Markets

Orkin’s annual “Top 50 Rattiest Cities” list reveals Los Angeles dethroned Chicago after a decade at No. 1, followed by New York. The shift reflects factors like warm weather and abundant resources, fostering rodent survival. Rankings are based on new rodent service requests. Cities like San Francisco and those in California show a strong rodent presence. Prevention, including eliminating entry points and managing food sources, is crucial. Orkin, founded in 1901, is a leader in pest control, emphasizing proactive measures influenced by local conditions.

SonicStrategy Inc., a Spetz Inc. subsidiary, reports significant Sonic token generation and network exposure. Since September 16, 2025, validators minted ~760,000 Sonic tokens (~$129,000 USD). As of October 24, 2025, holdings include 140.5M self-staked Sonic (~$24.7M USD), and total exposure reaches ~171M tokens (~$30.1M USD). Enterprise-grade validator infrastructure ensures network security. Annual staking revenue is projected at ~$1.19M USD. Hosting is currently provided at no cost by Sonic Labs under an informal agreement.

Roche’s Phase III INShore study of Gazyva/Gazyvaro in children (2-25 years) with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) met its primary endpoint, showing a statistically significant increase in sustained complete remission at week 52 compared to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). The study also demonstrated improvements in relapse-free survival and reduced corticosteroid use. The safety profile was consistent with that in adults. Roche plans to present the data to regulatory agencies, including the FDA and EMA.

DXC Technology launched Xponential, an AI orchestration framework, on October 28, 2025, to simplify enterprise AI adoption. Built on five pillars – Insight, Accelerators, Automation, Approach, and Process – Xponential addresses governance, scalability, and responsible AI. DXC cites client successes including reduced service desk tickets at Textron and improved patient care at Singapore General Hospital. DXC plans to scale Xponential globally using its 50,000 engineers and global AI centers. Analysts emphasize the importance of demonstrating ROI, integrating with existing IT, and offering explainable AI for widespread adoption.

Laird Superfood, Inc. (LSF) will release its Q3 2025 financial results on November 10, 2025, after market close, followed by a live webcast at 5:00 p.m. ET. The webcast will be accessible via the Investor Relations section of their website. Investors will be keen to hear about revenue growth, gross margin trends, and DTC versus retail performance. The company’s ability to navigate inflation and supply chain challenges, along with product innovation strategies, will also be a focus. Laird Superfood offers plant-based superfood products designed to enhance daily rituals.

Battery X Metals Inc. (CSE:BATX)(OTCQB:BATXF)(FSE:5YW) confirms October 28, 2025, as the effective date for a 20:1 strategic share consolidation, reducing outstanding shares from 70.2 million to 3.5 million. The company aims to enhance its capital structure, broaden market appeal, attract investors, and facilitate future financing for its operations and growth plans. This consolidation is part of Battery X Metals’ “360° strategy,” encompassing battery metals exploration, rebalancing, and recycling. New identifiers are CUSIP 07135M302 and ISIN CA07135M3021.

On October 27, 2025, SSR Mining Inc. (SSRM) announced the resignation of Simon Fish from its Board of Directors to join TD Bank Group as Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Fish, a board member since 2018, chaired the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Executive Chairman Rod Antal acknowledged Fish’s significant contributions. Following Fish’s departure, SSR Mining’s board will consist of eight members. Analysts are monitoring the company’s long-term strategy amid volatile commodity prices and ESG considerations.

K. Wayne Wicker, Chairman and CEO of South Atlantic Bank, has been elected Treasurer of the American Bankers Association (ABA) for the 2025-2026 term. Wicker, an ABA board member since 2022 and Treasurer since 2024, brings over 38 years of banking experience. He will focus on strengthening ABA’s financial oversight. Rob Nichols, ABA President, emphasized the importance of volunteer leaders in shaping advocacy priorities for America’s banks to foster innovation, competition, and economic growth. South Atlantic Bancshares, Inc., with over $1.9 billion in assets, operates twelve offices through South Atlantic Bank.

Royce Global Trust (RGT), a global equity closed-end fund, reported its performance as of September 30, 2025. The fund employs a value-oriented approach, leveraging the advisor’s 50+ years of small/micro-cap experience. NAV was $15.03 and MKT was $12.95. Average annual total returns ranged from 1.35%-20.78% (NAV & MKT) for various periods. The fund invests in small/mid-cap companies, with notable holdings in Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and Sprott. Top sectors include Financials (30.3%) and Industrials (26.2%).

BTU Metals (BTUMF) secured approval to acquire 100% interest in Dixie East Project on October 27, 2025. The property is strategically located east of Kinross Gold’s Great Bear Dixie Project, covering nearly 10 km of structural geology. BTU describes the area as underexplored for LP Fault-style gold mineralization, with no drilling in over 30 years. Reconnaissance activities and geological modeling are planned in the coming weeks to explore felsic tuffs, sericite schists, and sulphide mineralization.