With gold prices experiencing fluctuations due to macroeconomic tensions and legal issues hindering mining projects, investors are favoring an equal-weighted long position in royalty and streaming companies like Wheaton Precious Metals and Franco-Nevada over traditional miners. This strategic pivot underscores a growing concern for project execution risk, as litigation and permitting delays limit production growth while macroeconomic factors keep gold prices buoyant. As gold approaches critical price levels, tactical plays such as call spreads on GLD are being advised to capture potential upside without direct mining exposure.
“The list is topped by Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) and Newmont Corporation (NEM), both sharing the highest growth grade of A-. These two companies represent the leading growth prospects within the top Materials holdings, with both also earning Strong Buy quant ratings.”
“Newmont Corporation NEM logged a record quarterly free cash flow in the fourth quarter of 2025, underscoring its operational efficiency and the strength of its portfolio. Its free cash flow nearly doubled year over year to a record $2.8 billion in the fourth quarter and surged two-and-a-half-fold year over year to a record $7.3 billion...”