Canadian market continues to develop, you can also play and get investment exposure into the U.S. story as well. And because the U.S. distribution rollout has been a little bit smoother, it looks like growth and profitability are coming to American companies before it has come to for the Canadian companies.

Saldanha: After the recent drop in prices is now a buying opportunity for Canadian cannabis.

Inton: Definitely, I think that it definitely warrants a long-term view. In the near term, it’s not going to take overnight to open enough stores to get distribution right and to get the products lined up. So, it won’t happen in the next quarter or so. But if an investor is patient and willing to wait, they’ll be able to get exposure to a long runway of growth.

Saldanha: Finally, Kris, which is your top Canadian cannabis pick and why?

Inton: So, we recommend two Canadian picks. We like Aurora Cannabis (ACB) and we like Canopy Growth (WEED), really for two different reasons. Aurora Cannabis has largely been focused on production. And it shows their gross margins are the highest amongst the Canadian cannabis companies we cover. And we like Canopy Growth because we think that with the partnership with Constellation Brands, they’re really focused on developing downstream infused consumer products. With Cannabis 2.0 hitting Canada later this year and into next year, we think that Canopy is well exposed to being able to enjoy growth from that.

Saldanha: Thank you so much for being with us today, Kris.

Inton: Thank you.

Saldanha: For Morningstar, I’m Ruth Saldanha.

Source: https://www.morningstar.ca/ca/news/197539/time-to-buy-the-dip-on-cannabis.aspx

BREAKING …. CTV News Cites #Datametrex $DM.ca For Proof That Foreign-Controlled Bot Networks Hit Canadian Election

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:58 AM on Tuesday, November 26th, 2019
  • Prior to the election, Canada’s electronic spy agency issued a stark warning about the potential for foreign cyber interference.
  • Datametrex (DM:TSXV) believes foreign actors not only attempted to do so — they succeeded.
  • Using Artificial Intelligence designed to follow and analyze online narratives, Datametrex published a report investigating issues related to the election.
  • The report, in collaboration with Defence Research and Development Canada, found evidence of Russian bots meddling in Twitter discussions 
  • intention was focused on boosting extreme viewpoints and creating further polarization among groups with similar political views.
  • The report was presented to NATO in mid-October.
  • Datametrex has been awarded $40,000 contract for United States Air Force (USAF)

Foreign actors tried to influence Canadian election talk, but did they succeed?

Police have revealed new details of a ‘SIM swapping scam’ that could have serious implications for victims. (iStock/Bombuscreative)

  • “It doesn’t seem that there is a political agenda. Whether it’s bots or people, they’re engaging the ‘useful idiots’ who sit around on social media and regurgitate anything that fits their social or political agenda,” Marshall Gunter, CEO of Datametrex, said during a phone interview with CTVNews.ca earlier this month.

Nicole Bogart, CTVNews.ca Writer

Published Monday, November 25, 2019 11:43AM EST

TORONTO — Despite concerns of foreign interference and disinformation, a growing epidemic of toxic political dialogue found in online echo chambers should have been at the top of Canada’s concerns going into the federal election, analysts say.

As the dust settles on Parliament Hill, research suggests that foreign-controlled bot networks tapped into growing partisanship in Canada’s online conversations, taking advantage of those dead set in their political beliefs.

“It doesn’t seem that there is a political agenda. Whether it’s bots or people, they’re engaging the ‘useful idiots’ who sit around on social media and regurgitate anything that fits their social or political agenda,” Marshall Gunter, CEO of Datametrex, said during a phone interview with CTVNews.ca earlier this month.

Prior to the election, Canada’s electronic spy agency issued a stark warning about the potential for foreign cyber interference.

The Communications Security Establishment (CSE) said it was “highly likely” that interference in Canada’s democratic process would be done using tactics similar to those used against other countries, including the amplification of polarizing political issues.

Gunter and his team believe foreign actors not only attempted to do so — they succeeded.

“It starts with a wave and turns into a tsunami,” Gunter said, referencing how foreign bad actors work to disrupt political spheres online. “That’s their way of interfering.”

Using machine-learning based technology called Nexalogy, designed to follow and analyze online narratives, Datametrex recently published a report investigating issues related to the election.

The report, in collaboration with Defence Research and Development Canada, found evidence of Russian bots meddling in Twitter discussions on political wedge issues in Canada, including ethical issues, pipelines, and climate change.

But that meddling did not seem to fit a political agenda, such as having a particular candidate elected over another. Instead researchers say its intention was focused on boosting extreme viewpoints and creating further polarization among groups with similar political views.

“Within Canada, the focus is more about distracting the population,” reads the report obtained by CTVNews.ca.

“Upsetting well-established democracies by increasing the divisions between citizens with opposing views is an effective method; while the people of that country are busy ‘fighting’ each other, Russia is able to move with greater freedom with less scrutiny.”

The report was presented to NATO in mid-October.

Although the data analyzed in the report was gathered between June and August, months before the election was officially called, Datametrex president Jeff Stevens said that his team has continued to collect and analyze Twitter conversations related to Canadian politics, including “Wexit,” flagging similar suspicious activity.

This isn’t the first allegation of foreign actors amplifying Canadian political conversations.

In September, analysis of about 34,000 tweets from approximately 4,896 accounts by researcher Marc Owen Jones revealed that 15 per cent of accounts using the hashtag #TrudeauMustGo were ones that primarily identified with U.S. right-wing politics.

Those accounts also showed evidence of spam or bot-like activity.

Speaking to CTVNews.ca in October, Jones said he continued to see this type of activity on Canadian political hashtags despite Twitter downplaying the concerns, saying its investigations found no “substantial bot activity amplifying the cited hashtag.”

When asked about both reports, a government spokesperson told CTVNews.ca by email that the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol panel — designed to respond to threats to the democratic process — did not observe any activities that “met the threshold for public announcement or affected Canada’s ability to have a free and fair election.”

Not everyone is buying the idea of foreign entities meddling in our political discourse.

“Partisanship is the real pernicious force here in the Canadian online discourse,” Taylor Owen, digital media professor, said during an interview on the Attention Control podcast in October.

“It determines who you follow, it determines the language you use, the type of policy you support. It dissuades you from being able to be fact-checked. It really is the variable that causes a lot of the problems that we’ve flagged.”

Owen, director of the Digital Democracy project, spent the course of the election looking at instances of disinformation and interference.

He says his team did not find any evidence of foreign actors driving conversations on Canadian issues.

“One of the things we really saw in our projects is real echo chambers in online debate where partisans were really just talking to each other,” Owen said.

“We didn’t see a lot of what we call formal disinformation campaigns, foreign or domestic.”

Owen suggests that banning foreign ad spending as part of bill C-76 likely decreased the potential for large-scale foreign interference attempts.

Either way, researchers on both sides agree that Canadians are becoming more divided.

“I don’t think this content affected the vote, what it did is degraded the public discourse. It entrenched partisanship and further confirmed their biases,” said Owen.

Source: https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/foreign-actors-tried-to-influence-canadian-election-talk-but-did-they-succeed-1.4701228

Iconic Minerals $ICM.ca – #Lithium Ion #Battery Market Growth Factors, Demand and Trends $LI.ca $MGG.ca $PAC.ca $CYP.ca $NEV.ca $SX.ca Forecast

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 2:00 PM on Monday, November 25th, 2019

SPONSOR: Iconic Minerals Ltd. ICM:TSX-V Bonnie Claire Lithium Property hosts Inferred resource of 11.8 billion pounds of lithium carbonate equivalent and has the potential to be the largest lithium resource globally. Learn More.

Lithium Ion Battery Market Growth Factors, Demand and Trends Forecast

  • In recent years, the growth in the industrial automation has been highly eye-catching
  • This has been particularly beneficial for the development of the global lithium ion battery market for the application of material handling equipment
  • Global lithium ion battery market is driven by the growing penetration of smartphones, tablets, PCs, power tools, and digital cameras
  • Also witnessing an increase from the flourishing automobile industry

By: tmrresearch

Lithium Ion Battery Market – Snapshot

Lithium ion batteries are a type of rechargeable batteries that have high energy density. These batteries have a very wide range of application. However, primarily these lithium ion batteries are used in portable devices and equipment. The global lithium ion battery market is expected to witness a considerable growth over the course of the given forecast period with a considerable rise in the use of tablets, PC, smartphones, digital camera, and other power tools. These batteries have gained immense popularity in recent years, especially in the automobile production sector as they provide a solid alternative to the nickel metal batteries that are primarily used in manufacturing of electric cars. Another reason for their growing use is because of their light weight and small size that make them an ideal fit for a wide range of applications.

In recent years, the growth in the industrial automation has been highly eye-catching. This has been particularly beneficial for the development of the global lithium ion battery market for the application of material handling equipment. Over the years, several technological advancements have brought considerable growth in the material handling equipment sector. Some of the highly popular material handling equipment are automated guided vehicles, intralogistics systems, industrial trucks, and elevating equipment. Interestingly, all of these machine handling equipment are battery operated. With lithium ion’s stronger energy density, long lasting power, compact size, and light weight, these batteries are the most preferred option to be fitted across the equipment. Naturally, this has helped in the development of the global lithium ion battery market.

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that have high energy density and are used extensively in portable equipment. The global lithium ion battery market is driven by the growing penetration of smartphones, tablets, PCs, power tools, and digital cameras. The demand for Li-ion batteries is also witnessing an increase from the flourishing automobile industry. The demand for electric vehicles is increasing and with it, the demand for lithium ion batteries. The popularity of these batteries is increasing among automobile manufacturers as they are small in size and light in weight as compared to nickel metal batteries.

The lithium ion battery market is greatly fragmented with a large number of domestic players. These domestic players are accounting for a high share in the lithium ion battery market. There are small, medium, and large scale players in the industry and this is the reason behind the extreme competitive environment within the global lithium-ion battery market. The introduction of innovative and new technologies will help with the growth of the market. Many players are also investing in research and development and this will trigger increased competition among existing players. Product launches are a key strategy adopted by players in the industry. The lithium ion battery market players are also adopting the strategy of mergers and acquisitions so as to gain competitive edge and increase their customer base.

Global Lithium Ion Battery Market: Overview

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries, in which lithium ions move from positive electrode to negative electrode during charging and back when discharging. These batteries are commonly used in consumer electronics. They make use of an intercalated lithium compound as an electrode material, compared to the metallic lithium used in a non-rechargeable lithium battery.  Besides that, their popularity is growing rapidly across sectors such as military, automotive, aerospace, and industrial.

Global Lithium Ion Battery Market: Key Trends

The various advantages offered by lithium ion batteries such as lightweight, rechargeable, environment-friendliness, high energy density, and no memory effect are boosting their adoption in smartphones, tablets, and automobiles. Hence, the proliferation of smartphones and tablets is providing a fillip to the global lithium ion battery market. Moreover, the escalating need for efficient and green solutions for power supply and energy storage is augmenting the market. Traditional batteries such as nickel-metal-hybrid, lead-acid, and sodium-sulfur have hazardous effects on the environment. In addition, the rising production of hybrid electric vehicles and electrical vehicles is creating a staggering volume of demand for these batteries in the automotive sector.

On the flip side, the higher cost of lithium ion batteries as compared to traditional batteries is limiting their widespread adoption. Furthermore, the risk of overheating and a subsequent fire associated with these batteries can pose a major threat to cars and other electronic devices, which in turn is restricting the lithium ion battery market from realizing its utmost potential.

Global Lithium Ion Battery Market: Market Potential

Several players in the global lithium-ion battery market are aiming at expanding their lithium ion battery facilities to enhance their visibility in the market. A case in point is Utility San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) and AES Energy Storage, a subsidiary of Automotive Energy Supply Corporation, which in February 2017, inaugurated their new energy storage facility in Escondido, California, which they claim to be the world’s largest lithium-ion battery energy storage site. The capacity of this system is 30MW/120MWh and has the ability to store energy for the equivalent of 20,000 customers for four hours. Such steps taken by players are likely to scale up energy storage capacity and drive the market over the coming years.

Global Lithium Ion Battery Market: Regional Outlook

The segments covered in the lithium ion battery market report on the basis of geography are Asia Pacific, Latin America, North America, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to represent a sizeable share in the market throughout the review period. The domicile of a large number of key manufacturers is providing an edge to the region over other regions. Countries such as India, China, Singapore, Australia, and Japan will be sights of high growth in APAC. The growth of the lithium ion battery market in these countries can be attributed to the increasing regulations to reduce the carbon footprint and lead pollution.

North America will be a prominent lithium ion battery market during the same period. The increasing sales of electric vehicles along with the burgeoning demand for high-quality consumer electronics products are contributing to the growth of the region.

Global Lithium Ion Battery Market: Competitive Landscape

The global lithium ion battery market is highly consolidated in nature. Strict regulatory framework for the manufacturing of conventional batteries is attracting new players to invest in the market. The influx of new manufacturers is likely to make this market fragmented over the coming years. However, prominent players offer stiff competition to new entrants due to their competitive advantage in their terms of strong foothold and easy access to raw materials.

Research and development activities are expected to be the top priority for the majority of players to increase their shares in the market. Some of the key companies operating in the global lithium ion battery market are LG Chemical Power, Johnson Controls, Hitachi Chemical, Panasonic, Samsung, Toshiba, Sony, and AESC.

Source: https://statsflash.com/lithium-ion-battery-market-growth-factors-demand-and-trends-forecast-to-2025/420030/

Loncor $LN.ca – Gold is Looking More and More Attractive $ABX.ca $TECK.ca $RSG $NGT.to

Posted by AGORACOM at 1:42 PM on Monday, November 25th, 2019
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Loncor-Small-Square.png

Sponsor: Loncor is a Canadian gold exploration company focused on two projects in the DRC – the Ngayu and North Kivu projects. Both projects have historic gold production. Exploration at the Ngayu project is currently being undertaken by Loncor’s joint venture partner Barrick Gold. The Ngayu project is 200km southwest of the Kibali gold mine, operated by Barrick, which produced 800,000 ounces of gold in 2018. Barrick manages and funds exploration at the Ngayu project until the completion of a pre-feasibility study on any gold discovery meeting the investment criteria of Barrick. Click Here for More Info

Rising US liabilities for entitlements could undermine the dollar

The Dutch Central Bank recently argued in an article that if there were to be a major monetary reset, “gold stock can serve as a basis” to rebuild the global monetary system. “Gold bolsters confidence in the stability of the central bank’s balance sheet and creates a sense of security.”

Talk of gold, however, does not. Investor Ray Dalio recently spooked attendees at the Institute for International Finance conference when he mentioned the possibility of a flight to gold because of his concerns about America’s fiscal position.

That is not a new point. Since at least 2016, financial titans including JPMorgan chief Jamie Dimon and hedge fund manager Stanley Druckenmiller have pointed out that unfunded pension and healthcare entitlements are a looming iceberg for the US economy. Indeed, one theory about the recent crisis in the “repo” overnight lending market is that it was caused by the federal deficit and the increasing unwillingness of investors outside the US to fund it.

But Mr Dalio went further, concluding that the American entitlement crisis meant the US Federal Reserve would have to continue to inflate its own balance sheet indefinitely, and keep rates low (or even negative) well into the future so the US could keep paying its bills.

That would depreciate the US dollar. Taken to its extreme, that never ends well. Prior experiments with rapidly falling currencies include late-third century Rome, Germany’s interwar Weimar Republic and Zimbabwe. At some point, Mr Dalio argued, nobody would want to own US debt or the dollar, and investors would look to other assets for safety. “The question is, what else?” he asked. “That’s the environment I think that we’ll be in. And there’s a saying that gold is the only asset you can have that’s not somebody else’s liability.”

I haven’t bought any gold yet myself, though I did sell out of equities entirely in August. That decision has been somewhat painful given the recent upsurge in the S&P 500, and yet it is one that I do not regret. There is logic in believing — as I do — that US blue-chips and bonds are no longer a safe haven while also believing that prices could stay high for some time to come. After all, holding two seemingly contradictory thoughts in your head at once is the sign of a mature mind. I believe US stock prices are staying up for precisely the same reason that investors might need to be in gold someday.

Analyst Luke Gromen laid out the mathematical logic of this very well in a recent newsletter. He calculates that US annual entitlement payments, which he defines as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, plus defence spending plus interest on the federal debt adds up to 112 per cent of US federal tax receipts.

That total has risen from 103 per cent only 15 months ago and 95 per cent two years ago, as government revenue fell due to President Donald Trump’s tax cuts. The proceeds of those cuts helped to further inflate equity prices. The US has become “utterly dependent on asset price inflation for tax receipts”, Mr Gromen writes, adding that the only way the US will be able pay its yearly bills is for asset prices to climb on their own, or for the Fed to “print enough money to make asset prices rise”.

I expect the Fed will, like every central bank before it, do what is politically required. Neither the US nor the world can afford for America to nominally default on its Treasury bills. So, stock prices will rise — for now. The essence of economic policy is, as Joseph Schumpeter reportedly put it, “politics, politics, politics”.

Share price inflation has been under way since the Fed switched gears and began lowering rates in July. It will probably be helped along by the easing of financial regulations enacted after the 2008 crisis, and possibly even a new round of tax cuts before the 2020 elections. Mr Trump measures his own success by that of the market.

But in the longer run, this financially engineered growth must erode confidence in the dollar, particularly at a time when the US and China are going in different directions. China is now the world’s largest natural gas buyer, and is looking to start setting prices for this and other commodities in its own currency. China is also doing more business in euros, as it tries to woo Europe into its own economic orbit. China recently issued its first euro-denominated bonds in 15 years. It is also moving away from buying oil in dollars and strengthening ties with EU companies such as Airbus.

The de-dollarisation of Eurasia would support Mr Dalio’s worldview. So would a shift to a non-dollar reserve asset such as gold. Such a change would force the US to sell dollars in order to settle its balance of payments in the new, neutral reserve asset.

One could argue that even if the US dollar were to weaken and creditors to lose faith in America’s ability to repay its debt, markets might still remain high for a period of time. But we are undergoing a period of deglobalisation. And history shows that when that happens, it eventually tends to trigger asset price collapses in whatever country is associated with the “old order”. No wonder gold bugs abound.
Source: [email protected]

Affinity Metals $AAF.ca – Five Reasons Why Gold Stocks Make Sense $SII.ca $TUD.ca $GTT.ca $AMK.ca $OSK.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 10:56 AM on Monday, November 25th, 2019

Sponsor: Affinity Metals is a Canadian mineral exploration company building a strong portfolio of mineral projects in North America. The Corporation’s flagship property is the Drill ready Regal Property near Revelstoke, BC. Recent sampling encountered bonanza grade silver, zinc, and lead with many samples reaching assay over-limits.  Further assaying of over-limits has been initiated, results will be reported once received. (TSX-V: AFF) Click Here for More Info

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

Gold mining stocks have soared approximately 30% so far in 2019, based on the performance of the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (GDM) as of November 15.1 Over the last 12 months, the sector is up nearly 50%. Some investors may assume that gold stocks have run their course. On the contrary, we think that the gold mining equities still have a great deal of upside to offer.

In brief, we think we’re in the early stages of a prolonged bull market for gold. While the relationship between the prices for gold bullion and gold stocks isn’t a linear one, rising demand for the yellow metal commodity has historically driven stock performance. Moreover, despite the recent rally, gold mining stocks have yet to recover from the beating they suffered starting in 2011. Still, recent outperformance — coupled with improving fundamentals — creates momentum, a key factor in many quantitative strategies.

Gold has been a store of value since the beginning of civilization, and yet the nuances of investing in gold â€” be it the metal or miners â€”  is still a source of confusion. As we see it, that also means opportunity.

Here are five reasons to consider investing in gold equities now.

REASON #1. Rising Gold Prices Drive Demand

Figure 1. Gold Bull Market is Just Getting Started

Source: Bloomberg as of 11/15/19. Gold was $1,514 on 11/1/19, and $1,468 as of 11/15/19. 

Gold recently broke past $1,500 an ounce for the first time since 2013 (Figure 1), as global political and macroeconomic trends are driving demand for the yellow metal. Along with other strategists, we think gold bullion could surpass its all-time high of $1,900 within the next couple of years. Key factors driving long-term demand for gold as a store of value and defensive asset, especially among central banks and institutions, include low-to-negative interest rates, rising debt levels, trade tensions and intensifying geopolitical risk.

Price movements for physical gold and gold-mining stocks aren’t perfectly in sync, but the relationship between them is strong and persistent, across economic cycles.

Historically, rising (and falling) gold prices have a three-times multiplier effect on gold stocks: If the value of gold bullion increases by 10%, mining stocks tend to increase by 30%, and vice versa. The reason: Miners have significant fixed operating costs and high operating leverage, meaning big swings in physical gold prices have a larger impact on miners’ profitability.

This relationship cuts both ways, as we saw after physical gold prices peaked in late 2011. As the value of gold subsequently declined (Figure 2), the value of gold stocks plummeted even more. Between 2011 and 2018, the sector posted negative returns in six out of eight calendar years. Even with recent gains, gold mining stocks have yet to recover relative to historical valuations. Since the sector peak in April 2011, gold mining equities are still off by more than 60%.

Figure 2. Gold Mining Equities are Very Undervalued

Sprott: Gold Stocks are Undervalued

Source: Bloomberg as of 11/12/19.

Figure 3. Gold Demand Has Rebounded: Purchases by Central Banks

Central banks have been net buyers of gold over the past 10 years. Gold plays an important part in central banks’ reserves management, and they are significant holders of gold. According to the World Gold Council: “Today, central banks own almost 34,000 tonnes (t) of gold, making it the third-largest reserve asset in the world. The increase in central bank demand for gold reflects current geopolitical, political and economic conditions, as well as structural changes in the global economy. Gold is both a liquid, counter-cyclical asset and a long-term store of value. As such, it can help central banks meet their core objectives of safety, liquidity and return.” 

Source: Metals Focus, Refinitiv GFMS, World Gold Council. As of June 30, 2019.

REASON #2. Gold Stocks are Severely Undervalued

Given the amplified volatility of gold stocks relative to gold, investors need to go in with their eyes wide open. Nevertheless, multi-year declines may now set the stage for significant upside.

While miners as a group still trade below their net asset values, the discounts of smaller, “junior” miners are especially extreme, as much of the recent rally has been driven by the largest, “senior” gold miners. In fact, the valuation gap between North American junior and senior gold miners is the widest it’s ever been.

Figure 4. The Valuation Gap Between Senior and Juniors is at Historic Extremes

Sprott: Senior Miners vs. Junior Miners

Source: BMO Capital Markets, FactSet. North American senior vs. junior gold miners. As of 7/19/19.

Reason #3. Supplies are Limited

Most investors grasp the importance of investing in companies whose business models are protected by “competitive moats.” Gold miners have this in spades, as it can take 15 years from discovery of a new gold mine to successful ore production. The barriers to entry are enormous for newcomers in this sector, given the need for expensive and specialized equipment, environmental regulations and political considerations.

Meanwhile, the supply of gold is finite and there have been increasingly fewer gold discoveries in recent years. This dynamic — combined with depressed valuations of junior gold miners â€” is driving consolidation in the industry. It is far cheaper for senior miners to buy new gold production than to “build” capacity themselves. In fact, based on an analysis of recent transactions, there is a 35% discount for buying ounces in the market via acquisitions versus discovering new ounces (according to Scotiabank).

Figure 5. Major Gold Discoveries have Declined Significantly

Figure 5

Source: © Copyright by SNL Metals & Mining 2016. All rights reserved.

REASON #4. Momentum May Turn Positive

Investors love momentum â€” following positive trends in prices, earnings and other factors â€” and the rise of quantitative strategies has made this market phenomenon even more pervasive. For the last eight years, momentum has largely worked against the gold mining sector, but now there are signs the wind is shifting, and that momentum could soon work in its favor.

Analysts covering the sector have understandably been conservative in their estimates and may soon be playing catch up, given higher gold prices and a leveling off of mining costs. Any improvements in earnings outlooks could potentially accelerate positive momentum for the sector. As my colleague Paul Wong wrote earlier this month in The Sweet Spot for Gold Equities: ”At this stage in the gold cycle, we are in the sweet spot for gold mining company earnings. A starting low gold price base will result in earnings changes with a high percentage increase when measured quarter-over-quarter or year-over-year.” 

In Figure 6, we highlight the progression of 2020E EPS (estimates of earnings-per-share) revisions for the top-10 gold mining companies in SGDM2 versus the average 2020E EPS for the top-20 companies in the S&P 500 Index.3 Since January 2019, the average 2020E EPS for the top-10 gold mining companies had increased from $0.65 to $0.98 by the end of October, representing a 50% jump, compared to a decline of 9% for the S&P 500. After the Q3 reporting season, we would expect that 2020E EPS for gold miners will be revised even higher.

Figure 6. Sweet Spot for Gold Mining Company Earnings

Sprott: Gold Miners EPS on the Rise

Source: Bloomberg as of 10/31/19.

REASON #5. Gold Stocks Play a Different Role than Bullion

As with any investment, it’s important to think about the role of gold stocks in the context of a broader portfolio. One common misconception is that gold stocks and physical gold are two sides of the same coin. While their fates are certainly correlated, as asset classes they could not be more different.

Physical gold, whether it’s in the form of coin, bar or a trust (for example, Sprott Physical Gold Trust, NYSE Arca: PHYS), should be viewed as a stable store of value. It’s counter-cyclical and has proven over millennia to be an effective hedge against market turbulence and volatility.

As such, we recommend that investors allocate between 5% to 10% of their assets to physical gold and precious metals.

Gold stocks, conversely, should be viewed in the context of an investor’s overall equity portfolio; the size of the allocation will depend on many factors, including risk tolerance. Strategists advocate owning gold stocks continuously, in part because they have low correlations to the broader market. However, most investors view gold stocks as tactical investments. When valuations are severely depressed, as they are now, gold stocks may have the potential to outperform. 

At Sprott, we believe that it may be time to consider investing in gold stocks, in addition to physical gold.

BY Ed Coyne

SOURCE: https://sprott.com/insights/five-reasons-why-gold-stocks-make-sense/

LOMIKO Metals $LMR.ca – Provides Shareholders Update On The Sale Of Subsidiary LOMIKO Technologies Inc. $CJC.ca $SRG.ca $NGC.ca $LLG.ca $GPH.ca $NOU.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 10:11 AM on Monday, November 25th, 2019

Lomiko Metals Inc. (“Lomiko Metals”) (TSX-V: LMR, OTC: LMRMF, FSE: DH8C)   At the request of the Ontario Securities Commission, Lomiko Metals is issuing this release in order to better inform shareholders of the transaction that will be presented at the Annual Special General Meeting scheduled for November 29, 2019 at 11:00 am (Vancouver time) at Suite 1400, 885 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3E8 (the “Meeting”).  Lomiko Metals encourages shareholders to read, in detail, the Information Circular mailed to shareholders dated October 25, 2019 and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

 Sale of Assets

By agreement dated July 31, 2019, Lomiko Metals has agreed to sell its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lomiko Technologies Inc. (‘LTI’) to Promethieus Technologies Inc. (the “Purchaser”) for $1,236,625 plus $193,614.32 representing reimbursement of expenses (the “Asset Sale Transaction”). The transaction is non-arm’s length as (1)  A. Paul Gill is a director and officer of Lomiko Metals, a director of LTI and a director of the Purchaser; (2) Satvinder (Sat) Samra is a director of Purchaser and a shareholder of Lomiko Metals; and (3) Lomiko Metals is a 20% shareholder of the Purchaser at present, prior to its IPO and financing.

 Lomiko Metals Inc.’s independent directors to this transaction are Julius Galik and Gabriel Erdelyi (the “Independent Directors”) which comprise a Review Committee (‘Committee’) reviewing the transaction.

 Assets of Lomiko Technologies

               Smart Home Devices Ltd. (“SHD”)

 SHD is a private company developing a series of energy saving, connected building automation and security products and is focused on developing smart home automation and security devices for homes, offices, industrial buildings and hotels. SHD was formed to commercialize intellectual property jointly under development at the Megahertz Power Systems innovation lab (the majority shareholder of SHD and the initial developer of the Spider Charger concept).  SHD technology focuses on power savings, connectivity and security. LTI holds 1,792,269 shares of SHD.

 Lomiko Metals previously accounted for the equity value of SHD through direct costs that were incurred and in particular, incorporation expenses, purchase of inventory parts, patents, website, and share value. Lomiko Metals shareholding in SHD was diluted to 18.25% which caused significant loss of control over the future of SHD.  Lomiko Metals was of the opinion that it should discontinue the accounting for SHD using the equity method.  As at July 31, 2018, Lomiko Metals assessed that the investment in SHD was impaired and recorded a write-down of $1,136,574 to the investment to $1.

               Graphene ESD Corp. (“G-ESD”)

 G-ESD is a private company developing energy storage-based graphene platelets. On December 12, 2014, LTI purchased 1,800 shares of G-ESD Series A Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $101.27 US per share for a total consideration of $182,281 US. Each Series A Preferred Stock held by LTI may be convertible to common stock at the option of LTI and without the payment of additional consideration. Dividends would be payable at the rate per annum of $4.05 per share; however, over the period of four years there has been no activity in G-ESD and G-ESD continued to accumulate losses. As of July 31, 2019, LTI equity value in G-ESD was $56,572 and management assessed that the value in G-ESD was impaired and should be written off. 

 Reasons for the Asset Sale Transaction

 Lomiko Metals has been unsuccessful in financing LTI and its assets.  Both SHD and G-ESD achieved progress and created prototypes with SHD achieving partial advancement to underwriter’s lab testing and patent filings. In 2018 it became apparent that Lomiko Metals could not make any further cash investments to the assets as Lomiko Metals’ primary focus was the graphite project and alternative financing was required for LTI. Without further funding, the assets were considered without value. 

 Lomiko Metals had been funding various tech start-ups as a way to create alternative income sources.  It had funded from 2014 to present Graphene 3D Lab, G-ESD, SHD and Promethieus Technologies Inc.  The idea was to create a revenue-generating subsidiary that could act as a hedge against the vagaries of the junior mining market where the ability to raise funds for projects was and is very inconsistent.  Despite some initial success with Graphene 3D Lab and recovery of some of the funds put forward, the other projects did not see commercial success and were taxing the treasury.  Further, the market capitalization of Lomiko Metals become smaller and smaller and the percentage of technology interest increased to the point in January 2018 that the BC Securities Commission requested Lomiko Metals provide comment on whether it should undergo a Change of Business to a technology issuer.  It was at that time the concept of spinning out or creating a technology vehicle was conceived.  In 2018 Management sought funding sources for the advancement and/or sale of technology assets and settled on a plan to change the focus of the subsidiary Promethieus to a technology incubator that could qualify for listing in Europe as disclosed in April 6, 2018 and June 26, 2018 news releases.  The process is currently ongoing and confirmation of listing approval on an EU Exchange is still pending but near completion.

An initial concept of a sale of the technology assets to Promethieus was proposed by Management as a way to separate the metals and technology.  In September 2018 Promethieus changed its name to Promethieus Technologies Inc.  It was clear that Lomiko Metals needed funding in 2018-19 to complete its option and drilling and administration would tax the treasury.  During the progress of the strategy, the Independent Directors were provided progress reports regarding the inability to complete funding for Promethieus, SHD, and G-ESD during Directors meetings.  In 2019, Lomiko Metals was approached by the management of the Purchaser which made an offer to purchase SHD for $ 350,000.  Negotiations then ensued among the parties. Promethieus also became interested in licenses to manufacture SHD technology which was held by LTI and they were included in the negotiations.  After examination, Promethieus then offered to acquire all the assets of LTI and that included G-ESD shares.  Lomiko Metals then arranged to transfer its direct holdings of SHD to LTI.  The negotiations culminated in July 2019 with Promethieus offering to purchase all of the shares of LTI.  The Committee worked hard to establish a fair value for LTI and its sale.  The Committee’s main focus was to recover Lomiko Metals’ initial investment which was achieved.

 In determining that the terms and conditions of the Asset Sale Transaction contemplated thereby are in the best interests of the shareholders of Lomiko Metals, the Committee considered and relied upon a number of factors, including, among other things, the following:

 It is apparent that the status-quo of Lomiko Metals funding LTI was not economically viable as the assets were not advancing;

  • the consideration to be paid pursuant to the Asset Sale Transaction is all cash;
  • the Asset Sale Transaction is the result of a strategic review process conducted by a Committee comprised of Lomiko Metals Independent Board of Directors, which included reviewing a broad range of strategic alternatives available to Lomiko Metals;
  • The Committee reviewed Management’s equity funding efforts for Lomiko Metals as a whole and the specific projects to discover any ways to fund LTI without a sale of the assets;
  • The Committee reviewed Management efforts to seek funding via a debenture or loan;
  • The Committee communicated with the CEO of Promethieus to discover if the maximum value had been attained by Lomiko Metals for the assets;
  • The Committee confirmed with Auditors the expenditures of Lomiko Metals to fund LTI in the past and found the sale price was equal to the costs incurred by Lomiko Metals;
  • The Committee reviewed Management’s effort to attract buyers and investors in the projects;
  • The Committee considered an evaluation for the projects but determined that it would not be cost-effective or beneficial for Lomiko Metals, as the buyer would not pay more than the negotiated price;
  • At the conclusion of this Strategic Review, the Committee unanimously determined that the Asset Sale Transaction was the best alternative among the limited opportunities available to Lomiko Metals to maximize shareholder value having regard to Lomiko Metals current financial and operational position; 
  • the resolution approving the Asset Sale Transaction must be approved by a special resolution by a majority of the common shares represented and voted at the Meeting after excluding the votes required to be excluded under MI 61-101 (as defined below);
  • the terms and conditions of the Asset Sale Transaction, including the parties’ respective representations, warranties and covenants, and the conditions to their respective obligations have been disclosed;
  • the Committee believes that it is likely that the limited conditions to complete the Asset Sale Transaction will be satisfied;
  • to the knowledge of the Committee, there are no material regulatory issues which are expected to arise in connection with the Asset Sale Transaction so as to prevent completion, and it is anticipated that all required regulatory clearances are obtained; and
  • after conducting a review of Lomiko Metals’ financing and strategic alternatives, the Committee has determined that Lomiko Metals subsidiaries could not continue to operate as going concerns and was not likely to create greater value for shareholders than the value obtained for shareholders pursuant to the Asset Sale Transaction.

 The foregoing summary of the information and factors considered by the Committee is not, and is not intended to be, exhaustive. In view of the variety of factors and the amount of information considered in connection with its evaluation of the Asset Sale Transaction, the Committee did not quantify or otherwise attempt to assign any relative weight to each specific factor considered in reaching its conclusion and recommendation. The Committee’s recommendations were made after consideration of all of the above-noted factors and in light of the Committee’s collective knowledge of the business, financial condition and prospects of Lomiko Metals.

 Summary of Terms

 The following summary of the Asset Sale Transaction is qualified in its entirety by the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, a copy of which has been filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Any capitalized terms and section reference not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Share Purchase Agreement.

 the Purchaser will acquire all of the shares of LTI;

  • the purchase price for all of the common shares of LTI is Cdn. $1,236,625 plus $193,614.32 representing reimbursement of expenses;
  • pending approval of the Asset Sale Transaction at the meeting and satisfaction of all conditions to closing set forth in the Share Purchase Agreement, closing is scheduled to occur within five (5) business days after all closing conditions have been met, and in any event no later than December 31, 2019;
  • major conditions to closing are:  (1) the approval of the Asset Sale Transaction at the Meeting; (2) a financing to be completed by the Purchaser of $3,670,750; (3) the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange; and (4) the representations and warranties being correct at the time of closing and no material adverse change having occurred at the time of closing;
  • Lomiko Metals has made normal-course representations and warranties; and
  • both Lomiko Metals and the Purchaser will be responsible for the payment of their own transaction costs, including legal, accounting, tax and regulatory compliance costs.

 Independent Valuation

Lomiko Metals has relied on an exemption to a Formal Valuation based on MI 61-101 Section 5(5)(g).   Lomiko Metals CFO, Jacqueline Michael, has verified Lomiko Metals expenditures and expenses for the financial years 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 relating to LTI. 

 TSX Venture Exchange Application

Lomiko Metals has filed its application for approval of the Asset Sale Transaction with the TSX Venture Exchange and has received conditional approval. 

 Effect of the Asset Sale Transaction on the Corporation and Plans of the Corporation Post-Closing

Assuming that the Asset Sale Transaction is approved at the Meeting and subsequently completed according to the terms disclosed herein, Lomiko Metals will still continue its exploration in the mining sector. 

 Summary of Anticipated Tax Consequences of Asset Sale Transaction

Lomiko Metals did not retain any formal tax opinion on the transaction but is of the view that there are no anticipated tax consequences passed on to the shareholders.

 Anticipated Ramifications of Failure to Approve the Asset Sale Transaction

 If the Asset Sale Transaction resolution is not approved by shareholders at the meeting, Lomiko Metals shall continue with its current operations. The Committee will continue to evaluate and consider strategic alternatives going forward but has unanimously recommended that shareholders vote in favour of the Asset Sale Transaction as they believe it is in the best interests of  Lomiko Metals for the reasons set out herein.

Required Shareholder Approvals for the Asset Sale Transaction

               Canada Business Corporations Act

 Although the Asset Sale Transaction is in the ordinary course of business, it is a non-arm’s length transaction that requires that the Asset Sale Transaction resolution must be approved by disinterested shareholder approval. 

               TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 and MI 61-101

 Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”) is intended to regulate certain transactions to ensure equality of treatment among security holders, generally requiring enhanced disclosure, approval by a majority of security holders (excluding interested or related parties), independent valuations and, in certain circumstances, approval and oversight of the transaction by a special committee of independent directors.

 Lomiko Metals is subject to the provisions of MI 61-101 because the common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and Policy 5.9 of the TSX-V Corporate Finance Manual (the “Policy 5.9”) incorporates MI 61-101 into the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and Policy 5.9 applies to all issuers listed on the TSX Venture Exchange.

 Lomiko Metals is a 20% holder of the Purchaser and this creates a requirement for review under MI 61-101.  MI 61-101 states that a “related party transaction” means, for an issuer, a transaction between the issuer and a person that is a related party of the issuer at the time the transaction is agreed to, whether or not there are also other parties to the transaction, as a consequence of which, either through the transaction itself or together with connected transactions, the issuer directly or indirectly (a) purchases or acquires an asset from the related party for valuable consideration, (b) purchases or acquires, as a joint actor with the related party, an asset from a third party if the proportion of the asset acquired by the issuer is less than the proportion of the consideration paid by the issuer, (c) sells, transfers or disposes of an asset to the related party,….”.  Pursuant to MI 61-101 this is a “related party transaction” and minority approval will be sought at the Meeting.

 Further, the Purchaser’s directors are A. Paul Gill and Sat Samra. Mr. Gill is a director and officer of Lomiko Metals and LTI. Mr. Samra is a director and officer of SHD and a shareholder of Lomiko Metals.  Therefore, Mr. Gill’s and Mr. Samra’s common shares will be excluded from voting on such matters for purposes of determining whether the required “minority approval” has been obtained as provided by MI 61-101.  Mr. Gill currently holds 5,725,910 common shares of Lomiko Metals, directly and indirectly. Mr. Samra holds 1,976,474 common shares of Lomiko Metals, directly and indirectly. 

Based upon the Committee’s consideration of, among other things, the current market conditions and other relevant matters as set forth herein, the Committee has unanimously determined that the terms and conditions of the Asset Sale Transaction contemplated thereby are fair to the shareholders and in the best interests of Lomiko Metals and the shareholders. 

A resolution shall be placed before shareholders at the Meeting scheduled for November 29, 2019 at 11:00 am (Vancouver time) at Suite 1400, 885 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3E8.

For more information on this transaction please contact Gabriel Erdelyi at [email protected].

 On Behalf of the Board,

LOMIKO METALS INC.

 â€œGabriel Erdelyi”

 Gabriel Erdelyi

Director

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Cannabis sector mounts furious lobbying drive in Ontario; Hillier seeks clarity

  • Over the past month, lobbyists have beat a path to Ontario’s legislature to discuss – among other things related to cannabis – taxation, labor policies, law enforcement and how adult-use marijuana is sold in the province

By Matt Lamers

Punished by disappointing sales due to a lack of retail stores, the cannabis industry has been mounting a fierce lobbying drive in Ontario to reach the decisionmakers driving the province’s marijuana policies, according to records from the Office of the Integrity Commissioner.

Over the past month, lobbyists have beat a path to Ontario’s legislature to discuss – among other things related to cannabis – taxation, labor policies, law enforcement and how adult-use marijuana is sold in the province.

The records show that efforts have been made to reach Ontario’s power brokers by:

  • Aurora Cannabis
  • Aphria
  • Convenience Industry Council of Canada
  • Cronos Group
  • The Green Organic Dutchman
  • Insurance Bureau of Canada
  • LeafLink
  • Loblaw
  • Supreme Cannabis Co.
  • Truss

Meanwhile, a former member of the ruling Progressive Conservative caucus is urging the party to adopt a clearer timeline for the planned pivot to an open allocation of adult-use retail stores.

Independent MPP Randy Hillier said Ontario’s bungled cannabis policies are costing the province, and its businesses, millions in lost economic opportunities.

“Here we have a government that promotes itself as ‘open for business,’ and what is the biggest impediment in the cannabis trade right now? Government’s lack of action and preventing people (from) opening retail establishments,” the independent MPP said in an interview.

He called Ontario’s cannabis lottery a “cluster you-know-what.”

The fledgling industry has already lost out on hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue, according to Craig Wiggins, managing director of market researcher TheCannalysts.

That has caused some producers to scale back production.

Hillier called on the government to empower the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to license cannabis stores.

“We have 24 stores in operation a year out from legalization to serve 14 million people,” he said. “Newfoundland, with a population of 500,000 people, has as many stores as Ontario. Saskatchewan has twice as many with a population of a million people.

“We’re not achieving what we set out to with the legalization of cannabis, which is to get it out of the criminal marketplace. We’re allowing the criminal marketplace to continue to thrive.”

Ontario’s recent Economic Outlook restated the commitment to “an open allocation of cannabis retail store licenses where the number of stores is limited only by market demand,” however no timeline was offered.

Hillier’s advice to legal cannabis businesses is to speak up.

“If government policies are creating barriers for your businesses, then speak out.

“Bark as loud as possible, and possibly bite. That’s what often motivates government, is fear of embarrassment and fear of having to justify their actions.”

Matt Lamers is Marijuana Business Daily’s international editor, based near Toronto, Ontario. He can be reached at [email protected].

Source: https://mjbizdaily.com/cannabis-sector-mounts-furious-lobbying-drive-in-ontario-hillier-demands-clarity/

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Zero-Commission Trading Is Coming to Crypto

  • ShapeShift exchange debuts zero fees following user defections
  • Firms are slashing fees as race for market share intensifies

By Olga Kharif

Zero-fee trading first came to exchanged-traded funds and then to online stock and option transactions. Now the strategy is spreading into the cryptocurrency sphere.

Seen as the most profitable sector of digital-asset world, trading platforms are feeling the pressure as industry heavyweights such as Binance Holdings Ltd. and BitMex grab market share with both trading volume and coin prices sagging. ShapeShift, which has operated an exchange since 2014, said Wednesday it’s begun offering free “perpetual” trades.

“Free trading has become a feature of all fintech direct trading offerings, from Robinhood to SoFi and even JPMorgan,” said Lex Sokolin, global financial technology co-head at ConsenSys, which offers blockchain technology. “So it’s not surprising that in a digital race to acquire the most users, execution prices are starting to collapse.”

The practice turned out to be a catalyst for Charles Schwab Corp., which recently reported it opened 142,000 new trading accounts in October, a 31% jump from September, after the brokerage offered zero fees. Fresh income is being generated from interest earned on client cash holdings. Firms in the crypto world are taking notice.

“We’ve definitely seen how people often need very simple messages,” Erik Voorhees, the Denver-based chief executive of ShapeShift, said in a phone interview. “Everyone understands free.”

ShapeShift lost about 90% of its trading volume a year ago when it began checking user identifications to comply with regulatory guidelines, Voorhees said.

Daily-trading volume in crypto overall is about half of what it was in late October, and it’s been sluggish for most of the past few months, according to data compiler CoinMarketCap.com. The percentage of exchanges that are offering no-fee trading has increased to about 10% from 8% in June, data from CryptoCompare, which tracks exchanges.

To execute free transactions, traders will have to use so-called Fox tokens that ShapeShift is rolling out. Every user ShapeShift.com will get 100 free tokens, and the exchange may sell additional ones, Voorhees said. Each token — which are deposited in a user’s crypto wallet and are never spent — provides $10 of free trading volume on a rolling-30-day basis. So the more Fox tokens customers hold, the more free trades they can execute. Voorhees estimates that 90% of the exchange’s users will be able to do all their trades for free.

“We’d rather make a smaller amount of revenue from a larger pool of customers, and get those customers off centralized custodial exchanges,” Voorhees said. “It’s a risk we’re taking, but we think it’s worth it.”

Other, mostly smaller, exchanges are offering zero fees as part of short- and long-term promotions. Liquid.com is waiving costs for traders who have less than $25 million per month in transactions. Zebpay introduced zero-trading fees in February. HitBTC lowered its fees in August. Malta-based Binance — often the largest spot trading exchange — lets users lower their trading fees by investing in its own cryptocurrency, Binance Coin.

“The end result of price wars tends to be consolidation and the starving of smaller players,” Sokolin said. “Already we see this with the dominance of Binance.”

Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-20/zero-commission-trading-is-coming-to-crypto-as-boom-times-fade