4 Top Gold Stocks to Buy With Investors Seeking Safe Haven

Industry Overview - Gold had a significant performance in 2024, with prices increasing over 27%, outperforming the S&P 500's 23% growth, marking the largest annual jump in 14 years [1] - Historically, gold prices tend to rise when bonds become less attractive, particularly in low-interest-rate environments, leading to increased gold investments [2] Current Market Trends - On February 3, spot gold reached $2,816.53 per ounce, briefly hitting an all-time high of $2,818.58, while U.S. gold futures rose to $2,855.90 [3] - The surge in gold prices is attributed to investors seeking safe-haven assets amid geopolitical tensions, including tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canada, Mexico, and China, which heightened inflation fears [4] Central Bank Activity - Central banks, especially in emerging markets, have significantly increased gold purchases to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, providing a solid support base for gold prices [5] Future Predictions - Analysts predict that gold prices may exceed $3,000 per ounce by mid-next year, indicating strong growth potential for gold mining stocks [5] Company Highlights - AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU): Expected earnings growth rate of 36.5% for the next year, with a 12.4% improvement in current-year earnings estimates over the past 60 days; Zacks Rank 1 [6] - New Found Gold Corp. (NFGC): Expected earnings growth rate of 42.4% for the current year, with a 17.4% improvement in current-year earnings estimates over the past 60 days; Zacks Rank 2 [7] - Gold Fields Limited (GFI): Expected earnings growth rate of 108.6% for the current year, with a 16.2% improvement in current-year earnings estimates over the past 60 days; Zacks Rank 1 [8] - Orla Mining Ltd. (ORLA): Expected earnings growth rate of 53.3% for the current year, with a 15% improvement in current-year earnings estimates over the past 60 days; Zacks Rank 1 [9]