Barrick Gold, Goldcorp Making a Stand

This morning marks a small victory for those who own gold for its defensive characteristics.

| More on:
The Motley Fool

It’s still early in this hiccup of a day for the markets but for those of us who own some exposure to gold, it’s nice to see it behaving as it’s supposed to.

Weak Chinese PMI data and Fed comments yesterday that indicated they may soon retract from their open market actions have sent a ripple through global markets.  Japan’s Nikkei 225 index fell by more than 7% in Thursday trading, European markets are down more than 2% across the board, the U.S is off by close to 1%, WTI oil has declined by 2.1% and COMEX copper has taken a 3% hit, at the moment.

With much of the day still in front of us though, gold and gold stocks offer a rare glimpse of green in this sea of red.  The commodity is sitting 1.6% above yesterday’s spot close and companies like Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX,NYSE:ABX), Goldcorp (TSX:G,NYSE:GG) and Yamana (TSX:YRI) are up 1.5%, 1.5%, and 1.7% respectively.

This is in stark contrast to the last time there was a surprisingly bad economic number out of China and the price of gold, and all of the stocks that are tied to it, fell dramatically.  This occurred back in the middle of April.

The Foolish Bottom Line

The theory and practicality of gold remains, and always will remain, open to debate.  If you own gold or gold related equities for the theoretical safety that they provide, feel free to claim this morning’s stock action as a small victory.  I am!

While gold’s performance in various market scenarios is debateable, one tried and true investment strategy that is a proven winner in all environments is dividend investing.  The Motley Fool has prepared a Special Free Report that will have you rolling in dividend cheques before you know it.  The report is called “13 High Yielding Stocks to Buy Today” and to download a copy at no charge, simply click here now.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest in Foolish investing.

Fool contributor Iain Butler is short $32 July puts on Goldcorp, short $14 July puts on Yamana, and long Barrick Gold shares.  The Motley Fool doesn’t own shares in any of the companies mentioned.   

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.

More on Investing

Soundhound AI is a leader in voice recognition software
Dividend Stocks

3 Top Telecommunications Sector Stocks for Canadian Investors in 2025

The telecom sector in Canada is still in distress, and investors are naturally wary. But it's also a promising opportunity…

Read more »

Canadian Red maple leaves seamless wallpaper pattern
Stocks for Beginners

Top Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Away With $2,000

These two stocks are strong options with completely different backgrounds.

Read more »

Investor wonders if it's safe to buy stocks now
Metals and Mining Stocks

Billionaires Are Selling D-Wave Quantum and Picking Up This TSX Stock Instead

TSX mining stock Lundin Mining (TSX:LUN) is attracting billionaire-backed confidence.

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Stocks for Beginners

TFSA: 5 Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

Here are five of the best Canadian growth stocks TFSA investors can buy now and hold forever.

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Dividend Stocks

Invest $15,000 in This Dividend Stock for $1,135 in Passive Income

Beyond regular income, dividend stocks can provide some strong returns as well!

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Investing

Young Canadian Investors: 1 TFSA-Perfect Growth Stock for 2025

Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) could have a big year after lagging in 2024.

Read more »

doctor uses telehealth
Investing

3 Reasons to Buy WELL Health Stock Like There’s No Tomorrow

WELL Health stock trades at attractive valuation, remains immune to the U.S.-Canada tariffs, and offers high growth.

Read more »

Hourglass and stock price chart
Dividend Stocks

1 Practically Perfect Canadian Stock Down 14% to Buy and Hold Forever

If you want perfection, this railway stock is one of the best buys to grab for a steal of a…

Read more »