Why is Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes the Name to Watch in Critical Minerals, Can Bitcoin Return to New Highs and Private Equity Floods into Defense

Featured Article this week:

• Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes is emerging as a pivotal voice in the U.S. critical minerals space, using her unique blend of policy insight, capital market acumen, and project experience to guide industry leaders through defense-linked opportunities most overlook—like the billions earmarked for mineral stockpiling in the $150B U.S. defense package.

• Her global perspective sets her apart, as shown by her analysis of Australia’s A$1.8B critical minerals initiative—where she asks the hard questions about stockpiling strategy, export flows, and real market impact, especially in metals like nickel and lithium.

• What makes her influence magnetic is her foresight and clarity, bridging Capitol Hill, global supply chains, and strategic investment like few can. Her message to industry is clear: Act now, don’t wait—by the time the funding arrives, it’ll be too late.

Bitcoin Is Heating Up — Is a Big Breakout Coming?

Bitcoin is gaining steam—here’s what’s fuelling the rally and the key levels to watch next.

• Bitcoin just had its best week since November, jumping 10% and attracting a surge in investor interest. Right now, it’s sitting just below a key price level of $95,150, and many traders think it could be gearing up to test $100,000 soon.

  Here’s what you need to know:

  • 📊 Big increase in trading activity (+73%) shows momentum is building

  • ✅ Bullish trend across short, medium, and long term

  • 💥 If Bitcoin moves past $96,000, it could speed up and push toward $107,000

  • 🛑 If it falls below $91,600, it might drop toward $84,000 or lower

  💡 Analysts are saying the market looks strong for now — but upcoming U.S. economic data (like inflation and GDP) could shift things quickly.

Market Snapshot Today:

📈 Top Gainers

• Honeywell International (HON): Shares rose over 5% after the company reported better-than-expected earnings and revenue, raised the lower end of its profit forecast and outlined plans to address potential tariff effects.

• Sherwin-Williams (SHW): The stock gained approximately 5% following a strong earnings report that surpassed profit estimates, driven by higher prices and lower costs.

• Corning Inc. (GLW): Shares advanced due to strong demand for optical connectivity products used in AI infrastructure.

📉 Top Losers

• Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN): The stock dropped nearly 7% after missing revenue and earnings expectations, primarily due to underwhelming sales of its eye treatment Eylea.

• NXP Semiconductors (NXPI): Shares fell over 7% following the announcement of CEO Kurt Sievers' resignation and uncertainty caused by tariffs.

• Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN): The stock slipped after a White House spokesperson criticized its potential move to list tariff-related costs, leading to investor concerns.

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