Can Gold Outperform the Slumping TSX?

Trade tensions are rattling markets, but investors should not be flocking to Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) and other gold equities just yet.

| More on:

Gold prices moved down on April 5 after it appeared that trade tensions between China and the United States would subsist on comments from chief economic advisor Larry Kudlow. Both countries have made it known that they are willing to negotiate rather than resort to a full-blown trade war. Canadian and U.S. indexes finished the day in the black, but the optimism appears to have been short-lived.

On the evening of April 5, President Donald Trump sought to apply further tariffs on Chinese goods, the value of which was reportedly close to $100 billion. The bulk of these tariffs will focus on Chinese industrial technology and machinery. This sent U.S. futures tumbling. The spot price of gold inched up in late night and early morning hours.

Analysts have gone back and forth in recent weeks in trying to decipher the direction of the Trump White House. In many cases, this White House has taken a hardline stance, only to ease on its policy after revision. The recent steel and aluminum tariffs are a prime example, as the Trump administration initially telegraphed that it would not allow any exemptions for allies. In the following days, the administration backed down and allowed exemptions for Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

The S&P/TSX Index has fallen over 5% in 2018 as of close on April 5. A recent report showed that the TSX was the 77th worst performing index out of 93 global exchanges in the first quarter. The spot price of gold has inched up marginally in 2018, but performance for gold equities has been scattered. Should investors bet on the safe haven in the spring?

Yamana Gold Inc. (TSX:YRI)(NYSE:AUY) has dropped 12.7% in 2018 as of close on April 5. Shares actually reached above the $4.50 mark in late January before it was battered due to the global stock market sell-off in early February. Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) has climbed 11.5% in 2018 so far, and the stock is up 7.9% month over month. Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (TSX:WPM)(NYSE:WPM) has dropped 6.2% in 2018 but is up 2.9% month over month.

Stephen Letwin, CEO at Iamgold Corp., predicted that gold prices would climb due to lack of exploration in the industry and the absence of replacement production. Gold mines increased production in 2017, and some analysts expect that the peak was reached last year. Some gold bulls see the safe haven reaching as high as $1,500 on lower production and geopolitical fears in 2018.

Should you bet on gold over the TSX in April?

Despite the sluggish performance from the TSX thus far, it is difficult to bet on gold right now. The spot price has established a ceiling around the $1,350-1,360 range, and it is anyone’s guess whether or not a breakthrough will be achieved in the near future. Choppy market conditions could result in an altering of central bank policy, but for now policymakers in the U.S. have remained steadfast in their intention to hold several more rate hikes in 2018. This is likely to cap gold’s potential going forward.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Ambrose O'Callaghan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Wheaton Precious Metals is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Metals and Mining Stocks

People walk into a dark underground mine.
Metals and Mining Stocks

The Best Mining Stock to Invest $200 in Right Now

Teck stock may be into basic materials, but an investment in this mining stock is anything but basic.

Read more »

nugget gold
Metals and Mining Stocks

Outlook for Franco-Nevada Stock in 2025

Franco-Nevada stock offers exposure to precious metals with below-average risk, particularly since it appears to be undervalued today.

Read more »

todder holds a gold bar
Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold: Buy, Sell or Hold in 2025?

As global economic uncertainties support a positive gold outlook, analysts are bullish on this gold stock.

Read more »

nugget gold
Metals and Mining Stocks

Outlook for Barrick Gold Stock in 2025 

It’s time to set your investment strategy for 2025. Should Barrick Gold be a part of your 2025 investments?

Read more »

nugget gold
Metals and Mining Stocks

Buy, Hold, or Sell the Gold in Your Portfolio?

Identifying the right time to exit a bullish trend can significantly impact your overall returns from that trend.

Read more »

A steel grain silo storage tank with solar panel in a yellow canola field in bloom in Alberta, Canada.
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Nutrien Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Nutrien is down 10% this year. Is the stock oversold?

Read more »

profit rises over time
Tech Stocks

4 Momentum Stocks to Buy as the TSX Rises Higher

These four momentum stocks are the perfect options for investors wanting to gain more income, not just now but for…

Read more »

Metals
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Unstoppable Metal Stocks to Buy Right Now for Less Than $1,000

Gold prices are expected to keep rising or stabilize in the next few months, and the precious metal stocks rising…

Read more »