Sponsored by Nations Royalty

Chinese EVs Surge as Tesla Falters

China’s electric vehicle industry saw two major technological developments this week that could further challenge Tesla’s position, as the American EV maker’s stock tumbled amid growing concerns about its sales performance and competitive standing in the crucial Chinese market.

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. agreed to invest up to 2.5 billion yuan ($346 million) to expand NIO‘s battery-swapping network across China, the companies announced on Tuesday. Meanwhile, BYD unveiled a breakthrough fast-charging system that promises to outpace Tesla’s Superchargers.

The CATL-NIO partnership, signed in CATL’s headquarters city of Ningde, will consolidate technical standards between the companies and enhance their business cooperation. NIO said its future mass-market Firefly brand models will adopt CATL’s technical standards and network.

You can read more on the matter here.

What’s going on?

• Inside the JFK Files: Trump’s Much Ado About Nothing (theDeepDive)

• Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow supports removing U.S. flags from city property ‘wherever possible’ (TS)

• So Much For “Ceasefire” As Russia Reportedly Attacks Ukraine Energy Facility (theDeepDive)

• Canada’s temporary resident population declines for the first time in 3 years (Globe)

• Germany Sounds Alarm as Trump Border Policies Impact Its Traveling Citizens (theDeepDive)

• EU to exclude US, UK and Turkey from €150bn rearmament fund (FT)

• UK-Led Coalition Moves to ‘Operational Phase’ in Ukraine Peace Efforts (theDeepDive)

• Panama's economic growth slows to 2.9% in 2024 after key mine closure (Reuters)

• Poilievre Vows to Scrap Industrial Carbon Pricing Amid Falling Poll Numbers (theDeepDive)

• U.S. officials cracking down on people trying to bring valuable eggs across the border (CBC)

• Is Trump Classifying Fentanyl As A Weapon of Mass Destruction (theDeepDive)

What’s the latest?

• NVIDIA: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang downplayed the short-term impact of Trump’s tariffs, emphasizing the company’s focus on AI and plans to bring manufacturing to the U.S. Nvidia’s stock has fallen over 20% since January due to concerns about lower-cost AI alternatives from DeepSeek. Export restrictions to China have also cut Nvidia’s revenue from the region by about 50%, with additional competition from Huawei. Despite these challenges, Huang remains optimistic about long-term U.S. manufacturing.

• Telecom: BCE Inc., Canada’s largest telecom, warned that a prolonged trade war and reduced immigration targets could slow growth, with postpaid wireless subscriber additions dropping 56% year-over-year in Q4. Shares have fallen 27% over the past 12 months, closing at C$34.01, while BCE maintained its high 11.7% dividend yield despite analyst calls for a 50% cut. The company’s C$5 billion acquisition of U.S.-based Ziply Fiber raised concerns about its balance sheet use, though CEO Mirko Bibic believes such acquisitions strengthen Canada’s economy. BCE’s board continues to review the dividend amid recession and trade-related risks.

• Population: Canada’s population grew by 1.8% in 2024, adding 744,324 people, the slowest pace in three years, down from 3.1% in 2023. International migration accounted for most of the growth, but stricter immigration policies under former PM Justin Trudeau have reduced the influx of temporary residents. Only 2.7% of new residents came from natural increase, highlighting long-term demographic challenges. With elections approaching, PM Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are pledging to align future immigration levels with economic needs.

• Energy: Ten of Canada’s largest oil and natural gas companies, along with four major pipeline firms, have urged federal political leaders to declare a Canadian energy crisis and use emergency powers to fast-track key projects. Their plan includes growing the energy sector, expanding exports, simplifying regulations, and eliminating the federal carbon levy and emissions cap. The CEOs also seek loan guarantees to support Indigenous co-investment. The call comes as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens Canadian sovereignty with proposed tariffs on Canadian goods, including oil and gas.

• Boeing: Boeing’s CFO Brian West reported that cash burn is easing this quarter, with potential improvements in the “hundreds of millions” of dollars, after burning through $14 billion in 2024. Boeing aims to maintain production of 38 737 Max planes and 7 Dreamliners per month, despite FAA restrictions following the January 2024 midair door plug incident. The company expects no near-term production impact from the February fire at a Pennsylvania factory. Boeing shares rose over 6%, driving gains in the Dow and S&P 500.

Aris Mining Q4 Earnings

The stock market and stuff

• Palantir Co-Founder Dumps $310 Million in Shares After 31% Stock Drop (theDeepDive)

• Tesla removed from Vancouver Auto Show (CTV)

• Crypto ETFs See $1.7 Billion Weekly Outflow, Extending Negative Streak (theDeepDive)

• Elon Musk’s xAI and Nvidia join BlackRock and Microsoft’s $30bn AI fund (FT)

• Telus, Nvidia To Partner For “Sovereign AI Factory” In Quebec (theDeepDive)

In the juniors

• McEwen Mining Swings To A Net Loss In 2024 (theDeepDive)

• KoBold Metals Options Portion Of Risti Property From Aurion Resources (theDeepDive)

• IsoEnergy To Conduct 1-For-4 Consolidation In Pursuit Of NYSE Listing (theDeepDive)

FULL DISCLOSURE: Nations Royalty is a client of Canacom Group, the parent company of The Deep Dive. Canacom Group is long the equity of Nations Royalty. The author has been compensated to cover Nations Royalty on The Deep Dive, with The Deep Dive having full editorial control. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security.