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  • Designed to assess the impact of CardiolRx on preventing episodes of recurrent pericarditis, the first patient has been randomized by Northwestern University in Chicago.

  • Based on a successful end-of-Phase II meeting with the US FDA and subject to MAVERIC outcomes, Cardiol believes the results from MAVERIC will support a New Drug Application.

  • Data from Cardiol’s Phase II MAvERIC-Pilot study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2024 showed that pericarditis patients treated with CardiolRx experienced marked and rapid reductions in pericarditis pain and inflammation, and a substantial reduction in the number of pericarditis recurrences per year.

  • Recurrent pericarditis is a debilitating heart condition that results in chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue, physical limitations, reduced quality of life, and hospitalizations.

  • CardiolRx, which has been granted US FDA Orphan Drug Designation for this indication, is a small molecule oral drug targeting inflammasome pathway activation that is central to the development and progression of pericarditis.

Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – April 16, 2025) – Cardiol Therapeutics Inc. ( NASDAQ: CRDL) (TSX: CRDL) (‘Cardiol‘ or the ‘Company‘), a clinical-stage life sciences company focused on developing anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic therapies for the treatment of heart disease, announced today that Northwestern University has enrolled the first patient in the pivotal Phase III MAVERIC trial (‘MAVERIC’) evaluating Cardiol’s lead drug candidate CardiolRx for the prevention of recurrent pericarditis. This multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is designed to definitively assess the impact of CardiolRx on preventing recurrent pericarditis in patients at high risk for disease relapse and to support regulatory approval.

MAVERIC is currently being initiated at pre-eminent cardiovascular clinical research sites throughout the United States under an Investigational New Drug application authorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration (‘US FDA’). The MAVERIC Program and Phase III leadership comprises an independent committee of international thought leaders in pericardial disease and clinical trial design: Allan Klein, MD, CM from Cleveland Clinic (MAVERIC Program Chair); Massimo Imazio, MD, FESC from University of Udine, Italy (MAVERIC Program Co-Chair); Paul Cremer, MD from Northwestern University (MAVERIC Trial Principal Investigator); Allen Luis, MBBS, PhD from Mayo Clinic Rochester (MAvERIC-Pilot Principal Investigator); Antonio Abbate, MD, PhD from University of Virginia; and, Stephen Nicholls, MBBS, PhD from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

‘Recurrent pericarditis remains a challenging condition to manage and can significantly impact patients’ quality of life. There is a pressing need for new treatment options earlier in the care pathway, before resorting to second- and third-line therapies such as corticosteroids or IL-1 blockers,’ commented Paul C. Cremer, MD, MAVERIC Trial Principal Investigator. ‘In collaboration with research centers across the United States, Canada, and Europe, we look forward to completing this important study of a new oral therapy with the potential to improve the treatment paradigm for this underserved patient population.’

‘Initiation of the MAVERIC Phase III trial is an important milestone in our Company’s efforts to provide a more accessible, non-immunosuppressive therapeutic option for thousands of pericarditis patients. We congratulate Dr. Cremer and his colleagues at Northwestern for recruiting MAVERIC’s first patient and we are grateful for the interest shown by our collaborators from other leading pericardial disease centers who will be participating in the study,’ said David Elsley, President and CEO of Cardiol Therapeutics. ‘Based on the strength and consistency of the data from our Phase II MAvERIC-Pilot study, we believe that CardiolRx can make a meaningful difference in the lives of pericarditis patients.’

MAVERIC is a Phase III, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to enroll 110 patients with recurrent pericarditis at approximately 20 clinical sites across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Patients who have been treated with an interleukin-1 (‘IL-1’) blocker for at least 12 months and are scheduled to have this treatment discontinued, will be randomly assigned to receive either CardiolRx or placebo following cessation of the IL-1 blocker. Discontinuation of IL-1 blocker therapy is associated with a high risk for recurrence and has been reported to occur within 12 weeks in up to 75% of patients. The primary clinical objective of the trial will be to assess the impact of CardiolRx versus placebo on freedom from a new episode of recurrent pericarditis at 24 weeks. Other clinical endpoints include time to a new episode of pericarditis recurrence, and changes in patient-reported pericarditis chest pain score and changes to the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein.

MAVERIC, formerly referred to as MAVERIC-2, follows positive results from Cardiol’s Phase II MAvERIC-Pilot study. Data from MAvERIC-Pilot were previously reported on November 18 at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2024 and showed that patients experienced marked and rapid reductions in both pericarditis pain and inflammation that were maintained throughout the study. In addition, the results demonstrated a substantial reduction in pericarditis episodes per year. Treatment with CardiolRx was shown to be safe and well tolerated in a patient population who presented with a high degree of disease burden.

About Pericarditis

Pericarditis refers to inflammation of the pericardium (the membrane or sac that surrounds the heart), which frequently results from a viral infection. Patients may have multiple recurrences following that initial episode, and the primary goal of treatment is recurrence prevention. Symptoms include debilitating chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue, resulting in physical limitations, reduced quality of life, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. Significant accumulation of pericardial fluid and scarring can progress to life-threatening constriction of the heart. The only FDA-approved therapy for recurrent pericarditis, launched in 2021, is costly and is primarily used as a third-line intervention. On an annual basis, the number of patients in the United States experiencing at least one recurrence is estimated at 38,000. Approximately 60% of patients with more than one recurrence suffer for more than two years, and one third remain impacted at five years. Hospitalization due to recurrent pericarditis is typically associated with a 6-8-day stay and cost per stay is estimated to range between $20,000 and $30,000 in the United States.

About Cardiol Therapeutics

Cardiol Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: CRDL) (TSX: CRDL) is a clinical-stage life sciences company focused on developing anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic therapies for the treatment of heart disease. The Company’s lead small molecule drug candidate, CardiolRx (cannabidiol) oral solution, is pharmaceutically manufactured and in clinical development for use in the treatment of heart disease. It is recognized that cannabidiol inhibits activation of the inflammasome pathway, an intracellular process known to play an important role in the development and progression of inflammation and fibrosis associated with myocarditis, pericarditis, and heart failure.

Cardiol has received Investigational New Drug Application authorization from the United States Food and Drug Administration (‘US FDA’) to conduct clinical studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CardiolRx in two diseases affecting the heart: recurrent pericarditis and acute myocarditis. The MAVERIC Program in recurrent pericarditis, an inflammatory disease of the pericardium which is associated with symptoms including debilitating chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue, and results in physical limitations, reduced quality of life, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations, comprises the completed Phase II MAvERIC-Pilot study (NCT05494788) and the ongoing Phase III MAVERIC trial (NCT06708299). The ongoing ARCHER trial (NCT05180240) is a Phase II study in acute myocarditis, an important cause of acute and fulminant heart failure in young adults and a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in people less than 35 years of age. The US FDA has granted Orphan Drug Designation to CardiolRx for the treatment of pericarditis, which includes recurrent pericarditis.

Cardiol is also developing CRD-38, a novel subcutaneously administered drug formulation intended for use in heart failure – a leading cause of death and hospitalization in the developed world, with associated healthcare costs in the United States exceeding $30 billion annually.

For more information about Cardiol Therapeutics, please visit cardiolrx.com.

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking information:

This news release contains ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events, or developments that Cardiol believes, expects, or anticipates will, may, could, or might occur in the future are ‘forward-looking information’. Forward looking information contained herein may include, but is not limited to statements regarding the Company’s focus on developing anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic therapies for the treatment of heart disease, the molecular targets and mechanism of action of the Company’s product candidates, the Company’s intended clinical studies and trial activities, timelines associated with such activities, and potential success of such activities, including the Company’s plan to complete the Phase III study in recurrent pericarditis with CardiolRx, the Company’s plan to advance the development of CRD-38, a novel subcutaneous formulation of cannabidiol intended for use in heart failure, the newly published data providing additional important rationale for the development of CRD-38 as a new approach to the treatment of heart failure, and the JACBTS publication provides fascinating new data that suggest a key mode of action of CRD-38 to potentially treat heart failure is through its ability to sustain cardiomyocytes and preserve mitochondrial function. Forward-looking information contained herein reflects the current expectations or beliefs of Cardiol based on information currently available to it and is based on certain assumptions and is also subject to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual events or results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward looking information, and are not (and should not be considered to be) guarantees of future performance. These risks and uncertainties and other factors include the risks and uncertainties referred to in the Company’s Annual Information Form filed with the Canadian securities administrators and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2025 , available on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at sec.gov, as well as the risks and uncertainties associated with product commercialization, regulatory approvals, clinical studies and uncertainties in predicting treatment outcomes. These assumptions, risks, uncertainties, and other factors should be considered carefully, and investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information, and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date of this press release and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Cardiol disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results, or otherwise. Investors are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements and are encouraged to read the Company’s Annual Information Form filed on March 31, 2025.

For further information, please contact:

Trevor Burns, Investor Relations +1-289-910-0855
trevor.burns@cardiolrx.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248691

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Rua Gold Inc. (TSXV: RUA) (OTCQB: NZAUF) (WKN: A40QYC) (‘Rua Gold’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to provide an update on its gold-antimony exploration at the Auld Creek project in the Reefton Goldfield on the South Island of New Zealand, reporting improved gold grades from current drilling in diamond drillholes ACDDH026, ACDDH027, ACDDH028.

Highlights:

  • Following up on the last high grade results from the Company, the next holes intersected broader zones of gold in hole ACDDH027 and narrow but strong gold-stibnite (antimony sulphide) mineralization in ACDDH028. 

  • Assay results show: 

    • ACDDH026: 2.1m @ 1.25g/t Au from 175m depth 

    • ACDDH027: 9m @ 5.9g/t AuEq1 (5.2g/t Au & 0.16% Sb) from 159m depth 

    • ACDDH028: 1.25m @ 48.3g/t AuEq1 (13.3g/t Au & 8.1% Sb) from 210m depth 

  • ACDD024,025 confirmed higher grade antimony mineralisation on the Fraternal shoot, the recent drilling ACDDH27,28 indicates an improvement in gold grade with depth. 

  • The gold grades on the Fraternal shoot plunge to the south, current drilling is testing 80-100m below the current resource envelope, before pivoting to testing the northerly extensions of the Fraternal ore body. 

  • Auld Creek has an inferred resource hosted by two ore shoots, Bonanza and Fraternal. This resource outcrops at surface and is continuous to 160m vertically and open at depth. 

  • Surface soil geochemistry strongly endorses extensions to the Fraternal north prospect and Bonanza northeast prospect, confirming the system is traceable over a 2.5km length.

Robert Eckford, CEO of Rua Gold commented: ‘It is encouraging to see an improvement in gold grades with depth on the Fraternal lode, and the continuation of high-grade antimony accompanying the gold in narrow plunging shoots.

Drilling to date on Auld Creek antimony-gold prospect has increased confidence in the existing gold-antimony resource and highlighted higher-grade plunging shoots that remain open to the south. We are focused on expanding the Auld Creek resource both north and south, with intensified surface exploration showing early promise in identifying additional mineralization over its 2.5km length.’

Figure 1: Overview of the Reefton Goldfield.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10755/248701_e728e92b44814a54_012full.jpg

Figure 2: Fraternal and Bonanza ore shoots at Auld Creek.

Note that AuEq amounts have been calculated using recent spot prices of gold and antimony and applying a ~30% discount. The gold equivalent formula is based on AuEq = Au g/t + 4.3 x Sb% using a Au price of US$2065/oz, Sb price of US$34,300 per tonne and 85% recovery.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10755/248701_e728e92b44814a54_013full.jpg

GLOBAL SUPPLY AND VALUE OF ANTIMONY

Antimony is a critical metalloid primarily sourced from the mineral, stibnite. It is highly valuable and increasing in demand due to its versatility and has essential applications across renewable energy, liquid battery metals, defence and technological sectors.

Due to its limited supply, predominantly controlled by China, Russia & Tajikistan, antimony is considered a strategic material essential for supply chain security, particularly during periods of geopolitical instability. This was heightened in August 2024, when China announced export controls on processed antimony products. In response to these controls, nations have accelerated their efforts to secure alternative sources of antimony to mitigate the risk of significant supply chain vulnerabilities.

The US, EU, UK, Japan, Canada and Australia all designate antimony as a critical mineral. On January 31, 2025, New Zealand also announced their Critical Mineral List which included antimony.

Reflecting heightened demand, the price of antimony has reached new highs, currently trading over US$50,000 per tonne, a significant increase from US$11,350 per tonne at the start of 2024. This market shift has intensified interest in the strategic antimony potential held by Rua Gold.

EXPLORATION POTENTIAL

Rua Gold commenced drilling at Auld Creek in December 2024. It has a targeted program to drill four mineralised shoots identified from historical surface exploration work interpreted by the Rua Gold team over the past 3 months.

Auld Creek is situated between two past producing mines, Globe Progress mine, and the Crushington Group of mines which collectively produced 933,000oz at 14.0g/t Au (Barry 1993). Auld Creek has three historic adits but no commercial production from the reefs.

Rua Gold has an inferred resource at Auld Creek indicating 700,000 tonnes at 3.1g/t Au and 1.1% Sb for 67,000oz of gold and 8,000 tonnes of antimony2 (AuEq 110,000oz3). The resource is restricted to two of the four known shoots. Soil geochemistry indicates the potential for discovery of additional mineralised shoots over a strike length of 2.5km.

Four of the eight holes completed to date intersected 4-5m of strong visible stibnite (antimony sulfide) mineralization in the Fraternal-Bonanza structure.

Results from ACDDH024, ACDDH025 confirm the approximate average gold grades, but report higher antimony grades than the current resource estimate. Results from ACDDH027, ACDDH028 highlight above average gold grades with narrow but high-grade antimony in ACDDH028.

Ongoing drilling is targeting the southern plunging Fraternal gold-antimony shoot which remains open along strike and at depth.

Intensified surface exploration is showing very encouraging strong trends both north and north-west confirming additional targets on the Fraternal North and Bonanza north-west extensions.

Figure 3: Arsenic soil geochemistry over Auld Creek area.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10755/248701_e728e92b44814a54_019full.jpg

ABOUT Rua Gold

Rua Gold is an exploration company, strategically focused on New Zealand. With decades of expertise, our team has successfully taken major discoveries into producing world-class mines across multiple continents. The team is now focused on maximizing the asset potential of Rua Gold’s two highly prospective high-grade gold projects.

The Company controls the Reefton Gold District as the dominant landholder in the Reefton Goldfield on New Zealand’s South Island with over 120,000 hectares of tenements, in a district that historically produced over 2Moz of gold grading between 9 and 50g/t.

The Company’s Glamorgan Project solidifies Rua Gold’s position as a leading high-grade gold explorer on New Zealand’s North Island. This highly prospective project is located within the North Islands’ Hauraki district, a region that has produced an impressive 15Moz of gold and 60Moz of silver. Glamorgan is adjacent to OceanaGold Corporation’s biggest gold mining project, Wharekirauponga.

For further information, please refer to the Company’s disclosure record on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Simon Henderson CP, AUSIMM, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and Chief Operating Officer and a director of Rua Gold, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained herein. Mr. Henderson has participated in the geochemical sampling, and mapping programs to verify that they have been conducted in accordance with standard operating procedures. Mr. Henderson has verified the data disclosed by running checks on the location, analytical, and test data underlying the information in the technical disclosure herein.

QA/QC Drill Core

Rock samples were sent to SGS Laboratories, Westport for sample preparation. Samples were crushed and pulverized to 85% passing 75 µm. The pulverized rock-chips were split into two samples: a ~50 g sent for laboratory analysis, and the reject returned to RGL for pXRF analysis and storage. Pulverized rock-chip samples were analyzed for gold (Au) by 50-g fire assay with AAS finish at SGS Waihi (SGS Code FAA505); and for antimony (Sb) by Sodium Peroxide Fusion Analysis by ICP-MS at SGS Waihi.

QA/QC Soil Samples

Pre-planned soil sampling points on a 20 m x 100 m grid were loaded onto a handheld GPS for guidance. A spade was used to acquire a ~1.0 kg sample from the C horizon, which was put in a wet-strength paper sample bag with wire ties. Sample information was logged in a notebook in the field, including sample ID, depth, color, horizon, slope, sample description, sampler, basement, and comments. Each sample was photographed in the field alongside the GPS with coordinates visible and each sample site marked in the field with biodegradable flagging tape. Samples were taken back to Rua Gold’s Reefton facility for preparation. The sample information was entered on.csv files and uploaded to an SQL database.

Samples were dried in a customized incubator, set at 38°C, for a minimum of two days. Once the samples were fully dried, they were sieved to Rua Gold’s Reefton facility using a Olympus Vanta pXRF analyzer; and then on to ALS Brisbane, Australia, for low-level gold analysis using Au-TL43; trace level Au by aqua regia extraction with ICP-MS finish. Detection limit 1 ppb Au.

Field duplicates were collected every 20th sample and underwent the same sample collection and preparation process outlined above. Duplicates were checked and validated by Rua Gold’s Isogonal data validation system to ensure compliance.

Rua Gold Contact

Robert Eckford
Chief Executive Officer
Email: reckford@RUAGOLD.com
Website: www.RUAGOLD.com

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed ‘forward-looking statements’. All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-Looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words ‘expects’, ‘plans’, ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘estimates’, ‘projects’, ‘potential’ and similar expressions, or that events or conditions ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘may’, ‘could’ or ‘should’ occur and specifically include statements regarding: the Company’s strategies, expectations, planned operations or future actions, including but not limited to exploration programs at its Reefton and Glamorgan projects and the results thereof. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. A variety of inherent risks, uncertainties and factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, affect the operations, performance and results of the Company and its business, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Some of these risks, uncertainties and factors include: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; risks related to the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war; risks related to climate change; operational risks in exploration, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration projects or capital expenditures; the actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; changes in labour costs and other costs and expenses or equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, including but not limited to environmental hazards, flooding or unfavorable operating conditions and losses, insurrection or war, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing, and commodity prices. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements and reference should also be made to the Company’s short form base shelf prospectus dated July 11, 2024, and the documents incorporated by reference therein, filed under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca for a description of additional risk factors.

Forward-Looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Table 1: Location of Auld Creek drill holes from RUA 2024-2025 program

Hole ID Easting Northing rL Total
Depth
Site _ID Dip Azimuth
(true)
Year
ACDDH022 1507212 5333199 508 108.5 Pad 10 -54 193 2024
ACDDH023 1507212 5333199 508 51.5 Pad 10 -60 85 2024
ACDDH024 1507290 5333146 539 150 Old 13 -37 220 2025
ACDDH025 1507290 5333146 539 180.9 Old 13 -54 248 2025
ACDDH026 1507290 5333146 539 200 Old 13 -59 231 2025
ACDDH027 1507290 5333146 539 193.4 Old 13 -45 212 2025
ACDDH028 1507079 5332952 607 243.5 Pad 18 -50 104 2025
ACDDH029 1507079 5332952 607 256 Pad 18 -50 120 2025
ACDDH030 1507079 5332952 607 268.5 Pad 18 -53 85 2025

 

Table 2: Significant drilling intercepts at Auld Creek, full mineralized zone composites (1.5g/t Au cut-off)

Sample No From To Interval Au (g/t) Sb (%)
ACDDH026 175 175.9 0.9 0.96
ACDDH026 175.9 177.1 1.2 1.55
ACDDH027 152 153 1 2.52
ACDDH027 153 154 1 1.88
ACDDH027 154 155 1 3.44
ACDDH027 155 156 1 2.25
ACDDH027 156 157 1 1.84
ACDDH027 157 158 1 0.37
ACDDH027 158 159 1 0.15
ACDDH027 159 160 1 2.38 0.013%
ACDDH027 160 161 1 2.39 0.802%
ACDDH027 161 162 1 4.75 0.008%
ACDDH027 162 163 1 2.84 0.016%
ACDDH027 163 164 1 8.42 0.010%
ACDDH027 164 165 1 4.7 0.010%
ACDDH027 165 166 1 3.77 0.009%
ACDDH027 166 167 1 15 0.178%
ACDDH027 167 168 1 3.11 0.428%
ACDDH028 209.5 210.15 0.65 0.92
ACDDH028 210.15 210.6 0.45 18.4 11.600%
ACDDH028 210.6 211.4 0.8 8.28 4.680%
ACDDH028 211.4 212 0.6 1.68

1.Using recent spot prices of gold and antimony, and applying a ~30% discount, the gold equivalent formula is based on AuEq = Au g/t + 4.3 x Sb% using a Au price of US$2065/oz, Sb price of US$34,300 per tonne and 85% recovery.
2.Please see the Company’s technical report entitled, ‘Technical Report on Reefton Project, New Zealand’, dated October 30, 2024.
3.Based on gold equivalent formula of AuEq = Au g/t + 1.9 x Sb% using a Au price of US$2025/oz, Sb price of US$15,000 per tonne and 85% recovery.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248701

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Monday (April 14) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

At the time of this writing, Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$84,833.31 and is up 1.2 percent in 24 hours. The day’s range has seen a low of US$84,050.56 and a high of US$85,667.65.

Bitcoin performance, April 11, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

The recovery appears to be related to last week’s announcement of partial import tariff relief, but the uncertainty of ongoing US-China trade tensions kept Bitcoin from rallying above US$86,000.

Ethereum (ETH) is priced at US$1,635.11, a 3.1 percent increase over the past 24 hours. The cryptocurrency reached an intraday low of US$1,624.37 and a high of US$1,677.74.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) is currently valued at US$131.19, up 2.4 percent over the past 24 hours. SOL experienced a low of US$128.75 and a high of US$134.05 on Monday.
  • XRP is trading at US$2.15, reflecting a 1.8 percent decrease over the past 24 hours. The cryptocurrency recorded an intraday low of US$2.11 and a high of US$2.18.
  • Sui (SUI) is priced at US$2.21, showing a decreaseof 0.9 percent over the past 24 hours. It achieved a daily low of US$2.20 and a high of US$2.33.
  • Cardano (ADA) is trading at US$0.6397, trading flat over 24 hours. Its lowest price on Monday was US$0.6314, with a high of US$0.6548.

Crypto news to know

Kraken expands into stock and ETF trading

Kraken announced on Monday that it will expand beyond cryptocurrencies to offer eligible users trade services for over 11,000 US-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds through Kraken Securities.

Users will be able to trade traditional assets and cryptocurrencies within a single Kraken account. The service is available to select states as part of a phased rollout, with plans to expand to all states and the UK, Europe and Australia.

Euro-sacked stablecoin EURC sees growth amidst strengthening Euro

Circle’s Euro-backed stablecoin, EURC, is experiencing growth amidst a strengthening Euro, its market cap growing from around $83 million at the beginning of 2025 to $204 million at the time of writing.

The euro has been rallying while the dollar falls amidst escalating trade tensions between the US and the rest of the world. Obchakevich Research founder Alex Obchakevich expects Euro Coin will continue to grow even as nations reach a trade deal that he projects will stabilize the Euro at around $1.11.

“I predict EURC to grow to 400 million euros by the end of this year. This will be further impacted by MiCa regulatory support and economic challenges,” he said.

MANTRA (OM) token price collapse and aftermath

Following a dramatic price collapse in the MANTRA (OM) token on Sunday (April 13) that wiped out billions of dollars in market cap, CEO John Mullin spoke in a now-deleted AMA thread hosted by Cointelegraph on X.

During the Monday discussion, Mullin denied accusations of insider selling or “rug pulling,” saying the plunge occurred after exchanges closed positions without notice.

On-chain data revealed that around US$227 million worth of OM was deposited from 17 wallets, with two linked to strategic investor Laser Digital. Arkham data revealed those wallets moved millions of OM to OKX and Binance in the days leading up to the collapse.

“The Mantra association, our key investors, our advisers — no one has sold, and we are going to categorically deny and also provide verifiable proof onchain proof that this is the case,” Mullin stated in the AMA, adding that he “(doesn’t) know who those wallets belong to.”

Mantra is up 10.8 percent to US$0.65 at the time of writing, far below its April 9 price of US$6.76.

Strategy buys US$285 million in BTC amid volatility

Michael Saylor’s firm, Strategy, capitalized on sharp equity market swings last week, purchasing 3,459 more BTC valued at US$285.8 million between April 7 to 13.

The buy was funded through its at-the-market equity offering as shares fluctuated from -11 percent to +25 percent, demonstrating the firm’s commitment to BTC accumulation even during periods of financial instability. Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings now total around US$45 billion, representing about 2.5 percent of the total BTC supply.

The firm also disclosed a forthcoming US$5.9 billion unrealized loss due to new accounting rules requiring market-based valuations for digital assets. Even so, Strategy remains on track with its plan to raise US$42 billion through 2027 for continuous Bitcoin acquisitions, reinforcing its identity as a long-term Bitcoin maximalist corporate play.

Metaplanet now 9th largest public Bitcoin holder

Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has acquired 319 BTC at an average price of US$83,147, bringing its total treasury to 4,525 BTC. That makes it the ninth largest publicly traded Bitcoin holding company.

This acquisition is part of its broader treasury strategy to build shareholder value through Bitcoin accumulation, initiated in December 2024. The company now has a cost basis of US$408.1 million and evaluates its Bitcoin performance using Bitcoin yield, which hit 95.6 percent in the first quarter of 2025.

Backed by sophisticated financial engineering such as bond issuances and stock acquisition rights, Metaplanet has executed over 41 percent of its “210 million plan,” demonstrating significant momentum.

The firm’s bold approach also reflects Japan’s evolving stance toward crypto as a mainstream asset class and could influence similar treasury strategies in Asia.

CeFi lending drops from 2021 peak, DeFi borrowing soars

The crypto lending market remains well below its former highs, down from US$64.4 billion in 2021 to US$36.5 billion at the close of 2024, according to a new report by Galaxy Digital.

This contraction is largely due to the collapse of major centralized finance (CeFi) lenders like Genesis, BlockFi, Celsius, and Voyager, which together lost 82 percent of their lending capacity during the bear market.

However, decentralized finance (DeFi) has made a stunning recovery, with open borrows jumping from US$1.8 billion in late 2022 to US$19.1 billion across 20 platforms and 12 blockchains — a 959 percent increase. Galaxy attributes this to DeFi’s permissionless nature, transparency, and its resilience during market turmoil that crushed CeFi players.

Today, Tether, Galaxy, and Ledn dominate the surviving CeFi space, accounting for nearly 89 percent of its total activity, while DeFi’s growth hints at a larger shift toward decentralized, non-custodial financial infrastructure in the post-crash era.

Google to enforce MiCA rules on crypto ads

Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) will begin enforcing stricter ad policies across 27 European countries beginning on April 23, requiring all crypto advertisers to comply with the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation or be licensed under the Crypto Asset Service Provider framework.

All crypto exchanges and wallet providers advertising on Google must now also be certified by Google, and meet additional national-level legal obligations, further tightening the regulatory net on digital asset marketing.

This marks a significant shift in how crypto services are promoted in the EU and could weed out illicit players while boosting trust in licensed entities. Noncompliance will first trigger a warning before eventual account suspensions, giving advertisers a brief grace period to align with the rules.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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What exactly constitutes an NFL draft sleeper in 2025?

Satisfying the label is exceedingly difficult. Prospects who once received minimal media attention now are thoroughly examined in the pre-draft process, leaving few to truly fly under the radar. And the depth of the individual classes has also shifted radically in recent years amid a new era of Name, Image and Likeness rules, with this year’s 70 early declarations representing just more than half of the total from 2021.

But without fail, the draft has continued to produce players who quickly defy their draft stock by making massive early contributions, with fourth-round Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving and Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Tarheeb Still emerging as the latest Day 3 picks to make an instant mark.

With the draft about a week away, here’s our look at 14 potential sleepers in this year’s class:

RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona

Having played in just one game last season due to eligibility issues and then being snubbed for the NFL Scouting Combine, Croskey-Merritt has been somewhat overlooked in the last six months. But the Alcorn State and New Mexico transfer showed off as one of the biggest standouts at the East-West Shrine Bowl, and his stellar Big 12 Pro Day numbers – a 4.45-second 40-yard dash and 41 1/2-inch vertical leap – underscored his explosiveness. The 5-10, 206-pound slasher can change direction in an instant, and his combination of elusiveness and strength make him exceedingly difficult to bring down at the second level. There’s a missing element of reliability to his game, with a sense of chaos to his pass protection, ball security and running style. But his knack for operating in tight quarters should translate well to the NFL.

RB Jaydon Blue, Texas

Unearthing gems in the middle to later portions of the draft is often a matter of finding players with a superpower. Blue has one: his speed. The 5-9, 196-pound ball carrier can outrace an entire defense once he gets to the perimeter, and his confident cuts can punish anyone who overcommits. Blue’s effectiveness wanes when he’s forced to work inside, but his big-play ability as both as a runner and receiver could make him an optimal third-down and change-of-pace back.

WR Dont’e Thornton Jr., Tennessee

It’s easy to understand the appeal of a 6-5, 205-pound target who led the Football Bowl Subdivision with 25.4 yards per catch last season. Tennessee’s scheme undoubtedly juiced some of his numbers, but Thornton dusted some of college football’s best defenses when defensive backs didn’t properly respect his deep speed. He likely will be pigeonholed as a vertical-only weapon until he can demonstrate more nuance and precision in his route running, but he’ll be a draw for any team looking to strengthen its downfield aerial attack.

WR Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas

A former high school quarterback and Division II standout at Hillsdale College before transferring to Arkansas in 2023, TeSlaa might be one of this draft’s ultimate developmental players. At 6-4 and 214 pounds, he creates mismatches as a downfield threat who can be trusted to pluck passes away from his body and in contested-catch scenarios. But trouble with his releases and creating separation could keep him in the big slot role he’s accustomed to, unless he learns how to beat press coverage consistently and shake defenders underneath. Yet a patient approach to his development could yield a massive payoff for a team willing to cater to his strengths.

OT Logan Brown, Kansas

The former five-star recruit came along slowly at Wisconsin before being dismissed in 2022 for an unspecified ‘internal incident.’ After missing most of the following season at Kansas due to a leg injury, he revived his career last season with a strong performance at right tackle for the Jayhawks. A smooth mover at 6-6 and 311 pounds, he’s the rare middle-round prospect who could actually hang in pass protection against NFL speed rushers while still having more than enough strength to hold up at the point of attack. But he also comes with many of the technique issues one would expect from a one-year starter, with his leverage and oversetting problems proving particularly problematic.

DT Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon

Though Derrick Harmon was the breakout star of the Ducks’ defensive line in 2024, Caldwell did plenty to help himself by creating opportunities for others. The 6-2, 332-pounder commands the line of scrimmage by demanding double teams and not letting up in his rush. But he’s more nimble than many space-eaters up front, giving him potential to disrupt the passing game by more than merely pushing the pocket. While Caldwell might never be a supreme splash player and should learn to better balance his aggression with proper control, he can be a force for the right scheme.

DE Bradyn Swinson, LSU

This might be testing the definition of the term sleeper, as Swinson could be ticketed for a spot on Day 2. But a position that seldom produces high-end starters past the first two rounds – Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson notwithstanding – requires some recalibrating when identifying potential under-the-radar breakout players. Speedy and pliable, Swinson is more dynamic off the edge than many pass rushers expected to be selected earlier in the draft. If he can bulk up and more consistently shed blocks, the 6-4, 255-pounder could be one of the most disruptive players taken after the first round.

DE/OLB David Walker, Central Arkansas

There aren’t many pass rushers more prolific than Walker, who posted 31 sacks and 63 tackles for loss in three seasons at Central Arkansas after transferring from Southern Arkansas. But is that production indicative of what he can achieve against much more formidable competition? The 6-1, 263-pounder is accustomed to walking back blockers who simply can’t stand their ground against him. While his bull rush might not prove as lethal as it did in college, Walker is still powerful enough to jolt linemen, using his atypical build for the position to win leverage battles. Replicating his stat-stuffing efforts at the next level is likely out of reach, but he can still generate pressure and be the kind of matchup opposing offenses hate to take on.

LB Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia

It might seem difficult to fly under the radar as a three-year starter for the most dominant defense – and program – of that stretch. Mondon, however, never received the top billing that many of his former Georgia teammates did. Nagging injuries and inconsistency in diagnosing plays kept the former five-star recruit from fully flourishing in Athens. But as a 6-2, 224-pound linebacker with the fluidity to match up in coverage and the range to make plays in the backfield, he has rare versatility as a mid-round prospect.

LB Collin Oliver, Oklahoma State

As a true freshman in 2021, Oliver broke out in a major way with 11 1/2 sacks. But he never built on that high or even recaptured it, and he only played in two games last season before being sidelined with a foot injury. The dreaded tweener label seems bound to follow the 6-2, 240-pounder, but he has the requisite explosiveness and fluidity to thrive as a pass rusher. His subpar size and strength, however, might relegate him to a designated pass rusher role. Yet that’s work Oliver has shown he can handle, so he might be able to provide substantial returns in key spots.

LB Nick Martin, Oklahoma State

It might seem odd to have two selections on this list from a team that ranked second to last in the FBS with more than 500 yards allowed per game. But like Oliver, Martin shouldn’t have his pro potential defined by the shortcomings that surrounded him. Undersized at 6-0 and 221 pounds, he compensates for his build by rallying to the ball in a hurry – look no further than 2023, when he was able to catch up to former Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy and trip up the future 40-yard dash record-setter. Bigger and stronger blockers can wash him out of plays with relative ease, but Martin offers plenty as a downhill playmaker with significant upside in coverage.

CB Tommi Hill, Nebraska

A foot injury derailed Hill’s final season in Nebraska and makes him a bit of a tricky evaluation. At 6-1 and 213 pounds with the long speed to stick with receivers downfield, he has a rare blend of physical tools that will allow him to match up well with taller targets. But his safety-like makeup can also be his undoing at times, as a lack of suddenness threatens to leave him with limited opportunities to close in on passes despite his sound ball skills. Honing his technique and staying away from matchups against shiftier wideouts could go a long way toward setting the former receiver up for success.

CB Upton Stout, Western Kentucky

Through the pre-draft process, Stout has evoked comparisons to former Louisiana Tech standout Amik Robertson and even likened himself to the current Detroit Lions cornerback – and with good reason. Despite standing just 5-9 and 181 pounds, the cornerback operates with a fearless abandon, rocketing to the catch point or ball carrier. Though he could pose a risk if left to cover bigger receivers downfield, Stout could be a sparkplug as a nickel who helps shut down short-area targets.

S Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma

At 5-10 and 192 pounds, Bowman almost operates as a cornerback on the back end – for better and worse. On one hand, his coverage credentials are unimpeachable, as he notched 11 interceptions in the last three seasons and is comfortable handling almost any assignment. His size, however, also looms as a significant problem in the NFL, where he could be bullied by bigger receivers who can exploit the matchup in jump-ball scenarios. But if he can clean up some wild tendencies as a tackler, Bowman can be a staple of a secondary as a savvy presence with extensive range.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The Heisman Trophy winner aims to give an NFL team two players for the price of one in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Hunter played over 86% of Colorado’s offensive snaps and 82% of the team’s defensive snaps in 2024. The 21-year-old has showcased his ability to be a natural playmaker with instincts that would translate at the NFL level on offense and defense.

Hunter has met with multiple teams through the pre-draft process, and his message to each one remains consistent. If an NFL team asked him to choose one side of the ball or the other, he would choose the highway.

‘It’s never playing football again,’ Hunter said in an interview, per Garrett Podell of CBS Sports. ‘Because I’ve been doing it my whole life, and I love being on the football field. I feel like I could dominate on each side of the ball, so I really enjoy doing it.’

Hunter remains adamant about playing wide receiver and cornerback for whatever team selects him in next week’s draft.

His message has been clear since the early days of the pre-draft process.

Hunter spoke to reporters at the NFL combine in February and said he’d like to play 100% of snaps on both sides of the ball in the NFL.

The Colorado product is undoubtedly one of the most unique prospects we have seen in the modern NFL era. His skills have earned him recognition as a cornerback, drawing comparisons to Hall of Famers like Charles Woodson and Champ Bailey. Additionally, as a wide receiver, he has been compared to Odell Beckham Jr. and DeVonta Smith.

In 13 games last season, Hunter amassed 1,268 yards from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, he finished with 36 tackles, four interceptions, a forced fumble and 11 passes defended.

Hunter is widely expected to be drafted inside the top three selections of the 2025 NFL Draft next Thursday.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Just as they were getting hot, the Memphis Grizzlies suffered what could be a massive setback.

With 4:25 left to play in the third quarter of Tuesday night’s Play-In Tournament game against the Golden State Warriors, star point guard Ja Morant landed awkwardly on the foot of Warriors guard Buddy Hield, forcing Morant’s right foot to tweak.

While he later returned in the 121-116 loss, his status for Friday’s win-or-go-home game is unclear.

Morant lay on the court for several minutes as medical staff tended to the injured ankle. Morant, who made the shot attempt he took when he sustained the injury, appeared to be in clear discomfort. He would hobble to the bench where trainers continued to look at the injured ankle.

Morant would eventually limp to the line and sink the free throw that resulted from the foul called on Warriors center Quinten Post.

If an injured player is not able to shoot a free throw, he must be removed from the game.

Trainers would continue to look at Morant’s ankle for several minutes. He had scored a team-high 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting before sustaining the injury. He finished with 22.

The Grizzlies had been steadily erasing a 20-point Warriors lead before Morant got hurt. Memphis continued to respond in his absence; the Warriors held a 94-91 lead at the end of the quarter.

With 9:26 left in the game and the score tied at 96, Morant returned, notably favoring the ankle. He wasted no time continuing to impact the game, sinking his first attempt, a mid-range shot from the left elbow.

Morant has made headlines recently for his on-court celebrations. The NBA fined him after he held his hand up in a finger-gun gesture, and during the next game he pretended to throw a grenade after scoring.

The NBA fined Morant $75,000 for his finger-gun gesture, which the league called ‘inappropriate,’ in an April 3 game against the Miami Heat after the two-time All-Star had been warned for using the same gesture in a contest against the Warriors.

(This story was updated to include new details).

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NEW YORK — Juan Soto isn’t off to a blazing-hot start with the New York Mets, but if he’s feeling out of sorts – well, Aaron Judge has a friendly tip.

“He can look at what I did last April, for kind of an example of (how) he just needs to keep being himself,’’ said the New York Yankees’ captain of his sluggish 2024 start. “He’s going to be just fine.

Soto is still getting on base at a .400 clip, though his production numbers – two homers, six RBI – have drawn notice through 16 games after signing a $765 million free-agent deal with the Mets.

Last year, his lone pinstriped season, Soto finished third in the AL MVP award voting, batting directly ahead of Judge, the league’s MVP.

Speaking with the New York Post’s Mike Puma, Soto said “it’s definitely different’’ the way he’s been pitched so far in 2025.

‘I had the best hitter in baseball hitting behind me. I was getting more attacked and more pitches in the strike zone, less intentional walks and things like that,’ Soto said.

Made aware of Soto’s comments to the Post, Judge referenced Pete Alonso’s start, batting .345 with a 1.137 OPS while hitting right after Soto.

“He’s got probably one of the best hitters in the game behind him right now with what Alonso is doing. It’s been fun to watch,’’ said Judge. “He’s hitting close to .400 and driving the ball all over the field, driving guys in. So, they’re going to be just fine.’’

That’s how it turned out for Judge in 2024, after taking a .197 batting average and .725 OPS into May, with just six homers and 18 RBI over his first 33 games.

Entering Tuesday night’s game against the Royals, Judge was batting .367 with six homers, 20 RBI, and a 1.212 OPS in his first 16 games.

These days, Judge finds himself mostly batting between the hot-hitting Ben Rice and the accomplished Cody Bellinger, part of an offense that led the majors in home runs (32) and OPS (.844) so far.

“You can’t replace a guy like Soto. He’s one of one. That’s why he signed the deal he did,’’ said Judge, who then praised the rapid gains made by Rice and the acquisitions of Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt as key developments in the Yanks’ Soto-less 2025 lineup.

“This is a big year for a lot of our young guys to step up and do something big and kind of help carry this team,’’ said Judge, adding that, “we’ve just got a really, really complete team right now.’’

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The first domino in the 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament fell, and the Orlando Magic are through to the postseason.

The Magic topped the Hawks on Tuesday night, 120-95, to clinch their spot as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, setting up a showdown in the first round of the playoffs against the No. 2 Boston Celtics ‒ the reigning champions.

Paolo Banchero struggled from the floor and was Orlando’s third-leading scorer with 17 points on 4-of-13 shooting. Hawks guard Trae Young poured in 28 points and six assists, but was ejected late in the fourth after he became frustrated with Orlando’s physicality.

Atlanta will face the winner of Wednesday night’s game between the No. 9 Chicago Bulls and No. 10 Miami Heat to determine the eighth seed in the East.

The Golden State Warriors edged the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 in Tuesday’s nightcap to decide the No. 7 seed in the West. Memphis star guard Ja Morant hurt his right ankle in the third quarter, but returned. His status for Friday’s matchup is unclear.

Here are three takeaways from Tuesday night’s Magic-Hawks play-in game:

The Magic can grind opponents down. They won’t outscore the Celtics.

Tuesday was a perfect encapsulation of this Orlando team. Its defensive length can deflect passes, clog lanes and swat shots. The Magic slow even the quickest teams in transition; the Hawks, who ranked third in the NBA in pace, scored just two fast break points in the first half and four overall.

Orlando, however, is a poor shooting team, particularly from 3-point range. In the regular season, the Magic ranked last in made 3s (11.2 per game) and percentage (31.8%). Against Atlanta, when the Hawks doubled Banchero in the first half, he found teammates for six dimes, five of which came in the first quarter. When those teammates went cold in the third, the Hawks crept back in the game.

Against an ignitable Celtics team that ranked second in the league in points per 100 possessions (119.5), that simply won’t be good enough.

Orlando’s bench was essential. Is its play sustainable?

Led by backup point guard Cole Anthony (26 points), the Magic bench erupted for 57 points Tuesday night. Orlando’s starters combined to shoot 3-of-22 (13.6%) from beyond the arc. Orlando’s bench players combined to go 8-of-17 (47.1%). During a game when Banchero and forward Franz Wagner combined to score just 30 points, Orlando’s bench play was crucial. Against Boston, the Magic will need more scoring from Banchero and Wagner, regardless. But for Orlando to have any shot against Boston, it will need Anthony or Anthony Black (16 points) or Jonathan Isaac (six points and eight rebounds) to contribute.

The Hawks will need much more from No. 1 overall rookie Zaccharie Risacher.

In games No. 1 overall rookie Zaccharie Risacher has played since the beginning of March, he’s averaging 9.9 points in Atlanta’s nine losses. In the team’s 13 victories over that span, Risacher is averaging 18.4 points. Tuesday night, he scored just seven points on 2-of-9 shooting, including just 1-of-5 from 3. Otherwise, he contributed just a pair of rebounds.

Simply put: the Hawks needed more from Risacher on Tuesday, and they’ll need more from him Friday night against the Bulls or Heat. That’s only magnified when Atlanta plays a team that can frustrate Young, who was ejected late.

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In a discovery that offers a glimmer of optimism amid a turbulent year for the diamond industry, Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) has unveiled a 158.2 carat yellow diamond from its Diavik diamond mine, located in the remote Northwest Territories (NWT).

The rough gem, described by Rio Tinto as a “miracle of nature,” is one of only five yellow diamonds exceeding 100 carats ever recovered from Diavik since it began operations in 2003.

The diamond, unearthed from one of the most challenging mining environments on Earth, underscores Diavik’s reputation for producing rare and high-quality stones.

While the mine is best known for its white gem-quality diamonds, less than one percent of its output consists of yellow diamonds, making this latest find a significant event in the mine’s 22 year history.

“This two billion year old, natural Canadian diamond is a miracle of nature and testament to the skill and fortitude of all the men and women who work in Diavik’s challenging sub-Arctic environment,” said Matt Breen, COO of Diavik Diamond Mines, in a press release.

The Diavik mine, jointly operated by Rio Tinto and located entirely off the grid, has also become a model for sustainable mining in the Arctic. It has integrated renewable energy sources into its operations, including a wind-diesel hybrid facility introduced in 2012 and a solar power plant completed in 2024.

This commitment to sustainability adds further value to its diamonds, which carry a provenance often sought by ethical consumers and collectors alike.

This is not the first time Diavik has made headlines with extraordinary finds. In 2018, the mine unearthed a 552 carat yellow gem-quality diamond — the largest ever found in North America.

Known as the ‘Canadamark’ yellow diamond, the discovery eclipsed the previous record set by the 187.7 carat Diavik Foxfire diamond, found in 2015.

Portions of the Foxfire were later cut into two brilliant-cut pear-shaped diamonds, which sold at a Christie’s auction for US$1.3 million.

But while such discoveries reinforce Diavik’s status as a producer of rare gems, they also arrive during a precarious moment for the broader NWT mining sector.

The territory’s three major diamond mines — Diavik, Ekati, and Gahcho Kué — are grappling with steep financial losses, with Diavik alone reporting a US$127 million loss in 2024. These financial headwinds stem from a combination of inflationary pressures, weakened global diamond prices, and unexpected disruptions, including a tragic plane crash near Fort Smith early last year.

Industry advocates are now urging the territorial government to step in and provide relief, particularly in the form of easing property tax burdens.

Blue diamond steals spotlight in US$100 million Sotheby’s exhibit in Abu Dhabi

On the international front, a 10 carat rare blue diamond from South Africa has emerged as the crown jewel of Sotheby’s latest diamond exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

Part of an eight stone showcase valued at over US$100 million, the blue diamond is expected to fetch around US$20 million when it goes to auction in May.

Sotheby’s selected the UAE capital for the exhibit due to the region’s increasing appetite for high-end diamonds. “We have great optimism about the region,” said Quig Bruning, the company’s head of jewels in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

“We feel very strongly that this is the kind of place where you have both traders and collectors of diamonds of this importance and of this rarity.”

Petra Diamonds delays Cullinan tender as US tariff shockwaves hit market

Meanwhile, Petra Diamonds (LSE:PDL,OTCPink:PDLMF) announced last week that it would delay the sale of gems from its Cullinan mine due to uncertainty over new US tariffs on imports — including diamonds.

The delay comes amid heightened concerns that the tariffs, introduced last week, could disrupt global diamond flows and further depress an already sluggish market.

Petra had already sold 176,000 carats from its Finsch and Williamson mines for US$18 million in its fifth tender of the year — a modest 9 percent price increase over the previous round.

However, overall tender revenue is down 25 percent year-on-year, totaling $103 million so far in 2025, compared to US$138 million during the same period in 2024. Shares of Petra fell 6.1 percent following the announcement.

The Cullinan Mine, famously the source of the largest gem-quality diamond ever discovered, has recently struggled to yield high-quality stones, further complicating Petra’s recovery efforts amid market volatility and its ongoing restructuring plan.

The diamond market isn’t the only luxury segment to be impacted by geopolitical trade tensions.

On April 10, Prada Group (HKEX:1913) which owns luxury brand Prada, announced its acquisition of the Versace brand from Capri Holdings (NYSE:CPRI) for US$1.38 billion, marking a significant consolidation in the luxury fashion industry.

The deal reunites two iconic Italian brands and positions Prada to better compete with industry leaders like LVMH (OTC Pink:LVMHF,EPA:MC) and Kering (EPA:SSKEG). Capri Holdings, which acquired Versace for US$2.1 billion in 2018, faced challenges with the brand’s performance, including a 15 percent decline in revenue in late 2024. The sale allows Capri to refocus on its core brand, Michael Kors, and address financial pressures following a blocked merger with Tapestry (NYSE:TPR) in 2023.

According to a January report from McKinsey, The luxury goods sector faces a challenging outlook in 2025, with global growth projected to slow to between 1 percent and 3 percent annually through 2027.

This deceleration follows a period where price increases accounted for over 80 percent of growth from 2019 to 2023, a strategy that has now reached its limit as aspirational consumers become more price sensitive.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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EmergingGrowth.com a leading independent small cap media portal announces the schedule of the 81 th Emerging Growth Conference on April 16 & 17, 2025.

The Emerging Growth Conference identifies companies in a wide range of growth sectors, with strong management teams, innovative products & services, focused strategy, execution, and the overall potential for long-term growth.

Register for the Conference here.

Submit Questions for any of the presenting companies to:
Questions@EmergingGrowth.com

For updates, follow us on Twitter

Day 1
April 16, 2025

9:00
Virtual Lobby opens.
Register for the Conference. If you already registered, go back to the registration link and click ‘Already registered’ and enter your email.

9:20
Introduction

9:25 – 9:35
Empire Energy (ASX: EEG)
Keynote speaker: Alex Underwood, CEO & Managing Director

9:40 – 10:10
PSQ Holdings, INc. (NYSE: PSQH)
Keynote speaker: Michael Seifert, Founder, President / CEO

10:50 – 11:20
Ur-Energy (NYSE American: URG) (TSX: URE)
Keynote speaker: John W. Cash, CEO

11:25 – 11:55
Interstellar Communication Holdings
Keynote speakers: Seda Hewitt, Space Ambassador of IcMercury Harri Laitinen, Lifeguard of IcMercury, and Lijie Zhu, Captain of icMercury

12:00 – 12:30
U.S. Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: USEG)
Keynote speaker: Ryan Smith, President, CEO & Director

12:35 – 1:05
Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NASDAQ: OMEX)
Keynote speaker: Mark D. Gordon, Chairman & CEO

1:10 – 1:40
Nova Minerals Limited (NASDAQ: NVA) (ASX: NVA)
Keynote speaker: Christopher Gerteisen – CEO & Executive Director

1:45 – 2:15
C3 Metals Inc. (TSXV: CCCM) (OTCQB: CUAUF)
Keynote speaker: Daniel A. Symons, President, CEO & Director

2:20 – 2:50
Ucore Rare Metals, Inc. (OTCQX: UURAF) (TSXV: UCU)
Keynote speakers: Pat Ryan, CEO

2:55 – 3:05
Eloro Resources, Ltd. (OTCQX: ELRRF) (TSX: ELO)
Keynote speakers: Chris Holden – VP Corporate Development

3:10 – 3:20
Opawica Explorations Inc. (OTCQB: OPWEF) (TSXV: OPW)
Keynote speaker: Blake Morgan, President / CEO

3:25 – 3:35
HydroGraph Clean Power Inc. (OTCQB: HGRAF) (CSE: HG)
Keynote speaker: Kjirstin Breure, President and CEO

Postponed
GeoVax Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOVX)
Keynote speakers: David Dodd, Chairman, President / CEO

_______________________________________________________________

Day 2
April 17, 2025

8:45
Virtual Lobby opens.
Register for the Conference. If you already registered, go back to the registration link and click ‘Already registered’ and enter your email.

9:00
Introduction

9:05 – 9:35
SBC Medical Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: SBC)
Keynote speaker: Yuya Yoshida, Executive Vice President & CFO

10:50 – 11:20
Evofem Biosciences, Inc. (OTCQB: EVFM)
Keynote speaker: Amy Raskopf, Chief Business Development Officer

11:25 – 11:55
Bioxytran, Inc. (OTCQB: BIXT)
Keynote speakers: Dr. David Platt, CEO & Mike Sheikh, Executive Vice President Business Development

12:00 – 12:30
Clene Inc., (NASDAQ: CLNN)
Keynote speakers: Rob Etherington, President / CEO

12:35 – 1:05
Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASBP)
Keynote speakers: Kraig Higginson – CEO

1:10 – 1:40
Regen BioPharma Inc. (OTC Pink: RGBP)
Keynote speakers: David Koos, President / CEO, & Harry M. Lander, Ph.D. Senior Scientific Consultant

1:45 – 2:15
Banzai International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNZI)
Keynote speaker: Joseph Davy, Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO

2:55 – 3:05
Citizens, Inc. (NYSE: CIA)
Keynote speakers: Jon Stenberg, President / CEO, and Jeff Conklin, CFO

3:10 – 3:20
Sono Group N.V. (OTCQB: SEVCF)
Keynote speaker: George O’Leary, Managing Director, CEO and CFO

Postponed
22nd Century Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: XXII)
Keynote speaker: Lawrence D. Firestone, Chairman & CEO

3:40 – 3:50
Alt Equity
Keynote speaker: Daniel Wait, President / Founder

3:55 – 4:05
Cyios Corp. (OTC Pink: CYIO)
Keynote speaker: John O’Shea, Chairman

4:10 – 4:20
Beneficient (NASDAQ: BENF)
Keynote speaker: Brad K. Heppner, CEO

Visit the following link to register. You will then receive an email containing the link and time to sign into the conference.

Register for the Conference here.

Submit Questions for any of the presenting companies to:
Questions@EmergingGrowth.com

Replays: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

About EmergingGrowth.com
Founded in 2009, Emerging Growth.com quickly became a leader in its space and has developed an extensive history of identifying emerging growth companies that can be overlooked by the investment community.

About the Emerging Growth Conference
The Emerging Growth Conference is an effective way for public companies to engage with the investment community regarding their Company, new products, services and other major announcements from anywhere, in an effective and time efficient manner.

All sessions are conducted through video webcasts. Our conference serves as a vehicle for Emerging Growth to build relationships with our existing and potential clients. Accordingly, a certain number of the presenting companies are our current clients, and some may become our clients in the future. In exchange for services we provide, our clients pay us fees in the form of cash and securities, and we may currently have, or in the future may have investments in the securities of certain of the presenting companies. Finally, certain of the presenting companies have paid us a fee to secure a presentation time slot or to present generally. The presentations to be delivered by the presenting companies (including any virtual handouts of written materials) have not been approved, endorsed by or otherwise reviewed by EmergingGrowth.com nor should they in any way be construed to have been made in connection with an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Please consult an investment professional before investing in anything viewed on the Emerging Growth Conference or on EmergingGrowth.com.

If you believe or know of a company that might fit our audience, contact us here.

Thank you for your interest in our conference, and we look forward to your participation in future conferences.

Contact:

Emerging Growth
Phone: 1-305-330-1985
Email: Conference@EmergingGrowth.com

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