Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is accelerating worldwide, and lithium remains the critical element powering this transformation. Global EV sales grew by 25% year-over-year to 17.1 million in 2024, with China leading the charge. Battery costs have also dropped by 20%, making EVs more affordable and reinforcing demand. The rapid rise in battery storage technology for renewable energy solutions further adds to the demand for lithium as countries seek to enhance their energy storage capabilities. This expansion directly impacts lithium prices and supply chains. Governments worldwide are implementing policies to localize battery material supply, ensuring stable access to lithium. The Inflation…
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New futures contract from CME to fuel Aussie carbon market ACCU futures add transparency, depth Futures could help Australia meet our 2050 targets As Australia races towards its ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, new mechanisms are emerging to help businesses navigate the changing landscape. One such tool is the Australian Carbon Credit Unit, or ACCU. These carbon credits are designed to incentivise projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions. But as the market grows, so does the need for a more liquid trading market. To meet this demand, the CME Group, alongside Xpansiv, has launched the…
Tokyo, Japan skyline with the Tokyo TowerChunyip Wong | E+ | Getty ImagesHong Kong shares hit a three-year high Friday, leading gains in the region as investors weighed inflation data from Japan against tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 2.95% to its highest level since February 2022, according to data from LSEG. The Hang Seng Tech index added 4.67%. Shares of Hong Kong listed Alibaba rose 11% following a significant profit increase for the company in the December quarter, driven by growth in its Cloud Intelligence division and e-commerce sector. Mainland China’s CSI 300…
Rare earth elements (REEs) are indispensable in modern technologies, from electric vehicles (EVs) to military defense systems and renewable energy. However, global supply chains remain highly concentrated, with China controlling nearly 70% of global REE mining and over 85% of processing capacity. Recent trade restrictions and U.S.-China tensions have heightened concerns over supply security. In July 2023, China imposed export controls on gallium and germanium, elements crucial to semiconductor production. Such moves raise fears that Beijing could extend these measures to REEs, a market where China wields overwhelming dominance. With the U.S. Department of Defense and domestic industries pushing for…
As digital threats intensify, enterprises worldwide are ramping up cybersecurity budgets. The global cybersecurity market is projected to register a CAGR of 12.9% to reach $500.7 billion by 2030, fueled by escalating cyberattacks and regulatory pressures. High-profile breaches, such as the MOVEit and Okta incidents in 2024, have underscored the vulnerabilities of corporate networks, pushing businesses to adopt more robust security solutions. CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (CRWD) has positioned itself as a key beneficiary of this trend. Its AI-powered Falcon platform provides advanced endpoint, cloud, and identity protection, catering to enterprises’ growing security needs. Notably, the company surpassed $4 billion in…
Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, at the G20 meeting in South Africa on Feb. 20, 2025.Per-anders Pettersson | Getty Images News | Getty ImagesChina came out in support of U.S. President Donald Trump’s bid to strike a deal with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, at a G20 meeting in South Africa on Thursday, while U.S. allies rallied around Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Less than a month into his presidency, Trump has upended U.S. policy on the war, scrapping a campaign to isolate Moscow with a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin and talks between senior U.S. and Russian officials that have…
The financial sector is undergoing a seismic shift as consumers continue to embrace digital-first banking solutions. Traditional banks, burdened by legacy infrastructure, are struggling to keep pace with fintech disruptors that offer seamless, tech-driven experiences. One company making significant strides in this landscape is SoFi Technologies, Inc. (SOFI). SoFi, originally known for its student loan refinancing, has transformed into a comprehensive digital banking powerhouse. With a growing user base, new product launches, and a diversified revenue model, SoFi is positioning itself as a dominant player in the fintech space. The company recently reported a record 10.1 million members—an increase of…
Commercial truck loan rates can range from 6 percent to 35 percent or higher You might find favorable loan terms like no down payment from specialized commercial truck lenders Consider SBA loans for semi-truck financing, especially the 504 loans, which are designed for buying assets Financing your semi truck can help start or grow your business. But it’s wise to consider the costs, which are largely due to interest rates. Current rates on a truck loan typically stay in the 6 percent to 35 percent lane but can get as high as 99 percent depending on your credit. The lender…
Image source: Getty Images Premium content from Motley Fool Hidden Winners UK Our monthly Best Buys Now are designed to highlight our team’s three favourite, most timely Buys from our growing list of small-cap recommendations, to help Fools build out their stock portfolios. “Best Buys Now” Pick #1: Warpaint London (LSE:W7L) Why we like it: “The world of founder-led companies is among our favourite hunting grounds here at Hidden Winners. That’s because tenured management – with a significant stake in the business – often has cautious, long-term-oriented management principles. Partners Sam Bazini and Eoin Macleod – who combined own roughly…
This week’s Talking Headways is about why our country is coming apart at the seams. Sure, we’re talking with Stacy Mitchell of the Institute of Local Self Reliance about her recent Atlantic article, “The Great Grocery Squeeze,” but this special edition of Talking Headways is about so much more than deregulation or zoning and, instead, gets to the very core of the challenge we are facing as a nation.This is must-hear radio. It was a great chat, so if you want to read all of it, check out the unedited transcript here. If you want the highlights, there’s an edited transcript below the…