$SQM

Hancock Prospecting, led by Gina Rinehart, has invested A$8.77 million in White Cliff Minerals (WCN), gaining a 14% stake. This is part of a broader investment strategy over the past year, including stakes in Arafura Rare Earths (ARU), St George Mining (SGQ), and Rare Earths Americas (REA). Hancock has also increased positions in MP Materials (MP), Lynas Rare Earths (LYC), and Hudbay Minerals (HBM), while exiting SQM (SQM). The investments span rare earths, copper, and strategic metals, diversif

Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting has invested in nine mining and metals companies in a year, diversifying from iron ore. Recent investments include A$8.77 million in White Cliff Minerals (ASX: WCN) for a 13.5% stake, and A$125 million in Arafura Rare Earths (ASX: ARU). Hancock also holds stakes in Rare Earths Americas (NYSE: REA), MP Materials (NYSE: MP), and Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC). The company has also invested in defence contractors and SpaceX.

Lithium mining equities showed mixed performance on September 16, 2026. The LIT ETF was flat, but Albemarle fell 3.51% and SQM declined 0.88%. The Federal Reserve's rate hike decision impacted growth-linked materials stocks. Albemarle closed at $109.47, while SQM ended at $68.68. The LIT ETF closed at $69.85.

Lithium stocks fell on September 10, 2026, as Chinese lithium carbonate prices dropped 0.69% to 144,750 CNY per tonne. Albemarle (ALB) declined 3.02% to $122.11, and SQM (SQM) fell 3.94% to $72.49. The Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT) closed down 2.66% at $71.81. The declines were attributed to supply comfort and policy risks in Chile.

Lithium prices and miner profits surge due to energy storage demand. Tianqi Lithium (002466.SZ) and Ganfeng Lithium (002460.SZ) reported significant earnings growth. Albemarle (ALB) and PLS Group also saw strong results. Analysts debate the longevity of the rally, with UBS and Goldman Sachs offering differing forecasts.

Albemarle (ALB) rose 1.17% to $137.36, while SQM (SQM) fell 2.24% to $78.63. The Global X Lithium ETF (LIT) dropped 1.37% to $76.07. China's lithium carbonate price rose 0.33% to 153,000 CNY/ton. Investors are watching Chile's lithium policy and Albemarle's talks with Corfo.

Analysts made several rating changes: Truist initiated DigitalOcean as buy, citing AI growth; Citi downgraded Abercrombie & Fitch to neutral; Baird upgraded Synopsys to outperform. Other notable moves include upgrades for SQM, Synopsys, Extra Space Storage, and downgrades for Celsius, Regions, and Novo Nordisk. Bank of America reiterated Nvidia as buy, highlighting strong AI growth.

Chile's S&P IPSA index fell 0.8% to 11,451 on 25 August, driven by a 4.1% drop in lithium producer SQM-B shares. The peso remained stable at 913.30 per US dollar. Latam Airlines rose 2.8% due to lower oil prices. The index is 1.5% below its January record high, with lithium sector volatility cited as a key influence.

Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) reported strong Q2 results, with revenue up 136.7% YoY to $2.47B and net income at $660M. The company raised its 2026 lithium demand forecast to 2.1M metric tons. Lithium revenue surged 300% to $1.78B, with record sales volume and higher prices. SQM expects stable lithium prices and volumes in Q3, with costs remaining low. The company plans significant capital spending from 2026 to 2028, including potential $3B for Salar Futuro. Hedge funds increased

Lithium markets surged on August 21, 2026, with GFEX lithium carbonate futures up 4.12% to 158,700 CNY per tonne. Albemarle (ALB) rose 6.75% to $143.25, SQM (SQM) gained 4.47% to $81.96, and the LIT ETF increased 2.72% to $76.61. Analysts cite tight supply and strong procurement as drivers.