Markets

Red Pine Exploration Inc. has begun surface trenching and geological mapping at its Wawa Gold Project, aiming to better define gold mineralization for potential open-pit mining. This program targets the North Pit area, where drilling indicates high-grade gold intersections. Data from the trenching will inform an updated mineral resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment (PEA), expected in the first half of 2026. The company is also conducting environmental baseline studies. Red Pine adheres to a strict QA/QC protocol throughout exploration.

Goldstorm Metals (GSTMF) announced 2025 exploration results from its Crown and Electrum properties in British Columbia’s Golden Triangle. At Crown, IP surveys identified a large conductivity anomaly at 300-500m depth, spanning 1.2km N-S and >1km E-W. Surface showings of gold, copper, and silver were also found. Drilling at Electrum is on schedule and budget, with four holes completed and two remaining. MT survey results and drill updates are pending compilation.

OP Financial Group’s OP Life Assurance Ltd is the first life insurer globally to implement Guidewire’s Jutro Digital Platform (JDP). This enhances their sales teams’ digital capabilities to capitalize on market growth and improve customer experience. Building on their existing Guidewire Cloud Platform deployment, JDP optimizes sales channels, facilitates new business, enhances partner engagement, and improves customer retention. This strategic move addresses the low life insurance penetration in Finland by offering accessible digital products, including critical illness coverage, via multiple channels, demonstrating a broader industry trend towards digital transformation.

A new report by ACI Worldwide and Payments Dive reveals a growing trend among global retailers to adopt multi-acquirer strategies, with 97% utilizing them and 96% reporting increased revenue. The study emphasizes the importance of alternative payment methods (APMs) like mobile wallets and cryptocurrencies, and the increasing use of AI for fraud detection and predictive analytics. The report highlights payment orchestration platforms (POPs) which many retailers are now using, and also pinpoints the necessity of localized payment strategies for global expansion.

Intellabridge (KASH) has signed a non-binding LOI to acquire 70% of Spark Plug Chargers, an EV infrastructure developer, via a new U.S. subsidiary. The deal, pending due diligence, definitive agreements, and Spark Plug’s seed financing, would be paid with Intellabridge shares. Key Spark Plug personnel are expected to stay. Intellabridge aims to integrate its technology with Spark Plug’s platform, expanding into the EV sector. The LOI is subject to approvals, and final terms will be detailed in definitive agreements.

Phoenix Education Partners, Inc., parent company of the University of Phoenix, announced the pricing of its IPO at $32.00 per share on October 8, 2025. The offering comprises 4,250,000 shares of common stock. Trading is expected to begin under the ticker “PXED” on the NYSE on October 9, 2025. Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs are lead book-running managers. The IPO signifies investor confidence in online education and Phoenix Education’s strategic direction. The company, established in 1976, aims to further innovate in curriculum and technology to maintain its position in the sector.

A recent survey of UK CFOs reveals that 99% have experienced payment-related cyber incidents in the past two years, making cybersecurity their top operational risk. While 94% plan to increase cybersecurity spending and universally desire automation, particularly in Accounts Payable, integration challenges with legacy systems hinder progress. Only 64% are confident in their systems’ ability to provide essential real-time oversight, highlighting the urgent need for modern, unified solutions to combat cyber threats and improve efficiency.

Ciscom (CISC/CISCF) warns shareholders that the Canada Post labor action may disrupt delivery of annual meeting materials for the November 6, 2025 AGM. Meeting materials are available on SEDAR+ and the company website. Registered shareholders can vote by proxy if submitted by November 4th. Director Eric Klein resigned, and the motion to increase the board size will be withdrawn. The company recommends shareholders contact TSX Trust or their brokers for voting instructions.

TaskUs stockholders rejected the proposed transaction agreement with a Blackstone affiliate and the company’s co-founders. Consequently, TaskUs will terminate the agreement and remain publicly traded under the ticker TASK. CEO Bryce Maddock emphasized the company’s commitment to evolving its business to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence, signaling a strategic shift. The final voting results will be disclosed in an SEC filing. The termination carries no fee for either party. TaskUs is an outsourced digital services provider navigating a competitive landscape with increasing AI demands.

Mercury General Corporation (MCY) will release its Q3 2025 earnings on November 4, 2025, after market close, and simultaneously file its Form 10-Q with the SEC. The company focuses on personal auto and homeowners insurance. Performance is subject to market dynamics, underwriting accuracy, catastrophic events, regulations, competition, operational efficiencies, and external factors. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties detailed in SEC filings.