Positioning for Power: Why Canadian Uranium and EQB Inc. Are Geopolitical Plays in 2025

The global energy landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by geopolitical tensions, regulatory reforms, and the urgent need for reliable, carbon-free power. In this volatile environment, two sectors—Canadian uranium producers and EQB Inc.—are emerging as strategic investments poised to capitalize on macroeconomic uncertainty and policy-driven growth. Here's why investors should act now.

The Uranium Surge: A Policy-Driven Opportunity

The U.S. nuclear energy renaissance, fueled by President Trump's “Unleashing American Energy” agenda, is creating a structural deficit in uranium supply. New policies like the ADVANCE Act and Section 45U tax credits aim to fast-track advanced reactors, requiring uranium to fuel a projected 30 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2030. With the U.S. importing 99% of its uranium, Canadian producers—home to 15% of global reserves—are uniquely positioned to fill this gap.

The URNJ ETF, which holds names like Uranium Energy Corp (UEC) and Energy Fuels Inc (UUUU), is a direct play on this trend. These companies are advancing projects in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin, the world's top high-grade uranium producer, and benefitting from U.S. Critical Minerals Strategy incentives that prioritize domestic supply chains.

Why Canadian Uranium is a Geopolitical Hedge

• Supply Chain Resurgence: Federal land reforms in Canada are unlocking Mountain West reserves, while U.S.-Canada partnerships aim to reduce reliance on Russia and China.
• Demand Catalysts: Utilities like Xcel Energy and TerraPower are advancing SMR projects, with $900M in DOE funding earmarked for uranium-heavy light-water reactors.
• Price Dynamics: Spot uranium prices have rebounded to $70.50/lb (up 11% since Q1 2024), with term contracts trading at $80/lb—a floor set by producers like Cameco to ensure profitability.

EQB Inc.: A Fortress Balance Sheet in Volatile Markets

While uranium miners bet on demand growth, EQB Inc. (TSX: EQB) offers stability amid trade tensions and economic uncertainty. As Canada's Challenger Bank™, EQB combines low-risk lending with diversified funding, making it a standout financial play.

Key Strengths from Q1 2025 Results

• Adjusted EPS Growth: $2.98, up 8% YoY, driven by strong deposit growth and $132B in total assets under management.
• Credit Resilience: $683M in impaired loans (147 bps of total loans) remain manageable, with adjusted PCL down 62% QoQ.
• Capital Ratios: 15.5% total capital and 14.1% CET1, exceeding regulatory requirements by a wide margin.

Why EQB Outperforms in Volatility

• Diversified Funding: 97% of loans secured, with covered bonds rated AA+ (Fitch) providing a liquidity buffer.
• Strategic Focus: Exit from high-risk single-family insured lending, while expanding into multi-unit residential mortgages (up 30% YoY) and Québec's digital banking market.
• Credit Ratings: BBB+ from DBRS and Moody's, with Fitch's Positive outlook reflecting EQB's ability to navigate trade tensions through Canadian urban market dominance.

The Timing is Now

• Uranium: With the U.S. $400M cut to nuclear R&D creating urgency for private-sector capital, now is the time to buy URNJ before utilities ramp up long-term contracts.
• EQB: Its 21% dividend hike and fortress balance sheet make it a defensive bet in a market where 70% of multi-asset portfolios face 9-19% losses under stagflation scenarios (per MSCI).

Conclusion: Position for Power

Geopolitical shifts and regulatory tailwinds are creating a rare alignment of opportunities in Canadian uranium and EQB's financial resilience. Uranium miners benefit from a $40/lb price floor and U.S. policy, while EQB's credit metrics and diversification make it a bulwark against trade wars.

Investors should act swiftly to secure stakes in URNJ and EQB—two plays that combine growth potential with defensive strength in an increasingly uncertain world.

The window is open—but it won't stay that way for long.