Gold (GC=F) futures opened at $4,633.70 per troy ounce on Tuesday, 0.8% higher than Friday’s closing price of $4,595.40. In early trading, the price of gold rose more than 2% to eclipse $4,700 per ounce for the first time. This latest gold surge follows President Trump’s weekend threats of new tariffs on eight countries unless they support a U.S. purchase of Greenland. In a Truth Social post, Trump characterized an acquisition of Greenland as imperative to U.S. national security. Greenland is an autonom ...

Core Viewpoint - Gold stocks are experiencing a significant increase as the price of gold reaches a new all-time high of nearly $4,700 [1] Group 1: Gold Price Movement - Spot gold prices have rebounded dramatically, contributing to the rise in gold stocks [1]

Gold is back on every screen again, and that is because record prices tend to concentrate attention. Futures tied to the main Gold COMEX contract (GCG26) are trading around the $4,600 mark after an extraordinary run in late 2025 and early 2026. Meanwhile, the broader precious metals sector just logged the strongest performance across the commodities complex last year. www.barchart.com That kind of move is not happening in isolation, with central banks steadily adding bullion to reserves, major banks open ...

Core Viewpoint - The gold market is experiencing a significant bull run, with international gold prices rising over 70% in the past year, marking the largest increase since 1979, and domestic gold jewelry prices also surging [1][2]. Group 1: Upstream Mining Companies - In 2025, gold mining companies are witnessing substantial revenue and net profit growth, with Zijin Mining leading with revenue of 254.2 billion and net profit of 37.864 billion [2]. - Other notable companies include Shandong Gold with revenue of 83.783 billion and net profit of 3.956 billion, and Zhongjin Gold with revenue of 53.976 billion and net profit of 3.679 billion [2]. - The profit growth of mining companies is significantly outpacing revenue growth, indicating a "scissors gap" effect where cost increases are lower than gold price increases [2]. Group 2: Central Bank Purchases - Multiple factors are driving the continued rise in gold prices, including geopolitical risks, global de-dollarization narratives, and central bank purchases [3]. - As of December 2025, China's gold reserves reached 2306.32 tons, with the People's Bank of China increasing its holdings for 14 consecutive months [3]. Group 3: Downstream Jewelry Brands - In contrast to the booming upstream sector, downstream gold jewelry brands are facing challenges, with significant revenue declines reported in 2025 [6]. - For instance, Chow Tai Fook's revenue dropped to 89.66 billion HKD, a decrease of 17.53% year-on-year, while Chow Sang Sang's revenue fell by 15.34% [6]. - The decline in performance is attributed to high gold prices and macroeconomic uncertainties affecting retail consumption [6]. Group 4: Store Closures and Market Dynamics - A wave of store closures is impacting jewelry brands, with Chow Tai Fook closing 606 stores and Chow Sang Sang reducing its franchise stores by 380 [7]. - Despite the overall downturn, some brands like Lao Pu Gold and Chao Hong Ji are experiencing growth, with Lao Pu Gold's revenue increasing by 250.95% [8]. - The success of these brands reflects a structural shift in the industry towards differentiated products and branding strategies [8][9]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The gold bull market is expected to continue, but volatility is anticipated, particularly for jewelry companies that must innovate to meet consumer demands [11]. - Analysts suggest that while gold prices may not rise as sharply in 2026, the long-term outlook remains positive due to ongoing central bank purchases and the need to hedge against declining dollar credit [10][11].

Core Insights - The presentation outlines the top 10 stock picks for 2026, emphasizing strong performance in previous years and the potential for continued growth in the current market environment [10][99]. Market Overview - The financial markets experienced significant volatility in 2025, with technology stocks rising by 25% and communication services by 22%, while consumer staples finished in the red [13][12]. - The S&P 500 saw a decline of nearly 20% at one point, with the top stocks for 2025 down more than 20% before rebounding to finish up close to 45% [14][23]. - Gold reached historic highs during this period, driven by global economic uncertainties and increased central bank purchases [15]. AI and Technology Sector - The AI sector played a crucial role in market dynamics, with the "Mag 7" stocks trading at a forward P/E of 31x compared to the S&P 493 at 22x, indicating a significant premium for AI-driven companies [16][17]. - Hyperscalers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have increased their capital expenditures on AI infrastructure, raising concerns about the return on investment for these projects [18]. Stock Performance and Recommendations - Micron Technology (MU) is highlighted as a top pick with a market cap of $355 billion, showing a 254% increase over the past year and strong growth metrics [40][41]. - Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has a market cap of $363 billion and a one-year return of 70%, with improved valuation metrics [52][53]. - Ciena Corporation (CIEN) has a market cap of $34 billion and a one-year return of 166%, with strong analyst revisions indicating positive sentiment [58][59]. - Celestica (CLS) and Coherent (COHR) are also noted for their strong growth and profitability metrics, with significant year-over-year returns [65][69]. Financial Sector Insights - Allstate Corporation (ALL) has a market cap of $53 billion and is focusing on AI underwriting, showing strong EPS growth of 99% year-over-year compared to the financial sector's 14% [72][76]. - Incyte Corporation (INCY) is recognized for its positive earnings and diverse pipeline in biotechnology, with a market cap of $19 billion [81][84]. Mining and Industrial Sector - Barrick Mining Corporation (B) has a market cap of $16 billion and is diversifying into copper, with a forward EPS growth rate of 46% [86][90]. - Willdan Group (WLDN) has a market cap of $1.57 billion and shows strong growth metrics, with a 61% EPS diluted growth rate [91][94]. - ATI has a market cap of $16 billion and is noted for its profitability improvements and strong analyst revisions [95][98].

Core Insights - The presentation outlines the top 10 stock picks for 2026, emphasizing strong performance in previous years and the potential for continued growth in the current market environment [10][99]. Market Overview - The financial markets experienced significant volatility in 2025, with technology stocks rising by 25% and communication services by 22%, while consumer staples finished in the red [13][12]. - A notable correction occurred from February to April 2025, where top stocks were down more than 20% at one point but rebounded to finish up close to 45% for the year [14][23]. - Gold reached historic highs during this period, indicating a safe haven for investors amid market corrections [15]. AI and Technology Sector - The AI frenzy significantly influenced market dynamics, with the "Mag 7" stocks trading at a forward P/E of 31x compared to the S&P 493 at 22x, indicating a premium for AI-driven companies [16][17]. - Hyperscalers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have increased their capital expenditures on AI infrastructure, raising concerns about the return on investment [18]. - The market saw a sharp decline in late January 2025 due to fears of overvaluation in AI stocks, leading to significant drops in major indices [22][29]. Stock Performance - The top 10 stocks for 2025 achieved a 45.68% return, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which was up 17.6% [37]. - Historical performance shows that holding the top stocks from 2023 to 2025 would have yielded a 187% return compared to the S&P 500's 85% [39]. Top Stock Picks for 2026 - **Micron Technology (MU)**: Market cap of $355 billion, ranked 1 in the IT sector, with a one-year return of 254% and strong growth metrics [40][41]. - **Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)**: Market cap of $363 billion, ranked 17 in IT, with a one-year return of 70% and improving valuation metrics [52][53]. - **Ciena Corporation (CIEN)**: Market cap of $34 billion, ranked 3 in IT, with a one-year return of 166% and strong analyst revisions [58][59]. - **Celestica (CLS)**: Market cap of $34 billion, ranked 5 in IT, with a one-year return of 191% and strong growth indicators [65][66]. - **Coherent (COHR)**: Market cap of $33 billion, ranked 8 in IT, with strong growth metrics and a history of consistent earnings beats [69][70]. - **Allstate Corporation (ALL)**: Market cap of $53 billion, ranked 15 in financials, with strong EPS growth and undervalued compared to the sector [72][75]. - **Incyte Corporation (INCY)**: Market cap of $19 billion, ranked 19 in healthcare, with a one-year return of 42% and strong growth potential [81][84]. - **Barrick Mining Corporation (B)**: Market cap of $X billion, ranked 4 in materials, with a one-year return of 186% and strong cash flow [86][90]. - **Willdan Group (WLDN)**: Market cap of $1.57 billion, ranked 5 in industrials, with a one-year return of 190% and strong growth metrics [91][94]. - **ATI (ATI)**: Market cap of $16 billion, ranked 4 in industrials, with a one-year return of 114% and improving profitability [95][98]. Growth Metrics - The average forward revenue growth rate for the top 10 stocks is 20%, with an average EPS growth rate of 73%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 6% revenue growth and 10% EPS growth [100].

Group 1 - The article discusses various investment alternatives for gaining exposure to precious metals, particularly gold, in the stock market [1] - Options include purchasing an index fund that mirrors the price of an ounce of gold or engaging in speculative trading [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that gold is expected to outperform all other major sub-asset classes in 2024 and 2025 according to Bank of America Global Research [1] Group 2 - The article highlights the growing interest in AI, but emphasizes that gold trading remains more favorable in terms of performance [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses the valuation of gold, suggesting a price of $39,000 per ounce and a total market capitalization of $184 billion for gold-backed monetary systems [1][2]. Group 1 - The proposed gold price of $39,000 per ounce indicates a significant potential increase in value compared to current market prices [1][2]. - The total market capitalization of gold-backed monetary systems is estimated at $184 billion, highlighting the scale of investment in gold as a financial asset [1][2].

By Chris Flood The price of gold slipped back on Tuesday after surging to a fresh all-time high on Monday following the launch of an unprecedented criminal investigation into the head of the Federal R... ...