PRE-OPEN
Canadian futures are lower after oil prices hit their highest level since May on an escalation in the Middle East conflict, keeping investors concerned about persistent inflation and higher-for-longer U.S. interest rates.
Canada
Adyton Resources Corporation (TSXV: ADY) (OTCQB: ADYRF) (FSE: 701) (PNGX: ADY)provides an exploration update on its 100%-owned Feni Island Gold-Copper Project on the productive Lihir Trend, Papua New Guinea (PNG), ahead of an analyst and investor site visit on 24 October 2026. Kabang hosts an Inferred Mineral Resource of 60.4 Mt at 0.75 g/t Au for 1.46 Moz Au (NI 43-101, effective 14 October 2021).
Kabang gold-copper corridor expanded to 2.2 km, with both ends mineralized and open for further growth - Step-out holes FDD048 to FDD053 intersected interpreted Kabang structures and hydrothermal breccias at both the south-west and north-east ends of the corridor. Holes FDD050 and FDD051 are approximately 1.6 km apart, extending the corridor to more than three times the approximately 650 m of strike drilled for the 2021 Mineral Resource. Assays for these expansionary holes are pending; Copper mineralization strengthens at depth, highlighting potential for a substantial porphyry system. Hole FDD033 intersected 109 m @ 0.25 g/t Au, 0.18% Cu (0.50 g/t AuEq) from 293 m, including 20 m @ 0.22 g/t Au, 0.42% Cu (0.84 g/t AuEq) from 326 m. The interval lies beneath 70 m @ 0.53 g/t Au from 170 m, on the same section as previously reported hole FDD004 which intersected 70.2 m grading 0.21% Cu from 383 m. The increasing copper grades at depth, alongside continued gold mineralization, support ongoing evaluation of the systems porphyry potential.
Growing evidence of a Porphyry copper-gold system including documented bornite- Hole FDD033 intersected potassic-altered quartz diorite containing chalcopyrite and bornite between 392 m and 400 m, adding to the evidence for porphyry-style mineralization at Kabang. At Danmagal, porphyry-style intrusives have been mapped at surface above a magnetic body modelled from approximately 440 m depth, located 1.1 km west-south-west of FDD026. Assays are pending.
"With our analyst site visit scheduled for 24 October 2026, we believe it is important to provide investors with a broader update on the scale and growing potential of the Feni Project," said Adyton's COO & Chief Geologist, Dr. Chris Bowden. "We are particularly encouraged by step-out holes, FDD048 to FDD053, which have intersected the interpreted Kabang structures and the hydrothermal breccias at both ends of the 2.2 km mineralized corridor, which now extends to more than three times the strike length drilled for the 2021 Mineral Resource Estimate. In addition, FDD033 confirms copper mineralization strengthening at depth beneath the Kabang gold system, adding to the evidence supporting the potential for a larger porphyry copper-gold system. With corridor extensions now drilled, the IP survey advancing and multiple untested targets across Anir Island, we look forward to showing the geology and broader exploration potential to analysts and investors on 24 October.”
Alpha Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: ALEX)announce it has completed the 2026 drilling program at the Aburna gold project with a total of 8,910 metres of drilling, 2,410 metres more than the originally planned 6,500 metres program. In addition, 1,224 metres of shallow rotary air blast ("RAB") was completed to sample top-of-bedrock at the Obok prospect in certain targeted areas of transported soil cover where conventional soil sampling is ineffective.
To date two batches of laboratory results have been received and reported representing a total of 4,495 metres of reverse circulation ("RC") and core drilling. These previously released results are mainly from the Northeast prospect expansion target area and the initial testing of new gold exploration targets. All the drilling is located within the highly prospective but under-explored Aburna corridor. In this gold corridor, Alpha has already discovered the Hill 52, Central, Northeast and Obok prospects, which host numerous shallow high-grade gold intercepts.
The Aburna Gold Project is located within Alpha's 100% owned, 514 km² Kerkasha Project located in Eritrea. To date, only approximately 20 percent of the Aburna corridor, as defined by gold-in-soil anomalies, reconnaissance RAB drilling in areas of immature, transported soil, with permissive geology and structure, has been tested by significant drilling. This fact linked with these drilling results emphasises the under-explored and highly prospective nature of this area. Alpha is also exploring the large target footprint Anagulu Copper-Gold Porphyry Project some 7 kilometres south of Aburna, with these projects being two of three significant discoveries made by the Alpha team on the Kerkasha licence.
John Wilton, CEO of Alpha, stated:"Our in-country Alpha exploration team have delivered an efficient and safely completed 2026 drilling program exceeding our original planning by 2,410 metres. This additional metreage was motivated by the initial results and improved geological understanding with interpretation of the extensive, generally shallow depth, Aburna gold mineralization. To date in 2026 the two batches of previously reported drill results available are interpreted to have expanded the footprint of the Northeast and Hill52 prospects and elevated the former Obok target to a key prospect status when coupled with other geological information and interpretation. We expect to receive and release further batches of drill results in the coming weeks.” To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/320375
First Tellurium Corp. (CSE: FTEL, OTC: FSTTF) reports that a total of 4,244,716 common share purchase warrants have been exercised at a price of $0.15 per share, generating gross proceeds of approximately C$636,707 for the Company. The warrants expired October 22, 2026.
The proceeds will provide additional working capital as First Tellurium advances its near-term technology development initiatives, particularly through its subsidiary, PyroDelta Energy. PyroDelta is developing proprietary heavy-lift drone technology, along with thermoelectric technologies designed to convert waste heat into usable electricity.
“These additional funds strengthen our treasury and provide greater flexibility as we continue advancing our development programs,” said First Tellurium President and CEO Tyrone Docherty. “We're particularly encouraged by the progress at PyroDelta, where we see substantial commercial opportunities for both the heavy-lift drones and thermoelectric technologies. The proceeds from these warrant exercises will help support our efforts to move these technologies toward commercialization.”
Docherty personally exercised 800,000 warrants, while members of his family exercised an additional 1,095,000 warrants, representing a combined investment of $284,250.
“My family and I have invested additional capital because we believe strongly in the Company's direction and long-term potential,” Docherty added. “We're committed to seeing these technologies developed into successful commercial products that generate revenue and build shareholder value.” at www.firsttellurium.com.
Argentina Metals Corp. (TSXV: VLLC) (OTCQB: VLLCF) (FSE: VA5) announce a non-brokered private placement of up to 9,375,000 common shares ("Common Shares") at a price of CAD$0.32 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of up to CAD$3 million (the "Offering"). The Issuer intends to use the proceeds of the Offering for exploration expenses on its project portfolio in Mendoza Province, Argentina, working capital and general corporate purposes.
"Argentina Metals has assembled a highly prospective portfolio of copper-gold exploration assets in Mendoza. This financing will support fieldwork and geophysics aimed at progressing Las Estrellas towards an initial drilling programme in 2027 and defining drill targets across our other priority areas, subject to funding and permitting," said Roger Clegg, Chief Executive Officer of Argentina Metals. "Fieldwork at Las Estrellas has supported our desktop targeting approach, which has identified seven additional priority target areas for investigation. We believe Mendoza remains significantly underexplored and look forward to advancing our portfolio through systematic exploration.”
Elevate Service Group Inc. (TSXV: SERV) (OTCQB: ESVCF) (FSE: Y19) announced today that its subsidiary, TFI Food Equipment Solutions ("TFI"), has completed a preventative maintenance program covering approximately 200 Taylor 349 Froster machines at Circle K locations across Ontario.
The program demonstrates Elevate's strategy of leveraging customer relationships and specialized expertise across its operating businesses to deliver integrated customer solutions, generate incremental service opportunities, improve technician utilization and internalize work that might otherwise be subcontracted or declined.
TFI has supported Circle K's foodservice equipment for several years and possesses deep technical expertise on the Taylor equipment platform. The new program expanded that relationship through scheduled preventative maintenance services across Ontario, utilizing qualified technicians from TFI and Elevate's broader service network.
First Canadian Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FCI, OTCQB: GRAPF) announces its intention to offer up to 3,448,276 flow-through common shares at $0.58 for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000 CAD. This flow-through financing "FT Financing" will supplement the previously announced $3 million CAD hard-dollar financing (see press release of October 21, 2026).
The gross proceeds from the FT Financing will be used to fund the upcoming field stripping and diamond drilling program of an anticipated 20,000 metres at the Company's Lac Guéret South graphite project, located n the southwest Manicouagan reservoir area, approximately 234 km north-northwest of Baie-Comeau in Québec's Côte-Nord region, on the Nitassinan (ancestral territory) of the Pessamit Innu and will be used to incur resource exploration expenses. These resource exploration expenses will constitute "Canadian exploration expenses" as defined in subsection 66.1(6) of the Income Tax Act "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act.
Forge Resources Corp. (CSE: FRG) (OTCQB: FRGGF) (FSE: 5YZ) provide a development update from its fully permitted La Estrella coal project, located in Santander, Colombia.
The Company reports that the junction is complete and the crosscut is now advancing at a strong pace, with 15 metres completed to date on a direct line to the coal seams. The company estimates that the first coal seam will be encountered in approximately 25 metres of additional crosscut advance.
Junction Complete, Crosscut Gaining Momentum
The underground junction connecting the ramp to the crosscut has now been fully completed, enabling direct advance toward La Estrella's coal seams. The crosscut has progressed 15 metres to date, comprised of 10 metres on the 12.4 m² steel arch profile and 5 metres on the streamlined 9.0 m² profile. The smaller profile is improving excavation, loading and muck handling efficiency as development continues.
Straight Line to Coal Seams
The crosscut is now advancing on a straight line toward the first of La Estrella's eight known coal seams, which the Company expects to encounter in approximately 25 metres of additional development. Reaching the seam will mark a pivotal milestone and a major step on La Estrella's path toward extraction and cash flow.
Foremost Clean Energy Ltd. (NASDAQ: FMST) (CSE: FAT) report that it has entered into an agreement with Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison") to sell a 31% interest in the GR and Blackwing properties (together the "Properties"), form two exploration joint ventures ("JVs"), and issue 1,031,191 share purchase warrants (the "Warrants") in exchange for total consideration of $650,000 (collectively, the "Transaction"). The warrants will have an exercise price of $1.80 per warrant share, which represents over a 175% premium to Foremost's closing share price on October 22, 2026, and will have a 5-year term.
David Cates, Interim CEO of Foremost commented, "The GR and Blackwing properties are located in the northwestern portion of the Athabasca Basin region and are situated along the Grease River shear zone and the Black Bay fault respectively -- both of which are geologically prospective areas that have historically been subject to little or no exploration. While these Properties have the potential to become a new area of exploration focus in the region, the scale of the Properties and the annual work expenditures required to keep the claims in good standing are significant. As a result, forming JVs with Denison is an ideal arrangement for Foremost, whereby Foremost retains exposure to potential future exploration success without having to carry the full cost of exploring this district-scale area."
GoldHaven Resources Corp. (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: GHVNF) (FSE: 4QS) iprovide an update on its ongoing diamond drilling program at the D Zone silver-lead-zinc target, located within its flagship Magno Project in northwestern British Columbia.
*Portable XRF readings are preliminary, non-representative spot measurements and should not be interpreted as laboratory assays or indicative of interval grades.
GoldHaven has completed five diamond drill holes from two drill pads approximately 75 metres (m) apart within the Middle D area of the historically named D Zone, with four of the five completed holes intersecting semi-massive to massive sulphide mineralization within a geophysical anomaly identified in an airborne survey conducted by the Company in early 2026.
The Company is currently advancing drill hole GOH26-14 as it continues to evaluate the distribution and geometry of mineralization within the target area.
D Zone Drilling Results
The current drilling campaign is focused on evaluating the Middle D portion of the D Zone, an area of historically documented silver-lead-zinc mineralization within the Magno Project.
Rob Birmingham, President and CEO of GoldHaven, commented:
"We are encouraged by the results at D Zone, with four of our first five drill holes intersecting significant intervals of semi-massive to massive sulphide mineralization. The identification of multiple mineralized horizons, including visible lead-zinc sulphides and indications of tin-bearing skarn, is particularly interesting.
"These early results are helping us build a better understanding of the system and guide our next exploration targets. With drilling continuing and assays pending, we look forward to evaluating the potential of D Zone alongside our ongoing tungsten exploration at Kuhn.” www.GoldHavenresources.com
Integra Resources Corp. (TSXV: ITR) (NYSE American: ITRG) provide an interim operational update for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026 (the "third quarter 2026" or "Q3 2026"). The Florida Canyon Mine ("Florida Canyon" or the "Mine") produced 17,652 ounces of gold during the quarter, an 8% increase from the second quarter of 2026 and a 40% increase from the first quarter of 2026. Ore mined and placed on the heap leach pads at Florida Canyon has continued to increase throughout the year with a 21% increase in ore mined and a 25% increase in ore placed on the heap leach pads quarter-over-quarter. Mining and ore stacking rates continue to improve at Florida Canyon, and the Company continues to target its previously announced full-year gold production guidance of 70,000 to 75,000 ounces. Company website: www.integraresources.com
Mayo Lake Minerals Inc. (CSE: MLKM) respond to investor queries with an outline of its autumn 2026 flow-through expenditures, primarily within the 86 sq. km. Anderson Gold Trend (AGT), and how this will lead to a more productive diamond drill campaign in 2027.
The AGT lies within the Tombstone Gold Belt, which hosts Victoria Gold's Eagle Mine Banyan Gold's AurMac and Sika Gold's RC deposits (multiple deposits) in the Mayo-Keno district. and Snowline Gold's Valley deposit some 180 km east of AGT (see Schedule One for reference to relevant reports). Readers are cautioned that mineralization at these deposits is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Company's properties. The results of the programs outlined in this release below will allow the Company to prioritize its best-defined gold targets for diamond drilling in the spring-summer of 2027, with the objective of establishing the scale and continuity of the systems. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/320439
Moon River Moly Ltd. (TSXV: MOO) (OTCQB: MRIVF)announce that an updated preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") has been completed on the Davidson Molybdenum-Copper-Tungsten- Critical Minerals Project (the "Project" or "Davidson Project") located near Smithers, British Columbia.
Paul Parisotto, President and Chief Executive Officer, says of the updated PEA results: "We are very pleased with an over 23% increase in the after-tax NPV and the decrease in the payback period to 1.5 years. It is our intention to progress the Davidson Project to a Pre-Feasibility Study in the first half of 2027."
Ian McDonald, Chairman, went on to state: "A key contributor to the improved economics in the updated PEA is the 350% increase in tungsten recovery reflecting the use of flotation instead of gravity as the recovery method. This improvement in tungsten recovery helped lower the AISC to produce one pound of molybdenum to US$4.36 per pound, net of co-product metal credits.
"The very low AISC, coupled with the potential to extend the mine life and a location in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, demonstrates that the Davidson Project is a highly prospective undeveloped molybdenum, copper and tungsten project. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/320318
NurExone Biologic Inc. (TSXV: NRX) (OTCQB: NRXBF) (FSE: J90), a biopharmaceutical company developing exosome-based regenerative therapies for central nervous system injuries, today announced that it doubled exosome production by successfully operating two bioreactors in parallel, while maintaining the same overall production time, process consistency and comparable exosome quality. The achievement marks an important step in NurExone’s strategy to build scalable exosome manufacturing capabilities through its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Exo-Top Inc. (“Exo-Top”), and its manufacturing collaboration with Made Scientific.
NurExone is pursuing a modular approach that enables manufacturing capacity to expand by adding standardized production units in parallel (scaling out approach), rather than engineering larger bioreactor vessels (scaling up approach). This strategy has the potential to protect capital investments, accelerate development timelines, and allow production to match commercial demand, subject to successful validation and implementation.
“Our goal is to make increasing exosome production straightforward and robust,” said Dr. Tali Kizhner, Director of Research and Development at NurExone. “We have invested hundreds of hours in studying and optimizing our manufacturing process. This run shows that we successfully replicated that process to increase output while ensuring manufacturing of high-quality product, with similar characteristics and critical quality attributes (CQAs). The achieved milestone provides us a strong foundation for expanding production capabilities even further.”
ProAm Explorations Corporation (CSE: PMX) announce that it has staked over 10 square kilometres of additional ground at its Golden Ridge Gold Project in western New Brunswick. This expands its land position more than 13 kilometres to cover a prospective, and untested, structural corridor. The expansion advances ProAm's search for additional gold-bearing centres beyond the known mineralization at Poplar Mountain.
New Brunswick Government regional airborne survey: Results expected to be publicly released in October.
District-scale exploration opportunity: Strike length of 13 kilometres covering a highly prospective structural corridor along the crustal-scale Woodstock Fault.
Alteration analogous to known gold mineralization: The Kirkland claim hosts a 300-by-100-metre zone of sericite-carbonate alteration with numerous quartz veins and disseminated pyrite, similar to alteration at the Poplar Mountain gold occurrence.
Multiple targets to test: Geophysical, geochemical, and interpreted cross-cutting structures.
The newly staked mineral claim, 12691, covers 1077 hectares contiguous with the existing Golden Ridge Project and expands ProAm's coverage of the Belle Lake area, into a historical group of claims referred to as Kirkland and includes historical geophysical anomalies that are yet to be tested.
"This latest addition of land captures several of the key features predicted by our Poplar Mountain exploration model," said Jason Cubitt, CEO of ProAm. "Topography, magnetic anomalies, interpreted structures and geochemistry all point to ground that warrants systematic testing for additional gold-bearing centres. Together, these indicators give us a strong basis for prioritizing targets and advancing them toward drilling."
Tajiri Resources Corp. (TSXV: TAJ) report the completion of its expanded 3-D induced polarization ("IP") survey at the Yono Gold Project, inclusive of the 50-metre infill lines designed to refine targets associated with strong gold-in-soil anomalies and trench results. The expanded survey represents the final major exploration element leading to the Company's inaugural drill program, which will focus on testing the scale, continuity and geometry of the gold mineralization identified on the project thus far.
The Company expects to receive the fully processed and interpreted results of the expanded IP survey within the next two to three weeks. Following receipt, Tajiri's technical team will undertake a detailed analysis of the results alongside existing geochemical, geophysical and trenching data to prioritize drill targets. To that end the Company has also started the process of soliciting bids from several drill service providers for the upcoming programs contract.
Vortex Energy Corp. (CSE: VRTX) (OTC: VTECF) (FSE: AA3) announce that it has secured the approvals, permits and land access permissions required to commence its planned ground gravity survey at the Robinsons River Salt Project in Newfoundland and Labrador. The current survey design comprises approximately 500 planned measurement stations, with field acquisition expected to be undertaken by McKeown Exploration Services under the management of Lonquist Field Service (Canada), ULC ("Lonquist"). The survey will target gaps in existing gravity coverage and areas of exploration interest across the Project, including areas west of the Cloverleaf target and within the eastern block. Planned stations include traverses along selected historical seismic lines, allowing the new gravity measurements to be evaluated alongside existing seismic interpretations. Field acquisition is estimated to require approximately 22 working days, with final station locations and timing subject to access, weather and ground conditions, and completion of contractor arrangements.
Westgate Energy Inc. (TSXV: WGT) provide an update on its fall 2026 drilling program at its Killam and Beaverdam assets along with certain other corporate matters.
Fall 2026 Drilling Program Update
Westgate has commenced its previously announced fall drilling program, beginning with a multi-lateral well targeting the Sparky Formation at the Company's Killam asset. The well will be drilled as an offset to the Westgate 11-21 well, which has been the strongest performing well at Killam to date. The new well is designed to incorporate approximately 9,600 metres of total lateral length, compared to approximately 5,400 metres in the 11-21 well, and will incorporate design considerations to accommodate potential future waterflood development.
The second well in the program will be drilled at the Company's Beaverdam asset and will involve the re-entry and sidetrack of the previously drilled C3S well. As previously disclosed, the original C3S well encountered excellent reservoir quality and encouraging oil shows highly comparable to those observed in the offsetting C2S horizontal well. However, a mechanical failure of the production liner severely restricted reservoir inflow, and the well was subsequently shut in. The planned C3S sidetrack will be drilled parallel to the C2S horizontal, which is the best Beaverdam well drilled by the Company to date.
AI-discovered bugs may soon trigger fresh disruptions, cyber experts say Advances in artificial intelligence have uncovered a stream of new software vulnerabilities that are almost certain to trigger more disruption along the lines of the outages that percolated across global government websites this week, according to seven cybersecurity professionals who spoke to Reuters.
ECONOMIC DATA 0830 Retail Sales Ex-Autos MM for Aug: Expected 1; Prior -0.7 0830 Retail Sales MM for Aug: Expected 1.3; Prior -0.7
World Markets
Euro STOXX 50 futures were down 6 points at 6,098, FTSE futures added 0.5 point to 10,758.5, German DAX futures dropped 85 points to 25,404, by 0430 GMT.
Asian shares fell as concerns over the enormous funding needs of AI hammered tech and led to the biggest daily rally in Treasuries in more than three years, with investors fleeing to sovereign bonds and safe-haven currencies.
Oil prices were up due to concerns of further energy supply disruption after Houthi attacks on top exporter Saudi Arabia.
US stocks closed lower and the Nasdaq posted its steepest daily drop since early June as a batch of high-profile earnings reports ignited fresh fears about the AI spending race.
The Japanese yen hit its strongest level in more than a month, buoyed by safe-haven flows due to a fresh bout of risk aversion that also sent US Treasury yields sharply lower, pushing the dollar to a nearly three-week trough.
US Treasury yields tumbled on Thursday as equities sold off after concerns about the sustainability of the AI outlook reignited, boosting the safe-haven appeal of government debt.
Gold prices eased and were set for their sharpest weekly decline in more than four months as surging oil prices and resilient US economic data fuelled expectations that the Federal Reserve would keep interest rates higher for longer.
S&P 500 Index Mini Futures: 7,697.25; down 0.09%; 7.25 points DJIA Mini Futures: 52,933.00; down 0.25%; 135 points Nikkei: 62,231.58; down 1.08%; 676.26 points MSCI Asia, Ex-JP: 809.59; down 0.21%; 1.7 points EUR/USD: $1.1212; down 0.04%; 0.0004 point GBP/USD: $1.3394; down 0.05%; 0.0007 point USD/JPY: 156.89 yen; up 0.08%; 0.12 point Spot Gold: $4,006.20; down 0.44%; $17.78 U.S. Crude: $100.08; up 0.61%; $0.61 Brent Crude: $113.71; up 0.48%; $0.54 10-Yr U.S. Treasury Yield: 4.9635%; up 0.010 point 10-Yr Bund Yield: 3.3311%; down 0.0054 point
US
U.S. futures are lower as investors continued to assess the recent selloff in AI-related stocks, driven by concerns over the sector's substantial capital requirements. Although the pace of the decline in technology stocks moderated, escalating geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices kept risk appetite subdued.
Oil prices climbed to a five-month high after attacks on Saudi Arabia and concerns over potential US-Israeli action against Iran intensified fears of supply disruptions. The rise in crude prices added to inflation concerns and reinforced expectations that interest rates could remain elevated for longer. Gold prices edged lower and were on track for their steepest weekly decline in more than four months.
Citigroup Inc: China's securities regulator said it has approved a plan by the US bank to establish a fully owned securities unit in China, allowing the Wall Street bank to expand its presence in the world's second-largest economy. Headquartered in Shanghai, Citigroup Securities China Company is permitted to offer onshore capital markets services to domestic and foreign clients, including underwriting, equities brokerage, trading onshore securities, securities research and investment advisory.
Intel Corp: The Federal Communications Commission said on Thursday it has granted a waiver to the semiconductor company from its ban on some foreign-made advanced robotics. The FCC said it would grant a one-year waiver of its rules in order to prevent "potential disruptions in the availability of domestic semiconductor manufacturing services for Intel’s customers."
Johnson & Johnson: Smith & Nephew's talks with Johnson & Johnson to combine with the US group’s orthopaedics division fell apart after the London-listed group refused to agree to its former CEO leading the merged business, the Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Talks about a merger between Smith & Nephew and the J&J unit were at an advanced stage, with both companies aligned on the main financial terms and structure of a transaction, but collapsed at the last minute after disagreement over who would run the enlarged company, the report said.
JPMorgan Chase & Co: The US bank and multilateral lender Asian Development Bank will expand their working capital financing program to India, JPMorgan said. The program, which will involve a risk-sharing framework, will help manufacturers, buyers and suppliers secure funding for growth and trade at a time when businesses are facing challenges due to increasingly complex global supply chains.
Microsoft Corp: The technology company's researchers say an AI tool that diagnoses patients step by step, as doctors do, was more than twice as accurate as general physicians at solving complex medical cases, according to a study published on Thursday in Science. The model identifies and coordinates the questions that should be asked of a patient, as well as the exams and tests that should be ordered, using an "orchestrator" that organizes how AI will tackle a problem by employing a simulated panel of clinical experts collaborating to solve diagnostic cases, according to the report.
Newmont Corp: The company beat analysts' third-quarter profit estimates on Thursday, as elevated gold prices and a recovery in copper production at its Cadia mine in Australia boosted earnings. The company posted adjusted profit of $2.20 per share for the quarter ended September 30, above analysts' average estimate of $2.05 per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.
SpaceX Corp & Tesla Inc: SpaceX said on Thursday its potential merger with Tesla will require controlling investor Elon Musk's approval, even though the entrepreneur has recused himself from talks between his two companies because of conflicts of interest. Separately, SpaceX is in talks with cellular infrastructure companies to secure access to at least 80,000 sites across the United States, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Venture Global Inc: QatarEnergy is in advanced talks with Venture Global for a long-term supply deal to buy at least 3 million metric tons of LNG per year, three people with knowledge of the negotiations told Reuters. QatarEnergy has been buying liquefied natural gas on the spot market from Venture Global to supply some of its customers due to the ongoing blockage of the Strait of Hormuz as the US-Israeli war on Iran and Tehran’s strikes this year have sharply curtailed shipping.
Vor Biopharma Inc: The biotech company said on Thursday its experimental kidney disease drug slowed the loss of kidney function and reduced the risk of disease progression in a late-stage study. The study included patients with IgA nephropathy, a disease that can eventually lead to kidney failure. Drug telitacicept met the study's main goal and largely preserved kidney function over two years, while patients on placebo saw a steeper decline.
ECONOMIC DATA 0945 S&P Global Manufacturing PMI Flash for Oct: Expected 55.5; Prior 55.9 0945 S&P Global Services PMI Flash for Oct: Expected 58.1; Prior 58.8 0945 S&P Global Composite PMI Flash for Oct: Prior 58.4 1000 U Mich Sentiment Final for Oct: Expected 46.3; Prior 46.3 1000 U Mich Conditions Final for Oct: Prior 44.7 1000 U Mich Expectations Final for Oct: Prior 47.3 1000 U Mich 1-year inflation Final for Oct: Prior 4.7% 1000 U Mich 5-year inflation Final for Oct: Prior 3.5%
Europe / Asia
Russia pounded Kyiv with ballistic missiles and Ukraine sent hundreds of drones towards Moscow on Thursday, as the warring sides kept up a barrage of attacks despite the latest US push to end the conflict.
US and South Korean officials see the chances fading of a meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this year, according to five people with knowledge of the situation.
Japan's core consumer inflation exceeded the central bank's 2% target in September for the first time in nine months, data showed, a sign of broadening price pressure that cements the case for a near-term interest rate hike.
French cosmetics group L'Oreal beat third-quarter sales forecasts on Thursday, as shoppers around the world indulge in more pricy haircare and premium skin products.
Swiss energy company VAROPreem set out a five-year growth strategy targeting earnings more than twice its 2025 level, as Europe faces tighter fuel supply and a shrinking refining base.
Holcim upgraded its full-year earnings guidance after the building materials company reported better-than-expected quarterly sales and profit.
