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Editor’s Picks: Gold and Silver Prices Stay Steady, Barrick Faces Breakup Rumors

The gold price remained fairly steady this week after last week’s brief uptick, largely trading between US$4,000 and US$4,100 per ounce.

As is often the case, its sister metal silver was more volatile, jumping briefly above the US$52 per ounce level midway through the period.

The precious metals faced some pressure on Thursday (November 20) after the release of September US jobs data. The Department of Labor report, which was delayed due to the government shutdown, came in stronger than expected, with nonfarm payrolls increasing by 119,000 for the month — more than double the gain of 50,000 estimated by analysts.

The jobs numbers have dampened expectations that the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates at its December meeting, as have minutes from the central bank’s latest meeting.

‘This (data) essentially confirms what the Fed discussed in October — a slowing yet stable jobs market. A December rate cut now appears increasingly unlikely’ — Peter Grant, Zaner Metals

The minutes highlight the divide among Fed officials, who were not all in favor of October’s rate reduction. They also state that while ‘several participants’ believe lowering rates could be appropriate next month, ‘many’ want to leave rates unchanged.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell said previously that a December cut isn’t a ‘foregone conclusion.’

Aside from that, the minutes indicate broad approval for the end of quantitative tightening (QT) on December 1. Adrian Day of Adrian Day Asset Management highlighted the end of QT in our recent interview, saying that he sees a potential transition to quantitative easing ahead.

Bullet briefing — Barrick faces turmoil, MP does Saudi refinery deal

Barrick Mining faces more turmoil

Turmoil continued for gold and copper producer Barrick Mining (TSX:ABX,NYSE:B) this week after a series of company developments made headlines.

First, Reuters reported that Barrick’s board is considering splitting the company into two different entities: one focused on North America, and the other on Africa and Asia.

Four sources familiar with the firm’s thinking told the news outlet that Barrick’s African assets could also be sold outright, as could the Pakistan-based Reko Diq mine — essentially undoing Barrick’s 2019 merger with Africa-focused Randgold Resources.

Barrick didn’t respond to requests for comment, but later in the week news hit that activist investor firm Elliott Investment Management has taken a ‘large stake’ in Barrick.

Sources told the Financial Times that Elliott is now among Barrick’s 10 top investors, meaning its stake is worth at least US$700 million. Elliott hasn’t shared information about what it would like Barrick to do, but is reportedly ‘encouraged’ by the idea of breaking the company in two.

Barrick has faced numerous headwinds recently, including the seizure of a key gold mine in Mali and the departure of CEO Mark Bristow. Bristow, who took the helm at Barrick after it joined forces with Randgold, abruptly stepped down in September after facing criticism.

Although shares of Barrick are up close to 130 percent year-to-date, the company has underperformed compared to its peers in the gold space.

Bristow is not the only person to leave Barrick lately — the last piece of news about the company this week is that two senior managers and a top executive have departed. CEO Mark Hill announced the changes in a memo seen by Bloomberg, saying the company is looking to evolve its operating model so that it’s in line with strategic priorities.

MP’s latest rare earths deal

Rare earths miner MP Materials (NYSE:MP) and the US Department of Defense are teaming up on a strategic joint venture with Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden).

The deal, which will see the three entities collaborate on a Saudi Arabian rare earths refinery, comes after the US and Saudi Arabia signed a strategic framework on securing critical supply chains. The refinery will process rare earths feedstock from Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, and will be able to produce both light and heavy rare earths.

Under the Trump administration, the US has ramped up efforts to break China’s rare earths dominance, boosting relationship with MP Materials in the process — in July, the defense department agreed to buy US$400 million worth of preferred stock in the company, a move that MP called a ‘transformational public-private partnership.’

Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

U.S. added 119,000 jobs in September, but there are signs of a weakening labor market

The United States added 119,000 jobs in September, a stronger-than-expected figure and a sign that the economy was adding jobs at a healthy clip before government shutdown.

But the details of the report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics paint a more mixed picture, that of a labor market that has recently begun to look wobblier amid high-profile layoff announcements from a host of blue-chip companies.

September’s employment gains were concentrated in health care, food and drinking establishments, and social assistance. Manufacturing shed 6,000 jobs, continuing a trend in a sector the Trump administration has touted as a key target of its economic policies. Transportation and warehousing also lost 25,300 jobs.

The unemployment rate climbed from 4.3% to 4.4% in September, though the pickup was due in part to an increase in the labor force, which the BLS said gained 450,000 new potential workers.

The pace of wage growth slowed.

Thursday’s report was originally supposed to be released Oct. 3, but it was shelved because of the government shutdown. Jobs data collected for October will be released Dec. 16 as part of the full report covering November, the BLS said Wednesday.

The absence of official economic reports over the past six weeks has made it difficult to accurately assess the current state of the jobs market.

But data from private and alternative sources has painted a worrisome portrait amid signs of softening consumption among many households and stubborn price increases.

Over the past few weeks, Amazon, General Motors, IBM, Microsoft, Paramount, Target and UPS have announced plans to eliminate tens of thousands of jobs. Their ranks were joined Thursday by Verizon, which announced the start of layoffs affecting 13,000, according to an internal memo.

About 39,000 workers received layoff notices in October, according to data tracked by the Cleveland Federal Reserve — a number last seen in May and before that only during times of crisis.

A separate report released this month by the research firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas counted 153,000 job cuts announced in October, though some analysts give less weight to its data over methodology questions.

Whatever the exact total, those who do find themselves without work are now experiencing an average unemployment spell of 24.5 weeks — nearly six months. That’s the worst reading since November 2017.

Tiffany Price, South Florida general manager for Job News USA, a job listings service, said many companies face budget cuts and have effectively frozen hiring. And what companies are still hiring are offering lower compensation rates that more experienced workers may have trouble accepting.

The number of employers who attended a recent Job News jobs fair at Amerant Bank Arena in Broward County, Florida, was nearly half the figure of a year ago, while attendance among workers held steady at about 2,000 potential applicants, Price said.

Still, many organizations report difficulties finding qualified workers, she said. On both the employer and the employee sides, a “post and pray” job application strategy has taken hold that leads to worse outcomes for both, she said. More successful outcomes on both fronts have come from local relationships and face-to-face outreach.

A bright spot has been local government, Price said — something that is reflected in the national data, which shows employment in local government roles has continuously expanded since the Covid-19 pandemic recovery set in.

“It’s a weird market,” she said.

Questions about the health of the labor market now dominate discussions about whether the Federal Reserve should continue to cut interest rates. On Monday, Fed Governor Christopher Waller said a December cut was needed to stem further job-market deterioration.

“My focus is on the labor market, and after months of weakening, it is unlikely that the September jobs report later this week or any other data in the next few weeks would change my view that another cut is in order,” he said.

In his speech last month announcing a 0.25% rate cut, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell was more circumspect, saying it appeared that the jobs market was weakening only gradually and signaling he was not ready to guarantee a December rate cut was inevitable.

The Fed’s divisions were laid bare in meeting notes released Wednesday from the October rate-setting meeting that showed a sharp split among policymakers about the risk that lower rates would spur already-elevated inflation by making it easier for consumers and businesses to borrow money.

“Most participants noted that, against a backdrop of elevated inflation readings and a very gradual cooling of labor market conditions, further” interest-rate cuts “could add to the risk of higher inflation becoming entrenched,” the notes said.

So far, many economic analysts have been reluctant to call it a full-blown jobs crisis, pointing to data from state-level claims for unemployment that remain subdued and recent reports from the payrolls processor ADP showing a slight rebound in new hires.

“Fears of a renewed labour market downturn, amid reports of mass layoffs at several large firms, are not reflected in still-muted jobless claims or the pick-up in hiring in the ADP private payrolls report,” Thomas Ryan, North America economist for Capital Economics research group, wrote in a note published last week.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

Bargain hunters drive Walmart sales and outlook higher

Shoppers are still flocking to Walmart.

The company raised its full-year earnings and sales outlook Thursday, heading into the crucial holiday shopping season.

Walmart also offered fresh signs that it is shedding its original identity as a strictly down-market brick-and-mortar operation by growing its e-commerce business and increasing its market share of higher-income shoppers.

Walmart’s shares closed more than 6% higher Thursday, even as the broader market suffered a dramatic sell-off. The stock is up more than 18% this year.

The biggest retailer and grocer in the United States acknowledged the added financial pressures on lower-income households but said middle-income families are holding up. Walmart saw more sales growth in its grocery and health and wellness product categories than in general merchandise.

‘As pocketbooks have been stretched, you’re seeing more consumer dollars go to necessities versus discretionary items,’ Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey said on a call with analysts Thursday morning.

The company reported that same-store sales for Walmart U.S. rose 4.5% in the quarter that ended Oct. 31, exceeding analysts’ expectations.

“The team delivered another strong quarter across the business. eCommerce was a bright spot again this quarter. We’re gaining market share, improving delivery speed, and managing inventory well,” outgoing CEO Doug McMillon said in a statement.

Walmart reported 27% growth in e-commerce sales globally.

Walmart also announced that it will move from trading on the New York Stock Exchange to the tech-heavy Nasdaq next month. It’s the latest sign of America’s largest private employer working to position itself as tech-forward in order to compete with Amazon.

The discounter’s third-quarter earnings come amid growing questions about whether Americans contending with tariffs, corporate layoffs and accelerating inflation are still confidently spending on retail.

As a bellwether for the U.S. economy and consumer confidence, Walmart’s strong earnings and guidance indicate that consumers are still shopping — at least at the lower end of the retail price point.

The company announced last week that McMillon will step down in January. McMillon, 59, started at Walmart as an associate in the 1980s and has helmed the company since 2014.

Under his leadership, Walmart improved pay and benefits for many employees, renovated hundreds of stores and boosted its e-commerce and delivery programs, especially during the Covid pandemic.

John Furner, CEO of Walmart U.S., will take over the top job Feb. 1. Since 2019, Furner has led Walmart’s American operations — by far the largest slice of the company, with around 1.6 million of Walmart’s approximately 2.1 million total associates worldwide.

Walmart is leading the retail race against longtime rival Target, which Wednesday reported a drop in third-quarter sales and cut its full-year profit guidance.

Target’s sales have faltered over the last few years, with some consumers expressing frustration over what they said were disorganized stores and rollbacks of the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

In October, Target said it would cut about 1,800 corporate jobs.

Target is hoping for a fresh start in the new year. Incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke will take over Feb. 1, the same day Furner becomes CEO of Walmart.

The struggling retailer said Wednesday that it plans to increase its investment in stores and technology next year by 25%.

Since January, U.S. businesses have had to contend with ever-changing tariffs under the Trump administration. Walmart has navigated the uncertainty by raising prices on some items, while swallowing some tariff costs on others. In the three months that ended Oct. 31, prices at Walmart U.S. rose around 1% overall, with higher prices on electronics, toys and seasonal items in particular due to tariff pressures.

In the grocery section, Walmart expects egg prices to drop but anticipates the record-breaking beef prices will stay high, in part from cattle herds shrinking over the last few decades.

Prices for other grocery staples are also up, though the Trump administration’s rollback of tariffs on many food items last week could offer some relief.

Despite the rising prices, Walmart is offering its annual Thanksgiving menu deal for 10 at less than $4 per person. It’s less expensive than last year’s package, but it also contains fewer items.

The company is also expanding its use of artificial intelligence, teaming up with OpenAI to allow customers to buy from Walmart within ChatGPT. Walmart has not detailed the terms of the partnership or shared when the new option could be available.

This week, Target announced its own collaboration with OpenAI.

Walmart has lagged behind rival Amazon in AI-driven e-commerce — Amazon debuted its Rufus shopping assistant in February 2024, more than a year before Walmart launched its counterpart, Sparky.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

S&P 500 Breaking Out Again: What This Means for Your Portfolio

The S&P 500 ($SPX) just logged its fifth straight trading box breakout, which means that, of the five trading ranges the index has experienced since the April lows, all have been resolved to the upside.

How much longer can this last? That’s been the biggest question since the massive April 9 rally. Instead of assuming the market is due to roll over, it’s been more productive to track price action and watch for potential changes along the way. So far, drawdowns have been minimal, and breakouts keep occurring. Nothing in the price action hints at a lasting change — yet.

While some are calling this rally “historic,” we have a recent precedent. Recall that from late 2023 through early 2024, the index had a strong start and gave way to a consistent, steady trend.

From late October 2023 through March 2024, the S&P 500 logged seven consecutive trading box breakouts. That streak finally paused with a pullback from late March to early April, which, as we now know, was only a temporary hiccup. Once the bid returned, the S&P 500 went right back to carving new boxes and climbing higher.

New 52-Week Highs Finally Picking Up

If there’s been one gripe about this rally, it’s that the number of new highs within the index has lagged. As we’ve discussed before, among all the internal breadth indicators available, new highs almost always lag — that’s normal. What we really want to see is whether the number of new highs begins to exceed prior peaks as the market continues to rise, which it has, as shown by the blue line in the chart below.

As of Wednesday’s close, 100 S&P 500 stocks were either at new 52-week highs or within 3% of them. That’s a strong base. We expect this number to continue rising as the market climbs, especially if positive earnings reactions persist across sectors.

Even when we get that first day with 100+ S&P 500 stocks making new 52-week highs, though, it might not be the best time to initiate new longs.

The above chart shows that much needs to align for that many stocks to peak in unison, which has historically led to at least a short-term consolidation, if not deeper pullbacks — as highlighted in yellow. Every time is different, of course, but this is something to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.

Trend Check: GoNoGo Still “Go”

The GoNoGo Trend remains in bullish mode, with the recent countertrend signals having yet to trigger a greater pullback.

Active Bullish Patterns

We still have two live bullish upside targets of 6,555 and 6,745, which could be with us for a while going forward. For the S&P 500 to get there, it will need to form new, smaller versions of the trading boxes.

Failed Bearish Patterns

In the chart below, you can view a rising wedge pattern on the recent price action, the third since April. The prior two wedges broke down briefly and did not lead to a major downturn. The largest pullbacks in each case occurred after the S&P 500 dipped below the lower trendline of the pattern.

The deepest drawdown so far is 3.5%, which is not exactly a game-changer. Without downside follow-through, a classic bearish pattern simply can’t be formed, let alone be broken down from.

We’ll continue to monitor these formations as they develop because, at some point, that will change.

Heliostar Presents Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Q3 2025 Quarter Highlights

  • Record Q3 2025 production of 9,165 Gold Equivalent Ounces (GEOs)
  • Q3 2025 sales of 7,709 GEOs
  • Q3 Operating income of US$14.2M; Net Income of US$1.3M after US$6.4M of Exploration costs
  • Consolidated cash costs of $1,500 per GEO sold and consolidated all-in sustaining costs (‘AISC’) of $1,825 for Q3 2025
  • US$34.6M in cash, 1,688 unsold gold ounces, working capital of US$46.7M and no debt
  • The Company is on track to achieve its annual production guidance of 31,000 to 41,000 GEOs, annual cash cost of $1,800-1,900 per GEO sold and AISC of $1,950-2,100 per GEO sold for 2025

Heliostar Metals Ltd. (TSXV: HSTR,OTC:HSTXF) (OTCQX: HSTXF) (FSE: RGG1) (‘Heliostar’ or the ‘Company’) today reported unaudited financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2025 (‘Q3 2025’), which corresponds to the second quarter of Heliostar’s fiscal reporting year 2025. Results are presented in US dollars, unless stated.

Heliostar CEO, Charles Funk, commented, ‘In Q3, Heliostar continued to generate strong cash flow from our operating mines. We grew production and strengthened our capital position while significantly reinvesting across the portfolio. In Q3, this included significant drill programs at Ana Paula and La Colorada, economic studies for La Colorada and Ana Paula as well as permissions and preparations to restart mining at San Agustin. Our strong cash balance has allowed us to internally fund this restart. This gives us a clear path to generate cash flow from operations which will fund the ongoing development of Ana Paula with little-to-no equity dilution.’

‘Our recently released PEA for Ana Paula shows that the additional 101,000 ounces per year of production at an all-in sustaining cost of just $1,011/oz will be a significant cash flow generator for Heliostar, supporting growth through the next decade. The cash generated by being a producer in the current gold price environment affords us opportunities to accelerate our plan to become a mid-tier producer with 500,000 ounces per year before the end of the decade.’

Third Quarter 2025 Quarterly Conference Call

Heliostar will host a quarterly conference call on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM, Eastern Time/11:00 AM Pacific Time. The call will provide a corporate update following the release of our financial and operating results for the third quarter of 2025.

Please use the link here to register for the call or visit the Company website at www.heliostarmetals.com.

Q3 2025 Operational and Financial Highlights

Total gold production of 9,165 gold equivalent ounces (‘GEO’) (8,949 gold ounces) in Q3 2025. Gold production was realized from mining the Junkyard Stockpile at the La Colorada mine, as well as re-leaching the previously stacked ore at the La Colorada and the San Agustin mines. Production year-to-date January – September 2025 (‘YTD’) remains on track to achieve the lower half of the 2025 guidance issued by the Company on February 4, 2025, of 31,000-41,000 GEOs.

Total Cash Cost of $1,500 per GEO produced in Q3 2025. The combined YTD cash cost (see ‘Non-IFRS Measures’) is $1,405 per GEO.

Total AISC of $1,825 per GEO sold in Q3 2025. The increase from Q2 reflects a change in calculation methodology to include corporate General and Administrative (‘G&A’) and stock based compensation costs, expensed exploration incurred in the period, and remove previously-included by-product credits. The higher AISC is also a function of fewer GEOs sold in the period compared to Q2 2025. The consolidated YTD AISC (see ‘Non-IFRS Measures) is $1,799 per GEO sold.

Total Cash Costs and AISC are below the 2025 guidance range due to higher production relative to the budget. The Company anticipates materially higher costs in Q4 due to one-off sustainable capital investment incurred to restart mining from the Corner Area. These expenses are anticipated to return to lower rates in early 2026 at San Agustin.

Mine Operating Earnings of $14.2 million in Q3 2025. The Company continued to report strong results in Q3 2025 with steady operating unit costs and operating margin benefiting from selling into a rising gold market. Mine operating earnings YTD 2025 are $40 million.

Net income attributable to shareholders of $1.3 million, or $0.01 per share, for Q3 2025. Net income of $1.3 million ($0.01 per share) for Q3 2025 compared to a net income attributable to shareholders of $1.9 million ($0.01 per share) for Q2 2025. This was due to the increased exploration expense as drilling activities at Ana Paula ramped up and lower GEO sales volume in the quarter.

Strengthened financial position and liquidity: On September 30, 2025, the Company had cash of $34.6 million and working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities) of $46.7 million. The cash position decreased compared to Q2 due to the increase in exploration spending. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had 1,688 unsold ounces (worth approx. $6.9M at current spot gold prices) and no debt.

Maintained stable production at La Colorada mine. The mining of new ore restarted at the Junkyard Stockpile in January 2025. Production from the Junkyard Stockpile was steady during Q3 2025, with operating costs as expected, grade in line with the reserve model and ore tonnes reconciling slightly higher than expected. Production YTD 2025 was 13,328 GEOs (12,883 gold ounces). Ore feed from the Junkyard Stockpile is planned to continue into 2026, with other historical stockpiles identified to provide additional material to be crushed and stacked on the leach pad thereafter. Further, subject to receiving certain land access approvals, the Company intends to expand the Veta Madre pit to exploit its 43k ounces of gold reserves. In addition, drilling is ongoing at Veta Madre Plus with the aim of adding this additional Indicated material into a near-term mine plan in short order.

Restart of mining at San Agustin. Preparation work to commence mining is underway at San Agustin from the Corner area following the receipt of all necessary approvals to restart mining in Q3. The Company anticipates stacking first ore in December with production from the Corner starting near year end and continuing into 2027. Recoverable reserves at the Corner are estimated at 44.5k ounces of gold.

Strong economics and continued drilling success at Ana Paula drive additional investment. On November 6, 2025, the Company announced the results of a Preliminary Economic Study (PEA) for Ana Paula. These showed attractive economics at a conservative gold price driven by production of 101koz/yr after ramp up at an average all-in sustaining cost of $1,011/oz. On the back of this positive outcome, the Company has announced its intention to complete the underground decline access to the deposit in 2026. Technical and regulatory programs are being advanced in parallel and will continue through 2026 to complete a bankable feasibility study in early 2027.

Preparation of updated technical reports. The Company announced the results of an updated technical report for the La Colorada Mine on October 17, 2025, and is concluding an updated prefeasibility study (‘PFS’) for the Cerro del Gallo Project. The Company plans to release the results of the Cerro del Gallo PFS in Q4 2025 and continues to advance the Ana Paula Project feasibility study.

Operational and Financial Results

Results are reported for the three months ended September 30, 2025, which corresponds to the second quarter of Heliostar’s fiscal reporting year 2026.

A summary of the Company’s consolidated operational and financial results for the reporting period is presented below:

Key Performance Metrics Q3 2025 Q3 2024
Operational
Gold produced 8,949 0
Gold equivalent ounces (‘GEOs’) produced 9,165 0
Gold sold 7,552 0
Gold equivalent ounces (‘GEOs’) sold 7,709 0
Cash cost1 per GEOs sold $1,500 0
All-in sustaining costs1 (‘AISC’) per GEOs sold $1,825 0
Financial (in ‘000s)
Revenues $26,765 0
Mine operating earnings $14,243 0
Exploration expenses $6,411 $1,865
Net income (loss) $1,256 ($3,770)
Cash $34,576 $720
Total assets $129,881 $21,273
Working Capital $46,700 ($4,393)

 

  1. Non-IFRS measure. Refer to the ‘Non-IFRS Measures’ section of this news release.

Operational Review

Consolidated Production and Costs

Q3 2025 was the Company’s fourth reporting period with metals production. The Company had no production in Q3 2024.

Production of 9,165 GEOs (8,949 gold ounces) for Q3 2025 was reported from the La Colorada mine and the San Agustin mine. In late Q2, the El Castillo mine ceased production and reclamation commenced at the start of Q3. The combined YTD 2025 production of 25,642 GEOs (24,988 gold ounces) is consistent with the 2025 guidance issued by the Company. Heliostar is on track to achieve the lower half of the 2025 production guidance of 31,000-41,000 GEOs with the several week delay in being able to restart San Agustin pushing production from that asset into 2026.

The combined cash costs for the producing operations were $1,500 per GEO sold, and the consolidated AISC was $1,825 per GEO sold. The combined cash costs and AISC are currently in line with the 2025 guidance issued by the Company. Full-year results are expected to be within the guidance range of $1,800-$1,950/GEO for Cash Costs and $1,950-$2,100/GEO for AISC.

La Colorada Mine

Operating results for Q3 2025 were as follows:

La Colorada Q3 2025 YTD 2025
Gold produced oz 5,311 12,883
Gold equivalent ounces (‘GEOs’) produced GEO 5,479 13,328
Gold sold oz 4,122 10,865
Gold equivalent ounces (‘GEOs’) sold GEO 4,229 11,205
Cash cost1 $/GEO sold 1,592 1,354
All-in sustaining costs1 (‘AISC’) $/GEO sold 1,648 1,439

 

In January 2025, mining of new ore restarted at the Junkyard Stockpile by the Company, alongside re-leach activities of ore stacked by previous operators.

During the reporting period, the La Colorada mine produced 5,479 GEOs (5,311 gold ounces). Total revenues of $14.7 million were reported from sales of 4,229 GEOs. The increase in production compared to Q2 was driven by higher grades placed on the leach pad and the first full quarter of solution flow from the leach pad after restart of operations. Production from the leach pad has increased steadily throughout the year and continues to meet all expected parameters.

For the reporting period, cash costs were $1,592 per GEO ($1,354 per GEO YTD 2025). AISC was $1,648 per GEO ($1,439 per GEO YTD 2025), on track to be at the lower end or below 2025 AISC guidance of $1,850-$1,975/GEO.

The Company plans to continue mining of the Junkyard Stockpile through 2025 and into 2026, with other historical stockpiles identified to provide additional, continued feed to the crushers thereafter. Further, subject to receiving certain land access approvals, the Company intends to expand the Veta Madre pit to exploit 43k ounces of gold reserve, which will be timed sequentially with the ore feeds from the historical stockpiles. Drilling is ongoing to define the mineralization at Veta Madre Plus, with the aim of bringing it into the near-term mine plan in short order.

Subsequent to the reporting period, Heliostar released the results of an updated technical report for La Colorada showing and increased resource and a lower capital expenditure. This showed a mine with a six-year life producing 286k gold ounces at an AISC of $1,626 per GEO. This resulted in upside case economics of an NPV5% of $243.3M and an IRR of 168.4% at a $3,500/oz gold price. For more details, see the press release here.

San Agustin Mine

Operating results for Q3 2025 were as follows:

San Agustin Q3 2025 YTD 2025
Gold produced oz 3,638 11,613
Gold equivalent ounces (‘GEOs’) produced GEO 3,686 11,815
Gold sold oz 3,430 12,182
Gold equivalent ounces (‘GEOs’) sold GEO 3,480 12,373
Cash cost1 $/GEO sold $ 1,389 1,437
All-in sustaining costs1 (‘AISC’) $/GEO sold $ 1,587 1,546

 

In September 2024, the previous owners of San Agustin placed the mine under care and maintenance, with metals production continuing from the re-leaching of leach pads.

During the reporting period, the San Agustin mine produced 3,686 GEOs (3,638 gold ounces). Total revenues of $12.1 million were reported from sales of 3,480 GEOs. Re-leaching performance continued well above expectations in the quarter as a result of enhanced recovery initiatives conducted earlier in the year. Gold production through the first nine months of the year exceeded full-year 2025 guidance for re-leaching from the mine.

For the reporting period, cash costs were $1,389 per GEO ($1,437 per GEO YTD 2025). AISC was $1,587 per GEO ($1,546 per GEO YTD 2025), YTD on track to achieve full year AISC guidance of $1,700-$1,850/GEO.

During the quarter, the Company completed all regulatory requirements to enable the restart of mining at San Agustin from the Corner area (see News Release dated July 22, 2025). Work to commence mining of the Corner Area cut back was undertaken subsequently, including moving road access, a power line and contractor selection. First ore is on track to be stacked on the leach pad in the coming weeks. Initial gold production from this new material is expected to start near year end 2025 and continue into 2027. Recoverable reserves at the Corner are estimated at 44.5k ounces of gold.

Ana Paula Project

Development and Exploration expenditures at the flagship Ana Paula Project were $3.9 million in Q3 2025 ($1.8 million in Q3 2024).

During Q3 2025, the Company progressed its ongoing 15,000 metre drilling program at Ana Paula with the objective of delivering mineral reserves to support a 10-year life of mine in the Feasibility Study planned to be released in 1H 2027. On October 6, 2025, the Company announced results from the infill drill program (including 88.1m metres at 8.82 g/t) and the addition of a third rig. Subsequent to quarter end on November 18, 2025, the Company announced additional infill results of 83.2m of 17.4 g/t and 70.7m of 9.38 g/t. The drill program continues to successfully define wide zones of high grade mineralization.

Subsequent to the reporting period, Heliostar released the results of a Preliminary Economic Study (PEA) for Ana Paula showing strong economics at a conservative gold price. This showed a mine with a nine year life producing 101koz/yr after ramp up at an AISC of $1,011/oz. This resulted in upside case economics of an NPV5% of $1,012M, an IRR of 51.3% and average annual after-tax free cash flow of $168M at a $3,800/oz gold price. For more details, see the press release here.

Cerro del Gallo Project

During Q3 2025, the Company conducted advanced study work towards releasing a prefeasibility study for the Cerro del Gallo project based on information collected by previous owners. This work includes updated resources and reserves based on an updated gold price as well as better definition of transition material and an optimized mining and stacking plan. The results of this study are planned to be released in the coming weeks. All major environmental and other permits will need to be obtained before an investment decision can be considered by the Company.

Funding Overview

In the three months ended September 30, 2025, 5,916,250 warrants and 766,250 stock options were exercised for total proceeds of $1.5 million and 1,299,579 RSUs were converted.

As of September 30, 2025, the Company had no debt.

Change of Year End

The Company has changed its financial year-end from March 31 of each year to December 31 of each year. The next financial year-end of the Company will occur on December 31, 2025, for the nine months then ended.

Non-IFRS Measures. This news release refers to certain financial measures, such as all-in-sustaining costs, which are not measures recognized under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. These measures may differ from those made by other companies and, accordingly, may not be comparable to such measures as reported by other companies. These measures have been derived from the Company’s financial statements because the Company believes that they are of assistance in understanding the results of operations and its financial position. Certain additional disclosures for these specified financial measures have been incorporated by reference and can be found in the Company’s MD&A for Q3 2025, available on SEDAR+.

Cash costs. The Company uses cash costs per gold equivalent ounce sold to monitor its operating performance internally. The most directly comparable measure prepared in accordance with IFRS is cost of sales. The Company believes this measure provides investors and analysts with useful information about its underlying cash costs of operations. The Company also believes it is a relevant metric used to understand its operating profitability and ability to generate cash flow. Cash costs are measures developed by metals companies in an effort to provide a comparable standard; however, there can be no assurance that the Company’s reporting of these non-GAAP financial measures are similar to those reported by other mining companies. They are widely reported in the metals mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and are disclosed in addition to IFRS measures. Cash costs include production costs, refinery and transportation costs and extraordinary mining duty. Cash costs exclude non-cash depreciation and depletion and site share-based compensation. Production costs include mining, crushing, processing, and direct overhead at the operation sites.

AISC. AISC more fully defines the total costs associated with producing precious metals. The AISC is calculated based on guidelines published by the World Gold Council (WGC), which were first issued in 2013. In light of new accounting standards and to support further consistency of application, the WGC published an updated Guidance Note in 2018. Other companies may calculate this measure differently because of differences in underlying principles and policies applied. Differences may also arise due to a different definition of sustaining versus growth capital. Note that in respect of AISC metrics within the technical reports, because such economics are disclosed at the project level, corporate general and administrative expenses were not included in the AISC calculations. AISC per GEO includes mining, processing, direct overhead, reclamation and sustaining capital.

Statement of Qualified Persons

Gregg Bush, P.Eng., Mike Gingles, and Stewart Harris, P. Geo., Qualified Persons, as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, have reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release and have approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Bush is employed as Chief Operating Officer of the Company, Mr. Gingles is employed as Vice President of Corporate Development, and Mr. Harris is employed as Exploration Manager.

About Heliostar Metals Ltd.

Heliostar aims to grow to become a mid-tier gold producer. The Company is focused on increasing production and developing new resources at the La Colorada and San Agustin mines in Mexico, and on developing the 100% owned Ana Paula Project in Guerrero, Mexico.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Charles Funk
President and Chief Executive Officer
Heliostar Metals Limited
Email: charles.funk@heliostarmetals.com
Phone: +1 844-753-0045		 Rob Grey
Investor Relations Manager
Heliostar Metals Limited
Email: rob.grey@heliostarmetals.com
Phone: +1 844-753-0045

 

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release includes certain ‘Forward-Looking Statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and ‘forward-looking information’ under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘target’, ‘plan’, ‘forecast’, ‘may’, ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘schedule’ and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things: the Company’s goal of becoming a mid-tier producer, the mine performance, production plans and the free cashflow generation from our operating mines, all profits generated from operations to be reinvested directly into our Companies growth and this reinvestment will focus on expanding production and growing resources across our portfolio.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information relating to the terms and completion of the Facility, any future mineral production, liquidity, and future exploration plans are based on management’s reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management’s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the receipt of necessary approvals, price of metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises or ongoing military conflicts; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; and the Company’s ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect the Company’s respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company’s mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company’s management team and outside contractors; risks regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company’s inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company’s interactions with surrounding communities; the Company’s ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption ‘Risk Factors’ in the Company’s public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/275395

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

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Crypto Market Update: Bitcoin Price Slide Continues, Kraken Files for IPO

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (November 19) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ether and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.

Bitcoin and Ether price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$89,503.92, down by 3.5 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest price of the day was US$88,540.26 and its highest was US$92,074.61.

Bitcoin price performance, November 19, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

Ether (ETH) was at US$2,942.52, down 5.8 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest price on Wednesday was US$2,872.51 and its highest was US$3,093.82.

Altcoin price update

  • XRP (XRP) was priced at US$2.04, down by 8.4 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest price of the period was US$2.03 and its highest was US$2.14.
  • Solana (SOL) was trading at US$132.84, down by 6.2 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest price of the day was US$130.72 and its highest was US$138.25.

Crypto derivatives and market indicators

Derivatives markets witnessed significant long position liquidations totaling approximately US$68.99 million for Bitcoin and US$117.35 million for Ether. The dominance of long liquidations highlights persistent bearish pressure and forced deleveraging across the derivatives ecosystem, exacerbated by price drops below key support levels.

Meanwhile, open interest in Bitcoin rose by 1.5 percent, reaching US$66.11 billion, and Ether’s open interest increased by 1.64 percent to US$37.78 billion, signaling continued trader engagement despite recent volatility.

Bitcoin’s relative strength index is at 32.54, indicating that the cryptocurrency is in oversold territory. That suggests potential for a near-term technical bounce, although the market remains vulnerable.

Funding rates remain slightly positive, with Ether at 0.008 and Bitcoin at 0.01, implying that the perpetual futures market still carries a mild premium for longs, despite liquidation pressure. This delicate funding rate environment reflects cautiously bullish sentiment mixed with forced position unwinds.

Traders should watch open interest trends and funding rates closely to gauge whether the market stabilizes, or if continued downside liquidity pressure will push Bitcoin and Ether toward lower technical support zones — near US$88,000 for Bitcoin, and closer to US$2,800 for Ether. This dynamic underscores the high risk and opportunity for derivatives traders navigating the current oversold but volatile crypto market conditions.

Today’s crypto news to know

21shares launches spot Solana ETF in US

Despite a volatile market, 21shares has successfully launched its spot Solana exchange-traded fund (ETF), TSOL, in the US. It debuted with more than US$100 million in assets under management.

This is the fifth Solana-focused ETF in the US and it offers a key feature: the ability for holders to indirectly earn staking rewards from underlying SOL tokens, enhancing its appeal. Its number for assets under management at launch underscores persistent investor demand for regulated altcoin exposure.

TSOL’s success could be a leading indicator for further crypto ETF innovation, with forecasts predicting over 100 new altcoin ETFs by 2026. This influx is expected to inject significant institutional capital into altcoins like SOL, potentially legitimizing them further and boosting token prices.

Kraken files confidential IPO with SEC

Kraken announced it has confidentially filed a registration statement for an initial public offering (IPO) with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a significant step toward becoming a publicly traded company.

The offering is contingent on SEC review and market conditions. This filing follows others, like Grayscale’s, aligning Kraken with major US crypto exchanges like Gemini and Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN). Kraken’s IPO pursuit signals the growing maturity and institutional acceptance of crypto exchanges. A public listing would provide capital for expansion, increase visibility and transparency and potentially boost investor confidence.

More broadly, a successful IPO for Kraken would be a landmark event, cementing crypto exchanges’ transition from niche startups to mainstream financial infrastructure.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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S&P 500 Breaking Out Again: What This Means for Your Portfolio

The S&P 500 ($SPX) just logged its fifth straight trading box breakout, which means that, of the five trading ranges the index has experienced since the April lows, all have been resolved to the upside.

How much longer can this last? That’s been the biggest question since the massive April 9 rally. Instead of assuming the market is due to roll over, it’s been more productive to track price action and watch for potential changes along the way. So far, drawdowns have been minimal, and breakouts keep occurring. Nothing in the price action hints at a lasting change — yet.

While some are calling this rally “historic,” we have a recent precedent. Recall that from late 2023 through early 2024, the index had a strong start and gave way to a consistent, steady trend.

From late October 2023 through March 2024, the S&P 500 logged seven consecutive trading box breakouts. That streak finally paused with a pullback from late March to early April, which, as we now know, was only a temporary hiccup. Once the bid returned, the S&P 500 went right back to carving new boxes and climbing higher.

New 52-Week Highs Finally Picking Up

If there’s been one gripe about this rally, it’s that the number of new highs within the index has lagged. As we’ve discussed before, among all the internal breadth indicators available, new highs almost always lag — that’s normal. What we really want to see is whether the number of new highs begins to exceed prior peaks as the market continues to rise, which it has, as shown by the blue line in the chart below.

As of Wednesday’s close, 100 S&P 500 stocks were either at new 52-week highs or within 3% of them. That’s a strong base. We expect this number to continue rising as the market climbs, especially if positive earnings reactions persist across sectors.

Even when we get that first day with 100+ S&P 500 stocks making new 52-week highs, though, it might not be the best time to initiate new longs.

The above chart shows that much needs to align for that many stocks to peak in unison, which has historically led to at least a short-term consolidation, if not deeper pullbacks — as highlighted in yellow. Every time is different, of course, but this is something to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.

Trend Check: GoNoGo Still “Go”

The GoNoGo Trend remains in bullish mode, with the recent countertrend signals having yet to trigger a greater pullback.

Active Bullish Patterns

We still have two live bullish upside targets of 6,555 and 6,745, which could be with us for a while going forward. For the S&P 500 to get there, it will need to form new, smaller versions of the trading boxes.

Failed Bearish Patterns

In the chart below, you can view a rising wedge pattern on the recent price action, the third since April. The prior two wedges broke down briefly and did not lead to a major downturn. The largest pullbacks in each case occurred after the S&P 500 dipped below the lower trendline of the pattern.

The deepest drawdown so far is 3.5%, which is not exactly a game-changer. Without downside follow-through, a classic bearish pattern simply can’t be formed, let alone be broken down from.

We’ll continue to monitor these formations as they develop because, at some point, that will change.

Australia’s Gina Rinehart Now Top MP Materials Shareholder

Gina Rinehart, owner and CEO of private Australian mining company Hancock Prospecting, has become the largest shareholder of rare earths company MP Materials (NYSE:MP).

Rinehart’s stake in MP, which she owns via Hancock, now stands at 8.4 percent.

According to Bloomberg, Hancock added 1 million shares to its MP position in the third quarter. After MP’s share price doubled during the period, it became the top holding in Hancock’s portfolio.

MP owns and runs the Mountain Pass rare earths mine in San Bernardino County, California. The mine was revived by MP in 2017 and achieved first rare earths concentrate production in 2018.

In 2024, the company produced a record 45,455 metric tons of rare earth oxides in concentrate, as well as 1,294 metric tons of neodymium-praeseodymium (NdPr) oxide, also a record amount.

Mountain Pass is currently the only operating rare earths mine in the US, and is gaining attention as the US seeks to establish a rare earths supply chain outside of China. In July, the US Department of Defense (DoD) agreed to buy US$400 million worth of preferred stock in the company, a move that MP called a ‘transformational public-private partnership.’

On Wednesday (November 19), MP deepened its DoD relationship with a partnership to establish a joint venture with Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden); together they will develop a rare earths refinery in Saudi Arabia.

‘This agreement will be beneficial to MP and our industry, and it further aligns U.S. and Saudi interests,’ said James Litinsky, MP’s founder, chair and CEO, in a press release shared by the company that day.

‘The formation of the joint venture also underscores MP Materials’ role as an American national champion, and it demonstrates how our fully integrated platform can project U.S. industrial capability abroad.’

Earlier this year, the Trump administration said Dateline Resources’ (ASX:DTR,OTCQB:DTREF) Colosseum mine, located 10 kilometres from Mountain Pass, could continue operations under its existing mine plan.

A bankable feasibility study is currently being completed for Colosseum, and is due for completion in early 2026.

Rinehart’s rare earths investments

Rinehart is the wealthiest person in Australia, holding a net worth of US$23.9 billion.

According to Forbes’ 100 billionaires list, she was the 61st richest person globally as of March 7, 2025.

Besides MP, she is also the largest shareholder of Arafura Rare Earths (ASX:ARU,OTC Pink:ARAFF), with Hancock’s first investment in that company tracing back to December 2022.

On October 29, Arafura said it was conducting a AU$475 million financing to further advance its Nolans project. Nolans is expected to eventually supply approximately 4 percent of the world’s NdPr oxide.

Arafura said Hancock committed AU$125 million to the placement, bringing its stake in the firm to 15.7 percent.

Hancock also holds an interest in Lynas Rare Earths (ASX:LYC,OTCQX:LYSDY), with Rinehart raising her stake in the company to 8.21 percent in January via the purchase of about 10 million shares.

In 2023, Hancock Prospecting was reported to back Brazilian Rare Earths (ASX:BRE,OTCQX:BRELY) before it went public, taking a 5.85 percent stake. Brazilian Rare Earths listed on the ASX in December 2023.

Through Hancock, Rinehart also holds investments in lithium, copper and many more commodities. Click here to read about her mining investments and work in the sector.

Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Barrick Faces Activist Pressure After Elliott Takes Major Stake

Elliott Investment Management has reportedly taken a large stake in Barrick Mining (TSX:ABX,NYSE:B), the Financial Times reported on Tuesday (November 18), adding activist pressure to the gold producer, which is already dealing with escalating operational problems and a leadership shakeup.

The moves comes just weeks after the abrupt September exit of former CEO Mark Bristow, and as Barrick’s new chief executive, Mark Hill, begins overhauling the company’s regional structure.

In an internal memo seen by Bloomberg, Hill said Barrick will fold its Pueblo Viejo mine in the Dominican Republic into its North American division and merge its Latin America and Asia Pacific operations to improve performance.

Elliott’s investment also comes during a challenging phase for Barrick.

The company has been hit by rising costs at key North American assets and the loss of its most profitable operation, the Loulo-Gounkoto mine in Mali, after the military junta seized control earlier this year.

The dispute, which was tied to Mali’s new mining tax code, resulted in 3 metric tons of gold being taken by the state and the detention of four Barrick employees. The asset loss also triggered a roughly US$1 billion writeoff.

The setbacks have left Barrick trailing behind its peers despite a powerful gold price rally. Company shares are up 117 percent in the past year, compared with an average 130 percent gain among major rivals.

Barrick’s performance has company executives weighing their options.

As mentioned, a split into two companies is being considered. Four people told Reuters that this could involve one firm focused on North America and another holding assets in Africa and Asia. Another option would involve selling Barrick’s Africa portfolio outright, along with the Reko Diq project in Pakistan once financing is secured.

Barrick is also trying to resolve its dispute with Mali before pursuing a sale of that operation.

Investors have pushed similar ideas before, but were stifled due to the company’s North American footprint.

The company’s core US asset is Nevada Gold Mines, which it operates in partnership with Newmont (NYSE:NEM,ASX:NEM), and the sentiment has been that “there is not much of value” in Barrick’s remaining mines.

Bloomberg reported last month that Newmont was looking at whether a transaction could give it control of the Nevada operations it shares with Barrick, but discussions have not advanced since then.

Elliott, meanwhile, has a long record of targeting miners, including Anglo American (LSE:AAL,OTCQX:AAUKF) and Kinross Gold (TSX:K,NYSE:KGC), and often pushes for structural changes.

For Barrick, the challenge now is stabilizing its operations, while deciding how far to go with strategic restructuring in today’s historically high gold price environment.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Longtime Walmart CEO to step down in January

Walmart announced Friday that longtime CEO Doug McMillon will retire at the end of January — which came as a surprise to some given the company’s success in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

John Furner, Walmart’s U.S. CEO, will assume the role of overall CEO on Feb. 1, the company said. McMillon will continue to serve in an executive and advisory role through January 2027. Furner, 51, began his career at Walmart as an hourly associate.

McMillon, 59, has held the top job since 2014 and is only the fifth person to lead the storied company in its 63-year history.

McMillon has overseen a radical transformation of Walmart’s image in a little over a decade.

In 2014, Walmart had a reputation as a budget retail option and was accused of underpaying its associates. Today, it draws more well-to-do shoppers and has earned credit for adopting innovative personnel policies.

McMillon also built up Walmart’s e-commerce operation into the country’s second-largest, behind only Amazon. Over the course of McMillon’s tenure, the value of Walmart’s shares has increased some 300%.

“Serving as Walmart’s CEO has been a great honor and I’m thankful to our Board and the Walton family for the opportunity,” McMillon said in a statement. “I’ve worked with John for more than 20 years. … He’s uniquely capable of leading the company through this next AI-driven transformation.”

America’s retail landscape continues to rapidly evolve, as consumer spending habits increasingly bifurcate between wealthier households and everyone else.

However, Walmart’s quarterly results have held steady — and the company has been justly rewarded by investors. Just this year, Walmart shares have climbed around 13%. Over the course of McMillon’s tenure, the retailer’s stock price is up some 300%.

On Walmart’s most recent earnings call in August, McMillon indicated the company has been able to withstand the broader pressures facing consumers. Its shoppers’ “behavior has been generally consistent,” he said. “We aren’t seeing dramatic shifts.”

Other retailers have not been so fortunate.

Target’s shares have lost about one-third of their value this year, as the chain works to regain its footing in a more value-conscious environment. In August, longtime CEO Brian Cornell announced plans to step down.

Amazon, meanwhile, has fared slightly better as consumers continue to prioritize the convenience of online shopping. But it recently announced thousands of layoffs affecting corporate employees. Amazon’s share price has climbed about 8% this year.

McMillon has also steered Walmart through a volatile period in U.S. politics, during which elected officials have engaged directly with companies and consumers have proven willing to boycott corporate giants over social issues.

Walmart found itself in President Donald Trump’s crosshairs in May, after it signaled plans to increase some prices in response to his tariffs.

“Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, ‘EAT THE TARIFFS,’ and not charge valued customers ANYTHING. I’ll be watching, and so will your customers!!!”

While subsequent reports indicated that Walmart had indeed increased prices on some items, McMillon said in August that the changes were gradual enough that consumer habits shifted only modestly.

Six months after Trump singled Walmart out over tariffs, he did so again — but for a very different reason.

In recent weeks, the Trump White House has repeatedly touted Walmart’s 2025 Thanksgiving menu package — which costs less overall than the retailer’s similar menu did last year — as a sign that the president’s economic policies have helped drive down grocery prices for consumers.

But there is a flaw in that rationale. This year’s Walmart Thanksgiving menu contains fewer items than last year’s menu did.

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