Gareth Soloway of VerifiedInvesting.com shares price targets for gold, silver and Bitcoin.
He also discusses the health of the US economy and shares concerns about the stock market.
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Bitcoin may soon share space with gold on central bank balance sheets, according to a new report from Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) that frames the cryptocurrency as an emerging reserve asset.
“There is room for both gold and Bitcoin to coexist on central bank balance sheets by 2030,” Marion Laboure and Camilla Siazon, both analysts at the firm, wrote in a note published on Monday (September 22).
Deutsche Bank’s report points to recent diversification trends in global central bank reserves.
The US dollar is still the dominant reserve currency, but it accounted for only 43 percent of holdings in 2024, down from 60 percent at the start of the century. Meanwhile, China reduced its US treasury holdings by US$57 billion last year.
Against this backdrop, both gold and Bitcoin are being positioned by market participants as hedges against inflation, geopolitical risk and questions about monetary sovereignty.
Gold has been a standout performer in 2025. The precious metal surged to a record of US$3,788.33 per ounce on Tuesday (September 23), capping a year-to-date rally of more than 40 percent and its largest gain in over four decades.
Central banks have been a driving force behind the rally, with a recent World Gold Council survey showing that 43 percent of monetary authorities plan to increase their gold reserves in the next 12 months.
Nearly all respondents, tallying 95 percent, expect global central bank gold reserves overall to continue rising.
Bitcoin, meanwhile, has faced short-term pullbacks, but has shown longer-term resilience. After topping US$123,500 in August, the cryptocurrency slipped below US$113,000 at the start of the week.
Yet analysts at Deutsche Bank highlight that its 30 day volatility hit historic lows even during record-breaking price runs, a sign that Bitcoin may be decoupling from its speculative reputation.
That adoption is evident in corporate balance sheets as well.
More than 180 companies have added Bitcoin or other crypto assets to their holdings, often modeling their strategy on Strategy’s (NASDAQ:MSTR) high-profile accumulation, led by Executive Chairman Michael Saylor.
Prominent public figures have also lent support. Eric Trump told Yahoo Finance ahead of last week’s interest rate cut from the US Federal Reserve that a reduction could help crypto “skyrocket,” framing digital assets as a key hedge.
While Deutsche Bank’s analysts acknowledge the risks tied to Bitcoin’s sudden swings, they said regulation and shifting macroeconomic conditions could accelerate its path to legitimacy.
The bank draws parallels between Bitcoin’s trajectory today and gold’s rise in the 20th century, suggesting that skepticism could eventually give way to acceptance. While the writers admit that neither asset is likely to dethrone the dollar, gold and Bitcoin could serve as complementary tools for monetary authorities seeking diversification.
Overall 2025 has been “excellent” for both gold and Bitcoin even if their price movements diverge.
“So long as we are human, Bitcoin and other alternative assets will likely continue to compete for our attention,” the Deutsche Bank note concludes.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Monday (September 22) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.
Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ethereum and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.
Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$112,214, a 2.9 percent decrease in 24 hours and its lowest valuation of the day. The cryptocurrency’s price peaked at US$113,384 on Monday.
Bitcoin price performance, September 22, 2025.
Chart via TradingView.
Bitcoin dropped to the US$112,000 range after falling below a key support level, triggering the year’s largest long-liquidation event — over US$1.7 billion in leveraged long positions were closed.
The decline came even as some investor accumulation showed through surging exchange outflows and rising longs on platforms like Bitfinex, which added pressure from both sides.
Bitcoin dominance in the crypto market is 56.74 percent, showing a slight rise week-on-week.
Ether (ETH) was trading at US$4,141.26, down by 7.9 percent. Its lowest valuation as of Monday was US$4,138.92, while its highest was US$4,213.42.
Total cryptocurrency liquidations have reached US$132.07 million in the past four hours, with long positions accounting for US$81.71 million and short positions reaching US$50.36 million. This activity signals bearish pressure in the derivatives market, as forced selling of longs often reflects market downside pressure.
Conversely, the BTC perpetual futures funding rate sits at 0.0081 percent, an indication of bullish sentiment.
Ethereum shows similar dynamics, with a funding rate of 0.002 percent; however, bullishness for Ethereum is milder versus Bitcoin. Open interest for BTC and ETH futures stands at US$81.91 billion and US$57.95 billion, respectively.
Anticipated regulatory hearings on crypto oversight, tentatively scheduled to be held by the end of the month, as well as key macroeconomic data releases and remarks from US Federal Reserve policymakers at the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce 2025 Economic Outlook Luncheon, are expected to influence market direction this week.
Existing US home sales data is also due on Wednesday (September 24). It will give insight on the state of the housing market, one of the key components of consumer spending and overall economic health.
CMC’s Crypto Fear & Greed Index has remained firmly in neutral territory over the past week.
The past week’s negative funding rates on perpetual futures and long/short ratios suggest slight caution, but strong exchange-traded fund (ETF) inflows and recent whale buying show underlying bullish conviction.
CMC Crypto Fear and Greed Index, Bitcoin price and Bitcoin volume.
Chart via CoinMarketCap.
Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN) announced the launch of Mag7 + Crypto Equity Index Futures, a monthly, cash-settled futures contract that offers equal exposure to 10 assets:
The index follows an even-weighting methodology, with all 10 components representing 10 percent each, and will be rebalanced quarterly. It marks the first US-listed derivative combining traditional equities with crypto.
Strive (NASDAQ:ASST), a former asset manager led by former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, has agreed to acquire Semler Scientific (NASDAQ:SMLR), a former healthcare tech firm that shifted its strategy by adopting Bitcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset in 2024. Strive itself became a Bitcoin treasury company in 2025 through a merger with Asset Entities, going public to pursue its Bitcoin accumulation strategy.
The all-stock deal is valued at about US$1.34 billion. According to Reuters, the combined entity will hold over 10,900 BTC, making it one of the largest corporate Bitcoin holders globally.
Strive announced a significant US$675 million Bitcoin purchase alongside the acquisition, boosting its Bitcoin holdings from about 70 BTC to almost 6,000 BTC before the acquisition closes. The deal also includes a 210 percent premium offer to Semler shareholders, exchanging each Semler share for 21.05 shares of Strive Class A stock.
“We are proud to announce this exciting strategic merger combining two pioneering Bitcoin treasury companies to form a scaled, innovative and accretive Bitcoin acquisition platform,” said Matt Cole, chairman and CEO of Strive.
Tokyo-based Metaplanet (TSE:3350,OTCQX:MTPLF) has cemented itself as a heavyweight in corporate crypto holdings, announcing the purchase of 5,419 BTC worth US$633 million.
The acquisition boosts its total stash to 25,555 BTC valued at nearly US$3 billion, making it the fifth largest corporate Bitcoin treasury, according to BitcoinTreasuries.net. The buy came at an average of about US$117,000 per Bitcoin, leaving the firm temporarily down almost 4 percent as spot prices hovered closer to US$112,500.
Despite the purchase, Metaplanet’s share price has struggled to keep pace. The company has tumbled by more than 30 percent over the past month, even as shares rose modestly this week.
The UK is bracing for one of its most significant crypto trials as Zhimin Qian, a Chinese national accused of orchestrating a US$7 billion Ponzi-style fraud, faces charges in London starting on September 29.
Qian allegedly ran Tianjin Lantian Gerui Electronic Technology, a scheme that lured nearly 130,000 investors in China with promises of triple-digit returns between 2014 and 2017.
After China’s crypto ban, she fled to Britain and converted proceeds into Bitcoin, some of which were later seized in UK money laundering probes linked to her associate Jian Wen, already convicted in 2024. Prosecutors have avoided direct fraud charges, instead focusing on offenses tied to the possession and transfer of illicit cryptocurrency.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Highlights
– R&D work developed an expanded CERENERGY(R) module concept, increasing capacity from 48 to 72 cells per module in a beehive arrangement
– Each five-module pack now delivers 90 kWh (from 60 KWh) of energy while retaining the existing casing and factory setup, requiring no infrastructure changes.
– System-level benefits include higher energy and power density, improved thermal behaviour, and cost reductions of ~30% at module and pack level
– Thermal modelling confirms uniform heat distribution with no excessive build-up, resulting in lower internal resistance and stable performance
– Engineering refinements-simplified cell contacting, optimised welding, repositioned sensors, and a redesigned frame-improve layout, assembly efficiency, and long-term reliability
– The redesign enhances competitiveness in EUR/kWh and strengthens scalability towards full industrial production
– No final decision on final design as yet – further modelling work
– R&D work on incorporation into a grid pack has commenced
Importantly, this innovation requires no modification to the established factory design and setup. At the system level, the improvements deliver higher energy and power density, enhanced thermal performance, and cost reductions of approximately 30% at both the module and pack levels.
The redesign reduces inactive or unheated areas within the battery, with R&D efforts focused on analysing thermal distribution and heat accumulation during operation. Thermal modelling confirms that effective heat management is achievable, showing no excessive build-up during charging and discharging. Results demonstrate a uniform temperature profile, leading to lower internal resistance and more stable performance under load.
From an engineering perspective, the new module concept also resolves practical design challenges. It introduces simplified cell contacting, creating additional internal space and a cleaner layout. Further refinements include optimised welding techniques, repositioned temperature sensors, and a redesigned frame-collectively enhancing assembly efficiency, structural robustness, and long-term reliability.
At the system level, these advancements deliver higher energy and power density, improved thermal behaviour, and cost reductions of around 30% at both the module and pack levels. This results in a more competitive EUR/kWh and strengthens scalability towards full industrial production.
A final decision on the design has not yet been reached, as additional modelling work continues alongside ongoing R&D focused on achieving seamless integration into a grid-scale battery pack, ensuring optimised performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency for future commercial deployment.
Group Managing Director, Iggy Tan said ‘We are very encouraged by the outcome of our latest CERENERGY(R) development program. Achieving a 72–cell beehive module design that lifts pack capacity to 90 kWh-without any change to the existing casing or factory setup-is a significant milestone. Not only does this innovation increase energy density, it also simplifies engineering, enhances thermal management, and reduces cost by nearly 30%. These results strengthen the commercial competitiveness of CERENERGY(R) and confirm its scalability towards full industrial production. With each step, we are moving closer to delivering a next-generation, high-performance battery solution for the global energy storage market.’
*To view tables and figures, please visit:
https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/3NN1GBH0
About Altech Batteries Ltd:
Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC,OTC:ALTHF) (FRA:A3Y) is a specialty battery technology company that has a joint venture agreement with world leading German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS (‘Fraunhofer’) to commercialise the revolutionary CERENERGY(R) Sodium Alumina Solid State (SAS) Battery. CERENERGY(R) batteries are the game-changing alternative to lithium-ion batteries. CERENERGY(R) batteries are fire and explosion-proof; have a life span of more than 15 years and operate in extreme cold and desert climates. The battery technology uses table salt and is lithium-free; cobalt-free; graphite-free; and copper-free, eliminating exposure to critical metal price rises and supply chain concerns.
The joint venture is commercialising its CERENERGY(R) battery, with plans to construct a 100MWh production facility on Altech’s land in Saxony, Germany. The facility intends to produce CERENERGY(R) battery modules to provide grid storage solutions to the market.
Source:
Altech Batteries Ltd
Contact:
Corporate
Iggy Tan
Managing Director
Altech Batteries Limited
Tel: +61-8-6168-1555
Email: info@altechgroup.com
Martin Stein
Chief Financial Officer
Altech Batteries Limited
Tel: +61-8-6168-1555
Email: info@altechgroup.com
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Questcorp Mining Inc. (CSE: QQQ,OTC:QQCMF) (OTCQB: QQCMF) (FSE: D910) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Questcorp’) is pleased to announce that it has been invited to Present on the Emerging Growth Conference Thursday September 25th, 2025.
Questcorp invites individual and institutional investors as well as advisors and analysts, to attend its real-time, interactive presentation on the Emerging Growth Conference.
The next Emerging Growth Conference is presenting on Thursday September 25th, 2025. This live, interactive online event will give existing shareholders and the investment community the opportunity to interact with the Company’s President, CEO and Founding Director in real time.
Mr. Dhillon will give a presentation and may subsequently open the floor for questions. Please submit your questions in advance to Questions@EmergingGrowth.com or ask your questions during the event and Mr. Dhillon will do his best to get through as many of them as possible.
Questcorp Mining Inc. will be presenting at 12:00PM Eastern time for 30 minutes.
Please register here to ensure you are able to attend the conference and receive any updates that are released.
https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1717091&tp_key=c78a55764a&sti=qqcmf
If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available on EmergingGrowth.com and on the Emerging Growth YouTube Channel, http://www.YouTube.com/EmergingGrowthConference. We will release a link to that after the event.
About the Emerging Growth Conference
The Emerging Growth conference is an effective way for public companies to present and communicate their new products, services and other major announcements to the investment community from the convenience of their office, in a time efficient manner.
The Conference focus and coverage includes companies in a wide range of growth sectors, with strong management teams, innovative products & services, focused strategy, execution, and the overall potential for long term growth. Its audience includes potentially tens of thousands of Individual and Institutional investors, as well as Investment advisors and analysts.
All sessions will be conducted through video webcasts and will take place in the Eastern time zone.
About Questcorp Mining Inc.
Questcorp Mining is engaged in the business of the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in North America, with the objective of locating and developing economic precious and base metals properties of merit. The company holds an option to acquire an undivided 100-per-cent interest in and to mineral claims totalling 1,168.09 hectares comprising the North Island copper property, on Vancouver Island, B.C., subject to a royalty obligation. The company also holds an option to acquire an undivided 100-per-cent interest in and to mineral claims totalling 2,520.2 hectares comprising the La Union project located in Sonora, Mexico, subject to a royalty obligation.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
Saf Dhillon
President & CEO
Questcorp Mining Inc.
saf@questcorpmining.ca
Tel. (604-484-3031)
Suite 550, 800 West Pender Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 2V6.
Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267524
News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia
Mali’s military government has approved a fresh round of mining agreements under its revised code.
On September 19, the country’s Council of Ministers ratified seven exploitation and exploration agreements.
According to Reuters, the deals cover some of Mali’s biggest gold operations, including Allied Gold’s (TSX:AAUC,NYSE:AAUC) Sadiola project, B2Gold’s (TSX:BTO,NYSE:BTG) Fekola mine, Resolute Mining’s (ASX:RSG,LSE:RSG) Syama site and Ganfeng Lithium’s (OTC Pink:GNENF,HKEX:1772) Bougouni lithium project.
The government said the agreements guarantee Mali a “non-reducible” stake in projects along with priority access to dividends, part of its drive to secure greater revenue from natural resources.
The approvals follow preliminary accords reached last year and reflect the provisions of the 2023 mining code, which lifted royalties to 10 percent from 6.5 percent and increased mandatory state and local ownership in mines to at least 35 percent from 20 percent. Companies such as Endeavour Mining (TSX:EDV,LSE:EDV,OTCQX:EDVMF) have already signed deals on those terms, while Allied Gold, B2Gold and Ganfeng Lithium have not release any statements.
Barrick Mining (TSX:ABX,NYSE:B), by contrast, has resisted the government’s demands and remains locked in a confrontation that has now spilled into courts and international arbitration.
Tensions escalated in November 2024, when Malian authorities arrested four of the company’s employees, including a regional manager, on allegations of money laundering, terrorism financing and tax violations.
A judge later granted bail set at 50 billion CFA francs (about US$90.3 million), but prosecutors appealed, keeping the employees in jail pending review by the Court of Appeal, Bloomberg reported. The arrests are widely seen as part of a protracted standoff over Barrick’s Loulo-Gounkoto complex, once the company’s largest African operation.
Mali has pressed for a larger share of profits under the new mining code, while Barrick has resisted altering its existing arrangements. The dispute intensified this year when government forces twice removed bullion directly from the site.
In January, officials seized 3 metric tons of gold and blocked exports, forcing Barrick to suspend operations.
In July, military helicopters again landed unannounced at Loulo-Gounkoto and took more than a metric ton of gold, worth over US$117 million at prevailing prices, without company consent. Barrick has described the seizures as illegal and launched proceedings at the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes. The company also disputes the legitimacy of a provisional administrator installed at Loulo-Gounkoto following a local court order in June.
Despite the tensions, Mali remains one of Africa’s top gold producers, with output from mines operated by foreign companies forming a backbone of state revenues.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
On 12 February 2025 BPH advised that investee Advent Energy Limited’s (BPH 36.1% direct interest) 100% subsidiary Asset Energy Pty Ltd had applied to the Federal Court for an Originating Application for judicial review pursuant to s 5 of the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 (Cth) and s 39B of the Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth) to review a Decision of the Commonwealth-New South Wales Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority, constituted under section 56 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (Cth).
The Company has previously announced that the Originating Application was listed for a 2-day hearing commencing on 16 September 2025 and 17 September 2025.
On 16 September after hearing from the parties on technical points of law, the Honourable Justice Jackson decided that the hearing should be conducted by him in NSW and adjourned the proceeding.
On 16 September initial orders reflecting that decision were published and the Company advised that further orders concerning Justice Jackson’s decision will be published once available.
These orders and reasons are now available at the following link.
https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/XD14L72C
Asset Energy Pty Ltd is a 100% owned subsidiary of Advent Energy Ltd and lodged the Originating Application as Operator for and on behalf of the PEP11 Joint Venture Partners, Bounty Oil and Gas NL (ASX:BUY) and Asset Energy Pty Ltd.
About BPH Energy Limited:
BPH Energy Limited (ASX:BPH) is an Australian Securities Exchange listed company developing biomedical research and technologies within Australian Universities and Hospital Institutes.
The company provides early stage funding, project management and commercialisation strategies for a direct collaboration, a spin out company or to secure a license.
BPH provides funding for commercial strategies for proof of concept, research and product development, whilst the institutional partner provides infrastructure and the core scientific expertise.
BPH currently partners with several academic institutions including The Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research and Swinburne University of Technology (SUT).
Source:
BPH Energy Limited
Contact:
David Breeze
admin@bphenergy.com.au
www.bphenergy.com.au
T: +61 8 9328 8366
News Provided by ABN Newswire via QuoteMedia
Brightstar Resources (BTR:AU) has announced Mining Approvals Received for Lord Byron Open Pit Mine
Download the PDF here.
Locksley Resources (LKY:AU) has announced Locksley Paves Pathway to 100% Made in America Antimony
Download the PDF here.
The US Federal Reserve lowered its key interest rate for the first time in 2025 this week, while the Bank of Canada resumed cutting after pausing in March, providing a boost to growth-oriented sectors.
Tech stocks, particularly semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) companies, responded positively, reflecting investor optimism about a more supportive monetary environment for tech sector growth.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell cautioned that the cut was a risk-management move motivated by concerns over the labor market’s softness and persistent inflation risks, rather than a sign of strong economic confidence. He highlighted that downside risks to employment have increased, and that inflation remains above the Fed’s 2 percent goal.
Likewise, Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem warned that broad-based tariffs and trade tensions pose structural risks to the Canadian economy. He emphasized that, unlike the pandemic bounceback, Canada will not see a quick economic rebound if tariffs persist, as they could permanently lower output and weaken growth across key sectors.
Nasdaq-100 performance, September 12 to 19, 2025.
Chart via Nasdaq.
Against that backdrop, the Nasdaq-100 (INDEXNASDAQ:NDX) put on a strong performance this week, closing at 24,626.25 on Friday (September 19), up 0.7 percent. The index saw momentum build toward the end of the week, supported by growth in technology and semiconductor stocks.
While the Fed’s decision was a key factor for the tech sector this week, a landmark deal stole the spotlight.
A strategic partnership between NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) and Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) dominated the news cycle on Thursday (September 18), sending shockwaves through the semiconductor industry.
In a historic move, NVIDIA announced a US$5 billion investment in Intel as part of a new partnership. The companies will collaborate on custom data center and PC products, aiming to jointly develop custom CPUs and GPUs by integrating NVIDIA’s AI and accelerated computing technologies with Intel’s x86 platforms for data centers and personal computing.
The deal marks a major realignment in the chip industry focused on AI infrastructure innovation. Shares of both companies finished the week higher, with Intel notching a notable 21 percent increase.
Semiconductor exchange-traded funds (ETFs) also surged in response to the NVIDIA-Intel partnership announcement, with the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXX) gaining 4.17 percent, the Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXQ) rising 3.93 percent and the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SMH) increasing 3.92 percent over the course of the week, reflecting strengthened investor confidence across the sector.
Semiconductor ETF performance, September 16 to 19, 2025.
Chart via Google Finance.
The Intel-NVIDIA collaboration comes after reports this week that China’s regulatory authority has instructed major tech firms like Alibaba (NYSE:BABA) and ByteDance to stop buying and cancel orders of NVIDIA’s AI chip designed for China. The news sent NVIDIA shares down early in the week, but the company ended the period flat.
The collaboration also helped provide a much-needed boost to Intel’s share price. The company has struggled with operational challenges and a difficult turnaround effort in the highly competitive semiconductor market.
In a direct reaction to the Intel-NVIDIA deal, shares of Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:TSM) declined on Thursday.
The latter company recovered some of its losses on Friday.
Advanced Micro Devices and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company performance, September 16 to 19, 2025.
Chart via Google Finance.
In other tech news, the US and UK signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday, pledging to boost collaboration in science and tech. Called the Technology Prosperity Deal, the arrangement focuses on civil nuclear power, aiming for independence from Russian fuel by late 2028 and developing new tech like small modular reactors.
The agreement also establishes joint task forces for AI standards and security, as well as quantum computing breakthroughs, and explores civil maritime nuclear applications.
Next week, investors will have an eye on Micron Technology’s (NASDAQ:MU) fiscal Q4 results, scheduled to be released on September 23 after market close. Analysts are estimating revenue of around US$11.15 billion.
Accenture (NYSE:ACN), a professional services company, will also release its fiscal Q4 results next week on September 25, with revenue expected in the US$17 billion range.
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.