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Dollar Gains on Solid US Economic News

Dollar Gains on Solid US Economic News

Globe and Mail20-03-2025

The dollar index (DXY00) today is up by +0.52%. The dollar is climbing today on concerns that US trade policies will keep inflation elevated and dissuade the Fed from lowering interest rates. The dollar added to its gains on signs of strength in the US economy after weekly jobless claims rose less than expected, the Mar Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey fell less than expected, and Feb existing home sales unexpectedly rose.
US weekly initial unemployment claims rose +3,000 to 223,000, showing a slightly stronger labor market than expectations of 224,000.
The US Mar Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey fell -5.6 to 12.5, stronger than expectations of 9.0.
US Feb existing home sales unexpectedly rose +4.2% m/m to 4.26 million, stronger than expectations of 3.95 million.
US Feb leading economic indicators fell -0.3% m/m, weaker than expectations of -0.2% m/m.
The markets are discounting the chances at 18% for a -25 bp rate cut after the May 6-7 FOMC meeting.
EUR/USD (^EURUSD) today is down by -0.68% at a 1-1/2 week low. Today's dollar strength is weighing on the euro. Also, easing price pressures in the Eurozone may allow the ECB to keep cutting interest rates, a bearish factor for the euro, after the German Feb PPI rose less than expected. Losses in the euro accelerated today based on dovish comments from ECB Governing Council member Villeroy de Galhau, who said the ECB has room to cut interest rates further.
German Feb PPI fell -0.2% m/m and rose +0.7% y/y, weaker than expectations of +0.2% m/m and +1.0% y/y.
ECB President Lagarde said while the process of disinflation remains "well on track," the ECB is unable to make firm commitments on interest rates due to elevated unpredictability over trade.
ECB Governing Council member Villeroy de Galhau said he's "not worried about inflation in Europe," and the ECB has room to cut interest rates further.
Swaps are discounting the chances at 59% for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at the April 17 policy meeting.
USD/JPY (^USDJPY) today is up by +0.10%. The yen is under pressure today from a stronger dollar as better-than-expected US economic news supports gains in the dollar. Losses in the yen are limited as short covering in the yen supports prices ahead of Friday's monthly report on Japan's national CPI. Trading activity is well below average in the yen today with markets closed in Japan for the Vernal Equinox Day holiday.
April gold (GCJ2 5) today is down -0.90 (-0.03%), and May silver (SIK2 5) is down -0.240 (-0.70%). Precious metals today are under pressure from a stronger dollar. Also, strength in stocks today has reduced safe-haven demand for precious metals. Silver prices are under pressure after the FOMC Wednesday cut its US 2025 GDP forecast, a bearish factor for industrial metals demand. Also, concerns that US trade policies will undercut economic growth that reduces demand for industrial metals are negative for silver prices.
Losses in precious metals are limited due to carryover support from Wednesday when the FOMC kept interest rates unchanged but projected two 25 bp rate cuts by the end of the year. The FOMC also said it would slow the pace of runoff of its balance sheet starting next month, a bullish factor for precious metals. Lower global government bond yields today are supportive of precious metals. Ramped-up geopolitical risks in the Middle East Precious are also boosting safe-haven demand for precious metals after Israel this week launched a series of airstrikes across Gaza, ending a two-month ceasefire with Hamas, and after the US launched strikes on Yemen's Houthi rebels. In addition, the ongoing trade war has boosted the safe-haven demand for precious metals.

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BYD sets new sales record, dynaCERT ramps up production, and Plug Power suddenly shows signs of life
BYD sets new sales record, dynaCERT ramps up production, and Plug Power suddenly shows signs of life

The Market Online

time8 hours ago

  • The Market Online

BYD sets new sales record, dynaCERT ramps up production, and Plug Power suddenly shows signs of life

The global economy is irreversibly moving toward sustainability, a trillion-dollar shift. This year, cleantech investments will surpass fossil fuel spending for the first time, reaching approximately USD 670 billion, driven by the electric vehicle boom and green hydrogen. Artificial intelligence is providing a boost to innovation, which is urgently needed to achieve climate neutrality. This market offers not only ecological solutions but also massive profit opportunities for pioneers. Those who are well positioned now will reap the benefits. We take a look at three key players in this race: BYD, dynaCERT, and Plug Power. BYD – On the rise globally Chinese electric vehicle and battery giant BYD is continuing its dynamic expansion course unabated in 2025. The Company has developed from a regional player into a global force, recording record-breaking growth, particularly in Europe and the UK. In the UK alone, sales in the first quarter already exceeded the total for 2024, while market share climbed significantly from 0.45% to 1.6%. A European milestone was achieved in April. BYD overtook Tesla for the first time in new registrations of purely battery-powered vehicles, growing by an impressive 359% year-on-year. This international momentum is also reflected in Germany, where deliveries rose by a staggering 824% in May. The latest quarterly figures highlight BYD's financial strength. Net profit doubled to the equivalent of approximately USD 1.3 billion, while revenue jumped significantly to over USD 23.5 billion. Last year, the Company closed with a record profit of around USD 5.6 billion. This solvency, coupled with high cash reserves and minimal long-term debt, is financing the aggressive expansion. BYD is already the global market leader in terms of production. In 2024, 4.27 million electric vehicles were delivered. 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Since June, the Canadian company has been listed on the OTCQB Venture Market, a platform for high-growth companies, under the symbol DYFSF. This upgrade increases visibility among North American investors and improves trading opportunities. Another positive development for dynaCERT is the CAD 30 million increase in Ontario's Hydrogen Innovation Fund (HIF). The funding will now support broader applications of hydrogen technology in various industries. The Company, which has been in active dialogue with government agencies for many years, sees this as clear confirmation of the economic benefits of its solutions. At the same time, it highlights the value of dynaCERT's Cipher Neutron investment. dynaCERT's core business is based on its patented HydraGEN™ technology. With this technology, diesel engines can be upgraded and then benefit from an optimized combustion process through the addition of hydrogen. 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The stock is currently trading sideways and waiting for an upward breakout. One share currently costs CAD 0.145. Plug Power – Momentum from operational steps, but the road ahead remains long Plug Power reports significant progress in production. The new hydrogen plant in the US state of Georgia achieved a record 300 tons of liquid hydrogen in April. This is proof of the scalability of the Company's proprietary electrolyzer technology. Together with its sites in Tennessee and Louisiana, the Company has a daily capacity of 40 tons. This internal production supplies key customers such as Amazon and Walmart and is intended to reduce dependence on third-party suppliers in the long term. At the same time, Plug is demonstrating the practical suitability of its electrolyzers for European industrial partners at the 'Green Box' innovation campus in the Netherlands. Despite a rise in revenue to USD 133.7 million in the first quarter, Plug Power remains deep in the red. 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The share price is currently trading at USD 1.22. The global economy is irreversibly shifting toward sustainability, driven by electromobility and green hydrogen. BYD is impressively demonstrating the power of the electric vehicle boom with record sales. dynaCERT is leveraging the tailwind from US market access and recognition of its CO2 certification methodology to advance its scalable retrofittable hydrogen system. Plug Power is showing initial operational progress with production records and financing initiatives, but remains in a state of upheaval. Those who are now boldly positioned, like these three, can benefit from the massive opportunities presented by this structural change. Conflict of interest Pursuant to §85 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), we point out that Apaton Finance GmbH as well as partners, authors or employees of Apaton Finance GmbH (hereinafter referred to as 'Relevant Persons') currently hold or hold shares or other financial instruments of the aforementioned companies and speculate on their price developments. In this respect, they intend to sell or acquire shares or other financial instruments of the companies (hereinafter each referred to as a 'Transaction'). Transactions may thereby influence the respective price of the shares or other financial instruments of the Company. In this respect, there is a concrete conflict of interest in the reporting on the companies. In addition, Apaton Finance GmbH is active in the context of the preparation and publication of the reporting in paid contractual this reason, there is also a concrete conflict of interest. The above information on existing conflicts of interest applies to all types and forms of publication used by Apaton Finance GmbH for publications on companies. Risk notice Apaton Finance GmbH offers editors, agencies and companies the opportunity to publish commentaries, interviews, summaries, news and the like on These contents are exclusively for the information of the readers and do not represent any call to action or recommendations, neither explicitly nor implicitly they are to be understood as an assurance of possible price developments. The contents do not replace individual expert investment advice and do not constitute an offer to sell the discussed share(s) or other financial instruments, nor an invitation to buy or sell such. The content is expressly not a financial analysis, but a journalistic or advertising text. Readers or users who make investment decisions or carry out transactions on the basis of the information provided here do so entirely at their own risk. No contractual relationship is established between Apaton Finance GmbH and its readers or the users of its offers, as our information only refers to the company and not to the investment decision of the reader or user. The acquisition of financial instruments involves high risks, which can lead to the total loss of the invested capital. The information published by Apaton Finance GmbH and its authors is based on careful research. Nevertheless, no liability is assumed for financial losses or a content-related guarantee for the topicality, correctness, appropriateness and completeness of the content provided here. Please also note our Terms of use. This is third-party provided content issued on behalf of dynaCERT Inc., please see full disclaimer here.

/R E P E A T -- QUANTUM NOW: Cover the Rise of the Quantum Economy/ Français
/R E P E A T -- QUANTUM NOW: Cover the Rise of the Quantum Economy/ Français

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/R E P E A T -- QUANTUM NOW: Cover the Rise of the Quantum Economy/ Français

MONTRÉAL, May 21, 2025 /CNW/ - McKinsey projects quantum technologies could unlock over $2 trillion USD in global value by 2035 (McKinsey Digital 2024). The National Research Council of Canada estimates quantum could contribute over 3% of national GDP (Doyletech 2020)—surpassing the economic footprint of Canada's aerospace sector. QUANTUM NOW is an official Industry & Innovation Global Event of the United Nations' International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Hosted by Quantum Industry Canada in partnership with Distriq, Quantum Innovation Zone of Sherbrooke, and with The Quantum Insider as lead market intelligence partner, this executive forum is designed as a primer for decision-makers navigating the rise of the quantum economy. Over two days, leaders from business, government, and finance will explore how quantum technologies are beginning to reshape global industries, economic infrastructure, and strategic advantage. From capital markets to supply chains to secure communications, QUANTUM NOW offers a front-line view of where the quantum economy is headed—and what leaders need to know now to prepare. Media highlights: Accredited Media Receive: Full access to the QUANTUM NOW main program and Tech Expo Interview opportunities with key speakers and startups Press materials and multimedia access

First European Funding after getting recognition as a 'Strategic Project' - Rock Tech receives funding to lead Lithium Refining Innovation project by EIT RawMaterials
First European Funding after getting recognition as a 'Strategic Project' - Rock Tech receives funding to lead Lithium Refining Innovation project by EIT RawMaterials

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First European Funding after getting recognition as a 'Strategic Project' - Rock Tech receives funding to lead Lithium Refining Innovation project by EIT RawMaterials

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In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to expectations concerning the Guben Converter, including the design and features of the Guben Converter, as well as the expected costs, capital expenditures, timing and outcomes thereof; statements regarding the Company's future plans, estimates, and schedules relating to the Guben Converter, including the anticipated timing of future activities taken in support of the development thereof; Rock Tech's potential financing arrangements; the expected funding under the KAVA grant program by EIT RawMaterials, the expected economic performance of the Guben Converter and anticipated production of battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide and related processing methods and innovation employed; the estimated capital and operating costs of the Guben Converter; the anticipated timing and outcomes of a final investment decision, construction activities and commissioning of the Guben Converter; statements regarding the Company's sustainability and ESG related goals and strategy, including the benefits and achievement thereof and future actions taken by the Company in relation thereto; expected regulatory processes and final outcomes; expectations regarding the electric vehicle industry, including the demand for and pricing of battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide and the benefits therefrom, and the development of political and regulatory frameworks especially in Germany and the European Union; Rock Tech's opinions, beliefs and expectations regarding the Company's business strategy, development and exploration opportunities and projects; and plans and objectives of management for the Company's operations and properties. Forward-looking statements by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis and annual information form filed with the applicable securities regulators. No assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, and the Company cautions the reader not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

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