Source: wealthprofessional
Date: Mar 18, 2024
By: Freschia Gonzales
Gold and uranium prices have been experiencing significant fluctuations and surges, driven by various economic and geopolitical factors, as reported by BNN Bloomberg.
Gold prices fell after U.S. economic data suggested that the Federal Reserve might delay lowering interest rates, causing spot bullion to trade down 0.14 percent at US$2,159 an ounce in Toronto.
Despite this dip, gold reached an all-time high of $2,195.15 last Friday, fueled by expectations that lower interest rates would make gold more attractive than high-yield bonds.
Central banks in emerging economies like China have been buying substantial amounts of gold, pushing its price upwards. Moreover, geopolitical uncertainties, including tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, have underscored gold’s value as a safe-haven asset.
However, contrary to rising gold prices, gold mining companies like Newmont and Barrick Gold are not seeing an increase in their share prices. The S&P/TSX Global Gold Index, which tracks global gold producer stocks, has not mirrored the bullion’s current upward trend.
David McAlvany, CEO of McAlvany Financial Companies, believes that gold producers are undervalued, presenting a significant investment opportunity.
Uranium is also witnessing a surge in demand, with prices reaching new highs due to governments seeking nuclear power solutions to achieve emissions targets.
The NYMEX uranium 1st futures contract price peaked at US$106.40 a pound on February 1st, significantly increasing from previous levels. This resurgence in uranium prices is revitalizing previously dormant mines in Canada and other countries, aiming to meet the growing demand.
The International Atomic Energy Agency predicts a substantial increase in uranium demand by 2040, necessitating over 100,000 metric tons annually.
This forecast has prompted major uranium producers like Cameco Corp. and Kazakhstan’s Kazatomprom to address production challenges, while smaller mining companies are restarting operations to capitalize on the higher prices.
The uranium sector is transforming, with companies like Ur-Energy, IsoEnergy, Energy Fuels, Uranium Energy, and Denison Mines announcing plans to restart or expand uranium mining operations.
Despite previous market downturns, leading producers are now poised to increase production, potentially impacting uranium prices in the long term.
