Mining stocks are the new market darlings, fueled by geopolitical risks and AI demand

Group 1 - Geopolitical risks are now driving a rise in mining stocks, marking a shift from traditional views of the sector as a bet on industrial growth to strategic investments linked with security and supply control [1][2] - Over the past six months, the US mining sector (XME) has gained 48%, while the international sector (PICK) has rallied by 57%, compared to an 8% return in the S&P 500 [2] - Historically, mining stocks were vulnerable during periods of geopolitical volatility, as trade wars and military conflicts typically led to weaker growth expectations and lower demand for raw materials [3] Group 2 - The relationship between mining stocks and global growth has changed, with recent geopolitical events disrupting global metals flows and raising risks around energy and shipping [4] - New supply constraints are driven by tighter environmental policies in Western countries and resource nationalism in regions like Latin America and Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo [5] - Geopolitical risks now signal tighter supply and increased scarcity premiums, which effectively reduce miners' cost of capital [6] Group 3 - The AI boom is benefiting mining stocks as investors shift from soft assets to those tied to energy, materials, and physical production [7] - Data center expansion has led to increased demand for metals, further supporting the mining sector [8]