Insights
Sprott Insights offers unique analyses and perspectives from the firm’s leading experts on key topics in precious metals and critical materials.
Sprott Critical Materials Monthly
Batteries and Minerals Driving Global Electrification
Batteries and energy storage continue to underpin electrification trends, solidifying their role as a cornerstone in the global shift toward sustainable energy. Support is being strengthened by strategic investments from governments and corporations, and resilient demand for critical minerals like lithium, copper and nickel.
Sprott Q3 Precious Metals Report
Gold and Silver Enjoy Continued Rally
Gold and silver prices surged in Q3 2024, driven by central bank buying and macroeconomic factors. While gold experienced a historic price increase, silver's price was influenced by both its precious metal value and industrial demand. YTD through September 30, gold is up 27.71% and silver has gained 30.95%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.