Month: January 2022

ProMIS Neurosciences Announces Antibody Program for Schizophrenia Therapy and Recruitment of Dr. Carsten Korth to its Scientific Advisory Board

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ProMIS Neurosciences Announces Antibody Program for Schizophrenia Therapy and Recruitment of Dr. Carsten Korth to its Scientific Advisory Board

News and Market Data on ProMIS Neurosciences

 

TORONTO, Ontario and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (TSX: PMN) (OTCQB: ARFXF), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics targeting misfolded proteins such as toxic oligomers implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, announced today that it has initiated a program to develop monoclonal antibodies to treat schizophrenia and other chronic mental illnesses. Schizophrenia is a clinical term for a severely disabling neuropsychiatric disease that disrupts employment, families and communities, and likely has heterogenous biological origins.

The biomedical literature has implicated protein misfolding as one cause of schizophrenia. A candidate for a key misfolding protein in schizophrenia was first identified in a Scottish family with a neurodevelopmental syndrome including schizophrenia, such that the gene was named “disrupted in schizophrenia” (DISC1). DISC1, and its genetically-linked protein interactors in the brain, represent a new platform target for ProMIS, given its outstanding track record of predicting and validating misfolding-specific epitopes using proprietary computational approaches.

Dr. Carsten Korth, biological psychiatrist and pioneer on the role of DISC1 in chronic mental illness, has been recruited to the ProMIS Scientific Advisory Board to share his expertise and scientific acumen on this subject. Dr. Korth, a board-certified psychiatrist and Professor of Molecular Neuropathology at University of Dusseldorf, has found that DISC1 pathological aggregates can be detected in the brains of persons dying with sporadic schizophrenia, and that overexpression of human DISC1 leading to DISC1 aggregates in a rat model leads to signs of mental illness similar to those seen in human patients. “ProMIS is now digging deep into the biological basis and treatment for these psychotic scourges of mankind; it is a pleasure to participate and advise on such an effort,” stated Dr. Korth.

“We now have tools – including ProMIS’ proprietary computational algorithms – to approach schizophrenia and related diseases for druggable misfolded protein targets,” stated Dr. Neil Cashman, ProMIS’ Chief Scientific Officer. “This represents a true confluence of opportunity for ProMIS in psychiatric diseases, just like we have accomplished for neurodegenerative diseases.”

About ProMIS Neuroscience
ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. is a development stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing antibody therapeutics selectively targeting misfolded proteins such as toxic misfolded oligomers implicated in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Company’s proprietary target discovery engine is based on the use of two complementary computational modeling techniques. The Company applies its molecular dynamics, computational discovery platform -ProMIS™ and Collective Coordinates – to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. ProMIS is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ProMIS is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PMN, and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol ARFXF
Visit us at www.promisneurosciences.com, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

For Investor Relations please contact:
Alpine Equity Advisors
Nicholas Rigopulos, President
nick@alpineequityadv.com
Tel. 617 901-0785

The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release contains certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Source: ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.

Differences in the Canadian Exchanges vs US

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Are You Up to Speed on the Canadian Stock Market?

 

The Canadian stock market differs in many ways from that in the U.S. To begin with, they are each priced in their local currency. The Canadian dollar exchange rate is about 20% under US dollars. Another impactful difference is the entire population of Canada is 1.5 million people fewer than the state of California. With one-tenth the population of the entire US, the market is not inclined to trade as deep or to have as many large companies on the main exchanges.

For a US investor looking northward, they may find that a Canadian company they are interested in has an ADR on a US exchange allowing any currency exchange to be avoided. If not, to trade in Canada they may need to open a bank account in each currency and will naturally be exposed to any currency risk relative to their native currency.

 

Sector Comparison

Many of the same sectors exist across the two exchanges, but there is a heavy weighting in Canada toward natural resource companies as the country is rich in oil and minerals. As a comparison of industries, this is how the two countries compare. For comparison across the border within the sectors, some recommend using price earnings to determine value, just as one would when comparing two stocks in the same dominion.

Basic Materials – Canada is 1.6 times bigger

Capital Goods – US is 6.5 times bigger

Conglomerates – US is 2.4 times bigger

Consumer Cyclical – US is 16 times bigger

Consumer Non-Cyclical – US is 8 times bigger

Energy – US is 1.54 times bigger

Financial – US is 5.66 times bigger

Healthcare – US is 10 times bigger

Services – US is 8 times bigger

Technology – US is 11 times bigger

Transportation – US is 8 times bigger

Utilities – US is 5.4 times bigger

 

Two standouts in Canada are basic materials which you can see above is quite a bit larger than the U.S. market. And banks, which in Canada did not experience the problems the US banks did during the subprime mortgage crisis. A case can be made that the Canadian banking sector offers diversification alongside holdings in U.S. banks. Canadian railway companies are also large and may offer unique opportunity different from U.S. transportation companies.

Stock Exchanges

In Canada, stocks with low market caps make up a large part of the securities industry.

The TSX Venture Exchange (TSX) is located in Calgary it is often called the junior listings market as it caters to early companies. Listing a company on the exchange is relatively.

The TSX Alpha Exchange (Alpha), is a market for trading securities listed on other Canadian exchanges.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE), is an exchange designed for emerging issuers.

 

Suggested Reading:



Do Canadian Companies Remain Private Because of Corporate Governance?

Copper facing an Onslaught of Demand





Repurposing Power Plants for Crypto Mining

Cathie Wood Clears Way to Invest in Bitcoin ETFs from Canada

 

 

Sources:

https://ca.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com/7-575-5349?transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default)&firstPage=true

https://medium.com/@jacobgottlieb44/the-differences-between-canadian-and-american-stock-exchanges-3d4514b313b9

https://dividendearner.com/differences-canadian-us-stock-markets/

 

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What Does this Blockchain Crypto-Asset Stuff Have to do With the Metaverse

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	Image Credit: Duncan Rawlinson (Flickr)

The Metaverse is Money and Crypto is King – Why You’ll be on a Blockchain When Your Virtual-World is Hopping

 

You may think the metaverse will be a bunch of interconnected virtual spaces – the world wide web but accessed through virtual reality. This is largely correct, but there is also a fundamental but slightly more cryptic side to the metaverse that will set it apart from today’s internet: the blockchain.

In the beginning, Web 1.0 was the information superhighway of connected computers and servers that you could search, explore, and inhabit, usually through a centralized company’s platform – for example, AOL, Yahoo, Microsoft and Google. Around the turn of the millennium, Web 2.0 came to be characterized by social networking sites, blogging and the monetization of user data for advertising by the centralized gatekeepers to “free” social media platforms, including Facebook, SnapChat, Twitter and TikTok.

Web 3.0 will be the foundation for the metaverse. It will consist of blockchain-enabled decentralized applications that support an economy of user-owned crypto assets and data.

Blockchain? Decentralized? Crypto-assets? As researchers who study social media and media technology, we can explain the technology that will make the metaverse possible.

Owning Bits

Blockchain is a technology that permanently records transactions, typically in a decentralized and public database called a ledger. Bitcoin is the most well-known blockchain-based cryptocurrency. Every time you buy some bitcoin, for example, that transaction gets recorded to the Bitcoin blockchain, which means the record is distributed to thousands of individual computers around the world.

This decentralized recording system is very difficult to fool or control. Public blockchains, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, are also transparent – all transactions are available for anyone on the internet to see, in contrast to traditional banking books.

Ethereum is a blockchain like Bitcoin, but Ethereum is also programmable through smart contracts, which are essentially blockchain-based software routines that run automatically when some condition is met. For example, you could use a smart contract on the blockchain to establish your ownership of a digital object, such as a piece of art or music, to which no one else can claim ownership on the blockchain — even if they save a copy to their computer. Digital objects that can be owned – currencies, securities, artwork – are crypto assets.

Items like artwork and music on a blockchain are nonfungible tokens (NFTs). Nonfungible means they are unique and not replaceable, the opposite of fungible items like currency – any dollar is worth the same as, and can be swapped with, any other dollar.

Importantly, you could use a smart contract that says you are willing to sell your piece of digital art for US$1 million in ether, the currency of the Ethereum blockchain. When I click “agree,” the artwork and the ether automatically transfer ownership between us on the blockchain. There is no need for a bank or third-party escrow, and if either of us were to dispute this transaction – for example, if you claimed that I only paid $999,000 – the other could easily point to the public record in the distributed ledger.

What does this blockchain crypto-asset stuff have to do with the metaverse? Everything! To start, the blockchain allows you to own digital goods in a virtual world. You won’t just own that NFT in the real world, you’ll own it in the virtual world, too.

In addition, the metaverse isn’t being built by any one group or company. Different groups will build different virtual worlds, and in the future these worlds will be interoperable – forming the metaverse. As people move between virtual worlds – say from Decentraland’s virtual environments to Microsoft’s – they’ll want to bring their stuff with them. If two virtual worlds are interoperable, the blockchain will authenticate proof of ownership of your digital goods in both virtual worlds. Essentially, as long as you are able to access your crypto wallet within a virtual world, you will be able to access your crypto stuff.

 

Don’t Forget Your Wallet

So what will you keep in your crypto wallet? You will obviously want to carry cryptocurrencies in the metaverse. Your crypto wallet will also hold your metaverse-only digital goods, such as your avatars, avatar clothing, avatar animations, virtual decorations, and weapons.

Avatars, like this representation of El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, are cartoonlike animations that people inhabit in the metaverse. AP Photo/Salvador Melendez

What will people do with their crypto wallets? Among other things, shop. Just as you likely do on the web now, you will be able to purchase traditional digital goods like music, movies, games, and apps. You’ll also be able to buy physical-world items in the metaverse, and you’ll be able to view and “hold” 3D models of what you are shopping for, which could help you make more informed decisions.

Also, just like you can use ye old leather wallet to carry your ID, crypto wallets will be linkable to real-world identities, which could help facilitate transactions that require legal verification, such as buying a real-world car or home. Because your ID will be linked to your wallet, you won’t need to remember login information for all the websites and virtual worlds that you visit – just connect your wallet with a click and you are logged in. ID-associated wallets will also be useful for controlling access to age-restricted areas in the metaverse.

Your crypto wallet could also be linked to your contacts list, which would allow you to bring your social network information from one virtual world to another. “Join me for a pool party in FILL IN THE BLANK-world!”

 

 

At some point in the future, wallets could also be associated with reputation scores that determine the permissions you have to broadcast in public places and interact with people outside of your social network. If you act like a toxic misinformation-spreading troll, you may damage your reputation and potentially have your sphere of influence reduced by the system. This could create an incentive for people to behave well in the metaverse, but platform developers will have to prioritize these systems.

 

Big Business

Lastly, if the metaverse is money, then companies will certainly want to play too. The decentralized nature of blockchain will potentially reduce the need for gatekeepers in financial transactions, but companies will still have many opportunities to generate revenue, possibly even more than in current economies. Companies like Meta will provide large platforms where people will work, play, and congregate.

The full metaverse doesn’t exist yet, but that hasn’t stopped a land rush as people and businesses grab virtual real estate.

Major brands are also getting into the NFT mix, including Dolce & Gabbana, Coca-Cola (COKE), Adidas (ADDYY) and Nike (NKE). In the future, when you buy a physical world item from a company, you might also gain ownership of a linked NFT in the metaverse.

For example, when you buy that coveted name-brand outfit to wear to the real-world dance club, you might also become the owner of the crypto version of the outfit that your avatar can wear to the virtual Ariana Grande concert. And just as you could sell the physical outfit secondhand, you could also sell the NFT version for someone else’s avatar to wear.

These are a few of the many ways that metaverse business models will likely overlap with the physical world. Such examples will get more complex as augmented reality technologies increasingly come into play, further merging aspects of the metaverse and physical world. Although the metaverse proper isn’t here yet, technological foundations like blockchain and crypto assets are steadily being developed, setting the stage for a seemingly ubiquitous virtual future that is coming soon to a ‘verse near you.

 

This article was republished with permission from The Conversation, a news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. It represents the research-based findings and opinions of Rabindra Ratan Associate Professor of Media and Information, Michigan State University. Dar Meshi Assistant Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences, Michigan State University.

 

Suggested Reading:



Why the Metaverse Matters

Companies are Choosing the Metaverse for their Business Address





NFT Fractional Ownership and Metaverse Museums

Blockchain 2022 – What’s Next?


 

Stay up to date. Follow us:

 

What Does this Blockchain Crypto-Asset Stuff Have to do With the Metaverse?

Posted on by Admin 


	Image Credit: Duncan Rawlinson (Flickr)

The Metaverse is Money and Crypto is King – Why You’ll be on a Blockchain When Your Virtual-World is Hopping

 

You may think the metaverse will be a bunch of interconnected virtual spaces – the world wide web but accessed through virtual reality. This is largely correct, but there is also a fundamental but slightly more cryptic side to the metaverse that will set it apart from today’s internet: the blockchain.

In the beginning, Web 1.0 was the information superhighway of connected computers and servers that you could search, explore, and inhabit, usually through a centralized company’s platform – for example, AOL, Yahoo, Microsoft and Google. Around the turn of the millennium, Web 2.0 came to be characterized by social networking sites, blogging and the monetization of user data for advertising by the centralized gatekeepers to “free” social media platforms, including Facebook, SnapChat, Twitter and TikTok.

Web 3.0 will be the foundation for the metaverse. It will consist of blockchain-enabled decentralized applications that support an economy of user-owned crypto assets and data.

Blockchain? Decentralized? Crypto-assets? As researchers who study social media and media technology, we can explain the technology that will make the metaverse possible.

Owning Bits

Blockchain is a technology that permanently records transactions, typically in a decentralized and public database called a ledger. Bitcoin is the most well-known blockchain-based cryptocurrency. Every time you buy some bitcoin, for example, that transaction gets recorded to the Bitcoin blockchain, which means the record is distributed to thousands of individual computers around the world.

This decentralized recording system is very difficult to fool or control. Public blockchains, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, are also transparent – all transactions are available for anyone on the internet to see, in contrast to traditional banking books.

Ethereum is a blockchain like Bitcoin, but Ethereum is also programmable through smart contracts, which are essentially blockchain-based software routines that run automatically when some condition is met. For example, you could use a smart contract on the blockchain to establish your ownership of a digital object, such as a piece of art or music, to which no one else can claim ownership on the blockchain — even if they save a copy to their computer. Digital objects that can be owned – currencies, securities, artwork – are crypto assets.

Items like artwork and music on a blockchain are nonfungible tokens (NFTs). Nonfungible means they are unique and not replaceable, the opposite of fungible items like currency – any dollar is worth the same as, and can be swapped with, any other dollar.

Importantly, you could use a smart contract that says you are willing to sell your piece of digital art for US$1 million in ether, the currency of the Ethereum blockchain. When I click “agree,” the artwork and the ether automatically transfer ownership between us on the blockchain. There is no need for a bank or third-party escrow, and if either of us were to dispute this transaction – for example, if you claimed that I only paid $999,000 – the other could easily point to the public record in the distributed ledger.

What does this blockchain crypto-asset stuff have to do with the metaverse? Everything! To start, the blockchain allows you to own digital goods in a virtual world. You won’t just own that NFT in the real world, you’ll own it in the virtual world, too.

In addition, the metaverse isn’t being built by any one group or company. Different groups will build different virtual worlds, and in the future these worlds will be interoperable – forming the metaverse. As people move between virtual worlds – say from Decentraland’s virtual environments to Microsoft’s – they’ll want to bring their stuff with them. If two virtual worlds are interoperable, the blockchain will authenticate proof of ownership of your digital goods in both virtual worlds. Essentially, as long as you are able to access your crypto wallet within a virtual world, you will be able to access your crypto stuff.

 

Don’t Forget Your Wallet

So what will you keep in your crypto wallet? You will obviously want to carry cryptocurrencies in the metaverse. Your crypto wallet will also hold your metaverse-only digital goods, such as your avatars, avatar clothing, avatar animations, virtual decorations, and weapons.

Avatars, like this representation of El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, are cartoonlike animations that people inhabit in the metaverse. AP Photo/Salvador Melendez

What will people do with their crypto wallets? Among other things, shop. Just as you likely do on the web now, you will be able to purchase traditional digital goods like music, movies, games, and apps. You’ll also be able to buy physical-world items in the metaverse, and you’ll be able to view and “hold” 3D models of what you are shopping for, which could help you make more informed decisions.

Also, just like you can use ye old leather wallet to carry your ID, crypto wallets will be linkable to real-world identities, which could help facilitate transactions that require legal verification, such as buying a real-world car or home. Because your ID will be linked to your wallet, you won’t need to remember login information for all the websites and virtual worlds that you visit – just connect your wallet with a click and you are logged in. ID-associated wallets will also be useful for controlling access to age-restricted areas in the metaverse.

Your crypto wallet could also be linked to your contacts list, which would allow you to bring your social network information from one virtual world to another. “Join me for a pool party in FILL IN THE BLANK-world!”

 

 

At some point in the future, wallets could also be associated with reputation scores that determine the permissions you have to broadcast in public places and interact with people outside of your social network. If you act like a toxic misinformation-spreading troll, you may damage your reputation and potentially have your sphere of influence reduced by the system. This could create an incentive for people to behave well in the metaverse, but platform developers will have to prioritize these systems.

 

Big Business

Lastly, if the metaverse is money, then companies will certainly want to play too. The decentralized nature of blockchain will potentially reduce the need for gatekeepers in financial transactions, but companies will still have many opportunities to generate revenue, possibly even more than in current economies. Companies like Meta will provide large platforms where people will work, play, and congregate.

The full metaverse doesn’t exist yet, but that hasn’t stopped a land rush as people and businesses grab virtual real estate.

Major brands are also getting into the NFT mix, including Dolce & Gabbana, Coca-Cola (COKE), Adidas (ADDYY) and Nike (NKE). In the future, when you buy a physical world item from a company, you might also gain ownership of a linked NFT in the metaverse.

For example, when you buy that coveted name-brand outfit to wear to the real-world dance club, you might also become the owner of the crypto version of the outfit that your avatar can wear to the virtual Ariana Grande concert. And just as you could sell the physical outfit secondhand, you could also sell the NFT version for someone else’s avatar to wear.

These are a few of the many ways that metaverse business models will likely overlap with the physical world. Such examples will get more complex as augmented reality technologies increasingly come into play, further merging aspects of the metaverse and physical world. Although the metaverse proper isn’t here yet, technological foundations like blockchain and crypto assets are steadily being developed, setting the stage for a seemingly ubiquitous virtual future that is coming soon to a ‘verse near you.

 

This article was republished with permission from The Conversation, a news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. It represents the research-based findings and opinions of Rabindra Ratan Associate Professor of Media and Information, Michigan State University. Dar Meshi Assistant Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences, Michigan State University.

 

Suggested Reading:



Why the Metaverse Matters

Companies are Choosing the Metaverse for their Business Address





NFT Fractional Ownership and Metaverse Museums

Blockchain 2022 – What’s Next?


 

Stay up to date. Follow us:

 

Are Fed Governor Appointments Important?

Posted on by Admin 


	Image Credit: New America (Flickr)

About the Federal Reserve Board of Governors Appointments

 

There are three names consistently mentioned as US President Biden’s picks for Federal Reserve Board nominees.  These are Sarah Bloom Raskin for the important regulatory role of Vice Chair for Supervision, also expected to be nominated are academic economists Philip Jefferson and Lisa D. Cook to fill the remaining two vacancies on the Fed’s seven-member governing board. Is it important who is chosen? What would these three bring to the table?

The Importance of Fed Governors

The Board of Governors is the governing body of the entire Federal Reserve System, with offices located in Washington DC. The board consists of seven members, or “governors,” who are nominated by the President and confirmed in their positions by the Senate. Governors guide the operation of the Federal Reserve System to promote the goals and fulfill the responsibilities given by the Federal Reserve Act.

The seven members of the Board are automatically voting members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) which consists of 12 voting members, and four non-voting regional Reserve Bank presidents. The FOMC is tasked with creating an environment where the banking system is safe, and inflation, economic growth, and full employment are well balanced. It’s expected that 2022 will be a particularly challenging year to successfully manage these priorities.

 

About the Nominees

President Biden is said to be nominating climate-change activist Sarah Bloom Raskin as the central bank’s vice chair for supervision. Raskin would be filling the seat vacated by Randal Quarles who recently left this role. She has served as a Fed governor previously (2010 to 2014) before becoming President Obama’s deputy treasury secretary. The 60-year-old is married to US Representative Jamie Raskin.

The president is also expected to name Lisa DeNell Cook whose career has predominantly been in academia. Cook earned a Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, Berkeley with concentrations in macroeconomics and international economics. She is currently a Professor of Economics and International Relations, Michigan State University. The Milledgeville, GA native formerly worked as a senior economist on Obama’s Council of Economic Advisors

The third expected Fed governor to be nominated is Davidson College dean Philip Jefferson. Jefferson is a former Fed economist who now serves as dean of faculty and academic-affairs vice president at Davidson College in North Carolina. Born and raised in Washington DC, Jefferson received an MA and PhD. From the University of Virginia.

Senate Approval

The three nominees could face opposition during their Senate confirmation hearings. Some lawmakers have already come out against Raskin’s long-expected nomination. The opposition is based in part on her long-held position that financial regulators should use their rule-making powers to fight climate change. An example of Raskin’s views can be found in an op-ed piece from late 2021 that reads, “while none of [America’s] regulatory agencies was specifically designed to mitigate the risks of climate-related events, each has a mandate broad enough to encompass these risks within the scope of the instruments already given to it by Congress. Accordingly, all U.S. regulators can – and should – be looking at their existing powers and considering how they might be brought to bear on efforts to mitigate climate risk.”

Such positions have drawn criticism from lawmakers. Senator Pat Toomey said in a statement that Raskin “has specifically called for the Fed to pressure banks to choke off credit to traditional energy companies and to exclude those employers from any Fed emergency lending facilities. I have serious concerns that she would abuse the Fed’s narrow statutory mandates on monetary policy and banking supervision to have the central bank actively engaged in capital allocation.”

There also seems to be concern over the experience of the two nominees that are professors. One senator said, “I will closely examine whether Ms. Cook and Mr. Jefferson have the necessary experience, judgment and policy views to serve as Fed governors.”

Take-Away

The banking system and those that preside over and guide it are important to the overall state of the economy. The coming year is expected to be particularly challenging as moves to lessen inflation inputs will undoubtedly dampen economic growth. Fed governors and FOMC members best serve their mandates if their focus is on the mandates. There is some concern that if any of the three are nominated, the Senate hearings may be fraught with drama related to determining if there is enough experience from some of the candidates, and if there is an agenda above and beyond that explicitly provided for in the Federal Reserve Act.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

 

Suggested Reading:



The Detrimental Impact of Fed Policy on Savers

Money Supply is Like Caffeine for Stocks





Powell’s Apparent Shift on Digital Currency

Bond Market Understanding is Again Critical for Stock Investors

Sources:

https://law.duke.edu/news/op-ed-raskin-urges-us-financial-regulators-use-their-tools-mitigate-climate-risk/

https://lisadcook.net/bio-cv/
https://www.minneapolisfed.org/people/philip-jefferson

https://blog.earn2trade.com/what-is-the-fomc/#ixzz7HwdoAjME

https://www.barrons.com/news/us-to-appoint-climate-conscious-bloom-raskin-as-fed-s-top-banking-regulator-01642144806?tesla=y

https://www.federalreserve.gov/aboutthefed/fract.htm

 

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Metals and Mining Industry Outlook – Noble Capital Markets Natural Resources Sector Review – Q4 2021

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Metals & Mining Fourth Quarter 2021 Review and Outlook

Noble Capital Markets Natural Resources Sector Review

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021; Company Filings

METALS AND MINING INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

Metals & Mining Fourth Quarter 2021 Review and Outlook

Mining companies post a strong finish.

During the fourth quarter, mining companies (as measured by the XME) appreciated 7.3% compared to a gain of 10.6% for the S&P 500 index. The VanEck Vectors Gold Miners (GDX) and Junior Gold Miners (GDXJ) ETFs were up 8.7% and 9.4%, respectively. Gold, silver, copper, and zinc futures prices were up 4.0%, 6.1%, 9.1%, and 8.5%, respectively, while lead was down 2.4%. For the full year, gold and silver prices declined 4.5% and 12.1%, respectively, while copper, lead, and zinc prices were up 26.4%, 21.3%, and 33.6%. Performance in 2021 was driven by base metals equities as underscored by the 33.9% price return on the XME versus -11.1% and -22.7% for the GDX and GDXJ, respectively. The S&P 500 appreciated 26.9%.

Outlook for precious metals.

The U.S. Dollar Index rose 1.7% during the fourth quarter and 6.4% in 2021. The yield on the 10-year rose modestly during the fourth quarter to 1.51% and was up 59.5 basis points compared to year-end 2020. While a rise in the U.S. dollar and treasury yields are headwinds for gold, we believe investors may view precious metals more favorably in 2022 to protect portfolio values from potential volatility in equity markets, an uncertain path for inflation, and the risk of Federal Reserve monetary policy errors. While the Federal Reserve has signaled that it will end monthly bond purchases in March and could raise interest rates three times in 2022, we think market expectations are partially baked in and investors will likely focus on real interest rates which are expected to remain low.

Can industrial metals continue their ascent?

While U.S. and global economic growth is expected to moderate and we don’t expect the same level of gains for industrial metals in 2022, cash flow generation should remain strong for industrial metals companies while supply and demand fundamentals remain favorable. Improving supply chains, inventory re-stocking, and greater capital spending could be supportive of pricing, and we believe the long-term investment case for owning industrial metals mining companies remains favorable. Weaker growth abroad, particularly in China, remains a near-term threat.

Putting it all together.

We remain constructive on the Metals and Mining sector. While precious metals underperformed industrial metals in 2021, we believe precious metals mining equities could outperform in 2022. Valuations, particularly among junior companies, remain attractive while current gold and silver prices are sufficient to be profitable. Additionally, we are beginning to observe an increase in M&A activity which highlight value in the sector based on acquisition premiums.

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Gold Mining – Comparable Tables 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Gold Mining – LTM Equity Performance 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Silver Mining – Comparable Tables 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Silver Mining – LTM Equity Performance 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Gold & Silver – LTM Global M&A Activity 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Diversified Mining – Comparable Tables 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Diversified Mining – LTM Equity Performance 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Diversified Mining – LTM Global M&A Activity 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

LTM Mining Industry M&A Summary 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

NOBLE QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS

Brazil Minerals Inc. (OTCPK:BMIX)

Industry: Metals and Mining – Precious gems; Gold

Brazil Minerals, Inc. (OTCQB: BMIX) is a lithium company with projects in other highly strategic minerals such as rare earths, titanium, nickel and cobalt. In addition, Brazil Minerals owns stakes in both Apollo Resources Corporation, a private company developing its first iron mine, and Jupiter Gold Corporation, a publicy-traded company developing a quartzite mine and advancing two large gold projects.

4th Quarter News Highlight:

December 8, 2021: Brazil Minerals announced the addition of a new board member with substantial capital markets expertise. Stephen Petersen, new independent director of the company, has over 40 years of experience in the capital markets and investment management. Since 2013, he has been a Managing Director and member of the Investment Committee at Prio Wealth, an independent investment management firm with over $3 billion in assets under management. Previously, Mr. Petersen served as Senior Vice President, Investments at Fidelity Investments for approximately 32 years.

Summa Silver Corp. (TSXV:SSVR)

Industry: Metals and Mining – Precious metals; Silver

Summa Silver Corp is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company. The Company owns a 100% interest in the Hughes property located in central Nevada and has an option to earn 100% interest in the Mogollon property located in southwestern New Mexico. The Hughes property is host to the high-grade past-producing Belmont Mine, one of the most prolific silver producers in the United States between 1903 and 1929. The mine has remained inactive since commercial production ceased in 1929 due to heavily depressed metal prices and little to no modern exploration work has ever been completed.

4th Quarter News Highlight:

December 14, 2021: The Company announced the intersection of 50-meter vein zone with visible mineralization in first hole at Mogollon, New Mexico. Drilling is still in progress at the property and Summa Silver expects a minimum of 15,000m additional drilling. Galen McNamara, CEO, stated: “Although we don’t expect the entire intersection to carry grade, the wide zone of classic low-sulfidation veining in our first hole attests to the prospectivity of the Queen Vein and the significance of the mineralizing system in general.”

Chakana Copper Corp. (OTCQB:CHKKF)

Industry: Metals and Mining – Diversified metals and mining

Chakana Copper Corp is a Canadian-based minerals exploration company that is currently advancing the Soledad Project located in the Ancash region of Peru, a highly favorable mining jurisdiction with supportive communities. The Soledad Project is notable for the high-grade copper-gold-silver mineralization that is hosted in tourmaline breccia pipes.

4th Quarter News Highlight:

November 18, 2021: The company provided results from the remaining twelve resource definition holes drilled in Bx 5 totaling 2,541m at the Soledad project, Ancash, Peru. This resource drilling is part of the fully funded 26,000m exploration and resource drilling program planned for 2021. These results will further increase confidence in the initial resource estimate, anticipated to be completed by the end of 2021. Gradient-array induced-polarization (IP) surveys have been completed over the entire 12km2 footprint of the Soledad mineral system as well.

Source: Company Press Releases

DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT (PDF)

Noble Capital Markets Metals & Mining Newsletter Q4 2021

This newsletter was prepared and provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc. For any questions and/or requests regarding this newsletter, please contact >Francisco Penafiel

DISCLAIMER

All statements or opinions contained herein that include the words “ we”,“ or “ are solely the responsibility of NOBLE Capital Markets, Inc and do not necessarily reflect statements or opinions expressed by any person or party affiliated with companies mentioned in this report Any opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice All information provided herein is based on public and non public information believed to be accurate and reliable, but is not necessarily complete and cannot be guaranteed No judgment is hereby expressed or should be implied as to the suitability of any security described herein for any specific investor or any specific investment portfolio The decision to undertake any investment regarding the security mentioned herein should be made by each reader of this publication based on their own appraisal of the implications and risks of such decision This publication is intended for information purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to buy/ sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy/sell any security mentioned in this report, nor shall there be any sale of the security herein in any state or domicile in which said offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or domicile This publication and all information, comments, statements or opinions contained or expressed herein are applicable only as of the date of this publication and subject to change without prior notice Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Please refer to the above PDF for a complete list of disclaimers pertaining to this newsletter

Exploration and Production Review and Outlook – Noble Capital Markets Energy Sector Review – Q4 2021

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Energy: Fourth Quarter 2021 Review and Outlook

Noble Capital Markets Energy Sector Newsletter

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Energy Fundamental Data

Source: Energy Information Administration as of 12/31/2021

ENERGY INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

Exploration and Production: 2021-4Q Review and Outlook

Energy Stocks Performance

Energy stocks, as measured by the XLE Energy Index, began the quarter on a high note outperforming the overall market. As we entered the second half of the quarter, however, energy stocks leveled off while the overall market continued to rise. For the quarter ended December 31, 2021, the XLE rose almost 6% while the S&P 500 Index rose some 10%.

Oil Prices

As is usually the case, the XLE tracked the movement in oil prices. WTI oil prices have been on a tear this year including a sharp increase in October reaching a peak price of $84.65/bbl on October 21. Prices cooled off a bit since then, but remain above $75/bbl., which is near a five-year high (excluding the October run up). Brent oil prices continue to track a few dollars above WTI prices and ended the quarter at $78/bbl. Futures prices are flat holding in the mid seventies for several months implying that the market believes supply and demand have reached a point of equilibrium. More surprisingly, domestic production has also been slow to respond to higher prices. Active rigs have doubled since bottoming out in the spring of 2020 but remain at levels only half that of 2018, the last time oil prices were at this level.

Natural Gas Prices

Natural gas prices have also been exceptionally strong early in the quarter climbing above $6/mcf. entering the heating season. Mild weather in November and December have tempered the sharp rise but prices remain above $3.50/mcf, a very profitable level for natural gas producers. Storage levels, which were running high most of 2020, have returned to historical levels. Drilling activity remains steady. As is the case with oil, we believe the lack of a supply response could mean that natural gas prices remain at elevated levels for several quarters.

Outlook

Energy industry fundamentals remain strong. Energy prices are high and show no sign of decreasing. Past concerns of industry-wide reductions in lifting costs or a fundamental shift away from carbon-based fuels have gone to the wayside due to a lack of supply response to higher prices. Managements seem cautious due to concerns that demand could collapse with another COVID outburst or perhaps that OPEC would punish any expansion by flooding the market. The drilling that is being done is very profitable and that should lead to higher company profits and improved company financials. We believe small energy companies that can expand without drawing attention may be at an advantage.

Source: Michael Heim 01/04/2022; Energy Information Agency (EIA)

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Oil & Gas – Comparable Tables 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Oil & Gas – LTM Equity Performance 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Oil & Gas – 2021-4Q Global M&A Activity 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Power Generation – Comparable Tables 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Power Generation – LTM Equity Performance 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Power Generation – 2021-4Q Global M&A Activity 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Energy Services – Comparable Tables 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Energy Services – LTM Equity Performance 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Energy Services – 2021-4Q M&A Activity 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Mineral Energy – Comparable Tables 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Mineral Energy – LTM Equity Performance 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

Mineral Energy – 2021 Global M&A Activity 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

LTM Energy – Energy Industry M&A Summary 

Source: Capital IQ as of 12/31/2021

NOBLE QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS

Standard Uranium Ltd. (TSXV:STND)

Industry: Energy – Mineral Energy

Standard Uranium is a mineral resource exploration company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Since its establishment, Standard Uranium has focused on the identification and development of prospective exploration stage uranium projects in the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada. Standard Uranium’s Davidson River Project, in the southwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, is comprised of 21 mineral claims over 25,886 hectares. The Davidson River Project is highly prospective for basement hosted uranium deposits yet remains relatively untested by drilling despite its location along trend from recent high-grade uranium discoveries.

4th Quarter News Highlights:

November 9, 2021: The Company announced the completion of the Phase II summer 2021 diamond drilling program at the Company’s flagship 25,886-hectare Davidson River Project, located in the Southwest Athabasca Uranium District of Saskatchewan, approximately 25 km to 30 km, respectively, to the west of Fission Uranium’s Triple R and NexGen’s Arrow deposits.

Laramide Resources Ltd. (TSX:LAM)

Industry:Mineral Energy; Exploration and production

Laramide is a Canadian-based company with diversified uranium assets strategically positioned in the United States and Australia that have been chosen for their low-cost production potential. Laramide’s Churchrock and Crownpoint properties form a leading In-Situ Recovery (ISR) division that benefits from significant mineral resources and near-term development potential. Additional U.S. assets include La Jara Mesa in Grants, New Mexico, and La Sal in the Lisbon Valley district of Utah. The Company’s Australian advanced stage Westmoreland is one of the largest uranium projects currently held by a junior mining company.

4th Quarter News Highlights:

November 15, 2021: Laramide Resources announced the commencement of an exploration program at Murphy Uranium Project in Northern Territory, Australia. The Company launched a helicopter supported reconnaissance stream and soil sampling program designed to test for uranium, gold and a suite of other precious and base metals, hosted within favorable geological units on ELs 9319 and 9414 in the Northern Territory.

Journey Energy Inc. (TSX:JOY)

Industry: Energy – Oil & Gas; Exploration and production

Journey is a Canadian exploration and production company focused on conventional, oil-weighted operations in western Canada. Journey’s strategy is to grow its production base by drilling on its existing core lands, implementing water flood projects, executing on accretive acquisitions. Journey seeks to optimize its legacy oil pools on existing lands through the application of best practices in horizontal drilling and, where feasible, with water floods.

4th Quarter News Highlights:

November 9, 2021: The company announced that the Duvernay drilling program has advanced to the point where Journey has significant production history for the three wells drilled by its joint venture partner, Kiwetinohk Resources Corp. (“KRC”). These wells rank in the top tier of all wells drilled to date in the East Shale Duvernay basin. The success to date in this play highlights the significant development potential of the Duvernay land block. The joint venture currently controls approximately 116 gross sections where Journey has an average working interest of 37.5% (43.5 net sections).

Source: Company Press Releases

DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT (PDF)

Noble Capital Markets Energy Newsletter Q4 2021

This newsletter was prepared and provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc. For any questions and/or requests regarding this newsletter, please contact >Francisco Penafiel

DISCLAIMER

All statements or opinions contained herein that include the words “ we”,“ or “ are solely the responsibility of NOBLE Capital Markets, Inc and do not necessarily reflect statements or opinions expressed by any person or party affiliated with companies mentioned in this report Any opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice All information provided herein is based on public and non public information believed to be accurate and reliable, but is not necessarily complete and cannot be guaranteed No judgment is hereby expressed or should be implied as to the suitability of any security described herein for any specific investor or any specific investment portfolio The decision to undertake any investment regarding the security mentioned herein should be made by each reader of this publication based on their own appraisal of the implications and risks of such decision This publication is intended for information purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to buy/ sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy/sell any security mentioned in this report, nor shall there be any sale of the security herein in any state or domicile in which said offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or domicile This publication and all information, comments, statements or opinions contained or expressed herein are applicable only as of the date of this publication and subject to change without prior notice Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Please refer to the above PDF for a complete list of disclaimers pertaining to this newsletter

Freight Costs and their Contribution to Inflation

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	Image Source: James Wheeler (Pexels)

All Products Get to their Final Destination by Land, How Freight Costs are Adding to Inflation

 

It’s no secret that freight and shipping have been stuck on a rocky road for almost  two years. This is from the challenges that have now led to increases in shipping costs. These include spikes in demand or reduced transportation availability – this is a recipe for increased prices for any service. So, it’s no surprise that the increase that shippers are paying to transportation companies is dramatic and breaking records. The extent of it is shocking. The data included below provides a picture , the source of all data is Cass Information Systems, and eia.gov.

 

Freight Cost Increases

According to the Cass Freight Index® for expenditures, there was a spike of 43.6% in the cost of shipping goods within the U.S. in December 2020, and by 62.3% from the previous December (2019). The index takes into consideration shipment volume and freight rates. It’s centered on overland shipments including trucking (over half the dollar amount), rail, partial truckload, and parcel services. Bulk commodity shipments are not part of the index.

 

  Data Source: Cass

 

The rates for freight service increased by 33.4% in December 2021 from the previous December.

The freight system had trouble operating with any logistical normalcy with containers stranded on ships and shipyards, chassis shortages for moving the containers, railyards backed up, driver shortages, warehouse worker shortages, and state to state regulatory issues concerning emissions and licensing. With all this, shipment volume was constrained and the system fell apart.

In December 2020 the Freight Index for Shipments rose by 7.7% over the previous year and by 14.8% from December 2019. This caused a new high for December, a period when shipping normally experiences a lull. The December slowdown not only did not occur, there was an acceleration.

Trucking Rates Up

The average national spot rate for flatbed trailers spiked by 24% year-over-year in 2020 to $3.07 per mile. It has leveled out since last summer after it peaked in June at $3.15 per mile. Regionally, the average rate ranged more than 10% from $2.98 in the Southwest to $3.35 in the Midwest.

 

Fuel Costs

At the end of last year, the average price of diesel at the pump was $3.61 per gallon. This was a dollar higher or a 27% increase over the previous December. It had been higher in October of last year but a dip in the cost of WTI crude oil brought diesel prices down in November and December. Crude prices have risen since the end of the year, diesel prices are again rising along with oil. 

 

Take-Away

Every product or raw material in the US travels by land, truck or rail before it moves over the road to its final destination.  With demand for shipping still high, during what is typically a lull in the industry, and fuel prices rising, freight costs are likely to remain high.  These costs work their way into pricing goods and materials and are therefore inflationary. Consumers expecting relief from rising prices will not get any from shipping costs.

 

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

 

Suggested Reading:



Is the Tide Turning on Equity Investors?

Will Gold Continue to Outperform in 2022?





Bond Market Understanding is Again Critical for Stock Investors

Deflation Not Inflation is Risk Says Cathie Wood

 

 

Sources:

https://www.cassinfo.com/freight-audit-payment/cass-transportation-indexes/cass-freight-index

https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/

 

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Are Fed Governor Appointments Important

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	Image Credit: New America (Flickr)

About the Federal Reserve Board of Governors Appointments

 

There are three names consistently mentioned as US President Biden’s picks for Federal Reserve Board nominees.  These are Sarah Bloom Raskin for the important regulatory role of Vice Chair for Supervision, also expected to be nominated are academic economists Philip Jefferson and Lisa D. Cook to fill the remaining two vacancies on the Fed’s seven-member governing board. Is it important who is chosen? What would these three bring to the table?

The Importance of Fed Governors

The Board of Governors is the governing body of the entire Federal Reserve System, with offices located in Washington DC. The board consists of seven members, or “governors,” who are nominated by the President and confirmed in their positions by the Senate. Governors guide the operation of the Federal Reserve System to promote the goals and fulfill the responsibilities given by the Federal Reserve Act.

The seven members of the Board are automatically voting members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) which consists of 12 voting members, and four non-voting regional Reserve Bank presidents. The FOMC is tasked with creating an environment where the banking system is safe, and inflation, economic growth, and full employment are well balanced. It’s expected that 2022 will be a particularly challenging year to successfully manage these priorities.

 

About the Nominees

President Biden is said to be nominating climate-change activist Sarah Bloom Raskin as the central bank’s vice chair for supervision. Raskin would be filling the seat vacated by Randal Quarles who recently left this role. She has served as a Fed governor previously (2010 to 2014) before becoming President Obama’s deputy treasury secretary. The 60-year-old is married to US Representative Jamie Raskin.

The president is also expected to name Lisa DeNell Cook whose career has predominantly been in academia. Cook earned a Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, Berkeley with concentrations in macroeconomics and international economics. She is currently a Professor of Economics and International Relations, Michigan State University. The Milledgeville, GA native formerly worked as a senior economist on Obama’s Council of Economic Advisors

The third expected Fed governor to be nominated is Davidson College dean Philip Jefferson. Jefferson is a former Fed economist who now serves as dean of faculty and academic-affairs vice president at Davidson College in North Carolina. Born and raised in Washington DC, Jefferson received an MA and PhD. From the University of Virginia.

Senate Approval

The three nominees could face opposition during their Senate confirmation hearings. Some lawmakers have already come out against Raskin’s long-expected nomination. The opposition is based in part on her long-held position that financial regulators should use their rule-making powers to fight climate change. An example of Raskin’s views can be found in an op-ed piece from late 2021 that reads, “while none of [America’s] regulatory agencies was specifically designed to mitigate the risks of climate-related events, each has a mandate broad enough to encompass these risks within the scope of the instruments already given to it by Congress. Accordingly, all U.S. regulators can – and should – be looking at their existing powers and considering how they might be brought to bear on efforts to mitigate climate risk.”

Such positions have drawn criticism from lawmakers. Senator Pat Toomey said in a statement that Raskin “has specifically called for the Fed to pressure banks to choke off credit to traditional energy companies and to exclude those employers from any Fed emergency lending facilities. I have serious concerns that she would abuse the Fed’s narrow statutory mandates on monetary policy and banking supervision to have the central bank actively engaged in capital allocation.”

There also seems to be concern over the experience of the two nominees that are professors. One senator said, “I will closely examine whether Ms. Cook and Mr. Jefferson have the necessary experience, judgment and policy views to serve as Fed governors.”

Take-Away

The banking system and those that preside over and guide it are important to the overall state of the economy. The coming year is expected to be particularly challenging as moves to lessen inflation inputs will undoubtedly dampen economic growth. Fed governors and FOMC members best serve their mandates if their focus is on the mandates. There is some concern that if any of the three are nominated, the Senate hearings may be fraught with drama related to determining if there is enough experience from some of the candidates, and if there is an agenda above and beyond that explicitly provided for in the Federal Reserve Act.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

 

Suggested Reading:



The Detrimental Impact of Fed Policy on Savers

Money Supply is Like Caffeine for Stocks





Powell’s Apparent Shift on Digital Currency

Bond Market Understanding is Again Critical for Stock Investors

Sources:

https://law.duke.edu/news/op-ed-raskin-urges-us-financial-regulators-use-their-tools-mitigate-climate-risk/

https://lisadcook.net/bio-cv/
https://www.minneapolisfed.org/people/philip-jefferson

https://blog.earn2trade.com/what-is-the-fomc/#ixzz7HwdoAjME

https://www.barrons.com/news/us-to-appoint-climate-conscious-bloom-raskin-as-fed-s-top-banking-regulator-01642144806?tesla=y

https://www.federalreserve.gov/aboutthefed/fract.htm

 

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Release – Motorsport Games – 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual eRacing Finale Event to be Broadcast Digitally Around the World

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24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual eRacing Finale Event to be Broadcast Digitally Around the World

Research, News, and Market Data on Motorsport Games

 

FINALE OF THIS YEAR’S LE MANS VIRTUAL SERIES TO BE BROADCAST JANUARY 15 AND 16, 2022

MIAMI, Jan. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A host of major broadcasters, including Motor Trend in the USA and Eurosport across Europe and Asia, will televise this weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual Series eRacing Finale Event on January 15 and 16, 2022, bringing the exhilarating combined world of motorsport and esports to millions of homes across the globe. This marks the culmination of this year’s series, made possible through a joint venture between Motorsport Games (NASDAQ: MSGM) and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO).

A special TV show covering this unique two-day event will be produced live from Paris and will include an expert commentary team made up of FIA World Endurance Championship lead commentator Martin Haven, esports experts Chris McCarthy and Lewis McGlade, motorsport commentator Ben Constanduros, plus “pitlane” reporter Hayley Edmonds. Also in the studio will be current WEC competitor, 2020 Le Mans Virtual driver and FIA F2 and F3 commentator Alex Brundle to bring a driver’s eye to proceedings.

The 200 eRacing drivers – representing 39 different nationalities – piloting the 50 cars (4-drivers in each car in rotation over the 24 hours) will be located in 28 different countries. This is fully reflected in the digital interest from broadcasters globally.

Eurosport will cover the full 2-day eRace event live throughout its European regions on Eurosport Player, and global coverage will be on Motorsport.tv. Also airing the full 24 hours on OTT channels in Europe will be L’Equipe Live in France, Sport 10 (pay TV), RTBF Auvio (OTT) in Belgium and Viaplay in Sweden, Norway and Finland. Sport 1 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland will show a special 44 minute program on Sunday evening, broadcasted on free-to-air TV with a potential reach of 72 million viewers.

Motor Trend will cover the full eRace live in North America on its OTT service, while Star+ will show the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual eRacing Finale Event in Latin America plus Brazil. SuperSport DStv will take the broadcast live on its dedicated motorsport channel across Africa, thus extending the coverage to five continents around the world.

Finally, the ACO and FIA WEC’s official social media channels will be showing all the action live from start to finish, as will the Le Mans Virtual Series official website (www.lemansvirtual.com). The broadcast begins at 7:30 AM EST (13:30 CET/12:30 GMT) and the famous French national flag will be dropped for the start of the biggest endurance esports event of the year at 8:00 AM EST (14:00 CET/13:00 GMT).

More information including press releases, visuals, official poster and a presentation can be found HERE. All information on the event can also be found on www.lemansvirtual.com.

About Le Mans Virtual Series
Le Mans Virtual Series is a global, elite esports series made up of five rounds which bring together endurance racing and sim racing’ top teams to compete on some of the world’s most famous racetracks. International FIA-licensed real-world drivers are teamed up with leading esports protagonists to take on endurance classics for a total prize fund of US $250,000, culminating in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual which will take place entirely online. The Le Mans Virtual Series is a joint venture between leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, Motorsport Games, and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) – the creator and organizer of the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and promoter of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). www.lemansvirtual.com

Round 1 4 Hours of Monza, Italy September 25, 2021 Online only
Round 2 6 Hours of Spa, Belgium October 16, 2021 Online only
Round 3 8 Hours of Nürburgring, Germany November 13, 2021 Online only
Round 4  6 Hours of Sebring, USA December 18, 2021 Online only
Round 5 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual January 15/16, 2022 Online only

About Motorsport Games
Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, combines innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers around the globe. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”), across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile. Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others. For more information about Motorsport Games, visit www.motorsportgames.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are provided pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as “continue,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “expected,” “plans,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the expected future impact of new or planned products, features, offerings or events, including, without limitation the Le Mans Virtual Series events, and the timing of launching such products, features, offerings or events. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to difficulties, delays in or unanticipated events that may impact the timing and scope of new product launches, such as due to delays and higher than anticipated expenses related to the ongoing and prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. Factors other than those referred to above could also cause Motorsport Games’ results to differ materially from expected results. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in Motorsport Games’ filings with the SEC, which may be found at www.sec.gov and at ir.motorsportgames.com, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC during 2021, as well as in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Motorsport Games anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Motorsport Games assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Motorsport Games’ plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. Additionally, the business and financial materials and any other statement or disclosure on, or made available through, Motorsport Games’ website or other websites referenced or linked to this press release shall not be incorporated by reference into this press release.

Website and Social Media Disclosure:
Investors and others should note that we announce material financial information to our investors using our investor relations website (ir.motorsportgames.com), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media and blogs, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company and our products. It is possible that the information we post on our websites, social media and blogs could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in our company to review the information we post on these websites, social media channels and blogs, including the following (which list we will update from time to time on our investor relations website):     

Websites Social Media
motorsportgames.com Twitter: @msportgames & @traxiongg
traxion.gg Instagram: msportgames & traxiongg
motorsport.com Facebook: Motorsport Games & traxiongg
  LinkedIn: Motorsport Games
  Twitch: traxiongg
  Reddit: traxiongg

The contents of these websites and social media channels are not part of, nor will they be incorporated by reference into, this press release.

Investors:
Ashley DeSimone
Ashley.Desimone@icrinc.com

US Press:
ASTRSK PR
motorsportgames@astrskpr.com

EU / UK Press:
Swipe Right PR
motorsport@swipterightpr.com

Euroseas (ESEA) – Webinar Highlights Strong Market and High Forward Cover

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Friday, January 14, 2022

Euroseas (ESEA)
Webinar Highlights Strong Market and High Forward Cover

Euroseas Ltd. provides ocean-going transportation services worldwide. The company owns and operates containerships that transport dry and refrigerated containerized cargoes, including manufactured products and perishables; and drybulk carriers that transport iron ore, coal, grains, bauxite, phosphate, and fertilizers. As of March 31, 2017, it had a fleet of seven containerships; and six drybulk carriers, including three Panamax drybulk carriers, one Handymax drybulk carrier, one Kamsarmax drybulk carrier, and one Ultramax drybulk carrier. The company was founded in 2005 and is based in Maroussi, Greece.

Poe Fratt, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

    Container outlook remains strong. In a webinar hosted by Capital Link, CEO Aristides Pittas and CFO Tasos Aslides highlighted positive macro and micro trends. The macro outlook for the container market looks solid based on firm demand and upcoming emission regulations despite the high order book. Recent and upcoming fixtures at high TCE rates create high visibility into next year, and, absent acquisitions, shareholder friendly moves are highly probable with a stock buy back particularly attractive at the current stock price.

    Fine tuning our 2021 EBITDA estimate to $55.5 million from $53.9 million based on TCE rates of $18.7k/day, up from $18.6k/day.  Higher fixture assumptions have positive impact on 2022 EBITDA estimate. We are moving our 2022 EBITDA estimate to $114.8 million from $109.4 million based on TCE rates of $29.4k/day, up from $28.5k/day …



This research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary.  Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Engine Media (GAME)(GAME:CA) – Quarter Illustrates The Wisdom Of Diversified Revenue Streams

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Friday, January 14, 2022

Engine Media (GAME)(GAME:CA)
Quarter Illustrates The Wisdom Of Diversified Revenue Streams

Engine Media Holdings Inc is engaged in esports data provision, esports tournament hosting, and esports racing. Its brand profile includes Eden Games, Allin sports, and UMG, and others. The company’s operating segments include E-Sports; Media and Advertising and Corporate and Other. It generates maximum revenue from the Media and Advertising segment. The Media and Advertising segment includes platform and advertising services provided to other broadcasters, primarily local tv and radio broadcasters.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

    Exceeds fiscal Q1 expectations. The company’s fiscal year started off strongly, with first quarter revenues exceeding our expectations ($14.3 million versus our $12.3 million estimate). First quarter revenues grew 92% year-over-year from $7.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Adjusted EBITDA loss of $4.9 million was largely in line with our $4.7 million loss estimate.

    Advertising, Game and SaaS were strong.  The company’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) revenue grew 45% from the previous year quarter to $2.1 million. Advertising revenue grew 84% compared with the previous year quarter of $5.5 million, topping our forecast of $6 million by 65%. Game development revenue also topped our forecast, growing 320% year-over-year with $2.1 million compared to our estimate of …



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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary.  Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Motorsport Games – 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual eRacing Finale Event to be Broadcast Digitally Around the World

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24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual eRacing Finale Event to be Broadcast Digitally Around the World

Research, News, and Market Data on Motorsport Games

 

FINALE OF THIS YEAR’S LE MANS VIRTUAL SERIES TO BE BROADCAST JANUARY 15 AND 16, 2022

MIAMI, Jan. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A host of major broadcasters, including Motor Trend in the USA and Eurosport across Europe and Asia, will televise this weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual Series eRacing Finale Event on January 15 and 16, 2022, bringing the exhilarating combined world of motorsport and esports to millions of homes across the globe. This marks the culmination of this year’s series, made possible through a joint venture between Motorsport Games (NASDAQ: MSGM) and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO).

A special TV show covering this unique two-day event will be produced live from Paris and will include an expert commentary team made up of FIA World Endurance Championship lead commentator Martin Haven, esports experts Chris McCarthy and Lewis McGlade, motorsport commentator Ben Constanduros, plus “pitlane” reporter Hayley Edmonds. Also in the studio will be current WEC competitor, 2020 Le Mans Virtual driver and FIA F2 and F3 commentator Alex Brundle to bring a driver’s eye to proceedings.

The 200 eRacing drivers – representing 39 different nationalities – piloting the 50 cars (4-drivers in each car in rotation over the 24 hours) will be located in 28 different countries. This is fully reflected in the digital interest from broadcasters globally.

Eurosport will cover the full 2-day eRace event live throughout its European regions on Eurosport Player, and global coverage will be on Motorsport.tv. Also airing the full 24 hours on OTT channels in Europe will be L’Equipe Live in France, Sport 10 (pay TV), RTBF Auvio (OTT) in Belgium and Viaplay in Sweden, Norway and Finland. Sport 1 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland will show a special 44 minute program on Sunday evening, broadcasted on free-to-air TV with a potential reach of 72 million viewers.

Motor Trend will cover the full eRace live in North America on its OTT service, while Star+ will show the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual eRacing Finale Event in Latin America plus Brazil. SuperSport DStv will take the broadcast live on its dedicated motorsport channel across Africa, thus extending the coverage to five continents around the world.

Finally, the ACO and FIA WEC’s official social media channels will be showing all the action live from start to finish, as will the Le Mans Virtual Series official website (www.lemansvirtual.com). The broadcast begins at 7:30 AM EST (13:30 CET/12:30 GMT) and the famous French national flag will be dropped for the start of the biggest endurance esports event of the year at 8:00 AM EST (14:00 CET/13:00 GMT).

More information including press releases, visuals, official poster and a presentation can be found HERE. All information on the event can also be found on www.lemansvirtual.com.

About Le Mans Virtual Series
Le Mans Virtual Series is a global, elite esports series made up of five rounds which bring together endurance racing and sim racing’ top teams to compete on some of the world’s most famous racetracks. International FIA-licensed real-world drivers are teamed up with leading esports protagonists to take on endurance classics for a total prize fund of US $250,000, culminating in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual which will take place entirely online. The Le Mans Virtual Series is a joint venture between leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, Motorsport Games, and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) – the creator and organizer of the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and promoter of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). www.lemansvirtual.com

Round 1 4 Hours of Monza, Italy September 25, 2021 Online only
Round 2 6 Hours of Spa, Belgium October 16, 2021 Online only
Round 3 8 Hours of Nürburgring, Germany November 13, 2021 Online only
Round 4  6 Hours of Sebring, USA December 18, 2021 Online only
Round 5 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual January 15/16, 2022 Online only

About Motorsport Games
Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, combines innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers around the globe. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”), across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile. Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others. For more information about Motorsport Games, visit www.motorsportgames.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are provided pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as “continue,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “expected,” “plans,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the expected future impact of new or planned products, features, offerings or events, including, without limitation the Le Mans Virtual Series events, and the timing of launching such products, features, offerings or events. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to difficulties, delays in or unanticipated events that may impact the timing and scope of new product launches, such as due to delays and higher than anticipated expenses related to the ongoing and prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. Factors other than those referred to above could also cause Motorsport Games’ results to differ materially from expected results. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in Motorsport Games’ filings with the SEC, which may be found at www.sec.gov and at ir.motorsportgames.com, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC during 2021, as well as in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Motorsport Games anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Motorsport Games assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Motorsport Games’ plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. Additionally, the business and financial materials and any other statement or disclosure on, or made available through, Motorsport Games’ website or other websites referenced or linked to this press release shall not be incorporated by reference into this press release.

Website and Social Media Disclosure:
Investors and others should note that we announce material financial information to our investors using our investor relations website (ir.motorsportgames.com), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media and blogs, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company and our products. It is possible that the information we post on our websites, social media and blogs could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in our company to review the information we post on these websites, social media channels and blogs, including the following (which list we will update from time to time on our investor relations website):     

Websites Social Media
motorsportgames.com Twitter: @msportgames & @traxiongg
traxion.gg Instagram: msportgames & traxiongg
motorsport.com Facebook: Motorsport Games & traxiongg
  LinkedIn: Motorsport Games
  Twitch: traxiongg
  Reddit: traxiongg

The contents of these websites and social media channels are not part of, nor will they be incorporated by reference into, this press release.

Investors:
Ashley DeSimone
Ashley.Desimone@icrinc.com

US Press:
ASTRSK PR
motorsportgames@astrskpr.com

EU / UK Press:
Swipe Right PR
motorsport@swipterightpr.com