Why Gold and Copper Are Making Big Moves

by Frank Holmes, CEO, CIO, U.S. Global Investors

I had the opportunity this week to speak at the London AIM Summit, where presenters and attendees were cautiously optimistic about the economy.

My family and I also visited Oxford. I was surprised to see so many Chinese tourists in large groups, confirming a recent survey by Dragon Trail International that found that close to 27% of Chinese people listed Europe as a top travel destination. This is very good news for not just the travel industry but also the luxury industry, which has come to rely on wealthy shoppers from China.

Since the country lifted pandemic-era restrictions at the beginning of last year, outbound travel has been slow to improve, but a full rebound could be within sight. According to data analysis firm ForwardKeys, Chinese bookings between April 27 and May 5 for international departures were down just 7% compared to the same period in 2019. Trips to the U.K. beat out all other Western European destinations.

I expect to see load factors rise throughout the quarter as enthusiasm for outbound travel to Europe expands.

Central Banks Supporting the Gold Market

Geopolitical tensions have escalated, influencing global financial markets, and two commodities in particular have emerged as pivotal players: gold and copper. These metals are not merely survivors of market volatility but are thriving, charting a course that I believe savvy investors would be wise to monitor.

As I’ve said countless times before, gold has long been considered a store of value in turbulent times, and now is no exception. Prices are near all-time highs, reflecting its enduring appeal during periods of uncertainty.

Central banks, particularly in emerging markets, are increasing their gold reserves. The first quarter of 2024 saw institutions purchase a record 290 tons of gold, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). This unprecedented amount highlights a strategic shift toward the metal as a reserve currency and away from the U.S. dollar.

High Demands Meets Tightening Supply

While gold secures its position as a safe haven, copper is making headlines for different reasons. Often referred to as “Dr. Copper” for its ability to predict economic trends due to its widespread industrial applications, copper has also seen a significant price increase in recent days. The industrial metal climbed to a two-year high, supported by strong global economic activity, particularly surging demand driven by energy transition technologies like electric vehicles (EVs), wind and solar.

The global copper market is tightening. Production challenges, such as stoppages and declining ore grades in major South American producers, are anticipated to limit supply growth this year, though rebound is expected in 2025.

Despite these challenges, the demand for copper continues to grow, fueled by its critical role in green energy solutions. The International Copper Association (ICA) forecasts that copper demand will increase from 28.3 million metric tons in 2020 to 40.9 million metric tons by 2040, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.85%.

Manufacturing Costs and Commodity Impacts

The global manufacturing sector provides further insights. The JPMorgan Global Manufacturing PMI saw a slight decline to 50.3 in April from a 20-month high of 50.6 in March, but it remains above the neutral mark, indicating expansion. This resilience in manufacturing suggests a sustained demand for industrial metals, reinforcing the bullish outlook for copper.

Rising input costs and selling prices within the manufacturing sector point to building price pressures, likely contributing to inflation concerns. Such economic indicators are critical for investors to consider as they assess the potential impacts on commodity prices and investment returns.

The $1.8 Trillion Drive Toward a Low-Carbon Economy

The shift toward a low-carbon economy is not just a policy preference but a potential investment theme. BloombergNEF reports that global investment in the energy transition reached a staggering $1.8 trillion in 2023, nearly doubling from 2020 levels. Such investments, particularly in regions like Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), are expected to drive further demand for copper, given its essential role in electrification and renewable energy infrastructures.

Balancing Portfolios with Gold and Copper

For investors, the implications of these trends are clear. Gold remains a critical asset in any diversified portfolio, especially for those seeking to hedge against geopolitical risk and potential inflation. Persistently strong demand from central banks further supports the investment case for the yellow metal. I always recommend a 10% weighting, with 5% in physical gold (bars, coins, jewelry), the other 5% in high-quality gold mining stocks, mutual funds and ETFs.

Not to be outdone, copper presents a compelling growth story tied to the global economic recovery and the transition to green energy. With the expected increase in demand and current supply constraints, prices may continue to rise, presenting a valuable opportunity for investors.