Removing Deck Moss and Restoring Deck Beauty With Paradise Pros Pressure WashingDavid Smick’s documentary , executive produced and narrated by Michael Douglas, explores the causes and consequences of America’s income inequality. Those consequences include anger and division, but Smick and Douglas are hopeful that the country will come together to resolve its differences, and the film reflects that hope. “I predict 70% of the country, maybe 80%, hasn’t lost its mind,” Smick said. “The others I’m not going after, but I’m just not mentioning them. I just said I’m going to go and do something for that 70% or that 80% and speak to them. [Cable news] can go back and forth with the other 20% to 30% because I do think most people know that we have a history of pulling together, and we have to go back to that.” opened in August. After the in November, Douglas predicts not catastrophe but rather a period of thoughtful reconnection. “Everybody’s going to kind of think things over again and realize all of the issues that we can agree upon rather than those few that separate us,” he said at Deadline’s Contenders Documentary event. “Hopefully, I like to think that things are going to calm down and become more civil again. I think it’s crucial for our country.” In the film, Smick highlights the stock market growth that paid off well for corporations and investors. However, the disparity between those payoffs and conditions for people collecting paychecks proved stark. Smick said over 40 years, the stock market enjoyed a “5,000% increase and yet at the same time, wages went up during that same period, adjusting for inflation, 15%. So I sat around and said. ‘We’re wondering why everyone hates each other, why there’s such division, why people just have no belief in the future, and it’s that.’” Smick’s previous film, , premiered on Starz during the pandemic. That film is about the growing anger and hate in U.S. politics and society, but Smick regretted he did not focus more on economic factors. “It had mentioned some, but it didn’t address this,” Smick said. “It’s so tied to status and loss of status that has really destroyed the hope in the American dream.” The subject appealed to Douglas, who starred in Oliver Stone’s two movies. He also felt that Smick presented a balanced, objective perspective as a registered Independent. “Many people were sort of disenchanted at what was going on out there in the world,” Douglas said. “I saw for the first time kind of an answer, a clarity as to what the hell this is all about and what has happened. That goes back down to economic issues, the huge disparity that exists in this country.” Through that objectivity, Douglas said Smick succeeded in “not picking one side but talking to both of us on both sides and try to embrace and come back from the edge. Check back Monday for the panel video. Sign up for . For the latest news, follow us on , , and .
AP Trending SummaryBrief at 3:22 p.m. ESTOregon's Gabriel, Colorado's Hunter, Boise State’s Jeanty, Miami's Ward are named Heisman finalistsStock futures are little changed after S&P 500 posts third-straight winning week: Live updates
Coastal Carolina 48, Georgia St. 27Match Awards from Bayern Munich’s thrilling 5-1 Champions League win over Shakhtar DonetskA potential expansion of the state’s bottle deposit law is being debated in the Michigan Legislature that could add additional items such as single-use water bottles. Photo by Jon King. Last week, members of the Michigan Senate Energy and Environment Committee voted to move a potential expansion of the state’s bottle deposit law back to the Senate floor following testimony from retailers, wholesalers, representatives of the beverage industry and environmental advocates. The proposal, introduced by state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), would place the issue of expanding the bottle bill on the 2026 ballot, with voters ultimately deciding whether to approve provisions like universal redemption — allowing containers to be returned to any dealer who sells containers subject to the 10-cent deposit — as well as expanding the bill to cover all beverages containers one gallon or less. “It’s important to stress to you that nothing whatsoever would happen to the current bottle law unless voters approve the proposal in 2026,” McCann noted while testifying on the bills. The proposal is the latest of many efforts aiming to expand the bottle bill to cover more containers, with McCann reintroducing a previous proposal in 2023 alongside Rep. Christine Morse (D-Texas Twp.). In crafting the latest proposal, McCann likened the effort of finding general agreement among stakeholders to “the games of Whack a Mole combined with Jenga.” “Depending on how you move the pieces around and which pieces are included or not in the money puzzle will absolutely affect which stakeholders tell you they are supportive and which are not. I’ve worked at this for many months, seeking the best arrangement, and what is before you today is my current best effort. It’s draft eight, [substitute] two, but even today, I am still absolutely willing to consider adjusting it further if it can be made better for all,” McCann noted. He also warned against letting the perfect be the enemy of good, noting some stakeholders remained opposed to the concept of a bottle bill in general. “The current bottle law is not on trial today, and sometimes the greater interests of the people of Michigan must override more narrow interests. This is how the original bottle law came to be,” McCann said, referencing the original law, which was initiated by voters in 1976. The Michigan Retailers Association was the first to speak in opposition to the proposal, with Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Amy Drumm noting the group is strongly opposed to any effort to expand the current “costly, failing and inefficient deposit system.” “Retailers only exist if they have customers, and any negative impact to the customer experience is extremely concerning to the industry,” Drumm said. Shane Smith, the vice president of operations at Ric’s Food Center — which has locations in Mount Pleasant, Ithaca and Rockford — described the grocery industry as reluctant partners when the bottle bill was first instituted in 1976. “Perhaps the law made sense in 1976 when words like recycling were not in our vocabulary. Things have changed in the last 50 years, recycling centers are in every county with collection bins in neighborhoods and in people’s front yards. The thought of expanding this outdated law is absurd when many other options are currently in place,” Smith said. Additionally, Smith said one of the largest challenges grocery stores face is maintaining a clean, sanitary environment, arguing that a new variety of incoming returns would burden their facilities. “I’m not sure how we will handle the variety of incoming returns, but it’s safe to say that we will have to add on to our facility where possible, or perhaps remove part of our sales area for storage, creating a negative impact on our sales,” Smith said. Labor is another concern, Smith said, noting that Ric’s Food Center currently spends 200 hours a week processing empties across its location, warning that an expansion of the law would double or triple that time, potentially negatively impacting prices as they work to recover the costs from those additional labor hours. Also in opposition was the Michigan Environmental Council, who argued against a proposal which puts money from unclaimed deposits toward reimbursing industry stakeholders, with the first $1 million in unclaimed deposits currently funding enforcement of the bottle bill alongside with 75% of the following collections going toward environmental cleanups and pollution prevention efforts. Under the newest version, 40% of those unredeemed deposits would be put toward environmental cleanup and redevelopment, while 5% would go to manufacturers, 20% to distributors and 25% to dealers and redemption centers and 10% would go to a new fund supporting affordability and access to water. “We are not opposed to dealers and distributors receiving reimbursement. However, providing these reimbursements through unclaimed deposits creates a perverse incentive for the program to work less effectively, meaning the more unreturned cans there are leads to more unclaimed deposit money that these stakeholders get to pocket without guarantees that this money would be used to improve the bottle bill system,” said Trent Wolf, the council’s the strategic campaigns manager. While the council is supportive of an expanded bottle bill, Wolf said work grouping with all of the bill’s stakeholders is necessary to get the proposal right. The committee also heard opposing testimony from the Michigan Beverage Association, with President and CEO Derek Bajema arguing the ballot initiative would raise costs on groceries and recycling. Additionally, Michigan producers and distributors of soft drinks lose more than $10 million a year due to full pallets of beverages imported from non-deposit states, Bajema said. “This isn’t the Seinfeld cute thing of the empties coming in, this is pallets of full beverages. They don’t pay the deposits in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, they drive the truckloads back to Michigan and charge 10 cents on each container...but it’s pure profit because a deposit was never initiated,” Bajema said. “This legislation would vastly improve the opportunities for deposit fraud by making it even more profitable for racketeers already making $2.40 on each case of pop that they bring in from Toledo and resell in Michigan to now be able to purchase a 40 pack of water for $4 in Ohio, and bring it in to Michigan and sell it for $3 dollars, charge the consumer a fake $4 deposit on those 40 water bottles, so that when the Michigan Teamster employee shows up with a 40 pack that now costs $8 with a deposit, there’s no sale to be made,” Bajema said. However, the bills did receive support from the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association, with President Spencer Nevins noting the association’s long history of supporting the bottle bill. “The state has abandoned its responsibility under the bottle bill. They haven’t funded infrastructure and we have long said that we support the bottle bill and we will support expansion as long as infrastructure is addressed. And these bills do that,” Nevins said. Nevins noted that consumer engagement with the bottle bill has dropped off significantly, with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy showing refund rates dropped from 94.7% in 2012 to 75.6% in 2022. Nevins attributed this drop off to disregarding the return infrastructure and failing to ensure compliance with the law. However, you can’t build this infrastructure without providing money to the industry, Nevins said. While the bill does not cover the cost of everything, the association supports the policy because it would mark the first proposal concerned with the infrastructure and the benefit of all stakeholders, Nevins said. The bills were reported back to the Senate floor on a party line vote of 9 to 5. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
For Hanna Cavinder, “nothing beats” quality time with boyfriend Carson Beck. In a post shared Tuesday on the Cavinder Twins’ Instagram page, the college hoops star and social media sensation was seen cozying up to her Georgia quarterback beau in an outdoor snap. Captioned, “Nothing beats it, nothing buys it,” the post features Hanna, 23, smiling next to Beck, also 23, who held up the camera for the sweet shot. Other photos in the Instagram carousel include twin sister Haley with her boyfriend, Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson, and fellow members of the twins’ inner circle. The post went live days after Beck and the Bulldogs outlasted Texas in overtime of the SEC Championship, 22-19. Beck, who confirmed his relationship with Hanna in August, suffered an elbow injury late in the first half. There is no timetable for Beck’s return, and he is exploring treatment options, the university said Monday in a statement, according to ESPN . One day prior, Georgia — seeking its third national championship in four years — was named the No. 2 seed in the expanded College Football Playoff bracket. The Bulldogs (11-2) earned a first-round bye and will face the winner of the Dec. 20 clash between Notre Dame (No. 7) and Indiana (No. 10) in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. Georgia coach Kirby Smart offered encouraging words Monday to Beck and punter Brett Thorson, who suffered a knee injury in Saturday’s game. “Carson and Brett are both fierce competitors and extremely hard workers,” Smart said, per ESPN. “I’m confident they will attack their rehab with the same determination they exhibit in their daily habits. We will be here to support them every step of the way.” Beck’s production dipped this season compared to 2023, his first season as the starter. He completed 72.4 percent of his passes during Georgia’s 2023 campaign, tossing 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. Beck completed 64.7 percent this year while throwing 28 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. Hanna, meanwhile, returned to the Miami women’s basketball team after doing a U-turn on retirement this past spring. The Hurricanes are off to an 8-1 start.There’s no real way to sugarcoat it, folks. The world is a bit of a mess right now. Global chaos has intensified recently – and I’m not just talking about the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East or between Russia and Ukraine. Over the weekend, rebel forces captured major cities in Syria, including Aleppo, Hama, Homs and Damascus. Rebel leader Hassan Abdul-Ghani is now in charge after launching a surprise, 11-day offensive and storming the Presidential Palace. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family were forced to flee the country, and they have reportedly been given asylum in Russia. Iran and Russia protected Assad for decades, but both countries have withdrawn their protection – and that opened the door for the fall of Assad after 50 years of rule. Clearly, there is a leadership vacuum in the Middle East, and it will be interesting to see which countries establish diplomatic relations with Syria’s new leader. Further east of Syria, South Korea is facing its own leadership challenges. In a nationally televised address last week, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated that he imposed Martial Law to protect the country from “anti-state forces” and North Korean sympathizers. Six hours later, though, President Yoon accepted Parliament’s vote and lifted Martial Law. President Yoon narrowly escaped impeachment after this incident because impeachment requires a two-thirds vote from Parliament. Yoon’s People Power Party has slightly over one-third of the votes in Parliament, but much of his party has deserted him. The chaos in South Korea hasn’t spread to other Asian nations yet, but other countries are adding to the current chaotic environment around the world. Take Europe, for example... Last week, the French government collapsed over a budget battle. Marine Le Pen’s National Party pushed a no-confidence vote that passed by 331 votes (288 required), which could force a new election in 60 days. The fact is President Macron’s party holds a minority in Parliament, while the National Rally Party holds the most seats. As a result, it continues to undermine Macron’s authority. So far, President Macron hasn’t declared a new election. He even stated in a nationwide address last week that he does not intend to leave and will strive to assemble a new administration that will appease Marine Le Pen. In my opinion, that’s an impossible task, and France will remain rudderless in the near term. Adding to Europe’s leadership crisis is Germany’s upcoming election. The country is expected to form a new government after the February election. The reality is that Germany has fallen into a recession, and it is worsening. In fact, union workers at nine Volkswagen AG ( VWAGY ) plants commenced two-hour strikes last week due to fears of impending layoffs and plant closures. These strikes are anticipated to expand to four hours at select plants this week. Virtually the entire automotive sector in Germany is suffering from a big drop in global demand. The reality is the Eurozone is “headless” right now. Between France’s budget woes and Germany’s upcoming election, as well as the fact that two of Europe’s largest economies are now in a recession, it’s clear that the Eurozone as a whole is now at risk of falling into a recession. If the Eurozone chaos persists, do not be surprised if the euro “breaks the buck” against the U.S. dollar. In other words, dollar-euro parity may be forthcoming. Overall, amidst all the chaos in the world, the U.S. remains an oasis. The fact of the matter is that the U.S. has a big economic advantage compared to other nations. The U.S. economy grew at a 2.8% annual pace in the third quarter, and the Atlanta Fed currently estimates 3.3% annual GDP growth in the fourth quarter. And with the presidential election complete (and uncontested), the U.S. isn’t dealing with political chaos, either. So, I anticipate a flight to quality and a strong U.S. dollar will continue to drive more and more investors back to the U.S. This Week’s Ratings Changes Here in the U.S., markets began the first week of December on the right foot. Both the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ had their third straight positive week. And, after climbing 1% and 3.3%, respectively, last week, both indexes closed at record highs on Friday. This strength was, in part, thanks to the November jobs report. Last Friday, the Labor Department announced that 227,000 payroll jobs were created in November. That was slightly higher than the consensus expectation of an increase of 220,000. Most importantly, the unemployment rate rose to 4.2% in November, up from 4.1% in October due to a declining worker participation rate. Since the Fed has been more worried about unemployment than inflation lately, I expect the Federal Reserve will cut key interest rates by 0.25% at its Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on December 18. However, we will still want to watch for two key inflation measures later this week: the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Wednesday and the Producer Price Index (PPI) on Thursday (look for a Market 360 later this week covering both of these reports.) In the meantime, I want you to feel confident that your portfolio is set to grow as we finish the year. So, I looked at the latest institutional buying pressure and each company’s financial health. I decided to revise my Stock Grader (subscription required) recommendations for 102 big blue chips (subscription required.) Of these 102 stocks... I’ve listed the first 10 stocks rated as Buys below , but you can find a more comprehensive list – including all 102 stocks’ Fundamental and Quantitative Grades – here . Chances are that you have at least one of these stocks in your portfolio, so you may want to give this list a skim and adjust accordingly. Put a Powerful Quant System at Your Fingertips As I mentioned in last Thursday’s Market 360 , Stock Grader is the “secret sauce” behind some of the big wins of my career. It helps me identify “what’s working” in the market at any given time. It’s how I made over 700% on an online discount retailer in China called Vipshop Holdings Ltd. ( VIPS ) a few years ago. It’s also led me to current winners in my Growth Investor service, like NVIDIA Corporation ( NVDA ) – where we’re sitting on a gain of 3,100%! The point is getting into the right stocks at the right time is extremely difficult for most investors. But not for those who set aside their human biases and follow a proven quantitative system. That’s why Stock Grader has been so powerful in helping me find long-term winners. And it’s why I’ve also been telling readers about my friend and InvestorPlace colleague Luke Lango’s all-new Auspex system. His powerful quant system blends different fundamental, sentiment and technical factors to find stocks that can hand you long-term gains in short-term holding periods . To see how it’s done, click here to save your spot at Luke’s Auspex Anomaly webinar . It all happens tomorrow, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m. Eastern. Sincerely, Louis Navellier Editor, Market 360 The Editor hereby discloses that as of the date of this email, the Editor, directly or indirectly, owns the following securities that are the subject of the commentary, analysis, opinions, advice, or recommendations in, or which are otherwise mentioned in, the essay set forth below: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. ( DKS ) and NVIDIA Corporation ( NVDA )
As the holiday season approaches, finding the perfect gift for your loved ones, friends, or even hosts can be a challenge. You want something that stands out, something that is both luxurious and thoughtful—a gift that is sure to impress. This holiday season, look no further than *Black Irish by Mariah Carey, a premium Irish cream liqueur that is more than just a bottle of spirits—it’s a statement of elegance, decadence, and celebration. Perfect for gifting, Black Irish by Mariah Carey makes a standout present for any celebration, from holiday host gifts to stocking stuffers . Mariah Carey’s Black Irish, a luxury Irish cream liqueur inspired by the global superstar’s heritage, is officially ushering in the holiday season with delightful indulgence. More than just another Irish cream, Black Irish by Mariah Carey is a statement of luxury. Born from Mariah’s rich heritage and crafted with aged Irish whiskey, this award-winning liqueur delivers smooth, rich decadence in every pour. Black Irish: A Unique Fusion of Heritage, Craftsmanship, and Luxury Decadent. Smooth. Elegant. And unique. All of these could serve as adjectives to depict the iconic songstress Mariah Carey. Nonetheless, they are unmistakable features of Mariah's new Black Irish Cream. Honoring Carey’s family heritage, Black Irish is crafted with aged Irish whiskey and a distinctive special blend to deliver a luxurious and indulgent flavor. Ideal for year-round enjoyment, this drink is suitable for both summer and winter specialty cocktails and complements every festivity. Sufficiently smooth to relish by itself and offered in original, Salted Caramel, or White Chocolate, Black Irish can also be creatively blended to craft an impressive holiday cocktail. Three Irresistible Flavors: A Perfect Gift for Every Taste Available in three irresistible flavors – Original, Salted Caramel, and White Chocolate – Black Irish has quickly become a favorite among connoisseurs. Recognized by Wine Enthusiast and The Tasting Panel, it is no surprise that Black Irish was named a Top 100 Spirit of 2023. Whether enjoyed on its own or mixed into a cocktail, this premium liqueur elevates any occasion. Perfect for gifting, Black Irish by Mariah Carey makes a standout present for any celebration, from holiday host gifts to stocking stuffers. The brand is also offering a limited-edition Holiday Gift Pack, featuring a full-sized bottle of the original flavor, a mini bottle of Salted Caramel, and a festive mug – the ideal way to spread some holiday cheer. Versatile and luxurious, Black Irish is perfect for sipping solo, enjoying over ice, or mixing into coffee, cocktails, desserts, and even baking. Its rich, indulgent flavor makes it the perfect addition to any holiday celebration. In addition, this season, Mariah Carey’s Black Irish will debut the Holiday Bar at Virgin Hotels, featuring a full takeover of select spaces transformed into a holiday-themed winter wonderland. Visitors will enter a whimsical holiday photo exhibit, featuring a personalized “All I Want for Christmas Is You” neon sign, or pose on a cheerful wreath to mimic the legendary album cover from Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special. Additional holiday activities feature an interactive photo booth, a Black Irish Christmas tree, a “Letters to Mariah” area, a lyrics wall, and additional attractions. The Holiday Bars will be open until December 29th in New York, Nashville, Chicago, Dallas, and New Orleans. The Perfect Gift for Any Occasion The versatility of Black Irish makes it an exceptional gift for a variety of occasions. With its striking packaging and premium quality, this liqueur is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you are attending a holiday gathering, looking for the perfect gift for a host, or shopping for that one person who seems to have everything, Black Irish is a considerate and elegant present that will leave a memorable impact. Here are some ideas for how Black Irish can fit into your holiday gift-giving: 1. For your host – Showing up with a bottle of Black Irish is sure to impress any holiday party host. Whether you’re attending a family gathering, a work party, or a close friend’s celebration, gifting Black Irish is a way to say “thank you” in style. With its decadent flavors and high-end appeal, this liqueur will be a hit at any gathering, whether served neat, on the rocks or mixed into a signature cocktail. 2. Stocking Stuffer for Adults – For the friends and family on your gift list, Black Irish makes a perfect stocking stuffer. Its sleek, sophisticated packaging and premium taste will elevate any holiday experience, whether it’s enjoyed as a relaxing after-dinner drink or used to create festive cocktails. The combination of flavors offers something for every taste, making it a fun and thoughtful surprise tucked into any stocking. 3. For your boss and colleagues – For business professionals looking to give unique gift to clients, colleagues, or employees, Black Irish is an excellent choice. Its luxury appeal makes it appropriate for a corporate setting, while its smooth taste is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. A bottle of Black Irish shows thoughtfulness and attention to detail, making it an ideal gift for those who appreciate quality spirits. 4. Personal Treat – Of course, Black Irish also makes for a fabulous treat for yourself. After a long day of holiday shopping, there’s nothing quite like relaxing with a glass of Black Irish, whether you prefer the Original flavor, the salted caramel twist, or the indulgent white chocolate. With its smooth, rich taste, it’s the perfect way to unwind and celebrate the season of joy. Black Irish by Mariah Carey – The Perfect Holiday Gift This holiday season; elevate your gift-giving game with Black Irish by Mariah Carey. Whether you’re gifting friends, family, or colleagues, or looking for something special to bring to your holiday gatherings, Black Irish is a premium liqueur that delivers smooth decadence and a luxurious drinking experience. Its award-winning quality, premium ingredients, and irresistible flavors—Original, Salted Caramel, and White Chocolate—make it a standout gift for any occasion. With its rich heritage, sophisticated craftsmanship, and accolades from top industry experts, Black Irish is more than just a bottle of Irish cream. It’s a gift that embodies luxury, elegance, and celebration. Make this holiday season unforgettable by gifting Black Irish, and enjoy the indulgence that comes with every sip. *The San Francisco Examiner newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content.DENVER , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Predictive Safety is thrilled to unveil our new strategic alliance with DISA Global Solutions, a leading provider of employee screening and compliance services. This collaboration marks a major milestone in our mission to enhance workplace safety, ensure compliance, and promote employee well-being across industries. Workplace Safety & Compliance for a Safer, More Productive Workforce At Predictive Safety, we are committed to reducing workplace incidents by addressing human factors and fostering safer work environments. DISA shares this commitment, making this partnership a perfect synergy to enhance both companies' client offerings. Jeff Akers , CEO of Predictive Safety, states, "We are thrilled to bring our AleterMeter ® technology to DISA's extensive network. This partnership represents the next steps in workplace safety and compliance." This collaboration strengthens DISA's ability to provide tailored compliance programs that address evolving workplace challenges. Together we will help organizations elevate safety by leveraging AlertMeter's ® advanced alertness reporting and KPI metrics, to create thriving, safe work environments. Gold Sponsorship at Day with DISA Predictive Safety is proud to join DISA's annual Day with DISA event. "We are excited to be supporting this great event and an opportunity to connect with DISA's tremendous client base to help raise awareness and credibility with all Predictive Safety has to offer" said Peter Hay , VP of Marketing. Day with DISA offers attendees the chance to explore Predictive Safety's innovative tools and how they complement DISA's comprehensive services. About Predictive Safety Predictive Safety SRP, Inc. is a leader in workforce safety and operational readiness, offering solutions to mitigate risks related to fatigue, impairment, and emotional distress. Our flagship tools, AlertMeter ® and AlertMeter ® FRMS (Fatigue Risk Management System), use advanced science, real-time data, and predictive analytics to proactively address human performance challenges, reduce incidents, and boost productivity. About DISA Global Solutions Founded in 1986, DISA is the industry-leading provider of employee screening and compliance services. With headquarters in Houston and over 35 offices across North America and Europe , DISA offers services including background screening, drug and alcohol testing, DOT & HR compliance, occupational health, and I-9/E-Verify. DISA helps employers make informed staffing decisions while building safer workplaces. For more information please contact Predictive Safety https://predictivesafety.com/ Peter Hay [email protected] SOURCE PREDICTIVE SAFETY SRP, INC.
Troy 52, Southern Miss 20Hetian Power Supply Company of State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co., Ltd.'s drone inspection helps the safe operation of the line
Stockhead Don't miss out on the headlines from Stockhead. Followed categories will be added to My News. The silver spot price has gained some 28% this year on the back of investment and industrial demand Chinese producers are now shifting to technologies with increased silver consumption, particularly in solar panels Here are some ASX silver stocks with re-rating events heading into the new year Another year is about to wrap up and as a little gift, Stockhead has stuffed into a stocking a collection of ASX silver companies with discovery potential and re-rating events heading into the new year. Silver has stepped out of gold’s shadow and is one of the best performing commodities in 2024, gaining some 28% since the beginning of the year. The biggest driver of demand in the silver market is photovoltaic solar panels with Chinese producers now shifting to technologies with increased silver consumption, though its also trades as a safe haven investment, offering a cheaper entry point than its more fancied cousin gold. For those who love copper, Triple Eight Capital ’s Roscoe Widdup recently told Stockhead he encourages them to look at silver as it has many of the same characteristics such as a very dry project development pipeline. READ: Silver Surfer: Energy boffin Roscoe Widdup says silver is the metal that makes the grade Here’s a collection of eight ASX silver stocks with plenty of room to move in 2025. Sun Silver (ASX:SS1) Shares in Sun Silver are up 50% year-to-date, touching a high of $1.12 in October. It’s been one of the most successful mining IPOs of 2024, with a current market cap of $61.70m. The pickings for quality silver exposure on the ASX are fairly slim, but SS1 brought some shine when it closed its IPO early in May after raising the maximum $13m in mere days before surging +170% in its first month on the bourse. Sun’s advanced Maverick Springs asset in Nevada has a resource of 423Moz at 67.25g/t silver equivalent or 253Moz at 40.25g/t silver, making it the largest pre-production primary silver project on the ASX. The deposit itself remains open along strike and at depth, with multiple mineralised intercepts located outside of the current resource constrained model. With inaugural drilling complete, the company is awaiting the results for remaining drill holes which are expected over the next 4-6 weeks. Mithril Silver and Gold (ASX:MTH) Mithril remains the only ASX-lister focused on silver in Mexico, an oft-forgotten jurisdiction which continues to rank as the world’s gold standard of silver production. The company has kicked off the second stage of drilling at its Copalquin project as it works towards a resource upgrade in the new year. Mithril’s mission is to double its current 529,000oz gold equivalent resource , and managing director and CEO John Skeet said drilling was progressing well at the first of several targets at the high-grade, district scale project. With ~1500 metres completed since the recent restart, the company has now completed 6300 metres of the expanded 9000m Target 1 resource update drill program. Preparations are on track for major exploration expansion, including the beginning of drilling two more resource targets areas and development and testing of a district model for this large epithermal system. Argent Minerals (ASX:ARD) Argent’s Kempfield asset is the second largest undeveloped silver deposit in Australia, containing 65.8Moz silver, 125,192oz gold, 207,402t lead and 420,373t zinc. Recent reverse circulation drilling intersected 56m of thick, near surface volcanogenic massive sulphide style mineralisation at the Sugarloaf Hill prospect, confirming a new VMS lode proximal to Lode 200 Mineralised Block, which contains almost half of the project's silver metal. Drilling has also confirmed further mineralisation over extensive intervals at the Golden Wattle prospect for the very first time. These newly identified mineralised zones are located 2.6km east of Kempfield, signifying confidence in the scale and overall potential of this newly discovered mineralised zone. Maronan Metals (ASX:MMA) Several pivotal moments await Maronan Metals during the first six months of 2025 with the company about to wrap up its 2024 drilling program. That program has comprised about 10,000m of drilling with the aim to increase the indicated component of its Starter Zone resource, which currently stands at 2.1Mt at 5.3% lead and 155g/t silver. A major near-term catalyst includes the resource update in March, which will place Maronan in a good position to promote the economics of the project. The updated Maronan resource will pave the way for a scoping study due in the June 2025 quarter, focusing on the 500m long by 600m deep ‘Starter Zone’, which sits less than 90m from surface. Andean Silver (ASX:ASL) Shares in Andean Silver gained a chunky 285% year-to-date following several key milestones including the increase of resources at the company’s Chilean Cerro Bayo silver-gold project by more than 80%. Since taking ownership of the asset in early 2024, Andean has nearly quadrupled the size of the deposit by adding a further 66Moz at an average grade 460g/t silver equivalent. The company is nowhere near the finish yet with a further resource update planned for early Q1 2025 which will include results from recent drilling at the Pegaso 7 area, which sits entirely outside the current resource. Polymetals Resources (ASX:POL) Polymetals acquired the Endeavour mine in 2023 after resetting a prohibitive 100% silver streaming royalty to a 4% NSR over silver, lead and zinc. Restructuring this royalty breathes new life to the mine, with Polymetals now executing on its initial 10-year mine plan. The transfer of 100% ownership from CBH Resources Limited to Polymetals paves the way for production at the mine to resume in the first half of 2025. It also paves the way for surface and underground refurbishment works at the operation in preparation for first concentrate production and sales revenue during H1 2025. Unico Silver (ASX:USL) Unico Silver, a stock pick of both Eric Sprott and John Forwood, owns the 92Moz Cerro Leon project in Argentina’s Santa Cruz province, up the road from AngloGold Ashanti’s Cerro Vanguardia mine. The project is host to the second largest vein field in the province (the Pinguino vein field) with mapped veins totalling 115km of cumulative strike. A $22.5m placement was carried out in November to accelerate exploration and resource growth through an extensive 50,000m drilling campaign at Cerro Leon and the newly acquired Joaquin projects. The company acquired Joaquin in October, strategically located 60km west of USL’s 91Moz silver equivalent Cerro Leon resource and portfolio, enhancing future development options with added scale and economics. Boab Metals (ASX:BML) Boab Metals has been a strong performer this year as it progresses its Sorby Hills lead-silver project in WA towards production. Situated 50km northeast of Kununurra, the project currently has a resource of 47.3Mt grading 4.3% lead equivalent (or 123g/t silver equivalent) including 53Moz of contained silver. Sorby Hills has an initial production target of 18.3Mt underpinned by 83% reserves and is envisioned as a conventional open pit that will produce a high-grade lead-silver concentrate through a regular flotation process plant. Front-end engineering and design studies have outlined strong economics with estimated net present value of $411m and internal rate of return of 37%. BML has already secured concentrate offtake and a binding US$30m pre-payment term sheet from global commodities trader Trafigura. Engagement with additional debt financiers is ongoing with the company targeting a final investment decision in H2 2025. At Stockhead we tell it like it is. While Sun Silver, Mithril, Argent Minerals and Maronan Metals are Stockhead advertisers they did not sponsor this article. Originally published as Stocking Stuffers: These ASX silver stocks could look good under your Xmas tree More related stories Stockhead Iron ore decline in Canberra crystal ball Federal government forecasters are continuing to go bearish on iron ore prices, as Australia plans for lower bulk commodity prices. 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Data continues to accumulate at an exponential rate. This presents challenges for all types of businesses and their Information Technology departments in particular. In turn, AI itself has led to a large increase in the amount of data storage that businesses require, with the amount of data expected to increase 122 percent by 2026. Consequently, storing, managing and tagging data to ensure quality for use in AI models is becoming more challenging. This is reflected in the Hitachi Vantara State of Data Infrastructure Survey . The report has found that every company in the study has adopted AI in some capacity in order to help to manage the data surge . The report surveyed 1,200 IT leaders and C-suite executives from large organizations in 15 markets. Of these companies, 76 percent have progressed beyond limited adoption of AI use cases, and 37 percent say AI is already critical to their business. In terms of how the technology has been absorbed, 70 percent of firms are implementing AI, testing, and improving as they go, and only 5 percent indicate they are using sandboxes to test their AI experiments before implementing them. The reason why so many firms are fast-tracking AI implementation as a top priority, 85 percent of executives expressed concern about losing competitive ground without rapid AI adoption. With the form of AI, 61 percent of large organizations are focused on developing general, larger LLMs rather than smaller specialized models. This is despite large-scale models being hungrier than regular models to train, consuming up to 100 times more power. The higher-risk strategy for implementing in ‘real time’ and without off-line evaluation is surprising. There is concern this approach risks poisoning AI models, destroying users’ trust in AI as a tool, and opening the door to new security vulnerabilities. In addition, this method of adoption has revealed gaps in data governance and flags problems relating to sustainability. If these problems can be adequately addressed, then data infrastructure and data management can play an important role in terms of overall data quality and the ability to drive positive AI outcomes. The survey notes a disconnect with proper data management, with only 38 percent of respondents saying that data is available when they need it the majority of the time. Even less (33 percent) say the majority of the outputs of their AI models are accurate, and three quarters (80 percent) say the majority of their data is unstructured, which poses greater risk as data volumes rise. In response, only a few companies are taking steps to improve their data quality: nearly half (47 percent) do not tag data for visualization, only 37 percent are enhancing training data quality to explain AI outputs, and more than a quarter (26percent) fail to review datasets for quality. Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.Ryan Day Is Getting Ripped For Horrendous Playcalling vs. MichiganSpeaker Bagbin honoured with citation for exceptional leadership
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