Search found 38657 matches

by dan_s
Sat Jan 31, 2026 4:48 pm
Forum: Sweet 16 Portfolio
Topic: Sweet 16 Update - Jan 31
Replies: 0
Views: 43

Sweet 16 Update - Jan 31

The Sweet 16 is off to a great start and it still trades at a 37% discount to what I believe are conservative valuations. In January the Sweet 16 gained 10.41% and all 16 stocks are up. The S&P 500 Index gained 1.37% during January. Natural gas prices are up because of the colder than normal wea...
by dan_s
Sat Jan 31, 2026 2:25 pm
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Dan's interview on the KE Report aired on Jan 31
Replies: 0
Views: 44

Dan's interview on the KE Report aired on Jan 31

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M36F8wEDlt8&t=1511s
by dan_s
Sat Jan 31, 2026 2:24 pm
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Houston Area Members: Roth "Energy Day" is Feb. 19
Replies: 0
Views: 17

Houston Area Members: Roth "Energy Day" is Feb. 19

You should have received an email from Sabrina with details about the Roth Energy Day being held in Houston on February 19. I urge all of you to attend this opportunity to hear directly from the CEO's of eight energy companies, including Riley Exploration Permian (REPX) , one of my Top Picks for Gro...
by dan_s
Sat Jan 31, 2026 12:15 pm
Forum: Picks and tips from the EP community
Topic: High Yield Income Portfolio Updates - Jan 31
Replies: 0
Views: 56

High Yield Income Portfolio Updates - Jan 31

Today I am updating the forecast/valuation models for all 12 of the companies in our High Yield Income Portfolio. You can view them directly from the EPG website home page. Yesterday, I updated all of the models for the 8 companies in our Small-Cap Growth Portfolio. You can find them under the Small...
by dan_s
Sat Jan 31, 2026 10:40 am
Forum: Sweet 16 Portfolio
Topic: Devon Energy (DVN) Price Target - Jan 30
Replies: 2
Views: 118

Re: Devon Energy (DVN) Price Target - Jan 30

Take a look at how bullish the U.S. natural gas storage reports should be over the next four weeks: https://www.celsiusenergy.net/ Weather forecasts for 2H of February should help ngas prices in Western Canada. Tourmaline Oil (TOU.TO) and Peyto Exploration & Development (PEY.TO) sell a lot of na...
by dan_s
Sat Jan 31, 2026 9:54 am
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Good News for Texas Gassers - Jan 31
Replies: 0
Views: 54

Good News for Texas Gassers - Jan 31

Texas’ environmental regulator this week issued the largest air pollution permit in the country to an enormous planned complex of gas power plants and data centers near the oilfields of the Permian Basin, according to an announcement from the project’s developers. Pacifico Energy, a global, investor...
by dan_s
Fri Jan 30, 2026 3:05 pm
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Why is the natural gas price rising today?
Replies: 1
Views: 105

Re: Why is the natural gas price rising today?

At 2pm CT the MAR26 futures contract was trading at $4.37, up 11.5% today. Weather forecast volatility remains high, as models shifted materially colder in the Northeast and the Midwest in the 6-10 day period > Lower 48 temperatures in this period have shifted to around 9°F lower than the 10-YR aver...
by dan_s
Fri Jan 30, 2026 2:11 pm
Forum: Sweet 16 Portfolio
Topic: Devon Energy (DVN) Price Target - Jan 30
Replies: 2
Views: 118

Devon Energy (DVN) Price Target - Jan 30

In a report released January 28, Mark Lear from Piper Sandler maintained a Buy rating on Devon Energy, with a price target of $55.00. Wells Fargo and Susquehanna also raised their price targets for DVN this week. Devon Energy should get a big revenue boost from rising natural gas prices. 2026 NYMEX ...
by dan_s
Fri Jan 30, 2026 12:43 pm
Forum: Other topics of interest
Topic: Iran Update
Replies: 0
Views: 51

Iran Update

President Trump has moved the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) into the Indian Ocean so he has military options in how he will deal with Iran’s despotic leaders and the continuing massacring of civilians protesting the regime. He may want to weaken the paramilitary and the IRGC that have b...
by dan_s
Fri Jan 30, 2026 11:54 am
Forum: Other topics of interest
Topic: Trump's new Fed Chairman - Jan 30
Replies: 1
Views: 35

Re: Trump's new Fed Chairman - Jan 30

From Unleash Prosperity: The Art of Warsh Phew! Trump tapped Kevin Warsh to be the next Fed chairman. He’s a superb choice and one we’ve been pushing for more than a year. Congrats, Mr. President. You hit the bullseye. Unlike the failed tenure of Jerome Powell, Warsh is not political; he is not an i...
by dan_s
Fri Jan 30, 2026 11:52 am
Forum: Other topics of interest
Topic: Trump's new Fed Chairman - Jan 30
Replies: 1
Views: 35

Trump's new Fed Chairman - Jan 30

I am pleased to announce that I am nominating Kevin Warsh to be the CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM. Kevin currently serves as the Shepard Family Distinguished Visiting Fellow in Economics at the Hoover Institution, and Lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Bus...
by dan_s
Fri Jan 30, 2026 11:46 am
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Why is the natural gas price rising today?
Replies: 1
Views: 105

Why is the natural gas price rising today?

When I posted this, the MAR26 futures contract for HH natural gas was trading at $4.29/MMBtu (up 9.5% from where it closed yesterday). Why? 1. A MAJOR winter storm is hitting the U.S. east coast tonight. Wind speeds will be over 70 mph in North Carolina on Saturday. That is hurricane force wind in t...
by dan_s
Fri Jan 30, 2026 11:03 am
Forum: Picks and tips from the EP community
Topic: Small-Cap Growth Portfolio Updates - Jan 30
Replies: 0
Views: 111

Small-Cap Growth Portfolio Updates - Jan 30

Today I am going to update all nine of the forecast/valuation models for the companies in our Small-Cap Growth Portfolio. I am posting them to the EPG website as I complete each update. You can view and download them to Excel directly from the EPG website home page. Due to rising oil & gas price...
by dan_s
Fri Jan 30, 2026 9:28 am
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Natural Gas Prices - Jan 29
Replies: 4
Views: 186

Re: Natural Gas Prices - Jan 29

Just remember that weather forecasts beyond a few weeks are just a Wild Ass Guess ("WAG"). Go to https://www.celsiusenergy.net/ see how quickly U.S. gas in storage will go from a surplus to a large deficit to the 5-year average in just a few weeks. Next Thursday, EIA will report a very lar...
by dan_s
Fri Jan 30, 2026 8:34 am
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: What happened to the global oil GLUT?
Replies: 0
Views: 33

What happened to the global oil GLUT?

As I have been posting here for many months, there never was a GLUT of oil. OilPrice.com: "Standard Chartered says oversupply fears are fading, as demand forecasts for 2026 are revised higher and low prices begin to curb U.S. shale growth." AND the MYTH that wind, solar and EVs will cause ...
by dan_s
Thu Jan 29, 2026 4:25 pm
Forum: Picks and tips from the EP community
Topic: Pine Cliff Energy webinar replay link - Jan 29
Replies: 0
Views: 52

Pine Cliff Energy webinar replay link - Jan 29

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6TyWu68vGc
by dan_s
Thu Jan 29, 2026 3:19 pm
Forum: Picks and tips from the EP community
Topic: Baytex Energy (BTE.TO) Update - Jan 29
Replies: 0
Views: 51

Baytex Energy (BTE.TO) Update - Jan 29

Baytex's balance sheet is in great shape after closing the sale of their South Texas Eagle Assets for sales proceeds of $2.96Cdn billion, net of closing adjustments. They also announced a conservative capital program for 2026 that should lead to strong free cash flow this year. Highlights of their 2...
by dan_s
Thu Jan 29, 2026 1:44 pm
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Natural Gas Prices - Jan 29
Replies: 4
Views: 186

Re: Natural Gas Prices - Jan 29

On today's webinar we spent more than half the time discussing the North American natural gas market, which all of the panelists in agreement that it has turned very bullish. Hang on to your "gassers". Plus, Pine Cliff will soon be completing to sales a very important new horizontal well. ...
by dan_s
Thu Jan 29, 2026 10:48 am
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Natural Gas Prices - Jan 29
Replies: 4
Views: 186

Re: Natural Gas Prices - Jan 29

Today's IEA natural gas storage report: Working gas in storage was 2,823 Bcf as of Friday, January 23, 2026, according to EIA estimates. This represents a net decrease of 242 Bcf from the previous week. Stocks were 206 Bcf higher than last year at this time and 143 Bcf above the five-year average of...
by dan_s
Thu Jan 29, 2026 10:30 am
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Why is WTI over $65/bbl this morning - Jan 29
Replies: 0
Views: 68

Why is WTI over $65/bbl this morning - Jan 29

1. OPEC+ is not going to increase production quotas. 2. OPEC+ does not have much untapped oil supplies it can bring to the market. 3. Lots of geopolitical risk to oil supplies: Russia/Ukraine war, Iran, Venezuela, etc. 4. China and the U.S. are building strategic petroleum reserves. Oil in the SPR i...
by dan_s
Thu Jan 29, 2026 9:53 am
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Natural Gas Prices - Jan 29
Replies: 4
Views: 186

Natural Gas Prices - Jan 29

Today's webinar will focus on the natural gas market in Western Canada. Joining me on today's webinar will be Phil Hodge, President & CEO of Pine Cliff Energy (PNE.TO and PIFYF), one of the companies in our Small-Cap Growth Portfolio. Pine Cliff's 2025 production was approximately 21,000 Boepd ...
by dan_s
Thu Jan 29, 2026 9:32 am
Forum: Monthly Webinars and Luncheons
Topic: February 5 Webinar: EMP Metals Corp. EMP
Replies: 1
Views: 38

Re: February 5 Webinar: EMP Metals Corp. EMP

Vancouver, British Columbia, January 26, 2026 – EMP Metals Corp. (CSE: EMPS) (OTCQB: EMPPF) (FSE: 9ST) (“EMP Metals” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the building interior that will house its upcoming lithium refining demonstration plant. The building structure i...
by dan_s
Thu Jan 29, 2026 9:28 am
Forum: Monthly Webinars and Luncheons
Topic: February 5 Webinar: EMP Metals Corp. EMP
Replies: 1
Views: 38

February 5 Webinar: EMP Metals Corp. EMP

EMP will be hosting our next live webinar on Thursday, February 5. Paul Schubach, COO will be updating us on Project Aurora. ROK Resources (ROK.V) is one of EMPs largest shareholders Since EMP's November 26th press release, the share price has more than doubled. Vancouver, British Columbia, Novembe...
by dan_s
Wed Jan 28, 2026 7:08 pm
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Oil & Gas Prices - Jan 28
Replies: 1
Views: 113

Re: Oil & Gas Prices - Jan 28

Trading Economics: WTI crude oil futures (MAR26) rose to around $63.50 per barrel on Wednesday afternoon, the highest level in four months, as geopolitical risk premiums increased following renewed US threats against Iran. > President Donald Trump warned of further attacks and urged Tehran to negoti...
by dan_s
Wed Jan 28, 2026 3:45 pm
Forum: Picks and tips from the EP community
Topic: Silver Storm SVRSF: 26% owned by First Majestic, 11% owned by Eric Sprott
Replies: 2
Views: 152

Re: Silver Storm SVRSF: 26% owned by First Majestic, 11% owned by Eric Sprott

Watch my discussion with the CEO of Silver Storm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na_hajYIlL0

Silver Storm should be selling silver to Samsung in Q2 2026. At today's price of silver, the company will be generating a lot of free cash flow.
by dan_s
Wed Jan 28, 2026 3:41 pm
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Weather is SIGNIFICANTLY reducing US Ngas production
Replies: 2
Views: 109

Re: Weather is SIGNIFICANTLY reducing US Ngas production

Reuters: US energy sector reels after winter storm knocks out 2 million bpd of crude output U.S. oil producers lost up to 2 million barrels per day, or up to 15%, of the country's production over the weekend, analysts and traders estimated, as a winter storm swept across the country, straining energ...
by dan_s
Wed Jan 28, 2026 3:30 pm
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Weather is SIGNIFICANTLY reducing US Ngas production
Replies: 2
Views: 109

Re: Weather is SIGNIFICANTLY reducing US Ngas production

Pittsburg, PA is right in the middle of the most important natural gas basin in the U.S., the Appalachian Basin (Marcellus & Utica Shale). Take a look at the 10-day forecast for Pittsburg: https://www.wunderground.com/forecast/us/pa/pittsburgh Well freeze offs will continue for at least another ...
by dan_s
Wed Jan 28, 2026 12:14 pm
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Weather is SIGNIFICANTLY reducing US Ngas production
Replies: 2
Views: 109

Weather is SIGNIFICANTLY reducing US Ngas production

Rystad Energy: Winter Weather Knocks as Much as 25 Bcfd Off U.S. Gas Output Read this: https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Winter-Weather-Knocks-as-Much-as-25-Bcfd-Off-US-Gas-Output.html By Rystad Energy - Jan 28, 2026, 11:00 AM CST Rystad estimates gas flow losses of up to 20–25 Bcfd, driven...
by dan_s
Wed Jan 28, 2026 12:05 pm
Forum: Picks and tips from the EP community
Topic: Hemisphere Energy (HMENF) 2026 Guidance - Jan 28
Replies: 2
Views: 82

Re: Hemisphere Energy (HMENF) 2026 Guidance - Jan 28

At the time of this post, HME.V was trading at $2.11Cdn and HMENF was trading at $1.55US. First Call's price target is $2.91Cdn, which has not changed for 2 months. I have updated my forecast model based on their guidance for 2026. My current valuation is $2.75Cdn, which translates to $1.98US for HM...
by dan_s
Wed Jan 28, 2026 11:51 am
Forum: Picks and tips from the EP community
Topic: Hemisphere Energy (HMENF) 2026 Guidance - Jan 28
Replies: 2
Views: 82

Re: Hemisphere Energy (HMENF) 2026 Guidance - Jan 28

Corporate Outlook Hemisphere's corporate production to date in January is trending over 3,800 boe/d (99% heavy oil; field estimates from January 1 to 25, 2026). Over 95% of the Company's production base is supported by enhanced oil recovery ("EOR") polymer floods, with the effect of lower ...
by dan_s
Wed Jan 28, 2026 11:49 am
Forum: Picks and tips from the EP community
Topic: Hemisphere Energy (HMENF) 2026 Guidance - Jan 28
Replies: 2
Views: 82

Hemisphere Energy (HMENF) 2026 Guidance - Jan 28

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 28, 2026) - Hemisphere Energy Corporation (TSXV: HME) (OTCQX: HMENF) ("Hemisphere" or the "Company") is pleased to declare a quarterly dividend to shareholders, deliver guidance for 2026, and provide a corporate update. Quart...
by dan_s
Wed Jan 28, 2026 11:12 am
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: EIA Weekly Petroleum Report - Jan 28
Replies: 1
Views: 51

Re: EIA Weekly Petroleum Report - Jan 28

For months, IEA has been telling us that there is a massive over-supply of crude oil in the world. It never shows up in the U.S., so where is this GLUT.

IEA has a long history of under-stating demand for oil-based products.
by dan_s
Wed Jan 28, 2026 11:02 am
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: EIA Weekly Petroleum Report - Jan 28
Replies: 1
Views: 51

EIA Weekly Petroleum Report - Jan 28

Summary of Weekly Petroleum Data for the week ending January 23, 2026 U.S. crude oil refinery inputs averaged 16.2 million barrels per day during the week ending January 23, 2026, which was 395 thousand barrels per day less than the previous week’s average. Refineries operated at 90.9% of their oper...
by dan_s
Wed Jan 28, 2026 8:50 am
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Oil & Gas Prices - Jan 28
Replies: 1
Views: 113

Oil & Gas Prices - Jan 28

MAR26 is now the front month NYMEX contract for HH natural gas. The FEB26 contract closed at $6.029/MMBtu, short covering on Monday caused the price to spike over $7.24/MMBtu. Trading Economics: HH natural gas US natural gas futures (MAR26) fell more than 2.5% to $3.71 per MMBtu as warmer weather fo...
by dan_s
Wed Jan 28, 2026 8:24 am
Forum: Monthly Webinars and Luncheons
Topic: Westgate Energy (WGT.V) Update - Jan 27
Replies: 1
Views: 79

Re: Westgate Energy (WGT.V) Update - Jan 27

The Houston based lender that is supporting Westgate is Cibolo Energy Partners: https://www.ciboloenergy.com/

This is the same firm that funded Hemisphere Energy soon after it went public.
by dan_s
Tue Jan 27, 2026 4:27 pm
Forum: Monthly Webinars and Luncheons
Topic: Westgate Energy (WGT.V) Update - Jan 27
Replies: 1
Views: 79

Westgate Energy (WGT.V) Update - Jan 27

We had a good turnout at our luncheon today. The COO of Westgate made an impressive presentation. I will be adding Westgate to our Small-Cap Growth Portfolio soon after I have a chance to build a forecast model. What I found out today is that they doubled production YOY in 2025 and expect to double ...
by dan_s
Tue Jan 27, 2026 4:17 pm
Forum: Picks and tips from the EP community
Topic: Surge Energy (SGY.TO & ZPTAF) Price Target - Jan 27
Replies: 1
Views: 78

Surge Energy (SGY.TO & ZPTAF) Price Target - Jan 27

The note below is from BMO Capital. Surge Energy SGY-TSX Rating: Outperform Price: Jan-26 $7.09 Price Target: $10.00 "Latest Type Curves Remain Underappreciated — Set the Stage for Re-Rating" Jeremy McCrea, CFA • E&P - Canada Bottom Line: When we look back at which companies were the b...
by dan_s
Tue Jan 27, 2026 10:51 am
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Oil & Gas Prices - Jan 27
Replies: 0
Views: 123

Oil & Gas Prices - Jan 27

WTI Oil was trading at $61.17/bbl when this was posted, up $0.54 from yesterday's close. Trading Economics: WTI crude oil futures MAR26 is up as traders weighed a mix of geopolitical, trade, and supply factors. > Tensions in the Middle East remain a key focus after the deployment of a US aircraft ca...
by dan_s
Tue Jan 27, 2026 9:11 am
Forum: Picks and tips from the EP community
Topic: Nouveau Monde Graphite (NYSE: NMG) update - Jan 27
Replies: 0
Views: 77

Nouveau Monde Graphite (NYSE: NMG) update - Jan 27

Now might be a good time to add more NMG to your portfolio. Today's Press Release: Nouveau Monde Graphite's leadership is set to participate in upcoming high‑profile mining, critical minerals, and investor‑focused events in Q1-2026 to support the deployment of its business plan. These activities are...
by dan_s
Tue Jan 27, 2026 8:26 am
Forum: Other topics of interest
Topic: Blue States need better energy policy
Replies: 0
Views: 114

Blue States need better energy policy

Despite securing additional natural gas supplies and electricity imports from neighboring states (and Canada), oil remains a major source of power generation in New England right now! Wind and solar played a minuscule role during this period. Roughly half of what counts as “renewable” generation com...
by dan_s
Mon Jan 26, 2026 9:41 pm
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Houston Area Members: Luncheon on Tuesday, Jan. 27
Replies: 4
Views: 159

Re: Houston Area Members: Luncheon on Tuesday, Jan. 27

We still have a few seats available.
by dan_s
Mon Jan 26, 2026 7:57 pm
Forum: Other topics of interest
Topic: IEA Oil Market Report for January 2026
Replies: 0
Views: 57

IEA Oil Market Report for January 2026

Highlights with my comments in blue Global oil demand growth is forecast to average 930 kb/d in 2026, up from 850 kb/d in 2025, reflecting a normalisation of economic conditions after last year’s tariff turmoil and lower oil prices than a year ago. A recovery in petrochemical feedstocks demand will ...
by dan_s
Mon Jan 26, 2026 7:34 pm
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Why will oil prices go higher in 2H 2026?
Replies: 2
Views: 118

Re: Why will oil prices go higher in 2H 2026?

Read this: https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/saudi-aramco-dismisses-oil-glut-narrative-seriously-exaggerated

OPEC+ has less than 2 million bpd of spare capacity and even that low number (compared to 105 million bpd of current demand) is questionable.
by dan_s
Mon Jan 26, 2026 7:25 pm
Forum: Picks and tips from the EP community
Topic: Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE)(OTCQX: ORZCF) Update - Jan 25
Replies: 0
Views: 112

Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE)(OTCQX: ORZCF) Update - Jan 25

Webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/wt2e5cz6/

This is a gold producer that has been recommended by one of our Founding Members.
by dan_s
Mon Jan 26, 2026 3:32 pm
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Why will oil prices go higher in 2H 2026?
Replies: 2
Views: 118

Re: Why will oil prices go higher in 2H 2026?

Why we are at the beginning of a multi-year "Super Cycle" for fossil fuels > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIKjr3hi-U0
by dan_s
Mon Jan 26, 2026 3:23 pm
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Why will oil prices go higher in 2H 2026?
Replies: 2
Views: 118

Why will oil prices go higher in 2H 2026?

Watch this video to understand why I believe that WTI will go higher in 2H 2026 and up to AT LEAST $70/bbl in 2027. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVYq2vEifVU < Rick Rule thinks WTI is going to $85 or $90 soon (1 to 3 years). Until oil prices do go higher, much higher natural gas prices will offset...
by dan_s
Mon Jan 26, 2026 2:38 pm
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Natural Gas Storage Report - Jan 22
Replies: 1
Views: 341

Re: Natural Gas Storage Report - Jan 22

This is an extremely bullish weather forecast for natural gas prices.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dky-83PiTgA

As you watch it, keep in mind that the large cities around the Great Lakes drain the most gas from storage for space heating.

Well freeze offs are getting worse in Appalachia.
by dan_s
Mon Jan 26, 2026 1:39 pm
Forum: Picks and tips from the EP community
Topic: Mundoro Capital (TSXV: MUN) (OTCQB: MUNMF) Update - Jan 26 Jan 13
Replies: 0
Views: 89

Mundoro Capital (TSXV: MUN) (OTCQB: MUNMF) Update - Jan 26 Jan 13

Mundoro's relationship with BHP is extremely valuable to a company of this size. January 26, 2026, Vancouver, BC - Mundoro Capital Inc. (TSXV: MUN | OTCQB: MUNMF | www.mundoro.com) ("Mundoro" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of the inaugural drilling prog...
by dan_s
Mon Jan 26, 2026 1:32 pm
Forum: Sweet 16 Portfolio
Topic: Coterra Energy (CTRA) Price Target Update - Aug 2
Replies: 1
Views: 220

Re: Coterra Energy (CTRA) Price Target Update - Aug 2

This is a BIG DEAL: TipRanks report this morning: "Kimmeridge, which owns a little over 1% of Coterra Energy’s (CTRA) outstanding shares, is preparing to nominate Scott Sheffield, the former CEO Pioneer Natural Resources , to join the company’s board, Benoit Morenne of Wall Street Journal repor...
by dan_s
Mon Jan 26, 2026 12:46 pm
Forum: The View from Houston
Topic: Oil & Gas Prices - Jan 26
Replies: 1
Views: 60

Re: Oil & Gas Prices - Jan 26

Trading Economics: WTI crude oil futures slipped below $61 per barrel on Monday, giving up earlier gains as traders weighed a mix of geopolitical, trade, and supply factors. > Tensions in the Middle East remain a key focus after the deployment of a US aircraft carrier strike group, raising concerns ...