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]

Skip to main content Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv The U.S. is the world's top oil-producing nation as well as its top consumer, but analysts have been expecting output to slow in response to the decline in oil prices in recent years. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were trading near $67 on Friday, compared with about $77.50 at the same time in 2024. Total U.S. petroleum demand rose 624,000 bpd to 20.85 million bpd in December, high ...

Indian stock markets faced a sharp downturn as Sensex and Nifty tumbled, driven by foreign fund outflows, geopolitical tensions, and uncertainty surrounding US-Iran nuclear talks.Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/ReutersSensex and Nifty50 Performance: Key Market Highlights TodaySensex and Nifty plunged over 1% due to foreign fund outflows and rising geopolitical risks.Uncertainty surrounding US-Iran nuclear talks contributed to market volatility and investor caution.Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offl ...

A WallStreetBets trader drew attention after posting a screenshot showing a massive win on gold-linked options, turning low-cost calls on the SPDR Gold Shares ETF (NYSE:GLD) into more than $51,000.The position, which the trader called "Getting My Shiny Rocks Off," shows 40 call contracts purchased at an average cost of $4.01 and later valued at $13.51, producing a gain of more than $35,000, or roughly 220%.In the comments, one user summed up the bullish mood, saying, "Anyone not buying and holding gold thro ...

22 February 2026 | 6:57PM EST Commodities Research OIL ANALYST Raising Our Price Forecast on Lower OECD Stocks Despite Same Global Surplus; Geopolitical Risks Persist Daan Struyven +1(212)357-4172 | daan.struyven@gs.com Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC Yulia Zhestkova Grigsby +1(646)446-3905 | yulia.grigsby@gs.com Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC Alexandra Paulus +1(212)902-7111 | alexandra.paulus@gs.com Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC Filippo Cuscito +44(20)7051-9073 | filippo.cuscito@gs.com Goldman Sachs International Investors sh ...

Core Viewpoint - Bitcoin experienced a decline of over 5%, dropping below $64,000, as investors reacted to escalating tariff tensions and broader geopolitical risks [1] Group 1: Market Reaction - The price of Bitcoin fell to a low of $63,396 amid investor pressure to shift away from risk assets [1] - The decline in Bitcoin is characterized as a "risk-sentiment reset" rather than a specific shock to the cryptocurrency market, according to an investment expert [1] Group 2: Investment Strategy - The recent plunge in Bitcoin is interpreted as a "tactical de-risking" approach by investors, indicating a temporary adjustment rather than a long-term exit from the market [2]

Group 1: Economic Indicators - The University of Michigan's February 1-year inflation expectations were revised lower to 3.4%, a 13-month low, from 3.5% [2] - The February 5-10 year inflation expectations were also revised lower to 3.3% from 3.4% [2] - The US December new home sales fell by 1.7% to 645,000, better than the expected 730,000 [2] - The US February S&P manufacturing PMI fell by 1.2 to 51.2, weaker than the expected 52.4 [3] - The US Q4 GDP rose by 1.4% (q/q annualized), weaker than the expected 2.8% [3] Group 2: Federal Reserve and Interest Rates - Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic indicated that it is prudent to maintain mildly restrictive interest rates, anticipating upward pressure on inflation due to expected US growth in 2026 [1][4] - Swaps markets are pricing in a 5% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut at the next policy meeting on March 17-18 [7] - The FOMC is expected to cut interest rates by about 50 basis points in 2026, contrasting with the BOJ's expected rate hike [7] Group 3: Currency and Tariff Implications - The dollar fell to a low after the Supreme Court struck down President Trump's global tariffs, which will increase the US budget deficit [4] - President Trump announced plans to impose a 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, alongside existing tariffs [6] - The dollar index fell by 0.13% due to weaker-than-expected US economic news [5] Group 4: Precious Metals Market - Gold and silver prices rallied sharply, reaching one-week highs, driven by heightened geopolitical risks and the Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs [12] - Strong central bank demand for gold was noted, with China's PBOC reserves increasing by 40,000 ounces to 74.19 million troy ounces [14] - Fund demand for precious metals remains strong, with long holdings in gold ETFs climbing to a 3.5-year high [16]

March WTI crude oil (CLH26) on Friday closed down -0.04 (-0.06%), and March RBOB gasoline (RBH26) closed down -0.0093 (-0.46%). Crude oil and gasoline prices settled lower on Friday amid concerns about energy demand after the US Q4 GDP grew at a slower-than-expected pace.  However, losses in crude were limited due to a weaker dollar and geopolitical risks in the Middle East. More News from Barchart Friday's weaker-than-expected US economic news was bearish for energy demand and crude prices.  Q4 GDP ro ...

March WTI crude oil (CLH26) on Thursday closed up +1.24 (+1.90%), and March RBOB gasoline (RBH26) closed up +0.0386 (+1.96%). Crude oil and gasoline prices added to Wednesday’s sharp rally on Thursday, with crude climbing to a 6.5-month high and gasoline posting a 1-week high. More News from Barchart Mounting geopolitical risks in the Middle East are pushing crude prices sharply higher.   On Thursday, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said that the US military buildup in the Middle East means Iran’s w ...

March WTI crude oil (CLH26) today is up +1.58 (+2.42%), and March RBOB gasoline (RBH26) is up +0.0311 (+1.58%). Crude oil and gasoline prices added to Wednesday’s sharp rally today, with crude climbing to a 6.5-month high and gasoline posting a 1-week high. More News from Barchart Mounting geopolitical risks in the Middle East are pushing crude prices sharply higher.   The United Nations nuclear watchdog said today that the US military buildup in the Middle East means Iran’s window to reach a diplomatic ...