In the fast-paced world of crypto, where meme tokens can moon or crash overnight, savvy investors are always looking for ways to hedge their bets. A recent tweet from Mardo (Miko), the founder of DegenCapitalCIO, caught our eye at Meme Insider. Miko, a former VP at a massive $17B private credit and equity fund, shared his latest portfolio moves amid brewing geopolitical storms.

Here's what he posted on X: "Thankfully I loaded up on mining stocks which is helping my portfolio. De-risked good amount of tech and crypto names. Miners are a key part of US strategy going forward. Best to have exposure. Focus on rare earth given the tarrif and export controls between US and China." (source)

This isn't just casual advice—it's timed perfectly with major news breaking on October 10, 2025. China announced stricter export controls on rare earth elements, adding five new materials to its restricted list and implementing the toughest regulations yet, especially for defense-related uses (Reuters). In response, US President Donald Trump threatened a "massive increase" in tariffs on Chinese imports, escalating the trade war (CNBC).

For those new to the term, rare earth elements (REEs) are a set of 17 minerals essential for producing everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to wind turbines and military hardware. China dominates the global supply, controlling about 80-90% of production and processing. These new controls could disrupt supply chains worldwide, driving up prices and benefiting non-Chinese miners.

Why This Matters for Crypto and Meme Token Holders

Crypto markets, including the wild world of meme tokens, are highly sensitive to global economic shifts. Many blockchain projects rely on hardware that uses rare earths—think GPUs for mining or data centers for DeFi platforms. Disruptions could lead to higher costs, slower innovation, or even market dips if tech stocks (which crypto often mirrors) take a hit.

Miko's strategy of de-risking from "tech and crypto names" makes sense for degens chasing meme coin gains. Meme tokens like Dogecoin or newer Solana-based pumps are fun and potentially lucrative, but they're volatile. Diversifying into mining stocks offers exposure to real-world assets that could boom from these tensions. As Miko points out, miners are becoming central to US national strategy, with efforts to onshore critical mineral production.

Surging Rare Earth Stocks to Watch

The market reacted swiftly. Shares of US-based rare earth companies jumped double digits following China's announcement. Here are some top performers as of October 2025:

• MP Materials (MP)​: The largest US rare earth producer, up nearly 10% in recent sessions (Investopedia).
• USA Rare Earth (USAR)​: Soared 15% in a single day, with analysts doubling price targets (The Motley Fool).
• Energy Fuels (EFR)​: Advanced over 9%, focusing on uranium and rare earths (Yahoo Finance).
• NioCorp Developments (NB)​: Surged about 12%, with projects in Nebraska (CNBC).

These stocks aren't just hedges; they're growth plays. With the US pushing for supply chain independence through acts like the Inflation Reduction Act, domestic miners stand to gain from government incentives and contracts.

Tying It Back to Meme Tokens

While traditional mining might seem far from meme culture, the crypto community is quick to adapt. We've seen a buzz around "rarity" themed tokens like $RARECOIN on Solana, which boasts a super-low supply of just 10 million tokens—scarcer than Bitcoin itself (X post). It's not directly tied to rare earths, but the narrative of scarcity amid global shortages could fuel pumps in similar memes.

At Meme Insider, we track how real-world events ripple into the token space. If rare earth tensions persist, expect meme creators to launch themed coins—perhaps $REE or $MINERDOGE—capitalizing on the hype.

Final Thoughts

Miko's tweet is a reminder that even in the meme token arena, smart money looks beyond the charts. Diversifying into rare earth mining stocks could provide stability as US-China relations strain. Whether you're holding bags of Pepe or Shiba, consider how geopolitical plays affect your portfolio. Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more insights on blending crypto thrills with strategic investments.

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