Author: TSX Stocks

EG Group appoints new chief financial officer

GENERAL MERCHANDISE NEWS

EG Group, the convenience retail, foodservices and fuel stations operator, has appointed Mark Segal as group chief financial officer.

With 35 years’ experience in leading public and private companies in North America, he has joined the business from the Spin Master children’s entertainment business. He spent two periods with the company as executive vice president and chief financial officer covering 20 years and was a key part of the team that successfully undertook an IPO of the business on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 2015.

Prior to Spin Master, he was VP of finance and chief financial officer at Husky Injection Moulding Systems and chief operating officer at the Canada Goose clothing brand.

At EG Group, Segal will report to chief executive Russ Colaco and will be based in the US, the group’s largest market by revenue.

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Colaco said: “I am delighted that Mark is joining us as our chief financial officer.

“He is a strong addition to our team, bringing significant international financial and operational experience gained in both listed and private growth-oriented companies.

“We have clear plans in place for growing the EG business and I look forward to working with Mark to deliver on them.”

Founded in 2001, EG Group has operations in nine countries, with its single biggest market by revenue being the US, followed by Europe, including Germany, Italy, France, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium and the UK, as well as Australia.

Albania issues arrest warrants in tax, money laundering probe targeting Bankers Petroleum

Albanian prosecutors have issued 14 precautionary measures and arrested nine individuals linked to Bankers Petroleum Albania as part of an investigation into tax evasion and money laundering, the General Prosecution Office said in a statement. 

Bankers Petroleum Albania is a subsidiary of China’s Geo-Jade Petroleum, and the largest oil producer in Albania. It manages the Patos-Marinza oil field, which is the country’s largest and ranks among the biggest onshore oil fields in Europe. 

The probe, launched in December following a referral from the Tax Investigation Directorate, alleges that the company reported financial losses for 20 years while generating significant revenue from oil production and sales, allowing it to evade taxes and claim fraudulent VAT reimbursements.

“The investigations substantiated that from 2004 to the end of 2024, the company has consistently reported financial losses, resulting in no revenue being accrued by the Albanian state from its activities over the past 20 years,” the prosecutor’s office said. 

“This is despite the extraction and trading of substantial quantities of fuel in the oil-rich regions of Patos-Marinëz-Fier.”

According to the statement, the company reported exports and domestic sales worth more than ALL532bn (€3.5bn) over the period. Prosectors said Bankers reported tax expenses exceeding revenue generated, declaring losses in each fiscal year amounting to a total of ALL117bn. 

“Preliminary findings from the investigation establish that the financial damage inflicted on the state budget, particularly through fraudulent VAT claims, amounts to several million euros,” the statement said. 

Among those detained are the company’s current administrator, identified by prosectors as H.X — Hongping Xiao according to local media — and its former administrator, L.Ç. (Leonidha Çobo), along with several others in leadership positions. Authorities have also declared five individuals, mostly foreign nationals, wanted in connection with the case.

The charges under investigation include “creation of fraudulent schemes regarding value added tax”, “concealment of income”, “laundering the proceeds of criminal offence or criminal activity” and “abuse of office”, prosecutors said.

“It is suspected that, throughout its operations, ‘Bankers Petroleum Albania Ltd’ has artificially inflated its expenses with the intent of reporting losses in its annual financial statements,” the prosecution said. 

“As a result, the company has evaded payment of corporate taxes while benefiting from VAT reimbursements through fraudulent schemes, with the assistance of individuals and other contracting entities engaged in various activities,” it added. 

Prosecutors, working with the local police and tax authorities, conducted searches at company offices and private residences, seizing documents and materials linked to the alleged crimes.

Authorities said investigations remain ongoing into alleged fraudulent VAT schemes and money laundering activities involving individuals and contractors in Albania and abroad.

“Fier Prosecution reaffirms its commitment to effectively pursuing criminal prosecution and holding accountable those responsible for these tax and fiscal offences,” the office said.

Bankers responded on July 4 with a statement saying its leadership team “has integrated honesty into every aspect of BPAL operations”. 

“In response to recent regulatory investigations, BPAL and our parent company, BPL, are committed to fully cooperating with Albanian authorities,” said the statement posted on Facebook. 

“We are in the process of appointing a senior representative to ensure full cooperation and operational transparency. We respect and support all legal measures to maintain regulatory standards and integrity in Albania. So far, our operations remain stable, our core team is complete and our daily activities continue without major interruptions.” 

In 2004, Canada-based Bankers secured an agreement granting it the right to operate the Patos-Marinza oilfield in Albania. Four years later, the company expanded its presence in the country by acquiring the Kuçova oilfield, Albania’s second-largest onshore oilfield.

The company was acquired by affiliates of China’s Geo-Jade Petroleum Corporation in 2016 in a deal valued at around CAD575mn. Following the deal, Bankers’ shares were delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange and the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

Bankers says it has invested $4.5bn in the Albanian economy since 2004, and been responsible for 83% of crude oil production.

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Jackson: How does your portfolio stack up to the benchmark at the halfway point of 2025?

BNN Bloomberg is Canada’s definitive source for business news dedicated exclusively to helping Canadians invest and build their businesses.

Elbows are up on Canada’s benchmark stock exchange as some of the nation’s most widely held stocks advance through the trade war.

At the halfway point of 2025, the S&P/TSX Composite Index has posted a gain topping nine per cent so far this year compared with an advance of just under six per cent for the U.S. benchmark S&P 500.

The S&P 500, which is in range of a record high, is also the global benchmark. That means Canadian investors with portfolios properly diversified along geographic and sector lines should be seeing similar results.

Canada keeps calm and carries on

Home bias is paying off for Canadian investors thanks to mining stalwarts like Agnico Eagle. The stock is up by 45 per cent since the start of the year on a rally in gold and related metals.

Over the same period, popular commodity related stocks including Canadian Natural Resources, Suncor and Enbridge have chalked up single digit gains.

Most of the big Canadian banks common in many investment portfolios have also gained ground with the Canadian economy under threat from the United States.

Royal Bank of Canada, the nation’s largest bank, has eked out a three per cent advance, while TD Bank has emerged from a money laundering scandal with a 32 per cent gain since the start of the year.

The banks continued to reward shareholders with dividend payouts, as have Canada’s main telecommunications companies and portfolio staples. BCE, Rogers Communications and Telus are posting single-digit gains.

Global growth advances

A return of over five per cent for the S&P 500 in the first half of 2025 is nothing to sniff at considering the United States has taken its trade war to a global level.

It’s important to note the increase comes on the back of a spike in gold prices as markets question the dominance of the U.S. dollar. Gold stocks advanced by 60 per cent in the first half of the year.

In contrast, U.S. auto manufacturing stocks slid by 20 per cent over the same period while the industry tries to figure out what comes next in U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war.

Overall, Canadians are getting more bang for their loonie when they buy U.S. denominated equities. The Canadian dollar bulked up by more than two cents since the start of the year, topping 73 U.S. cents to the greenback.

Fixed income keeps on giving

Returns would have been tempered for portfolios with heavy weightings in fixed income. Investors nearing, or in retirement, tend to take on a larger portion of fixed income to hedge against risky equity markets.

The cost of that hedge, however, has been relatively low. As an example, one-year guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) yield 3.5 per cent.

Investors who sacrifice gains for safety in fixed income are still being rewarded.

Portfolio check list

If you are looking at your investment statements over the past six months and not seeing a correlation with the benchmarks, there could be a number of reasons.

Big cash and fixed income weightings take their toll on returns, but even equity returns will be stunted if the holdings are too conservative. Diversification also means a good mix of risk levels.

If result don’t reflect returns from the benchmarks your portfolio might not be properly diversified. A qualified investment advisor should be able to help strike a balance between your return expectations and how much risk you are prepared to take on.

Returns that far exceed the benchmarks due to a few hot investments could also mean your portfolio is not properly diversified and gains will be unsustainable over the long run. It presents a great opportunity to trim the winners and add to under-represented positions.

If your portfolio returns fall far below the benchmark, fees could be taking an oversized bite from your investments. Some mutual funds charge more than three per cent of the amount invested annually, which severely dampens returns.

Speak with an advisor or the institution that sold you the funds about lower cost alternatives.

Canada’s Aura Minerals prepares for Nasdaq listing, targets $2.1 billion valuation

(Reuters) -Canadian gold and copper miner Aura Minerals is preparing to list its shares on the Nasdaq, the company said on Monday, in a move that could fetch the company a valuation of $2.14 billion.

The company is seeking to raise around $210 million, if it were to price its public offering of common shares near their July 4 closing price on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Many foreign companies list in U.S. to secure higher valuations and tap deeper capital markets.

Uncertainty around U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies rattled investors and froze new listings, but sentiment is shifting as new listings gain momentum.

Proceeds from Aura’s U.S. offering will be used for strengthening business, including incremental liquidity and financial flexibility to support its strategic growth initiatives.

Aura Minerals plans to sell 8.1 million shares, and expects to list on the Nasdaq under the symbol “AUGO”.

Founded in 1946, the gold and copper mining company is focused on project development and operations in the Americas.

BofA Securities and Goldman Sachs are serving as global coordinators for the offering, while BTG Pactual and Itau BBA are acting as joint bookrunners.

(Reporting by Prakhar Srivastava in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)

Scotiabank Launches “Ticket to Tokyo” Campaign with Exclusive Client Event at OKU

Scotiabank Bahamas officially launched its highly anticipated “Ticket to Tokyo” campaign with an exclusive client celebration at OKU Restaurant, transforming the chic venue into a sleek, Tokyo-themed oasis. Guests, including Scotiabank clients and invited partners, were treated to signature cocktails, curated Asian inspired bites and a vibrant atmosphere designed to mirror the excitement and sophistication of Japan’s capital city.

The event served as a thrilling preview of what one lucky Scotiabank credit cardholder and their guest will experience this fall, an all-expenses paid trip to Tokyo, Japan. The campaign reflects Scotiabank’s continued commitment to creating meaningful and memorable experiences for its clients, extending far beyond traditional banking benefits.

“At Scotiabank, we believe in more than just banking, we believe in delighting our clients with experiences that go beyond the benefits of our products and services,” said Roger Archer, VP & District Head at Scotiabank Bahamas. “Our credit cards are designed to match every lifestyle, with features that reward clients for their everyday purchases in ways that truly matter.”

The “Ticket to Tokyo” promotion, which runs from May 19 through July 7, 2025, is open to legal residents of The Bahamas who are 18 years or older. Eligible participants can enter by spending BSD$350 or more on a Scotiabank credit card, with each qualifying transaction earning one entry into the draw. New cardholders can also participate by activating their card and making a qualifying purchase. There is no limit to the number of entries a cardholder can earn, increasing their chances of winning with each eligible transaction.

The grand prize includes roundtrip airfare to Tokyo for two, five days and four nights of hotel accommodation, ground transportation, USD $1,000 in spending money and a curated experience that may include athletic events and cultural excursions. Travel dates for the trip are set for September 13-23, 2025.

Scotiabank offers a wide selection of credit card products that cater to a variety of needs and preferences. Clients can benefit from no annual fees with the Scotiabank Visa card, earn travel points through the Mastercard Aero or Visa AAdvantage cards, enjoy up to 4% cashback with the Mastercard Gold or accumulate Membership Reward Points through American Express for exclusive perks and lifestyle experiences.

Over the years, Scotiabank has taken its cardholders to some of the world’s most prestigious events and destinations, including Formula 1 races in the US, the NBA Finals in Miami, the Miami Open, FIFA World Cup in Australia, and cultural getaways across Greece, Italy, Paris, Oregon, and Budapest. Clients have also enjoyed exclusive concert experiences, including shows by Taylor Swift and Coldplay.

The “Ticket to Tokyo” campaign is the latest in a long line of once in a lifetime opportunities presented by Scotiabank to thank its clients for their loyalty and continued trust.

“This campaign is an extension of our client-centric approach and our goal to deliver value in unique and exciting ways,” added Archer. “We’re proud to reward our credit card clients with a chance to explore one of the world’s most vibrant cities, where ancient tradition and cutting edge innovation come together in unforgettable fashion.”

The winner of the campaign will be announced on July 17, 2025. To learn more or to apply for a Scotiabank credit card, interested persons can visit bs.scotiabank.com or stop by any branch location.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank’s vision is to be our clients’ most trusted financial partner and deliver sustainable, profitable growth. Guided by our purpose: “for every future,” we help our clients, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With assets of approximately $1.4 trillion (as at April 30, 2025), Scotiabank is one of the largest banks in North America by assets, and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on X @Scotiabank.

Scotiabank Bahamas officially launched its highly anticipated “Ticket to Tokyo” campaign with an exclusive client celebration at OKU Restaurant, transforming the chic venue into a sleek, Tokyo-themed oasis. Guests, including Scotiabank clients and invited partners, were treated to signature cocktails, curated Asian inspired bites and a vibrant atmosphere designed to mirror the excitement and sophistication of Japan’s capital city.

The event served as a thrilling preview of what one lucky Scotiabank credit cardholder and their guest will experience this fall, an all-expenses paid trip to Tokyo, Japan. The campaign reflects Scotiabank’s continued commitment to creating meaningful and memorable experiences for its clients, extending far beyond traditional banking benefits.

“At Scotiabank, we believe in more than just banking, we believe in delighting our clients with experiences that go beyond the benefits of our products and services,” said Roger Archer, VP & District Head at Scotiabank Bahamas. “Our credit cards are designed to match every lifestyle, with features that reward clients for their everyday purchases in ways that truly matter.”

The “Ticket to Tokyo” promotion, which runs from May 19 through July 7, 2025, is open to legal residents of The Bahamas who are 18 years or older. Eligible participants can enter by spending BSD$350 or more on a Scotiabank credit card, with each qualifying transaction earning one entry into the draw. New cardholders can also participate by activating their card and making a qualifying purchase. There is no limit to the number of entries a cardholder can earn, increasing their chances of winning with each eligible transaction.

The grand prize includes roundtrip airfare to Tokyo for two, five days and four nights of hotel accommodation, ground transportation, USD $1,000 in spending money and a curated experience that may include athletic events and cultural excursions. Travel dates for the trip are set for September 13-23, 2025.

Scotiabank offers a wide selection of credit card products that cater to a variety of needs and preferences. Clients can benefit from no annual fees with the Scotiabank Visa card, earn travel points through the Mastercard Aero or Visa AAdvantage cards, enjoy up to 4% cashback with the Mastercard Gold or accumulate Membership Reward Points through American Express for exclusive perks and lifestyle experiences.

Over the years, Scotiabank has taken its cardholders to some of the world’s most prestigious events and destinations, including Formula 1 races in the US, the NBA Finals in Miami, the Miami Open, FIFA World Cup in Australia, and cultural getaways across Greece, Italy, Paris, Oregon, and Budapest. Clients have also enjoyed exclusive concert experiences, including shows by Taylor Swift and Coldplay.

The “Ticket to Tokyo” campaign is the latest in a long line of once in a lifetime opportunities presented by Scotiabank to thank its clients for their loyalty and continued trust.

“This campaign is an extension of our client-centric approach and our goal to deliver value in unique and exciting ways,” added Archer. “We’re proud to reward our credit card clients with a chance to explore one of the world’s most vibrant cities, where ancient tradition and cutting edge innovation come together in unforgettable fashion.”

The winner of the campaign will be announced on July 17, 2025. To learn more or to apply for a Scotiabank credit card, interested persons can visit bs.scotiabank.com or stop by any branch location.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank’s vision is to be our clients’ most trusted financial partner and deliver sustainable, profitable growth. Guided by our purpose: “for every future,” we help our clients, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With assets of approximately $1.4 trillion (as at April 30, 2025), Scotiabank is one of the largest banks in North America by assets, and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on X @Scotiabank.

Goldgroup Completes Acquisition of Fully Permitted, Advanced-Stage Pinos Gold Project in Mexico

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 3, 2025 / Goldgroup Mining Inc. (“Goldgroup” or the “Company”) (TSXV:GGA)(OTCID:GGAZF) is pleased to report that it has closed the previously announced acquisition of a 100% interest in the fully permitted for construction Pinos gold/silver project located in the highly productive Zacatecas gold and silver mining belt. Zacatecas is the second largest mining state in Mexico and the location of several world-renowned operations including Newmont’s Peñasquito and Capstone’s Cozamin mines. (See new releases dated March 7, 2025, January 16, 2025, and August 14, 2024).

Pinos comprises 30 contiguous mining concessions over 3,816 hectares and hosts low-sulphidation epithermal gold and silver vein systems within primary structures related to major regional shears, including multiple high-grade vein structures. Additionally, there is a larger-scale mineralized stockwork target with open-pit potential. Historical production records from 1900 to 1942 show high grade ore being shipped from Pinos with grades ranging up to 80 g/t gold (September 2018 NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment available atSedar.com on profile of Candelaria Mining Corp.). The project benefits from excellent infrastructure with paved road access to the site, available power and water, and proximity to skilled labor and mining services.

Ralph Shearing, CEO, commented, “We recognized Pinos as a unique opportunity to acquire a largely de-risked, fully permitted, past producing underground gold mine offering published resources, development potential and exploration upside. Our team excels at recognizing quality undervalued assets and advancing them to their full potential, and we look forward to achieving this with Pinos.”

The Company’s immediate plan for the Pinos asset is to update the 2018 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) with the objective of determining potential economics in the current robust gold and silver market and thereafter, advancing the project towards a production decision.

The 2018 PEA was based solely on the Cinco Estrellas vein, which is open in all directions. In addition, there are multiple other vein targets existing on the project, all presenting significant resource expansion potential. A near mine drill campaign is being planned to assess resource expansion and test additional exploration targets

The Company has received approval from the TSX-V for the Pinos acquisition and the transaction is now closed.

About Goldgroup Mining Inc.

Goldgroup Mining is a Canadian-based mining company operating the Cerro Prieto heap-leach gold mine in Sonora, Mexico. In addition to its producing asset, the company has acquired a 100% interest in the Pinos Project, a fully permitted, high-grade gold deposit with a completed Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). The company is led by a team of seasoned professionals with extensive expertise in mine development, corporate finance, and exploration in Mexico.

Ralph Shearing, PGeol. (Alberta) a qualified person under NI 43-101 and, CEO of the Company, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

For further information on Goldgroup, please visit www.goldgroupmining.com

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Ralph Shearing

CEO

+1 (604) 764-0965

More from this section

Sophia Shane

Investor Relations

+1 (604) 306 6867

Neither the 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 press release.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain information contained in this news release, including any information relating to future financial or operating performance, may be considered “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law) and “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Actual results could differ materially from the conclusions, forecasts and projections contained in such forward-looking information.

These forward-looking statements reflect Goldgroup’s current internal projections, expectations or beliefs and are based on information currently available to Goldgroup. In some cases forward-looking information can be identified by terminology such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “projects”, “potential”, “scheduled”, “forecast”, “budget” or the negative of those terms or other comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to materially differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors including, without limitation: receipt of all required stock exchange and regulatory approvals in connection with the Private Placement and the business of the Company; the completion of the Private Placement as planned; the proposed use of proceeds raised pursuant to the Private Placement and the Company’s plans at the Cerro Prieto project; the scope, duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the scope, duration and impact of regulatory responses to the pandemic on the employees, business and operations; uncertainties related to actual capital costs operating costs and expenditures; production schedules and economic returns from Goldgroup’s projects; uncertainties associated with development activities; uncertainties inherent in the estimation of mineral resources and precious metal recoveries; uncertainties related to current global economic conditions; fluctuations in precious and base metal prices; uncertainties related to the availability of future financing; potential difficulties with joint venture partners; risks that Goldgroup’s title to its property could be challenged; political and country risk; risks associated with Goldgroup being subject to government regulation; risks associated with surface rights; environmental risks; Goldgroup’s need to attract and retain qualified personnel; risks associated with potential conflicts of interest; Goldgroup’s lack of experience in overseeing the construction of a mining project; risks related to the integration of businesses and assets acquired by Goldgroup; uncertainties related to the competitiveness of the mining industry; risk associated with theft; risk of water shortages and risks associated with competition for water; uninsured risks and inadequate insurance coverage; risks associated with potential legal proceedings; risks associated with community relations; outside contractor risks; risks related to archaeological sites; foreign currency risks; risks associated with security and human rights; and risks related to the need for reclamation activities on Goldgroup’s properties, as well as the risk factors disclosed in Goldgroup’s Annual Information Form and MD&A. Any and all of the forward-looking information contained in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements.

Although Goldgroup believes that the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on reasonable assumptions, readers cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with such statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking information. Goldgroup expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise, except as may be required by, and in accordance with, applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: Goldgroup Mining, Inc.

View the original

press release

on ACCESS Newswire

Asia Morning Briefing: SOL up 4% as Analysts Say Staking ETF (SSK) Has Strong Launch

Good Morning, Asia. Here’s what’s making news in the markets:

Welcome to Asia Morning Briefing, a daily summary of top stories during U.S. hours and an overview of market moves and analysis. For a detailed overview of U.S. markets, see CoinDesk’s Crypto Daybook Americas.

The newly launched REX-Osprey Solana + Staking ETF (SSK), the first crypto staking exchange-traded fund (ETF) listed in the U.S., ended the day with $33 million in volume, with Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas calling the launch better than the average ETF listing.

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The ETF offers investors indirect access to Solana while earning staking rewards without needing technical expertise.

While the volume was much lower than the launch of BTC and ETH ETFs, Balchunas noted that the trading volume was much stronger than recent Solana futures ETF listings or XRP futures ETFs launches.

SOL is trading above $150 on the news, up roughly 4%, according to CoinDesk market data.

In late May, the Securities and Exchange Commission ruled that crypto staking does not violate securities laws, paving the way for issuers to offer such staking products.

There’s no ETH staking ETF currently offered in the U.S., although 3iQ offers one on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Hong Kong’s market regulator, the Securities and Futures Commission, released staking rules in April, and local issuers offer ETH staking ETFs on the city’s stock exchange.

(CoinDesk)

(CoinDesk)

BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF Now Out-Earns Its Flagship S&P 500 Fund

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) is now generating more annual revenue than its flagship iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV), according to a new report by Presto Research.

IBIT, with just $75 billion in assets under management, is expected to bring in $187.2 million a year from its 0.25% fee. IVV, by contrast, holds a massive $624 billion but charges just 0.03%, yielding slightly less in absolute revenue.

The difference isn’t just a quirk of fee structures—it’s a window into how institutional investors view crypto exposure in 2025. “IBIT’s fees are 8.3 times higher than IVV’s,” Presto Research notes, “but investors are paying up.”

In a world where every basis point usually matters, the willingness to pay a premium for BTC via a trusted wrapper underscores just how early we are in crypto’s institutional adoption cycle. As Presto points out, even Coinbase’s base spot trading fee is higher, at 60 bps.

IBIT’s growth story also highlights the power of brand. Institutions want Bitcoin—but they want it with BlackRock’s name on the label. While S&P 500 ETFs have become commoditized, crypto ETFs still command premium pricing.

With IBIT holding the lion’s share of Bitcoin ETF market inflows, it’s increasingly clear: the institutionalization of crypto isn’t coming. It’s already happening.

Market Movements:

BTC: Bitcoin surged 3.6% over 24 hours to break above $109,000, buoyed by strong volume, new support between $109,064–$109,359, and improving global sentiment following the US-Vietnam trade deal despite continued Middle East tensions.

ETH: ETH surged 8.6% to $2,608 in a high-volume breakout fueled by growing institutional interest and bullish momentum, forming new support at $2,565 and testing resistance near $2,617.

Gold: HSBC raised its 2025–2026 gold price forecasts to $3,215 and $3,125 per ounce, citing geopolitical risks and strong investor demand, according to Reuters.

Nikkei 225: Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed Thursday, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 down 0.15%, as investors awaited details of the U.S.-Vietnam trade deal announced by President Trump.

S&P 500: The S&P 500 rose 0.47% to 6,227.42 on Wednesday after Trump announced a U.S.-Vietnam trade deal, though a surprise drop in June private payrolls raised economic concerns.

Elsewhere in Crypto:

  • Ripple Applies for Federal Bank Trust Charter, XRP Jumps 3% (CoinDesk)
  • Moku Chief Business Officer shares why crypto gaming is broken — and how to fix it (Blockworks)
  • NY Bankruptcy Judge Gives Celsius the Green Light to Pursue $4.3B Lawsuit Against Tether (CoinDesk)

Canadian fintech Mogo’s $50M Bitcoin reserve plan ignites 140% share surge at market opening

Canadian fintech Mogo announced on July 2 that its board had cleared up to $50 million for staged Bitcoin purchases as a long-term treasury reserve, prompting its shares to jump 140% at market opening on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

MOGO closed July 1 priced at 1.74 Canadian dollars, worth roughly $1.28. It opened on July 2, priced at 4.18 Canadian dollars, equivalent to $3.08. The move is the largest daily increase in Mogo’s shares since 2021.

As of press time, MOGO was trading at 3.60 Canadian dollars, up roughly 107% over the past 24 hours.

The firm told investors it will fund the allocation with surplus cash and future portfolio monetizations once the WonderFi–Robinhood sale closes in the second half of 2025.

Management expects to hold approximately $50 million in cash and investments at that point. It plans to convert the balance into Bitcoin in tranches, while maintaining sufficient working capital for its lending, wealth management, and payments arms.

President and co-founder Greg Feller said the move continues a crypto strategy that began with Canada’s first retail Bitcoin account in 2018 and the firm’s initial balance sheet purchase in 2020.

Bitcoin reserve and capital benchmark

Management will now test every deployment of corporate capital, such as mergers, product investments, and share buybacks, against an internal Bitcoin hurdle rate and will reject projects expected to yield returns that lag behind the asset’s long-term return. 

Feller called the rule “a new bar for capital discipline” and framed it as a hard-coded check on incremental spending.

CEO David Feller linked the policy to Mogo’s “Warren Buffett” behavioral framework, which stresses long-horizon decisions and mental focus. 

The company will embed Bitcoin across its businesses in a “Wealth” model, consisting of a 60/40 equity and Bitcoin portfolio on the $400 million assets under management platform, and a lending arm with collateralised BTC loans aimed at lower borrowing costs.

Furthermore, an effort to explore stablecoin rails will focus on $12 billion in annual cross-border volume.

Mogo holds minority stakes in Gemini and Hootsuite, which it can liquidate to accelerate purchases. It also retains indirect exposure through a 12% stake in WonderFi, the parent of Canada’s largest independent crypto exchange.

Bombardier shares up after deal for 50 jets valued at US$1.7B (Business)

Shares in Bombardier Inc. were up more than 10 per cent in early trading after announcing a firm order for 50 of its Challenger and Global aircraft combined with a services agreement.

The company valued the deal with the unidentified buyer at a total of US$1.7 billion.

Aircraft deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.

Bombardier also says the buyer, a first-time Bombardier customer, will hold 70 new aircraft purchase options.

The company says if all the purchase options are exercised, the combined aircraft and service agreements’ value would top US$4 billion.

Bombardier shares were up C$15.27 at C$133.91 in trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

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