Latest news with #microcap
Finextra
2 days ago
- Business
- Finextra
Why Training Still Beats the Hype: Lessons from a Modern Trading Trap: By Daniel Schlaepfer
Retail traders today face a paradox. Markets have never been more accessible, or more hazardous. What looks like opportunity can quickly become a trap, especially in the age of social media-fueled speculation. The recent implosion of stocks like Jayud Global Logistics (JYD) has once again exposed the painful divide between how retail and professional traders experience the same event. But beneath the headlines of scams and volatility lies a deeper truth: success in this environment is not about luck or hype; it's about preparation, training, and discipline. Retail Traders: Easy Targets in a Gamified Arena As reported by The Wall Street Journal, a growing number of U.S.-listed micro-cap stocks - many with ties to obscure Chinese firms - have been used in social media pump-and-dump schemes. Stocks like JYD, Lixiang Education, and NetClass Technology followed the same pattern: rapid run-ups driven by coordinated buzz, followed by devastating crashes once insiders dumped their positions. For retail investors lured in at the top, the results have been catastrophic. Some were told these stocks were 'Cash Cows,' others were encouraged to keep doubling down after major losses. In some cases, online groups tracked losses in the millions, leaving behind not just financial damage but deep mistrust. Professional Traders: Same Stock, Very Different Outcome While many retail traders were caught off guard, experienced professionals approached these stocks differently. The same volatility that created chaos for some created opportunity for others, but only because they were equipped with the tools and training to navigate it. Here's how: 1. Short Locates and Execution Readiness Professional traders know the importance of having systems in place to secure short locates, particularly in hard-to-borrow stocks. This doesn't just allow them to short a collapsing stock, it allows them to be ready to trade in either direction as conditions evolve. Those who prepared early and executed with a volatility-tested plan were better positioned to manage risk and act decisively. 2. Risk Management and Discipline Rather than chasing a stock during its initial surge or reacting emotionally to price swings, professionals study the tape for signals, whether it's an exhaustion pattern, shift in order flow, or a change in liquidity. Disciplined traders avoid impulsive entries and instead build a plan that balances opportunity with strict risk controls. Managing borrow costs, avoiding short squeezes, and controlling position sizing are all part of the equation. 3. Pattern Recognition from Experience Pump-and-dump schemes follow a recognizable rhythm. Professionals trained in small-cap trading learn to spot the early signs: a sudden spike in social media chatter, unusual pre-market activity, abnormal volume, or a cluster of volatility halts. Being able to differentiate between genuine momentum and possible scams is a key skill, and one that comes from experience, not excitement. The Real Lesson: Training and Discipline Drive Professional Success This isn't a tale of good guys versus bad guys, or winners mocking losers. It's a wake-up call for anyone stepping into the modern trading arena. While platforms advertise ease of access and instant payouts, the reality is that the markets remain unforgiving, especially for those without guidance. What separates long-term success from painful losses isn't a secret algorithm or a better app. It's the kind of methodical thinking, structured education, and battle-tested strategy that professionals rely on day after day. Closing Thought As regulators tighten enforcement and platforms explore better guardrails, the responsibility also lies with the trading community. If we want fewer horror stories and more sustainable outcomes, we need to start more conversations about how professionals trade, and how to better equip all market participants with the training needed to avoid potential scams and spot the opportunities worth pursuing.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Creatd, Inc. Completes 2024 PCAOB Audit, Achieving Two Years of Audited Financials and Clearing Path Toward SEC Re-Registration and National Exchange Uplisting
NEW YORK, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Creatd, Inc. (OTC: CRTD), a company focused on acquiring synergistic technology businesses, today announced the completion of its 2024 PCAOB audit and submission of audited financials to the OTC Markets. With two consecutive years of audited financial statements now finalized, along with the Company's Q1 2025 financials published on the OTC, the Company is fully current with its reporting. This positions Creatd to re-register its securities with the SEC, reapply for listing on the OTCQB, and continue progressing toward an uplisting to a national securities exchange. Key Financial Highlights: As of today, net equity stands at over $2.9 million, reflecting an $18 million improvement since 2023, with $15 million of that gained during the 2024 fiscal year. Revenues for fiscal year 2024 totaled approximately $1.5 million, a figure already matched in the first half of 2025. The Company expects to reapply to the OTCQB imminently as part of its ongoing capital markets compliance strategy. Strategic Foundation Built in 2024 The year 2024 was a critical period in laying the groundwork for Creatd's financial recovery and long-term viability. The Company addressed two defining challenges: First, it overcame a capital-constrained environment by collaborating with shareholders and strategic partners. With them, it secured the funding necessary to sustain and grow operations during one of the most challenging periods for microcap companies. Second, Creatd adapted to the evolving microcap landscape, where single-focus, pure-play companies increasingly struggle to gain investor traction. It built a diversified model by acquiring complementary businesses and integrating them into a shared infrastructure. This included consolidating revenues across multiple lines, unifying back-office functions, technology systems, regulatory and compliance processes, and applying a platform-wide understanding of audience and market behavior. This adaptive approach allowed the Company not only to weather 2024, but to exit the year with a stronger balance sheet, broader revenue base, and a path forward toward SEC re-registration and uplisting. Jeremy Frommer, CEO of Creatd, commented: 'The past two years have been both the worst and, somehow, the greatest I've experienced in my career. We had to navigate the remissness of our previous auditing firm, who we terminated. At the same time, we endured a historic collapse in the microcap sector. It brought Creatd, the company I've led for over a decade, to its knees. But we never gave up, and what we learned about ourselves and today's business environment is invaluable. Today, we stand strong. We've built back a solid balance sheet, completed two years of PCAOB-audited financials, and proven we understand what it takes to survive a full cycle in the emerging growth public markets. We will continue to acquire, invest in, and support our peers because no one gets through this space alone.' The full audited 2024 Annual Report is available here, on OTC Markets. About Creatd, Inc. focuses on investments and operations across technology, media, aviation, advertising, and consumer sectors. By leveraging its expertise in structured finance and acquisitions, Creatd identifies and nurtures opportunities within small-cap companies, driving growth and innovation across its diverse portfolio. For investor inquiries, contact:ir@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
MINERALRITE Corporation and Its CEO Accept Invitation to Join CEOBLOC in the Fight to Achieve Micro-Cap Market Reform
Dallas, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - June 23, 2025) - MINERALRITE TM Corporation (OTC Pink: RITE) (the 'Company' or 'RITE) today announced that its President and CEO, James Burgauer, has formally accepted an invitation to join CEOBLOC — a growing coalition of micro-cap executives and market stakeholders dedicated to combating abusive trading practices and restoring integrity to the public markets — particularly within the small-cap and OTC sectors. CEOBLOC was founded in 2023 by Jeremy Frommer, CEO of Creatd, Inc. as an advocacy group and professional platform designed specifically for micro-cap CEOs and public company leaders. By agreeing to join CEOBLOC, MineralRite and Burgauer demonstrate and reinforce the commitment they have made to actively participate in seeking reform initiatives aimed at addressing widespread challenges facing micro-cap issuers, particularly: 'These systemic issues erode shareholder value and undermine confidence in the public markets — especially for companies traded on the OTC and smaller exchanges, where manipulative practices by unscrupulous actors are more prevalent,' said Burgauer. 'Accepting the invitation to join CEOBLOC is both an honor and a strategic step. It is our intention to be vocal, visible, and effective participants in the effort to reform capital markets and to elevate the standards by which micro-cap companies operate, raise funds, and are perceived by investors. These challenges are not theoretical — and micro-cap firms, such as RITE, must take an active role in reshaping the narrative and improving the infrastructure of the public markets in which we operate.' Among CEOBLOC's cornerstone campaigns is 'Project 100,' a call to action to find 100+ like-minded public companies to join forces in advocating for a cleaner, fairer, and more functional micro-cap ecosystem. RITE's invitation to join CEOBLOC reflects the company's recent actions and leadership direction — centered on transparency, investor alignment, and sustainable value creation — which have attracted the attention of the broader micro-cap community and CEOBLOC leadership alike. MineralRite joins a growing list of public companies committed to the CEOBLOC's mission of ethical capital market activity, including Creatd, Inc., Geopulse Exploration, Inc., and Hollywall Entertainment, Inc. 'MineralRite is positioning itself for long-term success through disciplined governance and strategic communication,' Burgauer added. 'CEOBLOC provides yet another media channel through which credible public companies like RITE can take back control of our narratives and actively defend our shareholder interests.' For more information, visit and Safe Harbor Disclosure Forward-Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this presentation contains 'forward-looking information', including 'future-oriented financial information' and 'financial outlook', under applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, the information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements and includes, but is not limited to, the (i) projected financial performance of the Company; (ii) completion of, and the use of proceeds from, the sale of the shares being offered hereunder; (iii) the expected development of the Company's business, projects, and joint ventures; (iv) execution of the Company's vision and growth strategy, including with respect to future M&A activity and global growth; (v) sources and availability of third-party financing for the Company's projects; (vi) completion of the Company's projects that are currently underway, in development or otherwise under consideration; (vi) renewal of the Company's current customer, supplier and other material agreements; and (vii) future liquidity, working capital, and capital requirements. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management's beliefs and opinions in respect of the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. No Offer or Solicitation. This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No public offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Contact: Investor Relations [email protected] MineralRite Corporation 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 3100 Dallas, TX 75201 To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Entrepreneur
18-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Steptrade Capital Announces First Close of INR 1,000 Cr Microcap Fund SRF-II
The fund aims to invest in India's listed and unlisted small and microcap businesses. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Steptrade Capital has announced the first close of its third Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), Steptrade Revolution Fund-II (SRF-II), with a total deployment target of INR 1,000 crore. The fund aims to invest in India's listed and unlisted small and microcap enterprises, continuing Steptrade's sharp focus on underserved yet high-potential businesses. SRF-II builds on the legacy of Steptrade's earlier funds—the Chanakya Opportunities Fund and Steptrade Revolution Fund-I—which also targeted India's small business landscape. The new fund will focus on critical sectors such as renewables, defence, waste management, and infrastructure. "This early close is a strong vote of confidence from our investors," said CA Kresha Gupta, Director and Fund Manager at Steptrade Capital. "It reflects the strength of our investment philosophy—rooted in bottom-up research, market depth, and a clear focus on value creation in sectors that matter." Operating across all SEBI-regulated investment formats—AIF Categories I, II, and III, Portfolio Management Services (PMS), and Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI)—Steptrade now offers one of India's most comprehensive platforms for SME investing. "In microcap investing, timing and structure matter as much as the idea itself," added Ankush Jain, CFA, Director and Fund Manager. "SRF-II reflects a disciplined approach where every allocation is backed by deep research, clear valuation logic, and a focus on protecting downside while capturing structural upside." Steptrade continues to position itself as a thought leader in SME investments, with sustainability and innovation at the core of its strategies. With SRF-II, the firm deepens its commitment to backing India's next generation of high-growth enterprises.
Associated Press
10-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
B2i Digital Highlights the National Investment Banking Association's (NIBA) 151st Investment Conference
As a Marketing Partner, B2i Digital will Showcase Presenting Companies and Industry Leading Sponsors NEW YORK, NY - June 9, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - B2i Digital welcomes the 151st Investment Conference, hosted by the National Investment Banking Association (NIBA), to its roster of highly vetted Featured Conferences. This prestigious event is scheduled for September 16–17, 2025, at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The conference will feature public and private micro-cap and small-cap companies, and will include company presentations, one-on-one investor meetings, and networking sessions. NIBA will host hundreds of investment professionals eager to engage with management teams on the forefront of their respective industries. 'Our conferences are designed to provide companies with direct access to capital markets professionals and strategic advisors,' said Emily Foshee, Executive Director of NIBA. 'For more than 40 years, we have created a dynamic space where emerging growth companies and investors come together to explore new opportunities. We welcome the partnership with B2i Digital to help broaden awareness of our upcoming event.' 'B2i Digital is proud to support NIBA's longstanding commitment to small- and micro-cap markets at this must-attend event,' said David Shapiro, CEO of B2i Digital. 'In 2024, I saw everyone I knew from every corner of the US capital markets. It was a phenomenal way to kick off the fall conference season and I look forward to repeating that experience in 2025. We will leverage our community of 1.3 million followers on social media, 100,000-person investor list and our high traffic website to remind everyone to put this event on their calendars.' To request an invitation to attend, apply to present or sponsor the event, visit About B2i Digital, Inc. B2i Digital, Inc. partners with select investor conferences, public companies, and capital markets advisors through its Featured Conference, Featured Company, and Featured Expert programs. The firm leverages digital marketing technologies, a network of 1.3 million investors, and targeted introductions to connect key players in the markets. Founded in 2021 by former Maxim Group Investment Banker and CMO David Shapiro, B2i Digital is headquartered in New York City. B2i Digital Contact Information: David Shapiro Chief Executive Officer B2i Digital, Inc. 212.579.4844 Office [email protected] About the National Investment Banking Association (NIBA) Founded in 1982, NIBA is a not-for-profit association for the micro-cap and small-cap investment community. NIBA has hosted 150 investment conferences featuring public and private companies seeking exposure to the financial industry. The association's network has raised more than $100 billion in capital and includes thousands of investment professionals. For more information, visit NIBA Contact Information: Emily Foshee Executive Director National Investment Banking Association [email protected] View the original release on
