Metal X

Brent Cook: Insights on Gold, Silver, and Rare Earth Investments Brent Cook: Sticking to Discovery-Driven Investments in Gold, Silver, and Rare Earths At the recent Rule Symposium, Brent Cook, founder of Exploration Insights, emphasized the importance of focusing on exploration and new discoveries within the resource sector. For investors interested in precious metals, Cook’s perspective highlights a clear trend: the most promising opportunities lie in companies actively uncovering fresh deposits of gold, silver, and rare earth elements. This focus on discovery rather than established mining operations suggests potential for significant economic upside, as early-stage exploration companies often present undervalued entry points before market recognition. Given the strategic value of rare earths driven by global demand in technology and renewable energy, alongside the enduring attraction of gold and silver as safe-haven assets, Cook’s approach signals where invest...

Defense Spending and Critical Minerals Demand Rising Defense Budgets Set to Boost Demand for Critical Minerals As the United States steps back from some NATO commitments, European nations are ramping up their defense capabilities, triggering a notable increase in military spending worldwide. This shift is expected to intensify demand for critical minerals essential to modern defense technologies. According to Paul Wong, market strategist at Sprott Asset Management, global defense expenditure reached approximately $2.7 trillion in 2024 and could surge to $6.38 trillion by 2035, reflecting an 8% annual growth rate. This expansion is driven by the need for advanced military equipment such as fighter jets, stealth technology, and increasingly sophisticated drone systems—all reliant on specialty metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements. Moreover, these critical minerals play a dual role beyond defense, being integral to the clean energy transit...

Gold and Silver Prices Hold Firm Amid Market Uncertainty Gold prices have stabilized this week, trading between $4,000 and $4,100 per ounce, after a modest rise last week. Silver showed more movement, briefly surging above $52 per ounce. However, both metals experienced downward pressure following the release of stronger-than-expected US jobs data for September, which increased hopes that the Federal Reserve will hold off on cutting interest rates at its December meeting. The Federal Reserve remains divided on whether to lower rates, and while quantitative tightening is set to end December 1, some experts suggest this could mark the start of quantitative easing. This shift in monetary policy could create fresh dynamics in precious metals markets over the coming months. Barrick Mining Faces Strategic Shakeup Barrick Mining is at a crossroads as rumors swirl about splitting the company into two — focusing separately on North America and on African/Asian ...

Silver Market Update: Key Investment Insights Silver Market Update: Key Investment Insights Following strong gains in recent quarters, silver prices are experiencing notable volatility. A dip in demand from China briefly pressured the market, but sustained investment interest has curbed significant declines. Notably, institutional investors are trimming the gold-silver ratio from historic highs, injecting fresh capital into silver. On the supply front, declining ore grades reported by major producers in Mexico and Peru signal potential constraints. These challenges are compounded by slower approval of new mining projects due to increasingly stringent environmental and social governance (ESG) standards, keeping supply tight. Demand is set to rise from the renewable energy sector, where photovoltaic manufacturers are adopting thick-film silver contacts to boost solar cell efficiency—an area poised for substantial growth through 2030. In the near term, silver price...

5 Precious Metals ETFs to Watch in 2025 5 Precious Metals ETFs to Watch in 2025 Investors looking for exposure to precious metals in 2025 have several compelling ETF options that combine liquidity, physical backing, and reasonable fees, presenting attractive opportunities amid economic uncertainties. iShares Silver Trust (SLV) As the largest silver ETF, iShares Silver Trust holds physical silver bars in secure vaults, enabling investors to track silver prices closely. While its 0.5% expense ratio causes slight underperformance versus silver’s market price, it offers a more predictable investment alternative compared to volatile silver mining stocks. abrdn Standard Physical Platinum Shares ETF This ETF provides direct access to platinum, a scarce industrial metal critical to automotive catalytic converters. With most mining firms offering only indirect platinum exposure, this fund’s 0.6% fees appear cost-effective for investors seeking industrial ...

Fed Stimulates Metals Rally: Gold, Silver & Critical Minerals Take Center Stage Last night’s unexpected hint from US Fed Chair Jerome Powell about upcoming interest rate cuts sent global markets to fresh highs, igniting a surge in precious metals like gold and silver. The promise of cheaper capital is boosting investor appetite for these traditional value stores, with silver nearing 14-year highs and Australian silver stocks such as WCE gaining significant momentum following impressive drilling results. Meanwhile, US critical minerals are in the spotlight as government initiatives accelerate. The Biden administration is channeling billions into critical minerals supply chains, processing technologies, and recycling efforts, exemplified by recent $1 billion Department of Energy funding and plans for the US’s first Strategic Minerals Reserve in Nevada. These moves underscore the strategic importance of metals essential to technology and defense sectors. Austral...

Precious Metals Market Update Gold and Silver Surge: Is This the Start of a Major Precious Metals Rally? Gold has just reached an all-time high, hitting US$3,598 per ounce, while silver broke through US$40 and soared to a 14-year peak of US$41.40 per ounce. Technical patterns suggest these metals may be entering a significant upward phase, with silver potentially on track to reach US$60–70 per ounce according to historical chart formations. This momentum is stirring excitement across investment circles. Investors are notably overweight in silver stocks since early 2024 and gold stocks since 2023, anticipating this “big run.” However, silver remains underrepresented in mainstream media despite exploding interest on social platforms and investor forums—a sign there could be further growth before broader market participation. On the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), fewer silver stocks exist compared to gold, creating a tight market where increased capital inflow could drive si...

Fed Fuels Metals Rally: Gold, Silver & Critical Minerals in Focus Fed Fuels Metals Rally: Gold, Silver & Critical Minerals in Focus The recent unexpected announcement by US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell about impending interest rate cuts ignited a sharp rally in precious metals and critical minerals markets. Gold and silver prices surged as investors anticipate cheaper funding leading to increased inflows into these safe-haven assets. Silver, in particular, showed remarkable strength, retesting 14-year highs and sparking enthusiasm among silver-focused stocks like WCE , which recently reported an extraordinary silver assay of 10,049 g/t. Other silver miners such as MTH and SS1 are actively drilling and poised for potentially significant announcements, riding the wave of rising silver prices. Meanwhile, US strategic interest in critical minerals is intensifying. Recent announcements include a US$1 billion funding boost from the Department of Energy aimed at ...

Metals and Mining: Investment Opportunities Amid Global Uncertainty Metals and Mining: A Golden Opportunity for Portfolio Diversification Amidst Global Uncertainty In today’s volatile global economy, the metals and mining sector stands out as a vital opportunity for investors seeking portfolio diversification. Precious metals like gold and silver have reached historic highs—gold surpassing $4,000 per ounce and silver climbing past $50—driven by rising geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns, and expectations of interest rate cuts. These metals serve as reliable inflation hedges and safe havens, providing stability when traditional markets falter. Beyond precious metals, the demand surge for industrial and battery metals such as copper, lithium, and rare earth elements is reshaping the investment landscape. The global shift toward renewable energy and electric vehicles is causing supply constraints that could sustain long-term price growth. Copper—often called “Dr. Copper”—is ...

Precious Metals Investment Rally Amid Dollar Strength Precious Metals Rally Amid Dollar Strength Reflects Growing Investment Demand This week, gold and silver surged significantly, defying the usual pattern where a stronger U.S. dollar pressures precious metals prices. Instead, growing geopolitical tensions and market shifts are pushing investors to seek safety in precious metals. Data from the World Gold Council shows a 3% year-on-year increase in gold demand, reaching 1,313 metric tons. This rise is driven by strong inflows into exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and a surge in retail purchases of bars and coins. Contrary to past rallies, rising gold prices have not deterred buyers, fueled in part by fear of missing out amid ongoing global uncertainties. Looking ahead, institutional interest remains robust, with central bank gold purchases expected to range between 750 and 900 metric tons for the year. Although slightly down from the previous year, this ste...

Silver Added as Critical Mineral Silver Officially Added as Critical Mineral The United States has expanded its official list of critical minerals to include silver, along with copper, uranium, and other key resources. This move highlights silver's growing strategic importance beyond its traditional role in jewelry and electronics. For investors, recognizing silver as a critical mineral signals strengthened government focus on securing supply chains amidst global economic and geopolitical shifts. This designation may drive increased demand and incentivize mining and production, potentially impacting silver prices upward. With silver now officially categorized alongside other essential minerals, market watchers should consider the long-term implications for investment portfolios, especially given silver’s dual role as both an industrial metal and a precious asset. Read the full article

Gold Price Continues to Fall: Why Prices Are (Temporarily) Declining Gold Price Decline Reflects Market Volatility and Political Uncertainty Jeffrey Christian from CPM Group highlights a recent sharp drop in gold prices, falling from nearly $4,400 to just above $3,900. This downturn is largely driven by momentum traders who aggressively bought gold in October but have now started unwinding their positions, triggering a quick pullback. This retracement comes amid ongoing political and economic challenges, notably the US government shutdown and widespread anticipation of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. These factors are creating a churn in investor sentiment, amplifying price swings across precious metals markets. Silver, platinum, and palladium have mirrored gold’s volatility, with speculative and technical trading forces overshadowing traditional supply-demand fundamentals. While this creates short-term uncertainty, such pronounced moves may open strategic entry poi...

Gold & Silver: Investment Opportunities in Hidden Critical Minerals Gold & Silver: Investment Opportunities in Hidden Critical Minerals The spotlight on “critical minerals” has expanded far beyond specialized industries, emerging as a key theme in political, financial, defense, and energy discussions. Traditionally associated with rare earths and lithium, this conversation now includes gold and silver mining — not just for their value as precious metals but for their hidden troves of essential byproduct minerals. Mineral deposits are rarely simple or isolated; gold and silver sites often contain important secondary minerals like gallium, germanium, antimony, tellurium, and others that have vital uses in semiconductors, aerospace, electronics, and renewable technologies. This geological reality presents a new frontier: precious metal operations could become strategic hubs for extracting these critical materials, addressing national supply vulnerabilities. The U.S. cu...