⛏ US adds silver and copper to ‘critical minerals’ list

US officially adds copper, silver to critical minerals list
The United States has added copper and silver to an expanded list of critical minerals that it deems to be vital to America’s economy and national security. The new list, compiled by the US Geological Survey, includes 10 additions to the previous one in 2022, taking the total to 60. The other notable additions are: uranium, metallurgical coal, potash, rhenium, silicon and lead. The addition of copper and silver confirms the earlier draft list provided by USGS. Read on »

Job cuts in October hit highest level for the month in 22 years
Layoff announcements soared in October as companies recalibrated staffing levels during the artificial intelligence boom, a sign of potential trouble ahead for the labor market, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Job cuts for the month totaled 153,074, a 183% surge from September and 175% higher than the same month a year ago. It was the highest level for any October since 2003. This has been the worst year for announced layoffs since 2009. Read on »

This little-known connection between gold and platinum spells big trouble for stocks
“A sharp U.S. stock market correction is likely within the next 12 months.” This prediction is based on the recent plunge in the gold/platinum ratio, which researchers have found to be an excellent predicter of the stock market’s subsequent 12-month return. From its April high to its July low this year, the ratio fell by almost 40%, as you can see from the chart below. Read on »