The Always-On Market: Nasdaq's Push and Junior Miners' Wild Ride Ahead

Buckle up, Nasdaq's 23-hour trading proposal is the ultimate market rollercoaster!

Filed with the SEC on December 15, 2025, it could launch in Q3 2026, sending junior mining stocks (think VanEck's GDXJ ETF) soaring with global liquidity highs from Asia and Europe... or plunging into volatility drops during those thin overnight loops.

With DTCC's 24-hour clearing on deck and NYSE racing alongside, is this thrill ride the boost the sector craves?

Perfect Storm or Gentle Breeze? Gold Stocks Sail On in 2026

With gold trading near record highs above $4,300/oz after a blockbuster 2025, where ETFs like Global X's GLDX surged nearly 178%, analysts at RBC Capital Markets, led by Josh Wolfson, foresee the momentum continuing, albeit perhaps at a steadier pace. They project an average of $4,600/oz in 2026, with prudent miners like Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM), Barrick Mining Corporation, Kinross Gold Corporation (K), and AngloGold Ashanti (AU) generating robust cash flows even without further spikes.

Chris McHaney, CFA from Global X emphasizes that sustained elevated prices are enough for massive operational gains, while Sprott Asset Management's Paul Wong points to ongoing currency debasement fears and relentless central bank buying as key tailwinds.

RBC remains more conservative, noting potential rising costs and downside risks for some Canadian producers, but upside for others like AngloGold Ashanti. Backed by supportive outlooks from Goldman Sachs and the World Gold Council, the "perfect storm" may evolve into a reliable breeze, but one that's still propelling gold stocks forward strongly.

What's your take on gold miners heading into 2026?

iRobot Corporation (NASDAQ: IRBT) Cliff Sensors Failed: Stock Tumbles into Bankruptcy Abyss

iRobot (NASDAQ: IRBT), the pioneering company behind the iconic Roomba, has filed for pre-packaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Shares cratered over 80% yesterday as the restructuring plan transfers full ownership to its primary manufacturer, Shenzhen PICEA Robotics Co., Ltd..

Hit hard by fierce competition from lower-cost rivals, post-pandemic demand slowdowns, and U.S. tariffs adding millions in costs, this marks the end of iRobot's 35-year independence.

Yet, reassurance for millions of users: no disruptions to apps, support, or devices.

A reminder of how quickly market dynamics can shift even for innovators.

More "Historic Deals" Ahead: Trump Team Pushes Aggressive Mining Revival

Jarrod Agen, Executive Director of The White House National Energy Dominance Council, just previewed more "historic deals" on the horizon for critical minerals, promising deeper partnerships that build on 2025's groundbreaking moves.

We've already seen the administration take equity stakes in MP Materials (America's key rare earth producer), Lithium Americas Corp. (pushing forward the transformative Thacker Pass project), and Trilogy Metals Inc. (unlocking Alaska's Ambler district potential). Add President Trump's October executive order approving the Ambler access road, plus momentum for massive copper developments in Arizona involving global leaders Rio Tinto and BHP, and the strategy is clear: aggressive action to secure lithium, rare earths, and copper for defense and technology while sidelining reliance on China.

This interventionist approach, direct stakes, fast-tracked permitting, and strategic investments, is redefining how America achieves energy and mineral dominance.

A pivotal moment for the industry and national security.

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