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June 18, 2025

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European markets open mixed; UK May inflation at 3.4%, Fed decision awaited

3 Mins Read

European stock markets presented a mixed and cautious picture at Wednesday’s open.

The markets were impacted with the investors grappling with a confluence of factors including fresh UK inflation data, the looming US Federal Reserve interest rate decision, and persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

While pre-market futures had signaled sharp falls, the actual open saw a more varied performance across major bourses.

Early market indications from IG futures data had painted a bearish picture, suggesting significant opening declines across Europe: London’s FTSE was anticipated to open 52 points lower at 8,827, Germany’s DAX down 245 points at 23,447, France’s CAC 40 down 75 points at 7,665, and Italy’s FTSE MIB 329 points lower at 39,568.

However, the actual open appeared somewhat more nuanced, though the underlying caution remained.

Global investors continue to closely monitor the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which saw continued missile attacks and airstrikes on Monday.

This volatile situation has kept markets on edge, fueling a rise in oil prices due to supply worries and an increase in gold prices as investors flock to traditional safe-haven assets.

These safe-haven assets saw their prices rise further overnight. US stock futures also turned lower after US President Donald Trump signaled a potential further escalation in attacks, urging Iranians to evacuate Tehran, a development that has done little to soothe market nerves.

UK inflation cools slightly, gilts strengthen

A key piece of economic data for European investors on Wednesday morning was the UK inflation report.

Inflation in the United Kingdom cooled slightly to 3.4% in the year to May, according to figures released by Britain’s Office for National Statistics.

This reading was in line with analysts’ expectations and offered a measure of relief after inflation had unexpectedly surged to 3.5% a month earlier.

In response to the inflation data, UK government bonds, known as gilts, strengthened slightly. The yield on the benchmark 10-year gilt was around 2 basis points lower by 7:07 a.m. in London.

Yields on 2-year and 20-year gilts also dipped by around 1 basis point, while 5-year and 30-year gilt yields remained unchanged.

Bond prices and yields move in opposite directions, so falling yields indicate rising bond prices and increased investor demand for these safer assets.

The slight cooling in UK inflation will be closely watched by the Bank of England, though it comes against a backdrop of broader economic uncertainties and persistent geopolitical risks that continue to influence global market sentiment and central bank considerations.

All eyes will now also turn to the US Federal Reserve, which is due to announce its interest rate decision later in the day, a move that will undoubtedly have significant implications for markets worldwide.

The post European markets open mixed; UK May inflation at 3.4%, Fed decision awaited appeared first on Invezz

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In World news

Lithium Universe LtdAcquisition of Solar Panel Recycling Technology

8 Mins Read

Melbourne, Australia (ABN Newswire) – Lithium Universe Limited (ASX:LU7) (FRA:KU00) (OTCMKTS:LUVSF) has entered into a binding agreement to acquire the global rights to commercially exploit a patented photovoltaic (‘PV’) solar panel recycling technology known as ‘Microwave Joule Heating Technology’ (‘MJHT’ or the ‘Technology’).

Highlights

– Agreement to acquire global rights photovoltaic (PV) solar panel recycling technology

– ‘Microwave Joule Heating Technology’ (MJHT) from Macquarie University

– Utilises microwave technology to selectively heat and delaminate PV cells

– 60-78 million tonnes of waste photovoltaic (PV) modules cumulated by 2050

– Today only 15% of waste solar cells are recycled worldwide

– Most end up in land fill as valuable waste

– Hard to recycle, high temperature furnace, toxic chemicals, low recovery

– MJHT and Delamination enables selective separation of materials – higher recoveries

– To investigate further recovery of silver, silicon, gallium and indium

– Binding commitments received to raise $1.7 million via placement to existing and new sophisticated and professional investors

The rights will be secured via an exclusive licensing agreement (‘Licensing Agreement’) with Macquarie University (‘MQU’), held through an Australian-incorporated holding company, New Age Minerals Pty Ltd (‘NAM’). The key terms of the Licensing Agreement are set out in Schedule 1*. The transaction will be effected by LU7 acquiring 100% of the issued share capital of NAM (‘Proposed Transaction’).

The basis of the technology platform utilises microwave technology to selectively heat silicon thereby softening the EVA encapsulant in solar panels, enabling easy delamination and potential recovery of valuable materials at room temperature. This approach avoids the need for extreme heat (1400degC) typically required for separating materials like glass and silicon as well as the use of costly hazardous chemicals in traditional processes. Delamination enables selective separation of materials without the need for mechanical crushing, whereas traditional crushing methods often result in cross-contaminated material and lower recovery rates.

A report published by the International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme1 projected that global waste PV modules will amount to 1.7-8.0 million tonnes cumulatively by 2030 and 60-78 million tonnes cumulatively by 2050. By 2035, Australia is expected to accumulate 1 million tonnes of solar panel waste worth over A$1 billion, while the global CIGS (Copper, Indium, Gallium, Selenide) solar cell market is projected to grow to US$12.23 billion by 2032.

Currently, only 15% of used PV cells are recycled, with the rest accumulating in landfills.

This low recycling rate is due to complex processes, high-temperature furnaces, toxic chemicals, and poor recovery yields. The Technology, developed by MQU, enhances the extraction of valuable metals such as silver, silicon, gallium, and indium from discarded PV panels using microwave and delaminating techniques. The breakthrough technology offers a promising new approach for enhanced recovery of valuable metals like Silver, Silicon, Gallium, and Indium. The Company plans to initiate further research and development in this area.

THE PROBLEM TODAY

The world’s renewable energy transition is moving fast, with large-scale PV solar panels playing a central role in national energy strategies. The global solar cell market is projected to hit US$39.81 billion by 2037, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 8.2%.

Approximately 37% of Australian households have installed solar panels. This represents over 4 million homes and small businesses with solar power systems. The Clean Energy Council reports that 12.4% of Australia’s electricity generation in 2024 came from rooftop solar.

However, as these panels approach the end of their 25-30-year lifespan, the industry faces a growing challenge: managing solar panel waste and recovering valuable materials. A report published by International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA PVPS) Task12 and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2016 projected world’s waste PV modules globally to amount to 1,7-8,0 million tonnes cumulatively by 2030 and to 60-78 million tonnes cumulatively by 2050. By 2035, Australia alone is expected to accumulate 1 million tonnes of end-of-life solar panels, with a total material value of over $1 billion. By 2045, Australia could be looking at 34.6 GW of serviceable panels that will need to be recycled or repurposed, equivalent to the total installed solar capacity in the country as of August 2024.

LOW RECYCLING RATES

The global recycling rate for PV solar panels is around 15%, driven by several challenges. The recycling process is complex, requiring high temperatures and toxic chemicals, making it costly and energy intensive. Economic incentives are limited as the recovery of valuable materials like silicon does not provide sufficient financial returns. However, if recycling technologies can effectively attract and recover critical materials like silver, silicon, gallium, and indium, the financial viability of recycling improves, driving higher recycling rates.

Additionally, the lack of recycling infrastructure and the diverse materials in panels further complicate efficient separation, but advancements in technology are addressing these issues.

When waste PV cells aren’t recycled, they often end up in landfills, causing numerous environmental problems.

Panels can contain harmful materials like cadmium and lead, which may leak into the ground and water, posing risks to both ecosystems and human health. Valuable metals like silver, silicon, gallium, and indium are lost, adding to the strain on natural resources. As more solar panels reach the end of their life, landfills fill up, and the energy stored in these materials is wasted. Recycling can help solve these issues by recovering critical materials and cutting down on pollution.

POTENTIAL GROWTH OF PV RECYCLING INDUSTRY

The nascent PV solar panel recycling industry is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing demand for critical metals such as silicon, silver, and indium, which hold substantial economic value. As the market for endof-life (EoL) solar panels expands, driven by both economic opportunities and environmental needs, the recovery of these materials is becoming a lucrative business. The market for recyclable materials from EoL solar panels is projected to reach over $2.7 billion by 2030 and could approach $80 billion by 2050, according to Rystad Energy. This growth is further fuelled by the fact that recovering materials from used panels can offset the need for costly and environmentally damaging virgin material extraction. Additionally, recycling helps secure a domestic supply of critical metals, reducing reliance on volatile foreign sources. Advancements in recycling technology, particularly in recovering high-value materials like silicon and silver, are making these processes more economically viable and environmentally necessary. Research has demonstrated that up to 98% of silver and nearly all of copper, lead, and other valuable metals can be recovered efficiently, enhancing the profitability of the recycling industry. As technology improves, the recycling of PV panels will play a crucial role in supporting the transition to a circular economy and sustainable energy future.

CRITICAL METALS IN PV CELLS

As the demand for critical minerals continues to rise with the global shift to clean energy, the need to recover valuable materials from these panels becomes increasingly urgent. Solar panels are made up of 95% recyclable materials, including silver, aluminum, silicon, copper, indium, and gallium-all of which are vital to global clean energy supply chains. Rare metals like gallium are essential for solar fuel cells, semiconductor chips, and other high-tech applications, making their recovery from e-waste a key priority.

COMMENTS: EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, IGGY TAN

‘Now that we have completed our lithium refinery DFS and secured all necessary components-including land and partnerships-we are positioned and ready for a lithium price recovery. We are confident in our counter-cyclical strategy and firmly believe that LU7 will benefit significantly when the lithium market rebounds. While awaiting this recovery, we have been presented with an exciting opportunity to acquire a cutting-edge photovoltaic recycling technology’.

‘I am thrilled about the acquisition of Macquarie University’s Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT) and the opportunity to potentially extract critical metals such as silver from solar panel recycling.

The need for effective PV recycling has never been greater, with only 15% of panels currently being recycled. The mass accumulation of solar panel waste in landfills is a growing problem, as valuable critical metals like silver, silicon, gallium, and indium are left behind, contributing to both resource depletion and environmental harm. Microwave technology offers a promising solution to these challenges, enabling higher recovery rates and more sustainable recycling processes. We firmly believe that this technology represents the future of solar panel waste management. We are eager to collaborate with the Macquarie team to develop a more efficient and cost-effective recycling process’.

*To view the full release with tables and figures, please visit:
https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/A0938OHA

To view the Market Presentation, please visit:
https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/JJ10ITOI

About Lithium Universe Ltd:  

Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7) (FRA:KU00) (OTCMKTS:LUVSF), headed by industry trail blazer, Iggy Tan, and the Lithium Universe team has a proven track record of fast-tracking lithium projects, demonstrated by the successful development of the Mt Cattlin spodumene project for Galaxy Resources Limited.

Instead of exploring for the sake of exploration, Lithium Universe’s mission is to quickly obtain a resource and construct a spodumene-producing mine in Quebec, Canada. Unlike many other Lithium exploration companies, Lithium Universe possesses the essential expertise and skills to develop and construct profitable projects.

Source:
Lithium Universe Ltd

Contact:
Alex Hanly
Chief Executive Officer
Lithium Universe Limited
Tel: +61 448 418 725
Email: info@lithiumuniverse.com

Iggy Tan
Chairman
Lithium Universe Limited
Email: info@lithiumuniverse.com

News Provided by ABN Newswire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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In Business

Trump-branded wireless service launches — with a gold phone

4 Mins Read

President Donald Trump’s business organization has announced the creation of a new wireless phone service that will carry the president’s name.

Trump Mobile, as the service will be known, will soon be available for what Donald Trump Jr. described as “real Americans” seeking “true value from their mobile carriers.” The eldest of Trump’s children, who serves as executive vice president of the Trump Organization, which runs the president’s businesses, made the remarks at a press event in New York City on Monday morning alongside his brother Eric Trump, who also oversees the Trump Organization.

According to the TrumpMobile.com website, the plan starts at $47.45 a month, reference to the elder Trump having served as the 45th and 47th president.

By comparison, Boost Mobile and Verizon’s Visible offer similar unlimited service for $25 per month. T-Mobile and Spectrum offer unlimited plans for $30.

Users can change to Trump Wireless while still keeping their existing phones. At the same time, the Trump Organization is also rolling out a $499 gold-colored phone, dubbed the T1, later this year as part of the service’s launch.

The announcement represents another example of the unprecedented line-blurring the president has undertaken by running the country while his branded business ventures continue to operate and make millions.

Late Friday, the president filed financial disclosure forms for 2024 showing hundreds of Trump-branded business ventures in operation as of last year. The Trump Organization, the main corporate entity run by the president’s family, earned more than $57 million from sales of digital tokens launched by its World Liberty Financial cryptocurrency platform. Trump has aggressively wielded the powers of the executive office to threaten businesses whose policies he does not support.

The launch of a wireless phone is a particularly striking case, since it comes as the president seeks to bring more production of electronics, including smartphones, to the United States. Trump has explicitly threatened Apple with tariffs for not making its iPhones stateside. Trump has sought to exert a strong influence over the heavily regulated telecom industry through Brendan Carr, the attorney Trump appointed to lead the Federal Communications Commission. Carr has cited traditional carriers for allegedly abusing workforce diversity requirements and censoring conservative voices.

The White House referred a request for comment to the Trump Organization. It did not respond to a follow-up query asking whether the president planned to use his own branded wireless service or the T1 phone.

According to its website, Trump Mobile is “powered” by Liberty Mobile Wireless. Florida state business records indicate Liberty Mobile was first registered in 2018 by its president and CEO, a Miami-area entrepreneur named Matthew Lopatin. He did not respond to an emailed request for comment.

Representatives for the three major U.S. phone carriers did not respond to requests for comment.

Trump Mobile’s T1 PhoneTrump Mobile

According to its website, Trump Mobile users would be able to receive telemedicine on their phone, roadside assistance and unlimited texting to at least 100 countries.

The service and phone are not actually made by the Trump Organization. The company is licensing the president’s name to a wireless service that is supported by the three major U.S. phone carriers. In a separate appearance with Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo’s “Mornings with Maria” show Monday, Eric Trump said the phones would also be made in the U.S. but did not state the manufacturer. He also said the service’s call center would be based in St. Louis.

The announcement appears to echo one made earlier this month by the trio of actor-hosts of the popular “SmartLess” podcast, who said they were launching their own wireless service by purchasing network capacity from T-Mobile.

Another actor, Ryan Reynolds, has invested in Mint Mobile, which also uses T-Mobile’s network. Both Mint and SmartLess have been pitched as value services for users who don’t have need for unlimited data.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

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In Politics

Thune warns Iran should return to negotiating table ‘if they’re smart’

4 Mins Read

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., doesn’t envision, nor want, the U.S. military becoming directly involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran, but that hinges on whether the Islamic Republic rejoins the negotiating table.

‘Dismantling Iran’s nuclear program is what this is all about,’ Thune told Fox News Digital from his office in the Capitol. ‘And that can happen one of two ways. It can happen diplomatically — voluntarily —or can happen via force.’

Thune’s comments come as questions and concerns swirl on Capitol Hill among lawmakers about whether the U.S. will take a bigger, more direct role in the burgeoning conflict in the Middle East. There are active conversations among senators about what role Congress should play in whether to thrust the U.S. into an armed conflict or if that power should be ceded to the president. 

‘The Israelis may not have the military capability to do everything that’s necessary,’ he continued. ‘If the Iranians are smart, they’ll come to the table and negotiate this in a way in which they choose to end or disavow their nuclear program.’

Israel and Iran traded missile strikes for a fifth day following the Jewish State’s late-night strike last Thursday, where critical infrastructure that would aid Iran in its pursuit of creating a nuclear weapon was damaged or destroyed. Notably, Israel has been unable to damage the heavily fortified Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. 

Bipartisan resolutions requiring that Congress gets to weigh in and take a vote on going to war with Iran and disavowing an armed conflict entirely have circulated this week, while some lawmakers believe that the U.S. should go all in to snuff out Iran’s nuclear capabilities and back up Israel as fighting rages.

President Donald Trump has so far refused to say whether the U.S. would use direct military force to prevent Iran from creating or obtaining a nuclear weapon, and he has continued to urge Iranian leaders to negotiate a nuclear deal.

Still, the president met in the White House’s Situation Room on Tuesday with his National Security Team after leaving the G7 Summit in Canada early.

Ahead of that meeting, he said on his social media platform, Truth Social, ‘We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran.’ In that same post, he noted that the U.S. was aware of where Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was ‘hiding,’ but was not prepared to strike, ‘at least not for now.’

But Thune was more cautious, and contended that ‘we’ll wait and see what they do.’

‘I think right now, they’re definitely on their heels,’ he said. ‘Their command and control has been taken out. Nobody knows who’s really in charge.’

‘We’ll see. If they’re smart, they’ll come to the table.’

However, he hoped to see Iranians begin to rise up against the Ayatollah and believed that’s when the ‘seeds of change’ would begin to appear. He also noted that there are ‘a lot of things here that suggest to me, this may be that moment in time that we haven’t seen since 1979,’ a reference to the Iranian Revolution that saw the overthrow of the monarchy in Iran and the subsequent creation of the Islamic Republic. 

Asked whether lawmakers would put forward a supplemental spending package to further aid Israel, Thune said, ‘We’ll cross that bridge if and when we come to it.’ But he envisioned that if one were necessary, it would be dealt with after the budget reconciliation process, when lawmakers work to fund the government during fiscal 2026 appropriations.

‘I think, for right now, everybody is wishing the Israelis success and, again, hoping that the U.S. doesn’t have to get further involved, but realizing what’s at stake, and not only for Israel but for the region and the world,’ he said. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

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