Member Info for Static

The supercycle thesis says that the world needs far more metals, but mines take too long to build, creating a long-term supply shortage.

IMO Copper is the most critical metal

Copper is often considered the backbone of electrification.

Why demand is rising: EVs, power grids, renewable energy infrastructure and data centres

Wind turbines, solar farms, and EVs all require large amounts of copper wiring.

Major miners include:

BHP Group

Rio Tinto

JANUARY 2026 Just my thought of a supercycle is formingi. It could be in its very early stages (currently more speculative than established).

It looks to me a new cyclical bull market is now underway.

Metals are in the headlines now, and there are possible “tectonic” shifts in the close future.

Commodities amd the commodities-related companies have intrinsic value, and are a excellent hedge for diversification.

IMO hard assets, especially precious metals (real money) should not be considered portfolio diversifiers, but like foundational core investments.

A potential merger between Rio Tinto and Glencore can make sense strategically. In practice, it’s conditional on many factors.

Advantages

Position in Key Metals (Especially Copper).

By combining complementary assets (copper, iron ore, aluminium, lithium, zinc), the group could reduce dependence on any one commodity and smooth earnings over time.

Analysts estimate potential cost synergies ( logistics, shared infrastructure) that could improve profitability.

Potential disadvantages

Rio is traditionally engineering-focused, while Glencore is a major commodities trader with significant coal assets (coal and ESG concerns). A deal of this size would face strict antitrust reviews in major markets, particularly China/EU.

Execution Complexity and shareholder value

Large mergers come with integration risk: aligning systems, managing debt, and harmonising strategies can take years and reduce expected benefits.

Investors fear Rio might overpay for Glencore — especially in an all-share deal — diluting returns for current shareholders if expected benefits don’t materialise.

Gain for Glencore shareholders and huge, longterm loss for RIO shareholders who take all risks for execution plan.

As a longterm shareholder (since 2000) with a big stake in RIO , I hope this merger will be postponed and cancelled.

Hi Mr BBurgler!

You seem to be very focused on ITM.

IF it is not too indiscreet to ask whether you invest in any other stocks or ETFs.

Thank you for your comments on ITM board.

1234

EPS 0.33 (expected 0.40)

Revenue 2.96 B ( expected 2.93)

After 5 years with this company I am at ZERO.

excludung dividends.

IMO it could go down in 1100s in the next few days.

Another successful British business ...

Because the CEO has no idea ...

The UK is currently a joke. ITM is one of the best jokes in the UK business.

I found on LSE chat that the number of messages is inversely proportional to the performance of any company.

If a share trading company (platform) goes bankrupt, I don't understand why the value of the company's shares in my possession would also collapse!?!

For instance, If I have £200k in RIO shares through the Barclays trading platform, and the platform goes bankrupt.

Am I not still the owner of RIO shares? Or have I lost the RIO shares and will be compensated by FCSC with the sum of £85,000!??

Thanks for your time

Thanks for your quick response!

What would be the advice if I own shares in some 20 companies worth £300k?

Given that the FSCS only guarantees £85,000 per platform, does that mean it's safer to own shares from multiple platforms?

Could someone please tell me with which share dealing platform you have good experience and low costs?

ALthough I had a good experience with Halifax, I have found share trading fees to be high. My usual number of trades is about 5-10/months.

Thanks

Down, down and down - below £ 15

This SP jump of 7% does look weird.

Nobody knows, especially on this board. The VLS has been a typical british business trap for many years. Everybody wants to get out from that trap like you, and me. I inherited the VLS shares from my father because he believed in this bla, bla, bla crap.

COVID-19 is still the elephant in the room but vaccine timelines continue to improve. In late April, only 5% of healthcare professionals expected 25 million doses to be available in the US between Oct. 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. That number has climbed to 40%.

Source: Goldman Sachs

While that is positive, do keep in mind that 25 million doses still represent less than 8% of the US

COVID-19 is still the elephant in the room but vaccine timelines continue to improve. In late April, only 5% of healthcare professionals expected 25 million doses to be available in the US between Oct. 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. That number has climbed to 40%.

Source: Goldman Sachs

While that is positive, do keep in mind that 25 million doses still represent less than 8% of the US population.

Falling wedge pattern could mean the SP will go up. A bit negative about news on 27th of Aug. Been loosing money for years with RR .

Because it is "such a good company".
As somebody said "a good product and a bad balance sheet". What is more important for shareholders?