10 Best Precious Metal Stocks to Buy After the U.S. Venezuela Mission

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising demand and prices for precious metals, particularly gold and silver, driven by geopolitical risks and economic uncertainty, with predictions for continued growth in the sector through 2026 and beyond [1][4][3]. Industry Overview - Gold and silver prices reached all-time highs as of January 12, with spot gold at $4,630 (up over 1.95%) and silver at $86.50 [1]. - Demand for gold hit record levels in 2025, continuing a bull rally into 2026, alongside increased demand for other industrial metals like copper [2]. - Analysts indicate that precious metals traders perceive more risk compared to stock and bond traders, contributing to the demand for gold and silver as safe-haven assets [3]. Future Projections - JPMorgan forecasts gold prices could reach $5,000 per ounce by the end of 2026, with an average price of $5,055 per ounce projected for that year [4]. - The share of gold in total investor assets under management (AUM) has increased by approximately one percentage point over the last two years, with potential to rise to 4-5% in the coming years [4]. Company Highlights - Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM): - Share price at $124.74 with a market cap of $59.33 billion and an analyst upside of 6.22% [9]. - The stock has increased over 129% in the past year, with 94% of analysts rating it as a Buy [10]. - Analysts expect gold companies to increase margins and generate higher free cash flow in 2026 [12]. - Perpetua Resources Corp. (NASDAQ:PPTA): - Share price at $29.42 with a market cap of $3.59 billion and an analyst upside of 8.77% [13]. - Shares have risen over 107% in the last six months, with a consensus Buy rating from analysts [14]. - The company is advancing the Stibnite project, which is expected to enhance returns and support funding efforts [15][16]. - McEwen Inc. (NYSE:MUX): - Share price at $20.49 with a market cap of $1.12 billion and an analyst upside of 12.25% [19]. - The company received approval for the El Gallo Mine's Phase 1 Mill construction, with expectations for the first gold pour by mid-2027 [20]. - McEwen is also expanding its Gold Bar Mine complex to enhance resources and increase mine life [22].