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U.S. and Australia Strike $8.5B Rare Earths Deal to Curb China’s Grip

The U.S. Wants to Mine Less Trouble from China October 21, 2025
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Changes in the Market are on display A rare handshake over rare earths: U.S. and Australia strike a landmark minerals deal to counter China’s global dominance.

Good Morning,

Markets are pressing higher as the U.S. and Australia ink an $8.5B rare earths deal aimed at breaking China’s grip on critical minerals. We unpack the deal’s strategic aims, why it sparked gains in mining stocks, and what it could mean for future supply chains. If you’re exposed to industrials or watching geopolitical shifts, this is the one to read.

Investor skepticism rises as analysts short Tesla over extreme valuations, warnings mount about an AI-driven S&P 500 bubble, and corporate DEI job postings plunge 50% amid shifting political and policy priorities.

My latest poll and trivia are below.

Here are your Morning Bullets.

– Truly yours, Fred Frost


📈 Yesterday's Market Recap

Markets closed with a slight uptick yesterday, driven by tech optimism and a rebound in crypto like Solana, up over 2.5%. Investors seemed to shrug off mixed economic signals, focusing instead on upcoming earnings for fresh direction.


  • Solana Surges 2.5%: Trading near $192, SOL climbed on institutional interest and strong on-chain metrics. → Seeking Alpha

  • Tech Stocks Hold Steady: Netflix and other tech names buoyed indices ahead of key earnings reports this week. → Benzinga

  • Dynex Capital Upbeat: Year-to-date returns hit 20%, with management eyeing gains from recent rate cuts. → Fortune



📈 Daily Performance Snapshot

Index/Asset Closing Value Change
S&P 500 6,735.13 +1.07%
Nasdaq 22,990.54 +1.37%
Dow Jones 46,706.58 +1.12%
Gold $4276.70 -1.9%
Crude Oil $58.06 +0.94%
Bitcoin $108,485 -2.08%
10-yr Treasury Yield 3.986% -0.52%

🔭 What to Watch Today

Today’s calendar holds pivotal events that could sway markets, from corporate earnings to geopolitical maneuvers. Keep your eyes peeled for these developments.

  • Tesla Q3 Earnings (After Hours): Expectations are set at $25.4 billion in revenue with focus on delivery growth and AI updates. → Benzinga
  • US-China Trade Talks Speculation: With Trump and Xi set to meet, markets are hopeful for eased tensions impacting Asian indices. → ABC News
  • Coca-Cola Earnings (Pre-Market): Investors await insights post their $3.4 billion Africa bottling stake sale announcement. → Benzinga

  • 💡 Opportunity Watch

    Amid today’s headlines, a few sectors and stocks stand out with potential upside tied to recent shifts. Consider these angles for your next play.

    • eVTOL Sector (JOBY, ACHR): Heavy investments signal growth potential as urban air mobility nears reality. → MarketBeat
    • Critical Minerals (Cleveland-Cliffs): US-Australia $8.5 billion deal could boost domestic players in rare earth production. → ABC News
    • Silver Market (PSLV, SIVR): Forecasts suggest a climb to $400 by 2032, driven by supply deficits and investor demand. → Coin Price Forcast

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    🔥 The Big Bullet

    U.S. and Australia Sign $8.5 Billion Rare Earths Deal

    What happened: Yesterday, President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a major $8.5 billion deal focused on rare earth minerals. The goal is to lessen reliance on China for critical materials used in electronics, defense systems, and clean energy. The agreement includes plans for joint investment and development of rare earth resources between the two countries. Both governments emphasized national security and economic independence in their remarks. This announcement follows long-standing concerns over China’s dominance in the rare earth supply chain. Just hours later, shares of U.S.-listed rare earth companies jumped on the news. The deal marks one of the largest cross-national resource partnerships in recent years. It also signals stronger cooperation between two of China’s biggest competitors.


    Why it matters: Rare earths are essential to producing everything from smartphones to fighter jets. China currently supplies about 70% of global demand, which poses a risk if trade tensions rise. This new U.S.-Australia deal aims to build an alternative supply chain and stabilize access. For investors, this could bring new opportunities in mining and materials companies outside of China. The move by Cleveland-Cliffs to grow its rare earths operations shows how firms are preparing for demand shifts. Increased government support might also reduce some risks in the sector. However, building out mines and refining facilities takes time. Still, markets seem optimistic about long-term gains.

    What’s next: Keep an eye on how quickly the U.S. and Australia start joint projects under the deal. Key contracts and permits will likely come first. Watch for signs of new supply chains forming in North America and Oceania. Also, track whether China responds with export limits or new pricing strategies. Future corporate earnings from mining companies could show how the market is adjusting. Analysts will also look for policy follow-ups, such as tax breaks or faster approvals. Lastly, expect more countries to announce similar partnerships as rare earths become a strategic focus.


    Reader Feedback

    Yesterday, I asked you: Who do you think is winning the U.S./China trade fight right now? The majority of you at 38% said "China, its economy is bouncing back stronger."

    Bethany from Wisconsin replied: "China has been manufacturing things for the U.S. for decades now. It'd be foolish to think we're the only country who benefits from them.”

    Here's what I'm asking you today:

    Who do you think is most serious about breaking China’s grip on critical minerals?

    Login or Subscribe to participate

    As always if your opinion is not here, or you want to throw your two cents at me, reply to the E-mail, and let me know your exact thoughts.


    🧭 Policy & Market Ripples

    • Tesla Short Play Emerges: Analyst shorts TSLA, citing overvaluation at 260x earnings amidst declining margins. → Seeking Alpha
    • S&P 500 Rated Sell: Investor warns of AI bubble risk, sees economic downturn threatening index gains. → Benzinga
    • DEI Job Postings Plummet: Corporate DEI roles drop 50% under policy shifts, reshaping HR landscapes. → Daily Signal

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    Yesterday, 89% of you chose the right answer to the trivia question: It keeps the value of money relatively stable, supporting predictable prices and economic growth


    Small amounts saved daily add up to huge investments in the end.
    – Margo Vader
    Thanks for Reading.

    Stay Resilient. Stay Focused.
    Fredrick Frost
    Editor, MorningBullets

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