Free Digital Markets
Archive

January 23, 2025

Browsing
Stock

Cisco Systems’ Stock Keeps Hitting All-Time Highs: Investment Tips to Maximize Your Success

By

When you think of Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO), you associate the company with hardware — networking, routers, and security. However, its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) makes it a stock worth monitoring.

President Donald Trump’s announcement of the Stargate project — up to $500 billion investment to build cutting-edge AI infrastructure — is helping companies with a significant investment in AI. One stock that shouldn’t be ignored is CSCO. It may not be part of the Stargate joint venture or the first stock that comes to mind when thinking about AI, but it’s got legs.

We have covered CSCO stock in past blog articles, but with its recent price action, the stock deserves another look. CSCO’s stock price has been hitting new all-time highs of late; you likely have seen CSCO regularly appear in the New Highs dashboard panel under the ATH category. And given that CSCO’s stock price is under $100, it’s an investment to consider.

FIGURE 1. CISCO SYSTEMS’ STOCK KEEPS HITTING NEW ALL-TIME HIGHS. It’s worth pulling up a chart of CSCO’s stock price and observing its price action.Image source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

A Deep Dive Into CSCO Stock

The weekly chart of CSCO (see chart below) shows that the uptrend is still in play.

FIGURE 2. WEEKLY CHART OF CSCO STOCK. The longer-term uptrend is still in play, indicating the rally has legs.Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

  • The StockChartsTechnical Rank (SCTR) score is at around 80.
  • The stock price has mostly remained above its five-week exponential moving average (EMA).
  • Its relative strength index (RSI) is just above 70.

The daily chart of CSCO also confirms the positive trend.

FIGURE 3. DAILY CHART OF CSCO STOCK. After pulling back to its 50-day SMA, CSCO’s stock price reversed, paused, and is now back to rallying higher.Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

Between December 17 and December 23, CSCO’s stock price dipped below its 21-day EMA and found support at its 50-day simple moving average. After that, it climbed higher and stalled for several days — between December 30 to January 13. From January 14, the stock started climbing higher.

  • CSCO’s performance relative to the S&P 500 ($SPX) is declining slightly. This isn’t surprising given the Nasdaq’s recent rise.
  • The full stochastic oscillator in the lowest panel is above 80, putting it just into overbought territory. Remember, the oscillator can remain in overbought territory for an extended period.

Your Game Plan

CSCO’s stock price may be losing a little momentum since volume looks like it’s declining. If you didn’t take advantage of the opportunity to open a long position in CSCO, you may have another chance. The stock could dip back to its 21-day EMA. If it does and reverses with follow-through, it would be another opportunity to pick up some shares.

The bottom line: Add CSCO to your ChartList and set an alert to notify you when the stock price hits its 21-day EMA (alert provided below). Note: You can modify the scan with a different closing condition instead of the 21-day EMA.

Cisco Systems announces quarterly earnings on February 12 (see our Earnings Calendar). Volatility in the stock price could increase as earnings day approaches.

Set Alert

[symbol = ‘CSCO’]

and [close = EMA(21, close)]

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The ideas and strategies should never be used without first assessing your own personal and financial situation, or without consulting a financial professional.

Keep Reading
By
Stock

Discover the BEST Way to Spot TREND CHANGES

By

In this exclusive StockCharts video, Joe demonstrates how to use the 1-2-3 reversal pattern as a buy signal on the weekly chart. This approach can be used when the monthly chart is in a strong position. Joe shares how to use MACD and ADX to help when the trendline pattern isn’t clear, then shows the commodity charts and the shifts that are taking place. Finally, he goes through the symbol requests that came through this week, including VST, BLK, and more.

This video was originally published on January 22, 2025. Click this link to watch on Joe’s dedicated page.

Archived videos from Joe are available at this link. Send symbol requests to stocktalk@stockcharts.com; you can also submit a request in the comments section below the video on YouTube. Symbol Requests can be sent in throughout the week prior to the next show.

Keep Reading
By
Stock

Market Internals Point to Large Growth Leadership

By

As the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 once again test new all-time highs this week, I’m struck by how leadership trends have shifted around quite a bit since mid-December.  Part of my daily chart process involves a series of ratios to better evaluate and understand which stocks are leading, which stocks are lagging, and from where the next big leadership theme may emerge.

Here are three key ratio charts that I’ve found incredibly valuable in recent years, all derived from my Market Misbehavior LIVE ChartList.  I should also note that the Relative Rotation Graphs remain one of my primary tools to track leadership rotation among the 11 S&P 500 sectors.  I feel that the charts below complement the RRG to provide a more comprehensive picture of rotation among themes and styles.

This first chart hits on perhaps the most important equity market theme in 2024, the dominance of growth over value.  The top panel compares the Russell 1000 Growth vs. Russell 1000 Value ETFs, which pulled back into mid-January before rallying again this week.  

Next we have the S&P 500 Pure Growth and Value ETFs, which ignore stocks like Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) that are “double counted” as they display both growth and value characteristics.  This chart has once again broken to new highs as growth stocks have spiked higher this week.

Finally, we’re charting a ratio of the S&P 500 High Beta and Low Volatility ETFs, which has been steadily trending higher since early September.  This provides another way to demonstrate how higher beta companies, or those that tend to experience stronger movements than the benchmark, have done better than more conservative names that tend to demonstrate less volatility than the benchmark.

Even though strategists, including yours truly, have been speaking of the “return of small caps” for quite some time, this next chart shows that investors are still waiting for that fateful day to arrive.  The Russell 2000 ETF has been underperforming its large cap counterpart fairly consistently over the last two years, and the equal-weighted S&P 500 ETF is close to a new 52-week low relative to the regular cap-weighted S&P 500 ETF.

While conditions appear to be ripe for small caps to outperform, these ratios show how the strength in large caps continues to be a key market theme.  Indeed, for the last 12 months, owning anything but large cap growth stocks most likely did not help your portfolio, with the notable exception of a rare few outperformers.  When in doubt, follow the trend.  And the trend remains favoring large cap stocks.

These next three data series represent what I call “offense vs. defense”, in that they track traditionally offensive sectors like consumer discretionary vs. traditionally defensive sectors like real estate.  With the exception of the bottom data series, showing how hotels have underperformed utilities, this chart shows that investors are still favoring “things you want” over “things you need”.

To put it another way, offense is still winning over defense.

Overall, despite a clearly corrective move at year-end 2024 into early 2025, these equity markets appear to have rotated right back to a growth-led bull market phase.  By consistently reviewing the charts we’ve discussed above, you should be able to better identify shifts in leadership and hopefully take action to better position yourself for what may come next.

For two more bonus ratio charts covering key asset allocation themes, be sure to check out my latest video on the StockCharts TV YouTube channel!

RR#6,

Dave

PS- Ready to upgrade your investment process?  Check out my free behavioral investing course!

David Keller, CMT

President and Chief Strategist

Sierra Alpha Research LLC

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.  The ideas and strategies should never be used without first assessing your own personal and financial situation, or without consulting a financial professional.  

The author does not have a position in mentioned securities at the time of publication.    Any opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person or entity.

Keep Reading
By
Investing

Eclipse Metals Ltd Progresses Grønnedal Resource Expansion: Analytical Assessment of Historical Drill Core Samples Underway

By

Eclipse Metals Ltd (ASX: EPM) (Eclipse Metals or the Company) is pleased to update shareholders on recent progress at its Grønnedal prospect, located within the Ivigtût Project in southwestern Greenland. Building on the October 2024 announcement, the Company has taken significant steps to expand its maiden JORC Code (2012) compliant Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). The current MRE, comprising 1.18Mt grading 6,859ppmm Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO) (Table 1, Appendix 1), is based on limited shallow drill testing of a small section amounting to less than approximately 5% of a larger carbonatite complex that is enriched in rare earths mineralisation.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Calibrated Analysis in Progress: Samples from six historical Grønnedal drill holes are being used to refine and validate XRF results for precise resource estimation.
  • Focus on Rare Earth Elements (REE): Analytical emphasis on REE geochemistry, with additional investigation into niobium (Nb) and gallium (Ga) mineralisation.
  • Advanced Mineralogical Studies: Mineralogy using TIMA technology aims to correlate geochemical data with mineral phases.
  • Results Timeline: Laboratory analyses are underway in Sweden, with outcomes anticipated in Q1 2025.

In 1950, Kryolitselskabet Øresund A/S, (Cryolite Miner), drilled six diamond holes in the vicinity of the Grønnedal resource to test for a potential iron ore deposit. This drilling extends to depths of up to 200m. During 2024 Eclipse completed XRF analyses of the core from these drillholes, which is stored in Gothenburg. The analysis comprised automated core-scanning using the Minalyze XRF TruScan technology developed by Veracio in Gothenburg, Sweden,

The XRF analysis confirmed the qualitative presence of REE mineralisation. Selected intervals of the core are currently being verified by laboratory analysis. This phase focuses on REE geochemistry, particularly neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), dysprosium (Dy), and terbium (Tb), which are pivotal for magnet applications.

Selected samples are also being analysed by TIMA (TESCAN Integrated Mineral Analyser) mineralogical analysis in order to align chemical analyses with specific mineralogical features, thus enhancing the understanding of resource quality and distribution.

GEOLOGY

The Grønnedal MRE is located at the northern end of Central Carbonatite which covers an area of 1,400m by 750m (Figure 1). The Central Carbonatite forms part of a larger complex that includes the Northern Carbonatite that is yet to be tested for REE. The Central Carbonatite is enclosed within syenitic rocks and is intruded by a series of north-easterly trending dolerite, basaltic and trachytic dykes (Figure 2). The depth to which the carbonatite extends is yet to be determined. Data from the deeper historic diamond drillholes, all of which ended in mineralisation, reveal a minimum vertical extent of 170m.

The footprint of the current MRE is defined through shallow trenching and drilling over a 300m x150m area which represents a small fraction of the Central Carbonatite. The resource is open- ended in all directions and at depth. Confirmation of REE in the historic diamond holes, which were drilled outside of the resource envelope, is considered to be significant as it indicates continuation of mineralisation into areas that remain untested.

Click here for the full ASX Release

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
By
Investing

Cyclopharm Signs US Agreement with HCA Healthcare for Technegas®

By

Cyclopharm Limited (ASX: CYC) is pleased to announce the signing of a major contract with Hospital Corporation of America Healthcare (HCA), one of the largest single healthcare providers in the United States. This agreement marks a significant milestone for the company which will allow the deployment of Technegas® in up to 169 nuclear medicine departments across HCA’s extensive network.1

HCA Healthcare operates one of the most comprehensive hospital networks in the US, encompassing over 180 hospitals and approximately 2,400 sites of care in 20 states.

The national contract covering the deployment of Technegas in nuclear medicine departments across the entire HCA network was instigated by HCA after multiple of its sites entered into independent discussions with Cyclopharm regarding Technegas. This prompted HCA head office to initiate the creation of a broad-based contract which will bypass the need for individual site contract negotiations and most efficiently streamline the deployment of Technegas technology.

The agreement further underscores the commercial demand for Technegas which is already the preferred agent of choice in 65 countries outside the US for diagnosing lung conditions, including pulmonary embolism, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory diseases.

Cyclopharm CEO James McBrayer said, “We are thrilled to partner with HCA Healthcare, a leader in delivering quality care to millions of patients annually. This 3-year agreement will allow for the accelerated availability of Technegas across the US and reinforces our commitment to improving outcomes for patients with respiratory conditions.”

As well as streamlining implentation across up to 169 HCA nuclear medicine departments, today’s agreement opens discussions with the HealthTrust Purchasing Group (HealthTrust)2, HCA’s affiliated group purchasing organisation (GPO) that serves as the contracting and purchasing arm to a further network of over 1,800 hospitals in the USA.

Cyclopharm will now engage directly with individual HCA locations, clinical leaders and Divisional Directors to implement Technegas, prioritising those sites which had already entered preliminary discussions with Cyclopharm.

Technegas has been recognized globally for its ability to provide precise and reliable functional lung imaging. With this contract, HCA facilities will be at the forefront of adopting advanced nuclear medicine technology, ensuring better diagnostic and therapeutic options for their patients.

Mr. McBrayer concluded, “This agreement not only extends the footprint of Technegas in the US market but also sets the stage for its broader adoption within HealthTrust’s extensive network. We are proud to support HCA in its mission to provide exceptional care and are eager to see the positive impact of our technology on patients and clinicians alike.”

Click here for the full ASX Release

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
By
Investing

QUIMBAYA GOLD LAUNCHES LIDAR SURVEY AT TAHAMI SOUTH GOLD PROJECT IN COLOMBIA

By

 Quimbaya Gold Inc. (CSE: QIM) (OTCQB: QIMGF) (FSE: K05) (‘ Quimbaya ‘ or the ‘ Company ‘) is pleased to announce that it has undertaken a LIDAR survey at its Tahami South Project in Colombia . The aim of the LIDAR survey is to acquire high-resolution geospatial data for topographic mapping and detailed terrain analysis. The resulting data will significantly support ongoing exploration efforts by providing accurate terrain models and enhancing the understanding of surface features essential for project planning, exploring, drilling and decision-making processes.

The outlined study area within the polygon covers a total of 575.10 hectares. Figure 1 and Table 1 provide the geospatial location of the polygon to be surveyed in DATUM UTM zone 18N WGS 1984.

Ricardo Sierra , VP Exploration for Quimbaya commented: ‘Based on the analysis of satellite imagery and available bibliographic data, it has been identified that the primary structural orientations in the area including at our neighbor’s operating mine to the south (Aris Mining Corp TSX: ARIS) run NE-SW, NW-SE and N-S. As a result, the flight plan for the LIDAR survey be will aligned in an E-W direction. This orientation will allow for optimal data acquisition and to enhance the identification of key structural features, contributing to a more accurate and comprehensive interpretation of the gold vein system corridors in preparation for our Q2 planned 4,000 meters of drilling.’

‘This LIDAR survey marks a significant step forward in advancing the project’s potential by helping to process out the vegetation cover to better expose and delineate the vein systems within this highly prospective area,’ said Alexandre P. Boivin , President and Chief Executive Officer of Quimbaya. He added: ‘This is where things start to get exciting as each methodical step takes us closer to our goal of making a high grade gold discovery in this renowned gold-rich district.’

About Tahami South

The Tahami South project is located in the Segovia municipality, Department of Antioquia, Colombia , 217 km northeast of the city of Medellin and 2.5 km northeast of the municipality of Segovia.

Qualified Person, Ricardo Sierra, BSc in Geology, MAusIMM (3078246)

The information in this news release that relates to technical evaluation results, interpretation of airborne magnetic and geochemical analysis is based on information reviewed and approved by Ricardo Sierra , VP Exploration of the Company who is a member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, and is a qualified person as defined within the meaning of the National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Sierra has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration, and to the geophysics data acquired. Mr. Sierra consents to the inclusion of the technical evaluation results based on the information and in the form and context in which it appears.

About Quimbaya

Quimbaya is active in the exploration and acquisition of mining properties in the prolific mining districts of Colombia . Managed by an experienced team in the mining sector, Quimbaya is focused on three projects in the regions of Segovia (Tahami Project), Puerto Berrio (Berrio Project), and Abejorral (Maitamac Project), all located in Antioquia Department, Colombia .

Quimbaya Gold Inc. 
 Follow on X @quimbayagoldinc
Follow on LinkedIn @quimbayagold
Follow on Instagram @quimbayagoldinc
Follow on Facebook @quimbayagoldinc

Cautionary Statements

This press release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding future estimates, plans, objectives, timing, assumptions or expectations of future performance, including without limitation, statements regarding the completion of the Offering and the timing thereof, and the anticipated use of proceeds of the Offering are forward-looking statements and contain forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‘intends’ or ‘anticipates,’ or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results ‘may,’ ‘could,’ ‘should’ or ‘would’ or occur. Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analyses made by the Company and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this press release, including, but not limited to, that the Company will complete the Offering on the terms disclosed, that the Company will receive all necessary regulatory approvals for the Offering, that the Company will use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated; and assumptions relating to the state of the financial markets for the Company’s securities. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Important factors that may cause actual results to vary, include, without limitation, that the Company may not be able to raise funds under the Offering, as currently anticipated, that the Company may fail to receive any required regulatory approvals for the Offering, that the Company will not use the proceeds of the Offering as anticipated, market volatility, unanticipated costs, changes in applicable regulations, and changes in the Company’s business plans. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release.

SOURCE Quimbaya Gold Inc.

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2025/23/c9257.html

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
By
Investing

VRIC 2025: Experts Tout Hard Assets, Energy as Sure Bets Amid Uncertainty

By

The annual Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) took place at the Vancouver Convention Center from January 19 to 20, bringing together an illustrious list of speakers, panelists and guests.

Get a taste of the event with key insights shared during the two day show.

VRIC day 1: Trump trade and gold outlook

In addition to resource investing, VRIC had a strong focus on geopolitics.

During his opening remarks, Jay Martin, CEO of Cambridge House, underscored Canada’s vast resource potential, while also highlighting that the country isn’t capitalizing on its mineral abundance.

This is evidenced by Canada’s weak economy — the slowest of all the G7 nations.

Following his opening address, Martin welcomed Dr. Pippa Malmgren, Col. Douglas Macgregor and Dr. Pascal Lottaz to the stage to discuss the global geopolitical outlook.

All three panelists remarked on the broad-based uncertainty in the world, and Macgregor urged the audience to look to tangible assets for security in this environment.

This sentiment was reiterated by Frank Giustra, CEO of Fiore Group, during the gold outlook panel.

Giustra explained that gold will benefit from US volatility and political instability.

During his presentation, ‘Trump Trade 2025,’ Lobo Tiggre, CEO of IndependentSpeculator.com, also pointed to the heightened volatility markets will see under the Trump administration.

‘The most obvious, number one thing to do, is buy gold,” Tiggre told the audience. ‘And I’m willing to say that with gold near nominal all-time highs, because I don’t see buying gold as a speculation on higher prices … It’s because it’s savings, it’s insurance — it is real wealth that you can hold in your hand and use in case of extreme need.’

Later in the day, Martin sat down with Amir Adnani, president, CEO, director and founder of Uranium Energy (NYSEAMERICAN:UEC)to discuss the growing demand for nuclear energy.

Adnani highlighted the tech sector’s increasing need for energy to power data centers. He pointed to the major tech and power deals that happened in 2024, notably Microsoft’s (NASDAQ:MSFT) nuclear power purchase agreement with Constellation Energy (NASDAQ:CEG). The deal will see Constellation restart Three Mile Island Unit 1.

‘When Trump says ‘drill, baby, drill,’ what he really means is ‘energy, energy, energy’ — and that could not be better captured in the trends we’re seeing with technology companies,” said Adnani.

VRIC day 2: Stock picks and hot takes

VRIC’s second day also featured a wide array of speakers offering valuable insight into commodities markets.

Kicking off the morning, David Lin of the David Lin Report spoke with Robert Kiyosaki, public speaker and author of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad.’ During the chat, Kiyosaki showed off the board game he and his wife created in 1996, Cashflow. The well-known financial speaker revealed that he initially wrote ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ in order to sell the board game.

Like the previous day’s speakers, Kiyosaki warned of dollar devaluation and urged investors to look to “hard assets.”

He also offered price forecasts for both gold and Bitcoin.

Concern about the impact potential US tariffs could have on Canada was also an ongoing theme during the second day of the conference, which coincided with Donald Trump’s inauguration.

During a panel entitled “North America 2025: Inflation, Trump and a Stock Market Bubble?” David Rosenberg, founder and president of Rosenberg Research, noted that cross-border tariffs would likely boost inflation in both countries.

Before the mid-day break, legendary investor and speculator Rick Rule took to the stage for a presentation called “Exhibitors at This Conference, That I Own; Why, and What Could Go Wrong.” The proprietor of Rule Investment Media listed nearly two dozen companies that he has money in, going in alphabetical order.

The companies Rule listed include:

  • Uranium Energy

Later in the day, economic geologist Brent Cook, founder of Exploration Insights, took to the stage to offer insights on how investors can use drill results to inform their investment decisions.

‘It’s imperative that geologists and management understand what success looks like, and that’s what I talked about right from the beginning. What the economics are you need for deposit, what the deposit looks like and then calculate what you need to be seen in the results as they come through. More often than not, you’ll find the fatal flaw,” said Cook.

Cook later joined Jamie Keech, executive chairman and co-founder of Vida Carbon, to talk about mining stocks.

As the final day of the conference drew to a close, newsletter writer Jeff Clark, editor of Paydirt Prospector, joined several other experts to provide a silver market outlook. During the panel, Clark reminded attendees that the majority of the precious metals catalysts since the 1970s have been unforeseeable.

Stay tuned for more coverage of VRIC, including video interviews with many of the experts mentioned above.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
By
Editor's Pick

China’s navy commissions new-generation frigate as competition rises with US and others

By

China’s navy has commissioned a new-generation frigate as competition rises with the US and other regional powers, saying the ship will “play a vital role in enhancing the overall combat effectiveness” of its forces.

China already has the world’s largest navy in terms of number of hulls, although its technology is sometimes seen as lagging. Its largest competitor, the US, has warned its Navy could be outnumbered and has called for a building program as well as reforms to put damaged ships into action sooner.

China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy operates mainly in waters off the Chinese east coast and in the huge and strategically crucial South China Sea, which China claims almost in its entirety. A key mission also remains backing up the army in any attack on Taiwan, the self-governing island democracy about 160 kilometers (100 miles) off the Chinese coast that Beijing has vowed to annex by force if necessary.

The first Type 054B frigate, christened the Luohe, was commissioned Wednesday in Qingdao, a port city in northern China where the PLAN’s northern fleet is based.

The ship has a displacement of approximately 5,000 tons and includes stealth technology, combat command systems and firepower integration, “significantly enhancing overall performance,” the navy said.

“With strong capabilities for comprehensive combat operations and diverse military missions, the warship will play a vital role in enhancing the overall combat effectiveness of naval task forces,” it added.

The Luohe’s armaments include a variety of machine guns for close combat and anti-air and anti-ship missiles, according to defense publications, some of which say the ship could become the backbone of the Chinese navy.

The statement said nothing about future 054Bs, but at least two more are believed to have been launched and another is under construction. China has around 234 warships compared to the US Navy’s 219, including around 50 frigates and the same number of destroyers. China has two operating aircraft carriers and another undergoing sea trials, along with a massive and powerful coast guard.

Recent wargames have shown China would lose many more vessels in a simulated clash with the US, but would be able to absorb the losses and continue fighting.

The PLAN has also sent ships further abroad including the Mediterranean Sea and the Caribbean in its attempts to use its navy as an extension of its growing economic and diplomatic clout. PLAN and Chinese coast guard ships have also patrolled in the East China Sea, where China claims a group of uninhabited islands controlled by Japan. While planes and ships from both sides have come into contact, no shots have been fired during such incidents.

The US and other nations have deliberately sailed close to islands, some of them human-made, to challenge China’s claim to them. Beijing has ignored a UN-backed court’s ruling that threw out most of China’s territorial claims.

This post appeared first on cnn.com

Keep Reading
By
Editor's Pick

Coral bleaching on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef reaches ‘catastrophic’ levels, study finds

By

Record ocean heat has taken a devastating toll on one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, with coral bleaching on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef reaching “catastrophic” levels, a new study has found.

More than 50% of affected corals monitored near an island in the reef’s south were killed last year during the most “severe and widespread bleaching” to ever hit the area, according to a team of Australian scientists.

In 2024, the reef experienced its worst summer on record. Soaring ocean temperatures smashed records, causing the reef’s seventh mass bleaching event. Corals are bleached white when marine heat waves put corals under stress, causing them to expel algae from their tissue, draining their color.

The culprit is the burning of planet-heating fossil fuels, which is driving up global temperatures. Coral damage was also accelerated last year by the El Niño weather pattern, which heats ocean temperatures in this part of the world.

Scientists from the University of Sydney tracked 462 coral colonies at the reef’s One Tree Island over the course of five months last year, beginning at the heat wave’s peak in early February.

By May, 370 of those colonies were bleached and, by July, 52% of the bleached corals were dead, according to the peer-reviewed study published in Limnology and Oceanography Letters.

Some coral species monitored had a mortality rate of 95%, with researchers observing the start of “colony collapse” where the dead skeleton detaches from the reef and turns to rubble.

Another species, the Goniopora, became infected by black band disease, which invades the coral’s tissue and can kill it.

“Our findings underscore the urgent need for action to protect coral reefs, which are not only biodiversity hotspots but also crucial for food security and coastal protection,” said lead author Maria Byrne, from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the university.

Byrne said the area studied is in a protected part of the reef, far from the coast and free from mining activities and tourism.

But the reef, “despite its protected status, was not immune to the extreme heat stress that triggered this catastrophic bleaching event,” she said.

Covering nearly 133,000 square miles (345,000 square kilometers), the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef, home to more than 1,500 species of fish and 411 species of hard corals. It contributes billions of dollars to the Australian economy each year, mainly through tourism, and is promoted heavily to foreign visitors as one of the country’s – and the world’s – greatest natural wonders.

The authors said mass bleaching is becoming “a biennial event” and as such “reinforces the need for urgent global action now to adhere to ambitious climate and reduced emissions targets.”

The bleaching hit areas of the reef not impacted before, and disease and death were found in coral species considered resilient, the study found.

“Seeing the impacts on a reef that has largely avoided mass bleaching until now is devastating,” said Shawna Foo, a marine scientist and co-author of the study. “The high rates of mortality and disease, particularly in such a remote and pristine area, highlight the severity of the situation.”

Severe mass bleaching at the Great Barrier Reef had previously been observed in 1998, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2022.

The 2022 bleaching was the first during a La Niña event, El Niño’s counterpart, which tends to have a cooling influence – raising serious concerns about the reef’s outlook.

The authors said their research was a “wake-up call for policymakers and conservationists” as its implications extend beyond ecology and conservation to communities that depend on the reef for fishing, tourism and coastal protection.

“The resilience of coral reefs is being tested like never before, and we must prioritize strategies that enhance their ability to withstand climate change,” said Ana Vila Concejo, co-author of the study from the university’s School of Geosciences.

“Our findings underscore the need for immediate and effective management interventions to safeguard these ecosystems.”

This post appeared first on cnn.com

Keep Reading
By