Metal X

Precious Metals Outlook for 2026 Precious Metals Set to Shine in 2026, Say Wealth Managers Despite gold’s remarkable 60% rise so far in 2025, leading investment experts remain optimistic about its performance into 2026. Peter Boockvar, CIO at OnePoint BFG, highlights sustained central bank purchases and pent-up Western demand as key drivers. He anticipates Federal Reserve rate cuts and a softer US dollar to fuel further gains. Boockvar is also bullish on silver—up 99% this year—and platinum, which has gained 80%, citing favorable supply-demand dynamics. However, copper’s outlook is more cautious due to slowing demand from China’s property sector stress, despite a 34% rise this year. Anshul Sharma of Savvy Wealth points to geopolitical tensions, steady real yields, and record central bank buying as catalysts for gold’s surge, expecting a more moderate but positive trajectory next year as the economy slows and the dollar weakens. He underscores that metals behave differently: si...

Silver Market Update: Key Trends and Investment Insights The silver market is experiencing heightened volatility after a strong upward momentum in recent quarters. Despite some selling pressure triggered by weaker economic data from China, solid investment demand has limited price declines, indicating resilience. Institutional investors are actively adjusting the historically elevated gold-silver ratio, injecting fresh liquidity into silver, which could open doors for further gains. On the supply front, ore grades from major producers in Mexico and Peru have seen slight drops. This, combined with slower approvals for new mining projects due to stringent ESG standards, keeps the supply side tight and vulnerable. Demand dynamics add another layer of optimism: the photovoltaic sector is rapidly adopting thick-film silver contacts for high-efficiency solar cells, a technology poised for significant growth by 2030. This could drive substantial industrial demand. ...

Copper: The Hidden Engine of the AI and Energy Revolution Copper: The Hidden Engine of the AI and Energy Revolution While much attention in markets has been on AI chips, rare earths, and semiconductors, copper is quietly emerging as the pivotal metal fueling a structural revolution tied to AI and clean energy. Nicknamed "Dr. Copper" for its historical role in reflecting global economic health, copper is now central to the energy transition, AI infrastructure development, and clean technology expansion. According to Wood Mackenzie, copper demand is expected to surge by 24% by 2035. This growth is largely driven by the rise of electric vehicles and their charging networks, renewable power grids, AI data centers with extensive electrical needs, as well as increased defense and industrial spending. Meeting this surge requires massive investment—around $210 billion—and a significant ramp-up in mining capacity that won’t be easy to achieve. Geopolitically, Western hesita...

Divergent Fortunes in Precious Metals Divergent Fortunes in Precious Metals: Navigating the 2025-2026 Commodity Landscape As 2025 comes to a close, global commodity markets reveal a striking divergence that reshapes investment outlooks, particularly for precious metals. While many commodities face a broad-based decline driven by a slowing global economy and persistent inflation, precious metals like gold and silver are defying this trend with strong bullish momentum. Gold has surged past $3,700 per ounce, with forecasts suggesting a climb toward $4,000 by mid-2026. Silver mirrors this trajectory, supported by rising industrial demand in sectors such as solar energy and electronics. The economic backdrop fueling this surge is complex. Persistent geopolitical tensions and recession concerns have bolstered safe-haven demand, prompting aggressive central bank diversification and expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts. This combination strengthens precious metals as a defensive a...

US Declares Copper and Silver as Critical Minerals US Expands Critical Minerals List to 60, Highlighting Copper and Silver The United States recently designated copper and silver as “critical minerals,” bringing the total on the US Geological Survey’s updated list to 60 raw materials—up from 50 last year. This move underlines the increasing strategic importance of these metals due to their essential roles in technology, energy, and national security. Economic and Investment Implications Copper’s growing demand is closely tied to the energy transition, powering everything from renewable grids to electric vehicles, while silver's applications span photovoltaics, electronics, and healthcare technologies. The U.S. government is now prioritizing supply chain security for both metals, aiming to address vulnerabilities caused by global trade disruptions. Policy Measures and Market Impact This designation enables the government to consider trade policies like tariffs, tax inc...

Europe's Precious Metals Production Outlook Europe's Precious Metals Production Outlook: Economic Impact and Investment Opportunities Europe is at a strategic crossroads as geopolitical tensions disrupt global supply chains for precious metals such as gold, silver, and copper. The continent faces growing pressure to reduce its heavy dependence on imports—particularly from China—which currently supplies a large share of critical minerals. The EU imports about 50% of its copper concentrate, exposing investors and industries to supply risks amid intensified nearshoring trends by global powers. In response, the EU has launched 47 strategic projects aimed at securing domestic sources and diversifying supply routes, signaling a shift toward boosting regional mining capabilities. Though Europe's copper reserves are modest compared to giants like Chile and Australia, established mining operations in Scandinavia, Poland, and Finland remain key producers. Finland’s Kittila g...

U.S.-China Deal Boosts Critical Minerals Investment Potential U.S.-China Agreement Opens New Avenues for Critical Minerals Market The recent diplomatic progress between the U.S. and China signals a potential lift for critical minerals, essential components in technologies from clean energy to AI. Following high-level talks, China agreed to pause export controls on rare earth minerals, while the U.S. halted plans for drastic tariff increases on Chinese imports. This détente alleviates immediate supply concerns in a market heavily influenced by China, which dominates about 61% of rare earth mineral production and 92% of global processing capacity. These minerals are increasingly vital, driving advancements in sectors crucial to future economic growth and national security. The deal highlights how China leverages its dominant position in refining and supplying rare earths during trade negotiations, prompting the U.S. and allies like Australia and Canada to boost domestic mining an...