Group 1 - Gold prices are approaching a new record, with UBS analysts raising their target price for gold to $3,900 per ounce from $3,700 per ounce in mid-2026 [1] - As of early Friday, gold was priced at $3,684.40 per ounce, surpassing the previous high set earlier in the week [1] - The recent surge in gold prices is attributed to expectations of the Federal Reserve restarting its easing cycle due to weak jobs data, forecasts for broad US dollar weakness, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties [2]

Group 1 - Gold prices have advanced, nearing record levels as traders anticipate US inflation data and potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [1][2] - Bullion has increased by 0.6% to approximately $3,650 per ounce, following a significant downward revision of payroll worker numbers by 911,000 [2] - Central banks have shown a strong appetite for gold, with notable increases in gold holdings reported by the Czech authorities and the People's Bank of China [7] Group 2 - Gold has rallied nearly 40% this year, driven by central bank purchases, geopolitical uncertainties, and concerns over US tariffs impacting the global economy [4] - Analysts from ANZ Group Holdings have raised their year-end gold price forecast by $200 to $3,800, citing expected growth in gold holdings in major markets like China and India [5] - The ongoing influence of geopolitical events, including President Trump's tariff discussions and military actions in the Middle East, has contributed to gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset [3][6]

Core Insights - SSR Mining Inc. (SSRM) stock reached a 52-week high of $13.48, closing at $13.45, driven by the restart of Seabee mine operations and high gold and silver prices [1][5] - Year-to-date, SSRM shares have increased by 45.1%, outperforming the industry growth of 21% and the Zacks Basic Materials sector and S&P 500 gains of 22.7% and 25%, respectively [1][5] Performance Comparison - SSR Mining has outperformed peers such as Pan American Silver (PAAS), Hecla Mining (HL), and IAMGOLD (IAG), which have year-to-date gains of 35.2%, 30.8%, and 29.1%, respectively [2] Growth Drivers - The current silver price is approximately $36.80 per ounce, near a 13-year high, influenced by U.S. trade policy changes and geopolitical uncertainties, with both silver and gold prices up 27% year-to-date [9] - The silver market is projected to face a deficit of 117.6 million ounces in 2025, marking the fifth consecutive year of deficit, which is favorable for silver prices [10] - Gold prices are expected to rise due to increased central bank purchases and ongoing geopolitical tensions [12] Operational Updates - Seabee mine operations resumed on June 13, 2025, after a two-week suspension due to power outages, with no reported damage [12] - In Q1 2025, Seabee produced 26,001 ounces of gold, a 9.4% year-over-year increase, with expectations of 70,000-80,000 ounces for the full year [13] - The cost of sales for Seabee is projected at $1,230-$1,270 per payable ounce, with an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $1,710-$1,750 per payable ounce for 2025 [13] Strategic Acquisitions - SSR Mining acquired the Cripple Creek & Victor (CC&V) mine on March 3, 2025, enhancing its U.S. presence and adding approximately 170,000 ounces to annual gold output [14][15] - The acquisition is expected to positively impact key per-share metrics, including NAV, gold production, mineral reserves, and free cash flow [15] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SSR Mining's earnings for 2025 and 2026 has increased by 52.4% and 16%, respectively, over the past 60 days [16] - The consensus estimate for 2025 earnings is $1.25 per share, indicating a year-over-year increase of 346%, while the estimate for 2026 is $2.02 per share, reflecting a 62% increase [18] Valuation Metrics - SSR Mining is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings multiple of 8.16X, which is below the industry average of 14.44X and cheaper than IAMGOLD at 8.31X [19][20] Long-Term Growth Outlook - SSR Mining has a diversified portfolio with expected gold production at Marigold to exceed 270,000 ounces annually by 2027, with an 18% CAGR from 2024 [21] - Seabee's production is anticipated to average 75,000 ounces annually from 2024 to 2028, with ongoing exploration and resource development to extend mine life [22] Investment Consideration - The strategic acquisition of the CC&V Mine, combined with strong asset performance and rising gold and silver prices, positions SSR Mining favorably for growth, supported by an attractive valuation and upward earnings estimate revisions [25]

Market Trends & Trade - S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit all-time highs despite weak ADP jobs report, driven by progress on the trade front [1] - Investors are closely monitoring macro themes like trade and monetary policy [2] - A trade framework with Vietnam was announced, but the 20% tariff is higher than the 10% baseline, potentially underwhelming the market if other deals follow suit [3][9] - The consensus view is that investors are more worried about deals not happening than excited about avoiding market-tanking tariffs [9] - July 9th and August 12th are potential trigger dates for tariff-related issues, suggesting ongoing trade tensions [12][13] Portfolio Strategy & Outlook - Wells Fargo Investment Institute is focusing on quality, trimming back on consumer discretionary and industrial sectors [5] - Clients are holding cash in anticipation of a pullback or circulating it into sectors like technology [6] - The market's breadth has been poor, suggesting a potential pullback is coming relatively soon [6][7] - The institute recommends sticking with quality bonds (3-7 year intermediate part of the curve) and large-cap U S stocks (S&P 500), also U S Mid caps, while being underexposed to emerging markets and developed international markets [7] - Investors may be hesitant to hold large, long positions going into the long weekend, potentially leading to some liquidation [11][12]