4 Gold Stocks to Watch as Record Prices Extend Into 2026

Group 1: Gold Market Performance - Gold achieved over 50 all-time highs in 2025 and returned over 60%, driven by geopolitical uncertainty, central-bank purchases, and expectations of interest-rate cuts [1] - The momentum continued into 2026, with gold hitting a record high on January 12, primarily due to rising geopolitical risks and tensions in the Middle East [2] - Economic signals from the U.S., including softer labor market data, strengthened expectations for potential interest rate cuts, making gold more attractive compared to interest-bearing assets [4] Group 2: Central Bank Demand - Central banks maintained strong gold buying into early 2026 to diversify reserves away from the U.S. dollar and hedge against risks, tightening supply and reinforcing bullish sentiment [5] - The demand for gold as a safe-haven asset increased due to policy uncertainty following threats against the Federal Reserve, which weakened confidence in U.S. institutions [3][9] Group 3: Gold Mining Companies - Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (HMY) has an expected earnings growth rate of 111% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank of 2 [7] - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM) has an expected earnings growth rate of 86.1% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank of 1 [8] - Royal Gold, Inc. (RGLD) has an expected earnings growth rate of 52.9% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank of 1 [10] - Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC) has an expected earnings growth rate of 147.1% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank of 1 [11] Group 4: Investment Appeal - Gold remains an attractive investment due to ongoing inflation and economic uncertainty, elevating its safe-haven appeal [12] - Political turmoil, including the DOJ threat to the Fed, has increased gold's demand as a hedge against market and policy risks [12]