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Rare Earth Metals & Geopolitical ImportanceIntroduction
In the 21st century, natural resources continue to shape geopolitics, economic power, and technological advancement. Just as oil defined much of the 20th century’s geopolitical struggles, rare earth metals (REMs) are increasingly being seen as the strategic resource of the digital and green-energy era. These 17 chemically similar elements—scattered in nature yet crucial for modern technologies—have become central to industries ranging from defense systems and electronics to renewable energy and electric mobility.
The geopolitical importance of rare earth metals arises from their scarcity in economically viable concentrations, their critical role in high-tech applications, and the fact that global production is highly concentrated in a few countries, particularly China. This combination of economic necessity and strategic vulnerability makes rare earth metals one of the most contested resources of our time.
This essay explores the science, applications, production dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and future outlook of rare earth metals. By the end, it becomes clear why these “hidden metals” are at the heart of modern geopolitics.
1. Understanding Rare Earth Metals
1.1 What Are Rare Earth Metals?
Rare earth metals are a group of 17 elements on the periodic table, specifically the 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium. Despite their name, they are not particularly rare in the Earth’s crust. In fact, elements such as cerium are more abundant than copper. What makes them “rare” is that they are rarely found in concentrated, economically minable deposits. Extracting them is technically challenging and environmentally damaging, making supply chains vulnerable.
1.2 Types of Rare Earth Elements
They are typically divided into two categories:
Light Rare Earth Elements (LREEs): Lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, and samarium.
Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREEs): Europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, plus yttrium.
HREEs are generally scarcer and more geopolitically significant because they are harder to find and extract.
1.3 Properties That Make Them Critical
Rare earths have unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties. For example:
Neodymium produces powerful permanent magnets.
Europium provides the red color in LED and display technologies.
Dysprosium improves magnet performance at high temperatures.
Lanthanum is used in camera lenses and batteries.
Such applications make them essential in modern life, often irreplaceable.
2. Strategic Applications of Rare Earth Metals
2.1 Consumer Electronics
Smartphones, laptops, tablets, and televisions rely heavily on rare earths. A smartphone alone may contain up to 8–10 different rare earth elements for screens, vibration motors, and microelectronics.
2.2 Renewable Energy
Wind turbines: Use large amounts of neodymium and dysprosium in permanent magnets.
Solar panels: Depend on cerium and europium for polishing glass and improving efficiency.
Electric vehicles (EVs): Motors require neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium.
The global push toward net-zero emissions is driving up rare earth demand exponentially.
2.3 Defense and Aerospace
Rare earths are essential in defense systems:
Jet engines (yttrium, europium)
Precision-guided munitions (neodymium magnets)
Communication systems
Radar and sonar technology
The U.S. Department of Defense considers them critical for national security.
2.4 Medical Technologies
MRI machines, X-ray intensifiers, and other diagnostic devices rely on rare earths such as gadolinium.
2.5 Industrial Uses
Catalysts in oil refining, glass polishing, and metallurgy all depend on rare earths, making them indispensable for both civilian and industrial economies.
3. Global Production and Supply Chain
3.1 China’s Dominance
China is the world’s largest producer of rare earths, accounting for 60–70% of global production and nearly 85–90% of processing capacity. This dominance emerged in the 1990s when China deliberately underpriced rare earth exports, forcing competitors in the U.S. and elsewhere to shut down due to environmental costs and unprofitability.
By controlling not just mining but also refining and manufacturing, China has become the hub of the rare earth supply chain.
3.2 Other Producers
United States: Mountain Pass mine in California is the largest rare earth mine outside China but depends on China for refining.
Australia: Lynas Corporation is a major non-Chinese producer.
India, Russia, Myanmar, and Brazil also contribute but at smaller scales.
3.3 Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Mining rare earths is only the first step. Refining and separation are highly complex, and China’s near-monopoly over processing makes the global supply chain fragile. Disruptions in China could impact industries worldwide, from EVs to defense systems.
4. Environmental and Social Implications
4.1 Environmental Damage
Rare earth mining is associated with severe environmental impacts:
Radioactive waste (thorium and uranium traces).
Water pollution from acid leaching.
Deforestation and land degradation.
China’s Baotou region, a hub for rare earth mining, has been heavily polluted, leading to health and ecological crises.
4.2 Local Community Impact
Communities around rare earth mines face displacement, water scarcity, and long-term health risks. Balancing demand with sustainable mining practices remains a global challenge.
5. Geopolitical Importance
5.1 Rare Earths as a Strategic Resource
Like oil in the 20th century, rare earths are now “strategic resources.” Countries reliant on imports are vulnerable to supply disruptions, price manipulation, and geopolitical bargaining.
5.2 China’s Leverage
China has used rare earths as a geopolitical tool:
In 2010, China restricted exports to Japan amid territorial disputes, crippling Japan’s high-tech industry temporarily.
China has hinted at restricting supply to the U.S. during trade tensions.
Such actions demonstrate how resource control translates into geopolitical influence.
5.3 U.S. and Western Response
The U.S., EU, Japan, and Australia have launched initiatives to reduce dependency on China. These include:
Strategic stockpiling of rare earths.
New mining projects in Africa, Greenland, and Australia.
Research into recycling and substitutes for rare earths.
However, creating a parallel supply chain is costly and time-consuming.
5.4 Role in Green Energy Transition
As nations push for renewable energy and electric vehicles, rare earths are becoming central to climate policy. This adds another layer of geopolitical competition, as access to rare earths could determine leadership in green technology.
6. Emerging Geopolitical Trends
6.1 Resource Nationalism
Countries rich in rare earth deposits, such as Myanmar, Vietnam, and African nations, are increasingly asserting control. They see rare earths as a path to economic growth and geopolitical relevance.
6.2 Strategic Alliances
The Quad Alliance (U.S., India, Japan, Australia) has discussed collaboration in rare earth supply chains to counterbalance China. The EU is also exploring partnerships with African and Latin American producers.
6.3 Competition in the Arctic
Greenland has significant rare earth deposits. With melting ice making access easier, both China and Western nations are vying for influence in the Arctic region.
6.4 Technological Race
Nations are investing in R&D to find alternatives to rare earths or to improve recycling technologies. Whoever leads in this race could reduce dependence on geopolitically unstable supply chains.
7. Future Outlook
7.1 Demand Projections
The demand for rare earths is projected to triple by 2040, driven by:
Electric vehicles
Renewable energy installations
Advanced military technology
This means competition will intensify.
7.2 Recycling and Circular Economy
Recycling rare earths from e-waste and magnets offers a partial solution. However, technical and economic barriers remain significant.
7.3 Substitutes and Innovation
Some research is focused on developing magnet technologies that reduce reliance on rare earths. Success in this area could reshape the geopolitical importance of these elements.
7.4 Multipolar Supply Chains
Efforts by Australia, the U.S., and Europe to build alternative refining and mining operations could reduce China’s dominance over time, though it will take decades.
8. Case Studies
8.1 Japan’s Strategy Post-2010
After China restricted exports in 2010, Japan diversified its supply by investing in mines in Vietnam and Australia. It also accelerated recycling technologies, making Japan less vulnerable today.
8.2 U.S. Strategic Stockpiling
The U.S. Defense Production Act has been used to stockpile rare earths, particularly for defense applications, highlighting their importance in national security.
8.3 Africa as a Future Powerhouse
Countries like Malawi, Tanzania, and Madagascar hold significant deposits. China has already invested heavily in African mines, but Western nations are increasing their presence to secure supply.
9. Challenges Ahead
Balancing environmental concerns with rising demand.
Avoiding overdependence on a single producer nation.
Managing geopolitical rivalries without triggering resource wars.
Ensuring fair distribution of benefits for resource-rich but economically poor nations.
Conclusion
Rare earth metals are the invisible backbone of the digital, defense, and green revolutions. They may not dominate headlines like oil, but they are no less critical to global security and economic stability. Their importance lies not only in their industrial applications but also in the geopolitical leverage they confer upon producing nations.
As the world transitions toward renewable energy and advanced technologies, rare earths will become even more strategic. The competition over access, processing, and innovation will define geopolitical alignments in the coming decades. Nations that secure stable supply chains and invest in sustainable alternatives will gain a decisive advantage in the 21st-century global order.
In many ways, rare earths are the new oil—quietly powering economies, shaping foreign policies, and fueling the next era of great power competition.
SPX – Dovish Fed, Negative Liquidity, and the Next TriggerThe S&P 500 sits near 6,435, holding steady at highs while the liquidity backdrop remains negative. This divergence between price and plumbing sets up the next major move.
Macro backdrop:
The Advanced Fed Model (AFDFM) signals a dovish/easing regime, with moderate strength.
Liquidity, however, is still draining. Treasury’s cash account (TGA) remains elevated, while the Fed’s RRP facility continues to park trillions. Together, these offset easing policy tone.
Net liquidity (BML variation) = –2.14%, a headwind for equities.
Implication for SPX:
Liquidity and SPX correlation has weakened. Historically, that does not last long. Either liquidity improves, or price resets lower.
Key support sits at 6,350. A sustained break below would open 6,200.
On the upside, a liquidity turn (TGA drawdown + RRP decline) would support a breakout toward 6,500–6,550.
Conclusion / Trade View:
The market is balanced between a dovish Fed tone and restrictive liquidity mechanics. As long as SPX holds above 6,400, the structure favors upside, but liquidity needs to flip to sustain momentum. Watch for the next liquidity shift as the trigger.
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This is not financial advice.
Food Security & Global Market PricesIntroduction
Food is the most fundamental human need, yet in the 21st century, billions of people still struggle with hunger, malnutrition, and unstable food access. At the same time, global markets heavily influence the price and availability of food commodities such as wheat, rice, corn, soybeans, and edible oils. The link between food security and global market prices has become one of the defining challenges of our era.
Food security, as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Achieving this requires stability in production, affordability of prices, resilience against shocks, and equitable distribution.
Global market prices, meanwhile, are shaped by international trade, supply-demand balances, speculation in commodity markets, climate events, geopolitical conflicts, and policy decisions such as subsidies or export bans. When prices spike, food insecurity rises—especially in poorer countries where households spend a large share of their income on food.
This essay explores the intricate relationship between food security and global market prices, examining causes, consequences, and policy responses.
Section 1: Understanding Food Security
Food security rests on four pillars:
Availability – Adequate supply of food from domestic production or imports.
Access – Economic and physical access, meaning people can afford and obtain food.
Utilization – Proper nutrition, safety, and absorption of food in the body.
Stability – Reliable supply and access over time, without major disruptions.
Food insecurity emerges when any of these pillars is weak. For instance:
A drought may reduce availability.
Rising global prices can weaken access.
Poor sanitation or lack of dietary diversity can affect utilization.
Wars, conflicts, or pandemics disrupt stability.
Section 2: The Role of Global Market Prices in Food Security
Global markets set benchmarks for staple foods. Prices in Chicago, Paris, or Singapore often determine what wheat, rice, or soybeans cost in Africa, South Asia, or Latin America.
Why Prices Matter for Food Security
High Prices = More Hunger
When global food prices rise, poorer households reduce consumption or switch to less nutritious diets.
FAO estimates that the 2007–08 food price crisis pushed more than 100 million people into hunger.
Low Prices = Farmer Distress
While high prices hurt consumers, very low prices can harm small farmers, reducing their incomes and discouraging future production.
This creates a cycle of poverty, migration, and reduced agricultural investment.
Price Volatility
Unpredictable swings are as harmful as high prices. Farmers cannot plan their crops, governments struggle with food subsidy budgets, and traders hoard supplies, worsening instability.
Section 3: Historical Food Price Crises
1. The 1970s Oil Shock & Food Prices
Oil price hikes raised fertilizer, transport, and irrigation costs, driving global food inflation.
2. 2007–2008 Global Food Price Crisis
Wheat, rice, and maize prices doubled or tripled due to biofuel demand, export bans, and speculation.
Riots broke out in more than 30 countries, including Haiti, Egypt, and Bangladesh.
3. 2010–2011 Price Surge (Arab Spring Trigger)
Poor harvests in Russia and Ukraine, coupled with droughts, drove wheat prices higher.
Food inflation was a key factor fueling protests in Tunisia, Egypt, and across the Arab world.
4. COVID-19 Pandemic (2020–2022)
Supply chain disruptions, export restrictions, and labor shortages pushed food prices up.
Millions of urban poor in developing countries were hit hardest.
5. Russia–Ukraine War (2022–present)
Ukraine and Russia supply 30% of global wheat exports, 20% of maize, and 75% of sunflower oil.
The war disrupted Black Sea trade routes, triggering a surge in global grain prices.
Section 4: Key Drivers of Global Market Prices
Supply & Demand Imbalances
Rising demand for meat (China, India) increases feed grain demand.
Population growth (expected to reach 10 billion by 2050) pressures supplies.
Climate Change & Extreme Weather
Droughts in Africa, floods in South Asia, and wildfires in North America reduce output.
El Niño and La Niña cycles influence rainfall and crop yields globally.
Energy Prices
Oil prices affect fertilizer, irrigation, and transport costs.
Biofuel policies (e.g., ethanol in the US, biodiesel in Europe) divert grains from food to fuel.
Trade Policies
Export bans (India on rice, Russia on wheat) reduce global supply and spike prices.
Import tariffs and quotas distort markets further.
Speculation & Financialization of Commodities
Hedge funds and institutional investors increasingly trade food futures.
While providing liquidity, speculation can amplify price swings.
Geopolitical Conflicts & Wars
War zones reduce production (Ukraine) or block exports.
Sanctions can disrupt fertilizer supplies (Russia-Belarus potash).
Section 5: Food Security Challenges in Different Regions
Africa
Heavy reliance on imported wheat and rice.
Vulnerable to global price shocks due to weak currencies.
Climate shocks (drought in Horn of Africa) worsen hunger.
Asia
India: major producer but also restricts exports during inflation.
China: massive food demand, maintains large reserves.
Southeast Asia: rice-dependent economies vulnerable to export bans.
Middle East & North Africa (MENA)
Highly import-dependent (over 50% of food).
Price shocks linked to political unrest (Arab Spring).
Latin America
A food-exporting region (Brazil, Argentina) but faces domestic food inflation.
Export crops often prioritized over local food needs.
Developed Countries
More resilient due to subsidies and safety nets.
Still vulnerable to rising food inflation, affecting lower-income households.
Section 6: Consequences of Rising Food Prices
Hunger & Malnutrition
Poor families spend 50–70% of income on food.
Rising prices mean reduced meals, more stunting in children.
Social Unrest & Political Instability
Food riots, protests, and revolutions often follow price spikes.
Economic Strain on Governments
Higher subsidy bills (India’s food subsidy crosses billions annually).
Pressure on foreign reserves for food-importing countries.
Migration & Refugee Crises
Hunger drives rural-to-urban migration and cross-border displacement.
Section 7: Policy Responses to Balance Food Security & Prices
Global Cooperation
WTO rules to prevent arbitrary export bans.
FAO-led initiatives for transparency in food markets.
National Policies
Price stabilization funds and buffer stocks.
Social safety nets: food stamps, cash transfers, subsidized food.
Investment in Agriculture
Modern farming, irrigation, storage, and logistics.
Encouraging climate-resilient crops.
Sustainable Practices
Reduce food waste (1/3 of global food is wasted).
Diversify crops to reduce reliance on wheat/rice/maize.
Regional Food Reserves
ASEAN rice reserve mechanism.
African Union initiatives for emergency grain stocks.
Private Sector & Technology
Precision farming, AI-driven yield forecasts.
E-commerce platforms improving farmer-market linkages.
Section 8: The Future – Can We Ensure Food Security Amid Price Volatility?
By 2050, food demand will rise by 60–70%.
Climate change could reduce yields by 10–25% in some regions.
Global interdependence means local crises (Ukraine war, Indian export bans) ripple worldwide.
The challenge is balancing farmer incomes, consumer affordability, and global stability.
Promising solutions include:
Climate-smart agriculture.
International grain reserves.
Digital platforms for real-time price transparency.
Stronger trade cooperation and less protectionism.
Conclusion
Food security is deeply tied to global market prices. When markets are stable and predictable, people eat well, farmers earn fair incomes, and societies remain peaceful. But when prices spike due to conflict, climate change, or speculation, millions are pushed into hunger and political instability rises.
The future demands a balanced approach—ensuring affordable food for consumers, fair returns for farmers, and resilience in supply chains. Global cooperation, sustainable practices, and smart technology will be central to ensuring that food security is not left hostage to market volatility.
In short: food is not just a commodity—it is a foundation of human survival, dignity, and global stability.
US500 Outlook Post US PCE Data
Fundamental Analysis
US500 experienced a pullback from record highs after the release of the PCE inflation data as traders absorbed persistent inflation pressures and reassessed the timing of US Fed rate cuts. The sentiment has shifted to cautious optimism with a moderate risk-off tone as traders took profits after a strong August rally and rotated out of high growth tech stocks. The PCE data matched market forecasts, maintaining expectations for a Sep Fed rate cut but offering no new bullish momentum for equities. Traders are now watching upcoming labor data and CPI releases for added confirmation before recommitting to aggressive upside positions.
Technical Analysis
The US500 is in correction after reaching new highs, with the market positioned for possible sideways action until significant new economic headlines emerge. Traders are awaiting fresh macro catalysts and digesting possible elevated rates and inflation. Odds for a September cut remain high but sticky inflation means the Fed may stay cautious. Next week’s jobs and wage data are key for market direction. Weakness in technology stocks could continue to drag on the index if earnings and regulatory headwinds persist..
Key Technical Levels
Support 6,428 Protects against near-term declines
Resistance 6,545 Bulls need to reclaim for new record highs
Downside Target 6,380
Analysis by Terence Hove, Senior Financial Markets Strategist at Exness
S&P 500 - Triple Top Breakout (BUYS)Recent price action reveals clear bearish and bullish structure. My focus lays in these two levels marked on the chart. Price is trending up and broke the higher low structure. After failing to push down lower, it left a mark of a big wick before going up to reach new highs again. A triple top pattern was then formed at the prior higher high before finally pushing through with three white soldiers. That being said, there are multiple indications now for a continuation up, and also combined with price failing to go lower when it last had the attempt going down. So now after the three white soldiers, price is smoothing and slowing at the beginning of today, kinda looking like it's forming a little bullish pennant. Confluences are set and here is my idea to buy S&P 500.
If the market wants to go up, we followThe US500 is breaking the resistance level and trading to new highs. We have to remind ourselves that we are not here to predict, but rather to follow the market. The market is breaking higher, and thus we follow.
For this trade, likely best to just use a trailing stop loss using either a 2-day low price, or ATRx2 trailing stop loss.
Updated analysis on S&PAs per our previous analysis, we mentioned that the price is at a very important resistance level, and if it can break it, it could head toward a new ATH. The price has now managed to break the resistance but is still heavily contested. I believe there’s a higher probability that it will reach a new high in the next few days rather than get rejected and fall back.
US500 Outlook and Key LevelsThe US500 index currently exhibits a balanced market sentiment with a subtle bullish inclination, navigating near critical support levels amid prevailing uncertainties. Market participants are closely monitoring key technical thresholds while awaiting significant economic indications that could trigger a decisive directional move. In this environment, comprehensive analysis comprising both fundamental and technical perspectives is essential for understanding potential market trajectories.
Fundamental Analysis:
This week’s trajectory is predominantly influenced by macroeconomic and corporate fundamentals. The upcoming release of the US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation data, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator, is scheduled for Friday. This report is expected to be a pivotal catalyst, shaping investor expectations regarding the Federal Reserve’s future monetary policy stance.
Additionally, major corporate earnings from technology giants such as Nvidia and Salesforce are on the horizon. These reports hold the potential to generate heightened sectoral volatility and influence broader market sentiment. The tone of comments from Federal Reserve officials, particularly Richmond Fed President Barkin, alongside ongoing discussions about the timing and magnitude of potential rate cuts, further add to the market’s uncertain macroeconomic backdrop. Political developments, including debates over the Fed’s independence and potential geopolitical shocks, also contribute to the overall risk landscape.
Technical Analysis:
From a technical standpoint, the US500’s volatility appears confined within well defined levels, highlighting a range bound market outlook. The key technical levels to watch include:
Support at 6,430: serving as an intraday technical floor, where sustained breaches could signal further downside.
Resistance at 6,530: the pivotal level that, if surpassed, could open the door to bullish extensions and trend acceleration.
Weekly support at 6,340 and resistance at 6,600, defining broader stability and potential extension boundaries.
Key levels are tightly clustered, and the upcoming week’s movement will likely hinge on market reactions to economic data releases, earnings surprises, or central bank signals. A decisive move beyond 6,530 could establish a bullish trend, while a breakdown below 6,430 might reinforce bearish momentum.
Traders should remain vigilant for rapid reactions to top tier event risks and be prepared for potential shifts in market sentiment. The coming days are critical for identifying the next directional bias of the US500, with key levels providing clear guideposts amidst a backdrop of macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Analysis by Terence Hove, Senior Financial Markets Strategist at Exness
US500 breaks consolidation, eyeing all-time highs after pullbackThe US500 reached a key support area on the H1 chart and started building a bullish structure.
On the intraday (M5/M1), price broke above local resistance and then retested the breakout zone with a clean pullback. This retest was confirmed by a strong bullish candle, signaling continuation to the upside.
Trade plan:
Entry: after confirmation of the pullback at the breakout zone.
Stop-loss: below support (around 6437).
Target: all-time high zone at 6485–6490.
Risk management: once the first target is reached, stop can be moved to breakeven to protect capital.
This setup supports the expectation of bullish continuation, as long as support holds.
SPX & NDX , Stay heavy on positionsSPX & NDX , Stay heavy on positions (2x leverage)
Currently in a short-term bounce signal zone. Maintaining the same outlook as before.
** This analysis is based solely on the quantification of crowd psychology.
It does not incorporate price action, trading volume, or macroeconomic indicators.
S&P 500 Fed independence concerns + tariff threatsFed/Political Risk: Trump announced the dismissal of Fed Governor Cook, citing mortgage-related allegations. Markets saw this as a fresh escalation of political pressure on the Fed. The dollar initially dropped (-0.4%) before recovering, while gold held a +1% gain. Treasuries steepened sharply (2s30s at steepest since Jan 2022), highlighting rising risk premia around Fed independence. This adds uncertainty for monetary policy credibility, a potential headwind for US equities.
Tariffs/Tech Risk: Trump threatened new tariffs and export restrictions on advanced technology in retaliation for digital services taxes. This raises headline risk for US megacaps, particularly tech, and could weigh on Nasdaq sentiment.
Geopolitics (France): US–France tensions escalated after comments from Ambassador Kushner, coinciding with France’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state. While not directly market-moving, it reinforces geopolitical overhangs that could spill into risk sentiment.
Market Impact:
Futures: S&P 500 (-0.14%), Nasdaq (-0.18%) modestly lower.
Rates: Steepening curve adds pressure to longer-duration equities.
Risk Tone: Elevated political/geopolitical noise may cap near-term upside.
For S&P 500 traders: Fed independence concerns + tariff threats = watch for tech underperformance and a potential pickup in volatility around US political headlines.
Key Support and Resistance Levels
Resistance Level 1: 6516
Resistance Level 2: 6540
Resistance Level 3: 6565
Support Level 1: 6380
Support Level 2: 6360
Support Level 3: 6340
This communication is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as any form of recommendation as to a particular course of action or as investment advice. It is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument or as an official confirmation of any transaction. Opinions, estimates and assumptions expressed herein are made as of the date of this communication and are subject to change without notice. This communication has been prepared based upon information, including market prices, data and other information, believed to be reliable; however, Trade Nation does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. All market prices and market data contained in or attached to this communication are indicative and subject to change without notice.
S&P's "hugely overbought" towards 6375!1). Position Volume dropping! 2). Big institutions (Banks & Insurance) have backed off on higher Risk positions! 3). Huge resistance at .728 fib & trend! 4). Trump tariff talk is likely adding to a fall as well! 5). We're looking for a "SELL" trade @ 6375, since buying is too risky at the moment...Good Luck!