In this article, we discuss the 11 Best Gold Royalty and Small-Cap Gold Stocks to Invest in Now.
On September 16, 2025, as investors positioned themselves ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy decision, gold continued its incredible rise and reached yet another record high. U.S. gold futures increased to $3,726, while spot gold briefly touched $3,697.05 per ounce before settling close to $3,688. A weaker dollar, which is already at a two-month low, and increased anticipation that the Fed will lower rates by at least 25 basis points—traders even factored in the remote possibility of a further 50 basis point cut—were the main drivers of the spike.
Gold does well in low-rate situations, according to analysts, and since markets are anticipating further easing into 2026, momentum may push bullion toward $4,000 an ounce following a possible short-term correction. Giovanni Staunovo of UBS pointed out that the bullish outlook has only been strengthened by Trump’s public push for the Fed to make “bigger” cuts.
The rise highlights the appeal of small-cap miners and gold royalty companies, which often yield disproportionate profits during periods of rising metal prices. Since manufacturing costs remain constant and revenues increase in tandem with the price of gold, these companies enjoy high profit margins.
For investors seeking the finest gold royalties and small-cap gold stocks to buy now, the situation is becoming more alluring as bullion reaches successive highs and global demand expands. With this backdrop, let’s move on to our list of the 11 Best Gold Royalty and Small-Cap Gold Stocks to Invest in Now.
Our Methodology
To curate our list of the 11 Best Gold Royalty and Small-Cap Gold Stocks to Invest in Now, we used the Finviz screener to extract a list of gold royalty stocks and small-cap gold stocks. Next, we assessed hedge fund sentiment surrounding each stock using Insider Monkey’s hedge fund database, which tracks over 1,000 hedge funds. We present our list of the 11 Best Gold Royalty and Small-Cap Gold Stocks to Invest in Now in ascending order based on the number of hedge funds holding stakes in each stock as of Q2 2025.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
11. SSR Mining Inc. (NASDAQ:SSRM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22
With significant hedge fund interest, SSR Mining Inc. (NASDAQ:SSRM) secures a spot on our list of the 11 Best Gold Royalty and Small-Cap Gold Stocks to Invest in Now.
SSR Mining Inc. (NASDAQ:SSRM) reached a 52-week high on September 5, 2025, ending at $20.93, which increased its market capitalization to $4.23 billion. The milestone represents an impressive 327.2% increase in the stock price over the last 12 months, which includes a 193.25% return so far this year.
The rigorous approach and financial soundness of SSR Mining Inc. (NASDAQ:SSRM), as seen by its current ratio of 2.39, were cited by investors as important factors supporting its durability. The rapid surge indicates growing trust in the company’s ability to deliver consistent performance across its global asset base. With a broad range of activities including base metals, silver, and gold, SSR Mining is well-positioned to benefit from additional growth in a commodities market that is encouraging.
SSR Mining Inc. (NASDAQ:SSRM) produces gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc by purchasing, exploring, and developing precious metal resources in the United States, Turkey, Canada, and Argentina. It is one of the Best Gold Stocks.
10. Seabridge Gold Inc. (NYSE:SA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22
Seabridge Gold Inc. (NYSE:SA) is one of the 11 Best Gold Royalty and Small-Cap Gold Stocks to Invest in Now.
Seabridge Gold Inc. (NYSE:SA) strengthened its defense of the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office’s ruling to grant the Substantially Started Designation (SSD) to its KSM project on September 9, 2025. The company submitted thorough written arguments, supporting previous answers and stating that the petitioners’ concerns were insufficient and that the procedure was fair.
Interestingly, one of the two petitioners, the Southeast Alaska Indigenous Transboundary Commission, recently withdrew from the proceedings. CEO Rudi Fronk stated his confidence in Seabridge Gold Inc. (NYSE:SA)’s position, highlighting that the SSD is still in effect and protecting the project’s Environmental Assessment Certificate, with hearings set for September 22–October 1.
With a primary focus on the KSM project in British Columbia, Seabridge Gold Inc. investigates and develops gold, copper, silver, and molybdenum properties in North America. It is one of the Best Gold Stocks.
9. NovaGold Resources Inc. (NYSE:NG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 23
With significant hedge fund interest, NovaGold Resources Inc. (NYSE:NG) secures a spot on our list of the 11 Best Gold Royalty and Small-Cap Gold Stocks to Invest in Now.
NovaGold Resources Inc. (NYSE:NG)’s stock reached a 52-week high of $6.96 on September 10, 2025, bringing the miner’s market capitalization to a record $2.8 billion. Over the last six months, the stock has increased by an astounding 105%, indicating that investors are becoming more confident in the company’s long-term prospects.
With positive price predictions as high as $8.86, analysts are still upbeat, highlighting the strong sentiment surrounding NovaGold Resources Inc. (NYSE:NG)’s key position in the precious metals industry. As the company moves forward with its main projects, the steady upward trajectory indicates strong market support.
With a 50% stake in the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, NovaGold Resources Inc. (NYSE:NG) investigates and develops gold mineral resources in the United States. It is one of the Best Gold Stocks.
8. Fortuna Mining Corp. (NYSE:FSM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 24
Fortuna Mining Corp. (NYSE:FSM) is one of the 11 Best Gold Royalty and Small-Cap Gold Stocks to Invest in Now.
When Fortuna Mining Corp. (NYSE:FSM)’s stock hit a 52-week high of $8.07, representing a 69.98% gain over the previous year, the company achieved a significant milestone. High investor confidence is demonstrated by the rise, which has been supported by Fortuna’s sound fundamentals, including a current ratio of 2.71 and high free cash flow generation of $215.74 million over the last 12 months.
Analysts believe the stock is still cheap despite the spike, suggesting more upside potential. This accomplishment demonstrates the Fortuna Mining Corp. (NYSE:FSM)’s capacity to take advantage of favorable market conditions while pursuing strategic goals, solidifying its standing as a strong participant in the mining industry.
With an emphasis on producing gold and silver in strategic mining zones, Fortuna Mining Corp. (NYSE:FSM) investigates, develops, and manages precious metals projects across the globe. It is one of the Best Gold Stocks.
7. Eldorado Gold Corporation (NYSE:EGO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 25
With significant hedge fund interest, Eldorado Gold Corporation (NYSE:EGO) secures a spot on our list of the 11 Best Gold Royalty and Small-Cap Gold Stocks to Invest in Now.
When Eldorado Gold Corporation (NYSE:EGO)’s stock surged to a 52-week high of $26.62, the miner was valued at $5.37 billion, marking a significant milestone. The accomplishment shows a 60.13% increase in share price over the previous 12 months, fueled by sound fundamentals and a well-executed strategy.
In addition to maintaining a strong financial position with minimal debt and high liquidity, the company generated sales growth of 42.25% and is currently trading at a healthy P/E ratio of 12.8. Investor confidence is bolstered as Eldorado Gold Corporation (NYSE:EGO) continues to expand its growth trajectory, with this momentum demonstrating the effectiveness of its operational efforts and favorable market conditions.
Eldorado Gold Corporation (NYSE:EGO) produces silver, lead, and zinc from its varied asset base in addition to exploring, developing, and operating gold mines in Greece, Canada, and Turkey. It is one of the Best Gold Stocks.
6. i-80 Gold Corp. (NYSE:IAUX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 25
i-80 Gold Corp. (NYSE:IAUX) is one of the 11 Best Gold Royalty and Small-Cap Gold Stocks to Invest in Now.
i-80 Gold Corp. (NYSE:IAUX) reported positive test results from its Granite Creek Underground project and advancements at its Cove project in Nevada on September 10, 2025. With grades up to 33.6 g/t gold over 2.9 meters, the first six holes from a 14,000-meter program underway at Granite Creek verified strong high-grade mineralization in the South Pacific Zone.
Concurrently, Cove’s massive 45,000-meter infill drilling program improved feasibility studies, bolstered resource conversion, and reinforced the geological model. Both projects, which demonstrate i-80 Gold Corp. (NYSE:IAUX)’s potential for resource development and long-term production growth across its Nevada portfolio, are on schedule for feasibility studies in Q1 2026.
To become a top mid-tier gold producer, i-80 Gold Corp. (NYSE:IAUX), a Nevada-based mining company, is developing a portfolio of high-grade projects using a hub-and-spoke processing approach. It is one of the Best Gold Stocks.
5. B2Gold Corp. (NYSE:BTG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 27
With significant hedge fund interest, B2Gold Corp. (NYSE:BTG) secures a spot on our list of the 11 Best Gold Royalty and Small-Cap Gold Stocks to Invest in Now.
B2Gold Corp. (NYSE:BTG) achieved a new milestone on September 10, 2025, when its stock surged to a 52-week high of $4.34 on strong momentum, representing a 64% gain in the prior six months and a 58% gain over the previous year. Fueled by analysts’ positive profit revisions and revenue growth forecasts of 66% this year, the rise highlights market optimism.
Shares are still seen as cheap despite the spike, indicating room for growth. Favorable market conditions and strategic business decisions have positioned B2Gold Corp. (NYSE:BTG) to maintain its growth trajectory and solidify its place as a major participant in the gold industry.
The Canadian gold company B2Gold Corp. (NYSE:BTG) has mines in Namibia, the Philippines, and Mali. It also has development and exploration projects in Finland, Mali, and Colombia. It is one of the Best Gold Stocks.
4. Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (NYSE:SAND)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 30
Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (NYSE:SAND) is one of the 11 Best Gold Royalty and Small-Cap Gold Stocks to Invest in Now.
Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (NYSE:SAND) achieved a significant milestone on September 5, 2025, when its stock reached a 52-week high of $11.51, indicating an impressive one-year return of 104.57%. With strong foundations, the $3.37 billion royalty company has outperformed its peers, achieving revenue growth of 13.87% and gross profit margins of 84.3%. In addition, investors have applauded management for its aggressive share buybacks, which, when paired with a solid current ratio of 2.4, demonstrate both strategic discipline and financial strength. Sandstorm’s recent stock jump, bolstered by favorable gold market conditions and its diverse royalty portfolio, highlights investor confidence and the company’s increasing significance in the industry.
Meanwhile, RBC Capital’s Josh Wolfson maintained a ‘Buy’ rating on Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (NYSE:SAND) on September 10, 2025, with a $14.00 price target.
Sandstorm Gold Ltd. functions as a gold royalty company, obtaining purchase agreements and royalties from advanced-stage mining projects across the globe to guarantee steady production streams. It is one of the Best Gold Stocks.
3. New Gold Inc. (NYSE:NGD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31
With significant hedge fund interest, New Gold Inc. (NYSE:NGD) secures a spot on our list of the 11 Best Gold Royalty and Small-Cap Gold Stocks to Invest in Now.
On September 5, 2025, New Gold Inc. (NYSE:NGD) achieved a significant milestone when its stock surged to a 52-week high of $6.29, representing an incredible 168.88% gain over the previous 12 months. The company’s progress is supported by strong fundamentals, including $518.2 million in EBITDA and 27.24% revenue growth over the last 12 months, and its market value is close to $5 billion. The spike demonstrates growing investor trust in New Gold Inc. (NYSE:NGD)’s operational prowess and capacity for steady expansion, establishing it as a noteworthy outperformer in the gold mining industry.
The Rainy River mine and the New Afton project are among the main operations of New Gold Inc. (NYSE:NGD), an intermediate gold mining company based in Canada. It is one of the Best Gold Stocks.
2. Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 35
Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD) is one of the 11 Best Gold Royalty and Small-Cap Gold Stocks to Invest in Now.
On September 15, 2025, Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD) filed a formal proxy statement with the SEC for its strategic business combination with Sandstorm Gold Ltd., furthering its transformative objectives. According to the agreement, which was made public on July 6, 2025, Sandstorm will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Gold, which will purchase all of Sandstorm’s remaining shares.
On October 9, the same day that Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD) and Horizon Copper Corp. held their separate approval meetings, shareholders of record as of August 29 will cast their votes in a special meeting. The merger is anticipated to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to final approvals and conditions, having previously obtained important regulatory clearances in South Africa and Canada.
A global portfolio of precious metal royalties, streams, and production-based interests provides cash flows for Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD), a mid-cap company. It is one of the Best Gold Stocks.
1. Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:FNV)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 40
With significant hedge fund interest, Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:FNV) secures a spot on our list of the 11 Best Gold Royalty and Small-Cap Gold Stocks to Invest in Now.
Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:FNV) achieved a significant milestone on September 8, 2025, when its shares reached a record high of $196.20, increasing the company’s market capitalization to $37.43 billion. Strong investor confidence is demonstrated by the surge, which shows an impressive 66.18% one-year gain and a 65.61% year-to-date return.
Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:FNV) continues to show remarkable financial health with gross profit margins of 89.73%, a solid current ratio of 4.25, and an outstanding 17-year streak of dividend increases. Even if current valuations indicate that the company is trading above fair value, Franco-Nevada has established itself as a leader in the streaming and royalties field thanks to its steady ability to take advantage of favorable market conditions and operational efficiencies.
With a global portfolio that includes gold, silver, platinum, and energy assets, Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:FNV) is a royalty and streaming company that specializes in precious metals. It is one of the Best Gold Stocks.
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