Markets

Tocvan Ventures (TCVNF) appointed Christopher Gordon as Head of Corporate Development, leveraging his 18+ years’ mining advisory experience and Integra Gold acquisition success. Gordon received 300,000 stock options. Gran Pilar project drilling highlights include 83.5m @ 1.3 g/t Au and 97.4m @ 0.7 g/t Au. Metallurgical studies show 95-99% gold and 73-97% silver recovery. A webinar on September 10th will detail new permits and project strategies.

A *People’s Daily* commentary addresses the declining popularity of superhero movies in China, citing the disappointing box office results of recent releases like *Superman* and *Fantastic Four: First Light*. Factors contributing to this trend include the rise of high-quality domestic films, the proliferation of streaming services offering diverse content, and Chinese audiences’ growing preference for sophisticated narratives with depth and emotional resonance over formulaic plots and CGI spectacle. The article suggests filmmakers should prioritize compelling storytelling to engage viewers.

Li Auto CEO Li Xiang, in an interview with Luo Yonghao, addressed online negativity, particularly the “coffin car” smear campaign against the MEGA model. Luo expressed surprise at the intensity of the attacks. Li Xiang alleged a rival company orchestrated these campaigns dating back to the i8 model, aiming to damage Li Auto’s image. He stated that the appropriate response is to improve product and strategy to eliminate vulnerabilities, and acknowledges that the pressure from the controversy nearly caused a complete redesign of the MEGA car.

The Hanover Insurance Group (THG) announced the pricing of a $500 million offering of 5.50% senior, unsecured notes maturing in 2035. Net proceeds will be used to retire higher-yielding debt, including the 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2025 and the 4.500% Senior Notes due April 2026, with the remainder for general corporate purposes. Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley are joint book-running managers. The offering, under an existing SEC shelf registration, aims to manage the balance sheet and potentially free up capital.

Discovery Energy Metals (DEMCF) closed a $1 million non-brokered private placement, issuing 10 million units at $0.10 each, comprising one common share and a transferable warrant. Warrants are exercisable at $0.15 per share for 24 months. Proceeds will fund working capital and property exploration. Issued securities are subject to a four-month statutory hold. The placement creates immediate shareholder dilution, with potential for further dilution upon warrant exercise.

River Valley Community Bank (RVCB) is expanding its Yuba Sutter market team, focusing on agricultural and small business lending. Matt Peyret joins as Senior Vice President, bringing over 20 years of experience. Heather Peña is appointed Vice President and Relationship Manager. The team will provide tailored financial solutions, including cash flow management and long-term planning, to support local farmers and businesses in Yuba and Sutter counties. This investment demonstrates RVCB’s commitment to serving Main Street America and fostering economic growth in the region.

Ellipsis U.S. Onshore Holdings, backed by Westlawn, announced the acquisition of Permian Basin assets producing 4,000 BOEPD, with plans to reach 20,000 BOEPD in 2025. This adds over 8,200 net acres in the Northern Delaware Basin. Separately, they signed a farmout agreement with Black Stone Minerals for 270,000 gross acres in East Texas, securing rights to non-operated interests in Haynesville acreage tied to Revenant Energy’s drilling program. These deals expand Ellipsis’ non-operated portfolio.

AI search adoption is surging, with Google integrating AI Overviews, yet Google’s ad revenue surprisingly increased by 14%. This is because Google embeds ads within AI responses, potentially undermining the purpose of AI search – avoiding ads. While websites in AI results gain traffic, overall click-through rates to content websites decrease. Google defends against claims of declining traffic. The long-term impact includes a potential decline in high-quality content and increasing margin of error as AI uses AI-generated content for learning, and possible antitrust conflicts.

BNY Mellon Alcentra Global Multi-Strategy Credit Fund, Inc. (XALCX) will liquidate and terminate operations around August 29, 2025, its sixth anniversary. The Board of Directors approved the decision, aligning with the Fund’s Charter. Final NAV calculation will occur on the termination date, with distributions expected the week of September 2, 2025. BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, part of BNY Investments (managing $2.1T in assets), oversees the fund’s strategy. BNY, founded in 1784 with $55.8T in assets under custody/administration, trades on the NYSE as BK.

Standard Premium Finance Holdings (SPFX) anticipates record financial results for fiscal year 2025. Net income is projected to increase 13% year-over-year, exceeding $1 million. The company expects return-on-equity above 15% and basic earnings per share of $0.34. SPFX’s loan portfolio is projected to grow to over $75 million, a 15% increase from 2024. They attribute success to strategic expansion, operational efficiencies, and disciplined expense management, maintaining a 7% preferred dividend rate.