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Sprott Insights offers unique analyses and perspectives from the firm’s leading experts on key topics in precious metals and critical materials.

U.S. Electricity Grid Remakes Itself to Meet Surging AI-Led Power Demand

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

U.S. Electricity Grid Remakes Itself to Meet Surging AI-Led Power Demand

Demand for electricity over the next decade will put pressure on the U.S. power grid to keep pace. New investment in power-hungry industrial facilities is driving demand, especially the data centers that support artificial intelligence (AI), U.S. reshoring initiatives and the steady electrification of the transport sector.

An Investor's Guide to Precious Metals and Critical Materials

Webcast Replay

An Investor's Guide to Precious Metals and Critical Materials

2024 has been an exciting year thus far for precious metals and critical materials. This webcast takes a technical perspective on the key drivers for gold, silver, uranium and copper, as all four metals enjoy positive markets. We also provide strategic portfolio allocation ideas for precious metals and critical materials.

Gold Tops $2,500: A Technical View

Special Report

Gold Tops $2,500: A Technical View

Gold has surged above the psychological $2,500 level, driven by factors not easily explained by traditional market variables, suggesting possible central bank or sovereign activity rather than usual market dynamics.

The Unstoppable Rise of Renewable Energy

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

The Unstoppable Rise of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is rapidly replacing fossil fuels as costs decrease and efficiencies improve with increased deployment, making it much cheaper than traditional energy sources. This shift, driven by the exponential growth of renewables, electrification, and efficiency, is expected to significantly alter global power dynamics as fossil fuels are phased out.

Gold’s Record-Setting Quarter and Silver’s Resurgence

Sprott Q2 Precious Metals Report

Gold’s Record-Setting Quarter and Silver’s Resurgence

Gold gained 12.79% YTD by June 30, supported by central bank buying. Silver closed Q2 at $29.14, boosted by gold's breakout and global monetary expansion.

Fourth Industrial Revolution Fuels Global Competition for Critical Minerals

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

Fourth Industrial Revolution Fuels Global Competition for Critical Minerals

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is driving unprecedented change. Its dominated by AI, robotics, IoT, genetic engineering and quantum computing. 4IR technologies need critical minerals, fueling a new commodity supercycle.

A New Copper Supercycle Is Emerging

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

A New Copper Supercycle Is Emerging

The copper market is entering a new supercycle. Demand is surging as countries invest in clean energy and protect their access to copper, while supply is constrained by a lack of new mine development.

AI's Critical Impact on Electricity and Energy Demand

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

AI's Critical Impact on Electricity and Energy Demand

The rise of AI and data centers will boost global electricity demand, challenging power grids but benefiting clean energy sources like nuclear. This trend will also increase demand for copper.

Battery Storage Is the Technological Cornerstone for a Sustainable Energy Future

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

Battery Storage Is the Technological Cornerstone for a Sustainable Energy Future

The energy sector has experienced a remarkable transformation, primarily driven by the rapid growth and integration of renewable energy sources. Central to this transition is the advancement of battery storage technology.

Gold Is on the Rise and Reaches All-Time High

Sprott Q1 Precious Metals Report

Gold Is on the Rise and Reaches All-Time High

Gold reached an all-time closing high and is up 8.09% YTD (as of 3/31/2024) after rising 13.10% in 2023. We believe several factors are in place for gold to move higher, such as strong central bank buying. 

Global Investment Pours into Renewable Energy

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

Global Investment Pours into Renewable Energy

February was lackluster for critical materials, but the backdrop remains very positive. The global commitment to clean energy hit a new milestone in 2023 as investment surged to an unprecedented $1.77 trillion.

The Emerging Renewable Energy Economy

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

The Emerging Renewable Energy Economy

The era of renewable energy is emerging and beginning to reshape power generation. Recent trends suggest that this is a fundamental transformation powered by the fall in renewable energy costs. 

Top 10 Themes for 2024

Special Report

Top 10 Themes for 2024

What forces are likely to drive energy transition materials and precious metals markets in 2024 and over the next decade? We discuss 10 critical macroeconomic and market-specific themes.

Lithium-Ion Technology Solidifies Lead in EV Battery Stakes

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

Lithium-Ion Technology Solidifies Lead in EV Battery Stakes

The long-term trajectory for EVs is positive despite the recent slowdown. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the preferred battery technology for EVs, thanks to their superior technical properties.

Gold’s Bold Move to New Closing High

Sprott Special Report

Gold’s Bold Move to New Closing High

On Friday, December 1, 2023, spot gold bullion registered an all-time high closing price of $2,072.22, surpassing the prior closing high of $2,063.54 reached on August 6, 2023.

Energy Security and the Shifting Focus from Oil to Critical Minerals

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

Energy Security and the Shifting Focus from Oil to Critical Minerals

As the U.S. advances in its pursuit of clean energy, it is strategically redirecting its energy security emphasis from oil to critical minerals, and diminish the influence of oil geopolitics and petrostates such as Russia.

Central Banks Support Gold & Solar PV Demand Buoys Silver

Sprott Q3 Precious Metals Report

Central Banks Support Gold & Solar PV Demand Buoys Silver

Gold demand from sovereigns and central banks remains unwavering. Over the past decade, China has been committed to bolstering its gold reserves to enhance its economic and geopolitical standings. 

Silver Demand Grows as Solar Leads Renewables

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

Silver Demand Grows as Solar Leads Renewables

Uranium's performance helped the energy transition complex close higher in September. From a macro outlook, solar panels are emerging as a critical player in the global energy transition. 

U.S. Taking Center Stage in Cleantech Investment

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

U.S. Taking Center Stage in Cleantech Investment

Uranium had a strong August, contrasting with the decline of most energy transition metals due to China's economic troubles. The investment capital spurred by the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is turning the U.S. into a cleantech powerhouse.

Growing Urgency to Modernize U.S. Power Grid

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

Growing Urgency to Modernize U.S. Power Grid

The U.S. power grid desperately needs modernization. This is driving the development of energy storage systems and V2G (vehicle-to-grid) technology and is a major copper demand driver. 

Central Banks Flex Gold Market Muscle

Sprott Q2 Precious Metals Report

Central Banks Flex Gold Market Muscle

Central banks and investment funds were the main players shaping the gold market in the first half of the year. Gold is reverting to its historical role as a significant reserve asset as central banks seek to diversify amid geopolitical uncertainties.

EV Battery Independence and the New U.S. Manufacturing Supercycle

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

EV Battery Independence and the New U.S. Manufacturing Supercycle

Energy transition metals miners posted strong results in June, with uranium mining equities leading the group. The U.S. is entering the early stages of a manufacturing supercycle driven by massive energy transition investment.

Geopolitical Risks Enhance Gold’s Role as a Reserve Asset

Sprott Precious Metals Report

Geopolitical Risks Enhance Gold’s Role as a Reserve Asset

Gold attempted to breakout above $2,050 in early May before drifting lower as the U.S. debt-ceiling drama deepened and the U.S. dollar strengthened. At the same time, global central banks have been accumulating gold at a record pace. 

The West Moves to Weaken China's Hold

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

The West Moves to Weaken China's Hold

Lithium and lithium miners staged a sharp rebound rally in May and were the positive exception among critical minerals. The sector was weighed down by China's faltering recovery, ongoing global growth concerns and the U.S. debt ceiling drama. 

Gold Rides Higher on Recession Fears

Sprott Precious Metals Report

Gold Rides Higher on Recession Fears

The gold market continues to be bullish as the probability of a recession rises, regional banking stress resurfaces and the Fed seems determined " get inflation down to 2%, over time".

Nationalization and Surging M&A Highlight Secular Strength

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

Nationalization and Surging M&A Highlight Secular Strength

The long-term secular growth outlook for energy transition materials got several boosts in April. Chile's decision to nationalize its lithium reserves reinforces the metal's role as a global strategic economic asset. 

How Deglobalization is Changing the Dynamics of Securing Critical Minerals

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

How Deglobalization is Changing the Dynamics of Securing Critical Minerals

As deglobalization accelerates, unfettered access to critical minerals is not likely to last. The old system of free and fair access to commodities, including critical minerals, is moving toward one marked by interregional competition, and unstable availability and pricing.

Gold Bulls Run Faster as Fed Tackles Banking Crisis

Sprott Precious Metals Report

Gold Bulls Run Faster as Fed Tackles Banking Crisis

Gold posted a solid Q1 2023 gain of 7.96%, and is now up 21.38% from last autumn's low (9/26/22) following the most aggressive central bank purchases in decades and gold investment flows catalyzed by the U.S. banking crisis. 

Has the Next Commodities Supercycle Begun?

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

Has the Next Commodities Supercycle Begun?

As the global energy transition "arms race" heats up, the drive to secure supply is fast becoming more important than price. All signs indicate the 40-year bond bull market has likely ended and the next great secular bull market in commodities has begun.

First Gold Dip  Since Central Bank Buying Spree

Sprott Precious Metals Report

First Gold Dip Since Central Bank Buying Spree

Gold fell in February, closing the month at $1,827 in a correction characterized by a stall in buying, but not selling. Global central banks have been buying gold at record rates; more than three times their long-term averages.

Critical Materials Start 2023 With a Bang

Sprott Critical Materials Monthly

Critical Materials Start 2023 With a Bang

We believe we are in the early stages of an energy transition materials secular bull market and favorable supply-demand dynamics are likely going forward. The upward revision in global growth, the timing effect of the China credit impulse and the surprise ending of China's zero-COVID policy have provided a tailwind for the metals market. 

Strong China Demand Boosts Gold Rally

Sprott Precious Metals Report

Strong China Demand Boosts Gold Rally

January was another positive month for gold bullion. We saw strong gold buying from China, with estimated tonnes purchased at the highest level since 2017.

2023 Top 10 Watch List

Sprott Precious Metals Report

2023 Top 10 Watch List

This year’s top 10 list offers Sprott’s thoughts on what will likely drive markets in the coming year and decade, from a macro perspective and the vantage of our asset classes: Precious Metals and Energy Transition Materials. 

Gold Higher After Peak Fed Hawkishness

Sprott Precious Metals Report

Gold Higher After Peak Fed Hawkishness

Gold and gold mining equities posted strong results in November, up 8.26% and 16.79%, respectively. Silver gained 15.81%. Risk assets were catalyzed higher by the Fed's signal that it would slow the pace of rate hikes.

Looking Ahead to Metals and Miners

Sprott Webcast Replay

Looking Ahead to Metals and Miners

2022 has been a difficult year for many asset classes. Markets were historically volatile, with higher-than-expected inflation, quickly rising interest rates, the Russia-Ukraine war and the threat of a global economic recession. 

Fed Pivot FOMO and Financial Instability

Sprott Precious Metals Report

Fed Pivot FOMO and Financial Instability

The tough year continued in October for many asset classes, including gold and other precious metals. Gold demand, however, was strong in Q3 2022 as long-term investors took advantage of lower prices to build positions.

Things are Breaking

Sprott Precious Metals Report

Things are Breaking

Since Q2 2020, gold has held above $1,700 but in mid-September, a significant risk-off wave occurred, breaking nearly every risk asset lower. The primary causes were higher than expected inflation data forcing yields (especially real yields) and the USD higher, two important gold drivers.

Signs of Capitulation Everywhere

Sprott Precious Metals Report

Signs of Capitulation Everywhere

July was another difficult month for most asset categories and was characterized by selling capitulation into exhaustion. Much more aggressive Fed rate hike expectations relative to other global central banks were a significant cause of U.S. dollar (USD) strength and rising real yields, which adversely affected gold.

Gold Holds in Worst First Half in Decades

Sprott Monthly Report

Gold Holds in Worst First Half in Decades

Gold continued to perform as a safe haven store of value in what has been one of the most challenging six-month periods for markets in decades. Gold has managed to stay above the $1,800 support level despite the broader market carnage.

Gold, Steady in its Purpose

Sprott Monthly Report

Gold, Steady in its Purpose

May saw selling across most asset classes and scant appetite for safe haven assets such as gold. However, gold bullion has outperformed many other asset classes YTD and continues to do its job. 

April Pressures Risk Assets

Sprott Gold Report

April Pressures Risk Assets

Gold held in ETFs has increased sharply this year as the safe-haven flight continues. April was tough on many investment sectors, with the S&P 500 Index down 8.80%, the Nasdaq Composite Index declining 13.37% and U.S. Treasury bonds falling 3.10%.

Gold Investment Demand Returns

Sprott Monthly Report

Gold Investment Demand Returns

Gold posted its all-time highest quarterly close on March 31, 2022, ending a volatile month that helped gold climb above $2,070 on March 8. While gold may have climbed back to its highs on safe-haven flows, other positive gold supports are definitely in play.

Gold Bullion Breaks Out on Safe-Haven Flight

Interview

Gold Bullion Breaks Out on Safe-Haven Flight

"The Russian-Ukraine conflict is probably one of the biggest macro drivers in the marketplace... Before Russia-Ukraine, the gold market had started shaking off the hawkish Fed rhetoric. Russia-Ukraine has just amplified gold's value as a safe haven asset."

Gold Bullion Breaks Out on Safe-Haven Flight

Sprott Monthly Report

Gold Bullion Breaks Out on Safe-Haven Flight

Gold bullion is up 4.36% YTD through February 28, 2022, and silver bullion has increased 4.90%. Gold mining equities rallied. Investors sought safe-haven assets given the heightened concerns over rising interest rates and the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Fed Applies Hawkish Shock Treatment

Sprott Monthly Report

Fed Applies Hawkish Shock Treatment

Gold reached a high of $1,848 in January, but slid following the Fed's exceptionally hawkish statements at the January FOMC meeting. Market risks are rising and we believe that gold, as it did in 2018, is likely to stage a breakout given its safe haven characteristics.

2022 Top 10 Watch List

Sprott Monthly Report

2022 Top 10 Watch List

Based on historic patterns, gold's lengthy consolidation indicates that prices have the potential to rally sharply and quickly in the coming year. We explain why in our List of Top 10 things to watch for gold investors. 

Investment Risks and Important Disclosure

Relative to other sectors, precious metals and natural resources investments have higher headline risk and are more sensitive to changes in economic data, political or regulatory events, and underlying commodity price fluctuations.  Risks related to extraction, storage and liquidity should also be considered.

Gold and precious metals are referred to with terms of art like store of value, safe haven and safe asset. These terms should not be construed to guarantee any form of investment safety. While “safe” assets like gold, Treasuries, money market funds and cash generally do not carry a high risk of loss relative to other asset classes, any asset may lose value, which may involve the complete loss of invested principal.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. You cannot invest directly in an index. Investments, commentary, and opinions are unique and may not be reflective of any other Sprott entity or affiliate. Forward-looking language should not be construed as predictive.  While third-party sources are believed to be reliable, Sprott makes no guarantee as to their accuracy or timeliness. This information does not constitute an offer or solicitation and may not be relied upon or considered to be the rendering of tax, legal, accounting or professional advice. 

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