Orezone Gold has announced a bought deal offering to raise C$35m ($24.5m) to fund the development of the stage two hard rock expansion and exploration at the Bomboré Gold Mine in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The company expects to produce 220,000–250,000oz of gold annually by late 2026, with preliminary cost estimates ranging between $90m and $95m for stage two. The expansion is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2025 and will enhance the hard rock plant's throughput.
This significant investment in West Africa's gold sector may serve as a catalyst for increased foreign investment in regional mining projects, potentially driving economic growth and job creation.
How will Orezone's expansion plans at Bomboré Gold Mine impact the global gold market supply dynamics in the next few years?
Gold steadied near $2,910 an ounce after gaining almost 2% last week, driven by investor anxiety about the disruption caused by the Trump administration's trade policies and signs of sustained central-bank buying. The precious metal has surged in the opening quarter of 2025, hitting successive records and gaining every week apart from one, as investors seek safe-haven assets amid rising economic uncertainties. Bullion-backed exchange-traded funds have been attracting inflows for the past six weeks to reach the highest level since December 2023.
The rising concerns about global economic uncertainty are having a profound impact on traditional asset classes like stocks and bonds, forcing investors to seek alternative havens in gold.
What role will the Federal Reserve play in shaping the trajectory of gold prices over the next few months, particularly as it prepares to announce its next policy decision later this month?
Gold had a standout year in 2024, with investors adding to their gold holdings and central banks buying up the metal, despite slowing consumer demand. Rising market uncertainty and geopolitical tensions have made gold a safe-haven asset, driving its price higher. Analysts predict that gold prices could rise further in 2025, driven by optimistic investor sentiment.
The surge in gold demand reflects a growing trend of investors seeking safe-haven assets during times of economic uncertainty, potentially leading to increased investment in other precious metals and cryptocurrencies.
What will be the impact on the global economy if central banks continue to buy large quantities of gold, potentially destabilizing financial markets and leading to higher inflation rates?
China's gold reserves rose to 73.61 million fine troy ounces at the end of February from 73.45 million at the end of January, as the central bank kept buying the precious metal for a fourth straight month, further fueling investor sentiment and supporting the gold price amid rising geopolitical uncertainty and trade tensions with the US. The PBOC's continued purchases are seen as a key factor in underpinning gold prices, but also pose questions about the sustainability of such policies. Central banks' gold buying has been instrumental in driving gold prices up over the past two years.
This uptrend in central bank gold buying highlights the evolving role of monetary policy in shaping precious metal markets, where state-backed purchases can have far-reaching implications for global supply and demand balances.
Will the PBOC's ongoing gold buying effort be enough to shield China's economy from potential downturns triggered by trade tensions with the US and rising domestic debt?
Barrick Gold has been locked in a dispute with the Malian government over its assets, but remains committed to finding a mutually beneficial solution. The company's operations have been temporarily suspended due to a dispute over a new mining code that gives the state a greater share in Barrick's gold-mining complex. Despite efforts to finalize an agreement, progress has been slow.
The prolonged nature of this dispute raises questions about the level of influence government can exert on foreign companies operating within its borders.
How will the resolution of this dispute impact Mali's ability to collect revenue from its natural resources in the long term?
Gold prices are on track for a weekly gain driven by safe-haven demand amid a disappointing U.S. jobs report that indicates slower job growth than anticipated. The report revealed a rise of 151,000 jobs in February, falling short of the expected 160,000, which coupled with a weaker dollar, has bolstered gold's appeal as a safe investment. Despite a slight decline in prices on Friday, the overall market sentiment remains supportive of gold, with expectations of potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts later this year.
The interplay between weaker economic indicators and safe-haven assets like gold highlights a critical moment for investors as they navigate uncertainty in monetary policy and global markets.
What long-term effects could continued safe-haven demand for gold have on its pricing and the broader commodities market?
Gold steadied on Monday as a stronger U.S. dollar countered safe-haven demand amid trade war concerns, while investors looked to inflation data this week for clues on the Federal Reserve's next interest rate decision. Spot gold was at $2,913.09 an ounce at 0946 GMT, while U.S. gold futures firmed 0.2% to $2,920.10. The dollar index held above last week's four-month low, making gold more expensive for holders of other currencies.
A stronger dollar could be a harbinger of economic growth, as increased liquidity and consumer spending often accompany rising interest rates.
What will happen if inflation does indeed rise, as market expectations suggest, and the Fed hikes rates further to combat it?
Gold prices rose significantly after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on Canada and Mexico, prompting swift retaliatory measures from these countries and China. The escalation of the trade war has led to a surge in demand for safe-haven assets like gold, which climbed above $2,915 an ounce as Beijing imposed 15% duties on some American farm goods. Geopolitical tensions have also fueled investor concerns about economic instability.
This significant increase in gold prices may signal a shift in investor sentiment towards more stable assets, potentially reflecting growing anxiety about the ongoing trade war and its implications for global markets.
Will central banks' response to this surge in safe-haven asset demand lead to increased interest rates or monetary policy easing, which could have further far-reaching consequences for financial markets?
The United States is considering potential partnerships with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) regarding its rich mineral resources, including cobalt, lithium, and uranium, amid ongoing regional instability due to M23 rebel activity. A Congolese senator has proposed a minerals-for-security deal, reflecting the DRC's desire to diversify its international partnerships while attracting U.S. investment in its mining sector. The U.S. State Department has expressed openness to discussions, emphasizing the need for responsible and transparent development of the DRC's mineral assets.
This potential partnership highlights the strategic importance of securing critical mineral supplies amidst growing competition, particularly with China's dominance in the sector.
What challenges might arise in establishing a successful partnership between the U.S. and the DRC, considering the complex political and security landscape?
Gold rebounded after its worst week of the year as investors weighed the potential impact of Trump tariffs, with gold futures gaining more than 1.5% on Monday to hover below $2,900. The precious metal's recent move higher comes as President Donald Trump's latest tariff deadline approaches at the end of Monday, with potential new duties starting Tuesday morning on America's top three trading partners. Strategists attribute much of the rally to continued central bank buying and uncertainty over US tariffs.
This surge in gold prices highlights the market's growing reliance on safe-haven assets as investors increasingly view trade tensions and economic uncertainty as major risk factors.
How will a potential escalation of trade tensions between the US and its trading partners affect the global supply chain, particularly for commodities like gold?
Gold prices edged up on Monday, helped by a weaker dollar, while a delay in finding peace in Ukraine and concerns over the U.S. tariff policy fuelled safe-haven demand for the metal. Spot gold added 0.1% to $2,860.25 an ounce by 0750 GMT, while U.S. gold futures rose 0.8%. The dollar index fell 0.3% from a more than two-week high hit in the previous session.
Geopolitical uncertainty, such as the stalled Ukraine peace talks and rising tensions over trade policies, may continue to drive investors towards safe-haven assets like gold, potentially supporting prices in the coming weeks.
As interest rates remain elevated, the allure of gold as a hedge against inflation will likely wane, making its performance more sensitive to changes in monetary policy and economic growth.
Inalum's ambitious investment plan aims to significantly increase its production capacity, with a focus on building an aluminium smelter and a steam power plant. The company expects to reach production targets of 400,000 tonnes per year by 2018 and 500,000 tonnes by 2019, despite the challenges posed by global fluctuations in the aluminium market. This move is expected to bolster Indonesia's position as a major player in the global aluminium industry.
The scale of Inalum's investment plans could have significant implications for Indonesia's economic growth and its ability to diversify away from dependence on commodity exports.
How will the increased production capacity of Indonesian aluminium producers impact the country's energy consumption patterns, particularly with regards to steam power generation?
The world's largest jewelry market in India is driving a surge in gold bets through options on gold futures, with traders and investors seeking to hedge physical holdings or speculate on price movements. The recent record-breaking prices of gold have made options trading more appealing than traditional futures contracts, which are typically cheaper but offer less flexibility. As the Indian market continues to drive demand for gold, analysts are predicting a bullish outlook for the precious metal.
This boom in gold bets may signal a shift in investor sentiment towards safe-haven assets, potentially mirroring broader trends seen during periods of economic uncertainty or geopolitical tensions.
How will the increased focus on gold and precious metals affect India's position as a leading market for luxury goods, and what implications might this have for global trade and economic dynamics?
JP Morgan expects the global deficit in refined copper to grow to 160,000 metric tons in 2026 and forecast copper prices averaging around $11,000 per metric ton next year. The bank predicts a tariff rate of at least 10% on refined copper and copper product imports will be enacted by late in the third quarter, with a significant risk of a higher tariff rate of 25%. This would lead to excess inventory builds in the US and potentially leave the rest of the world shorter of copper.
The growing trade tensions between the US and its trading partners could have far-reaching implications for global supply chains, particularly in industries that rely heavily on copper.
What role will emerging technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy play in driving demand for copper, and how will changing consumption patterns impact the global copper market?
Gold prices declined about 1% on Thursday as investors took profits following a three-day rally, with markets now eyeing U.S. jobs data on Friday for clues on the Federal Reserve's rate path amidst rising global trade worries. Spot gold has gained over 10% so far this year, hitting a record high of $2,956.15 on February 24. Investors are turning to gold as a safe-haven asset when faced with geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
The current bearish price action may signal further downside for gold if prices break below the $2,900, potentially dragging it lower toward $2,880.
How will the market's reaction to the U.S. jobs report on Friday impact investor sentiment towards precious metals in the coming weeks?
A recent report reveals that the United States accounts for nearly half of the world's billionaire wealth, totaling approximately $5.7 trillion, while other regions, particularly India and Africa, are witnessing rapid increases in their billionaire populations. The report highlights the emergence of new billionaires, with India adding 26 in just the past year, and suggests that Africa's demographic advantages and resource wealth may lead to significant growth in its wealthy class. Additionally, the report notes a shift in wealth creation from technology to manufacturing, with a notable presence of female billionaires among the younger demographic.
This evolving landscape of global wealth indicates a potential redistribution of economic power, challenging the long-held dominance of U.S. billionaires and opening new markets for investment and innovation.
How might the rise of billionaires in emerging markets influence global economic policies and investments in the next decade?
Goldman Sachs' forecast for Brent oil prices has come under scrutiny due to the unexpected announcement from OPEC+, which is set to begin increasing oil production in April. The bank had initially predicted a four-month period of increases starting in July, but now sees downside risks due to softer demand and potential tariff escalation. As a result, Goldman Sachs estimates that Brent oil could drop to the low-to-mid $60s by end-2026.
The impact of OPEC+'s production increase on global energy markets will be closely watched, with many analysts wondering whether the rise in supply can keep pace with increasing demand.
How will the ongoing trade tensions and tariffs affect the strategic positioning of major oil-producing countries and their influence over global energy prices?
OPEC's crude production has reached its highest level in over a year, driven by gains from Iraq, Venezuela, and the United Arab Emirates. The organization is planning to revive its supply cuts, but delegates are considering delaying the restart due to faltering consumption in China and increased output from the US, Guyana, and Canada. As OPEC's production increases, the group's discipline has shown signs of weakening.
This surge in oil output could exacerbate the global supply surplus, leading to lower crude prices and reduced revenue for many countries.
How will the OPEC+ coalition balance its desire to restore supplies with the need to support global economic growth and stabilize energy markets?
Canada has announced an extension of its mineral exploration tax credit for an additional two years to bolster investments in the mining sector and provide an alternative capital source to China. This move is aimed at alleviating concerns within the industry regarding capital raising for exploration projects while addressing geopolitical tensions surrounding critical minerals. The extension, expected to inject C$110 million ($76.05 million) into the sector, emphasizes Canada's commitment to securing its position in the North American mining landscape amid potential trade conflicts.
This decision reflects a strategic pivot by Canada to strengthen its mining sector and reduce reliance on Chinese investments, highlighting the increasing importance of domestic resource security in global trade dynamics.
How will the extension of this tax credit influence the long-term sustainability and growth of Canada's mining industry in an evolving geopolitical landscape?
Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:TFPM) stands out among other junior silver mining stocks due to its significant exposure to silver exploration and production, strong market capitalization, and high upside potential. With a growing demand for silver driven by industrial applications such as solar panels and electric vehicles, TFPM is poised to benefit from the increasing interest in non-yielding assets like silver. The company's projected record high demand of over 700 million ounces by industry in 2025 further solidifies its position among top junior mining stocks.
This trend highlights the importance of understanding market dynamics in the precious metals sector, particularly for companies with exposure to silver exploration and production.
As investors seek alternative assets due to economic uncertainty and monetary policy changes, how will TFPM's performance be impacted by shifting investor sentiment towards silver-rich stocks?
The U.S. Department of Energy has extended the permit for liquefied natural gas exports from the Golden Pass LNG project, a joint venture between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil, allowing exports to commence by March 31, 2027. This $10 billion project, under construction in Texas, aims to begin producing LNG by late 2025 and will become the ninth-largest export terminal in the U.S. once operational, reflecting the growing demand for LNG in Asia and Europe amidst geopolitical shifts in energy supply.
This extension highlights the U.S. government's strategic commitment to enhancing its role as a leading LNG exporter, particularly in response to evolving global energy needs and market dynamics.
How will the expansion of U.S. LNG exports influence global energy prices and the geopolitical landscape in the coming years?
Arm Holdings Plc has entered a decade-long agreement with Malaysia to provide essential chip designs and technology, aiming to elevate the nation from mere chip assembly to advanced semiconductor production. The Malaysian government plans to invest $250 million in this partnership to foster local chip design capabilities and achieve ambitious semiconductor export targets of 1.2 trillion ringgit by 2030. This initiative is expected to significantly boost Malaysia's GDP and establish a robust tech ecosystem centered around homegrown chipmakers.
This collaboration highlights Malaysia's strategic pivot towards self-sufficiency in semiconductor production amidst global supply chain shifts, positioning the country as a potential leader in the Southeast Asian tech landscape.
How will Malaysia's accelerated chip development impact its competitive edge in the global semiconductor market and influence regional partnerships?
Rubean AG, a fintech company specializing in software point-of-sale solutions, is projected to reach breakeven in 2026 after reporting a loss of €1.6 million for the last financial year. Analysts predict that Rubean will need to achieve an average annual growth rate of 49% to turn a profit, highlighting investor confidence in the company's future despite its current cash-burning status. The absence of debt on Rubean's balance sheet reduces investment risk, offering a favorable outlook as it navigates its path to profitability.
This scenario exemplifies the growing trend of fintech companies leveraging equity investment to sustain growth while minimizing financial risk, potentially reshaping investor expectations in the sector.
What factors could influence Rubean's growth trajectory and its ability to meet the ambitious targets set by analysts?
Aura Minerals Inc.'s upcoming ex-dividend date prompts investors to make a swift decision, as they must purchase shares before the record date to receive the dividend payment on March 14th. The company's trailing yield of 3.8% and recent payout ratio of 102% may indicate financial strain, raising concerns about its ability to sustain the dividend. However, Aura Minerals' dividend history shows a total distribution of US$0.70 per share last year, indicating a substantial payout.
Investors seeking long-term growth through dividend payments should carefully consider the sustainability of such yields, particularly for companies with declining earnings and high payout ratios.
Can Aura Minerals Inc.'s management team successfully address its financial challenges and maintain the dividend despite projected continued losses?
Gold prices have risen after a sharp correction, as investors weigh the economic outlook amid US President Donald Trump's plans to implement import levies against key trade partners. The precious metal's value is boosted by concerns over a potentially cooling US economy and the implications of Trump's tariffs on inflation. As the Federal Reserve considers rate cuts in response to economic uncertainty, gold's haven status is reinforced.
The rising price of gold can be seen as a reflection of market anxiety about the potential consequences of Trump's trade policies on global economic growth, highlighting the need for investors to diversify their portfolios in uncertain times.
What role will gold play in the event of a stagflationary scenario, where economic slowdowns are coupled with rising inflation pressures, and how might this impact investor sentiment towards other asset classes?
Saudi Aramco is in the early stages of considering a potential bid for BP's lubricant business Castrol, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The Saudi oil giant's interest comes as BP reviews its Castrol business, aiming to generate $20 billion in divestments by 2027. A successful acquisition could help Aramco expand its presence in the global lubricants market.
This potential deal highlights the growing importance of strategic partnerships and M&A activity among large energy companies seeking to diversify their portfolios.
How will Saudi Aramco's ownership structure for Castrol impact the competition dynamics between other major players in the global lubricants market?