‍3 Minute Read

Here's how some major markets/indexes performed in the last 5 days:

• Dow Jones: 39,807 (+0.08%)
• S&P 500: 5,254 (+0.23%)
• Nasdaq 100: 18,254 (-0.21)
• TSX: 22,167 (+0.35%)
• BTC: 69,612 (+3.58%)
• Ethereum: 3,496 (+0.73%)

^(USD)

^{As of 3/29/2024 at 11:30 AM PST}

Chocolate Eggs Hatch a Price Hike

Easter's Bittersweet Twist

As Easter bunnies hop into shopping baskets this year, they bring with them a not-so-sweet surprise: cocoa prices have soared to an unprecedented $10,000 per metric tonne. This egg-straordinary rise, the highest in nearly half a century, is causing ripples from Wall Street to your local candy store, leaving investors and chocolate aficionados alike wondering what's behind this costly cocoa conundrum.

Why the Spike?

The root of this price surge lies in West Africa, where a cocktail of adverse weather, crop diseases, and aging cocoa plants has drastically reduced supply. These challenges, coupled with a steady global demand for chocolate, have pushed prices to new heights, turning the market into a frantic hunt for the precious beans.

This Easter, as we navigate through the aisles of premium-priced chocolates, the impact of cocoa's price hike is more palpable than ever. For investors, this presents a volatile but potentially rewarding market, while for the rest of us, it means rethinking those chocolate indulgences.

Responsible Energy Development with Innovative Extraction Methods

(TSX: GFR, NYSE: GFR)
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Greenfire Resources champions sustainable energy with innovative SAGD extraction in oil sands, focusing on environmentally responsible production and growth. It emphasizes sustainability and innovation, underpinned by a culture of employee ownership and operational excellence, aiming for a balance between energy development and environmental stewardship.

Canada's Economy Springs Forward: An Easter Surprise

A Blooming Outlook

As Canadians gear up for Easter, there’s more in the air than just spring blossoms— our economy is showing signs of a robust revival. The first quarter of 2024 has brought an unexpected gift: a performance that’s outpacing predictions and possibly laying golden eggs for investors and policymakers alike.

Why the Surge?

This upbeat trajectory, driven by strong performances across oil and gas, manufacturing, and finance sectors, is turning heads. With a preliminary 0.4% GDP rise in February following a hearty 0.6% in January, Canada is striding into its strongest growth spurt since the early days post-pandemic.

The BoC's Balancing Act

The Bank of Canada, amid these blossoming figures, finds itself in a bit of a garden maze. On one hand, the robust economic data supports a “wait and see” approach to interest rate cuts, keeping policy rates steady. On the other, inflation’s cooling heels might just be the nudge needed for a policy pivot.

Investor's Easter Hunt

For the savvy investor, Canada’s economic landscape is proving to be a fertile ground for opportunities. The surprising strength suggests resilience, but the true test will be in sustaining this growth amidst variable global pressures and domestic challenges, like the planned reduction in temporary resident numbers.

Looking Ahead

As we nibble on our Easter chocolates and ponder the future, Canada’s economy gives us reason for cautious optimism. With the Bank of Canada’s next move eagerly anticipated, keeping an eye on the pulse of economic data will be key. This Easter, it seems, the economy itself might just be the most intriguing egg to crack open.

Gold Exploration with AI

(CSE: AUOZ, OTCQB: EMAUF)

Emperor Metals uses AI to revolutionize gold exploration in Quebec's Abitibi belt, focusing on sustainable mining at the Duquesne West Gold Project. The initiative marks a significant leap towards efficient, technology-driven mining practices, with a fully funded drilling program underway.

Learn More ➤

Gold Royalties

(NYSE: SAND, TSX: SSL)

Strategic Resources Inc. pioneers in the green steel industry with its iron and vanadium projects, supported by the Quebec Government and Orion Mine Finance. Their BlackRock Project in Québec leads in green steel, emphasizing sustainable solutions for a low carbon future.

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This Week's Selected News:

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Aston Bay and American West Metals Launch Geophysical Survey at Storm Copper Project

Aston Bay Holdings and American West Metals are set to begin a comprehensive geophysical survey at the Storm Copper Project on Somerset Island, Nunavut. This initiative aims to identify priority drill targets for new copper discoveries, utilizing high-powered surface electromagnetic surveys and reverse circulation drilling. The program, funded by American West following their acquisition of an 80% interest in the project, targets both near-surface and deeper copper mineralization potentials.

Learn More ➤

Algernon Pharmaceuticals Sells Chronic Cough Program to Seyltx

Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc.( CSE: AGN, OTCQB: AGNPF) has finalized the sale of its NP-120 (Ifenprodil) chronic cough research program to U.S.-based Seyltx for $2M and a 20% equity stake. Ifenprodil, a novel treatment for chronic cough, is expected to undergo a Phase 2b clinical trial led by Seyltx. This deal underscores Algernon's commitment to innovative healthcare solutions and marks a significant step towards addressing the unmet medical need in chronic cough treatment.

Learn More ➤

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