We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Gold Stocks to Invest in for Portfolio Diversification. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) stands against the other gold stocks.

Gold is one asset class that continues to captivate the financial markets, with prices rallying to record highs and showing no signs of slowing down. After powering to record highs of $2,790 an ounce last year, the precious metal is again edging higher, having powered through the $2900 level and on the cusp of the $3,000 psychological level.

The rally to record highs comes against escalating geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. While Israel has reached a cease-fire on the Gaza Strip, tensions are far from over with the ever-growing threat from Iran and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Similarly, US President Donald has evoked economic uncertainty with a string of trade tariffs that threaten to plummet the global economy into disarray.

READ ALSO: 10 Best Industrial Stocks to Invest in Now and 12 Best Multibagger Penny Stocks to Buy Now.

“Central focus of the gold market continues to be the uncertainty in regards to the Trump tariff policies,” said David Meger, director of metals trading at High Ridge Futures.

China’s retaliatory measures against US tariffs are increasingly fueling safe-haven demand, exacerbated by the US threatening to hit Canada, Mexico, and Europe with similar tariffs. The geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties are why analysts at Citi are optimistic about gold powering through the $3,000 an ounce level amid strong demand as a safe haven in times of turmoil and uncertainty.

As a result of Trump’s tariff threats, which have increased investor anxiety over global growth, trade wars, and high inflation, gold has already reached its seventh-record high this year. Gold’s explosive rally since December, according to Phillip Streible, chief market strategist at Blue Line Futures, may result in a self-fulfilling prophecy of additional price increases, which could cause the research firm to increase its forecast to about $3,250 or $3,500. Analysts at UBS share similar sentiments and expect a gold price rally to persist in 2025 to above the $3,000 an ounce level.

While data from the World Gold Council indicates that gold demand hit record highs of 4,974.5 metric tons last year, the buying momentum is unlikely to stop. Central banks are increasingly purchasing precious metals, which are seen as a solid store of value away from the dollar and other assets susceptible to heightened market volatility. Higher rates lessen the allure of the non-yielding asset, but historically, bullion has been seen as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical unpredictability.

“Gold prices could reach $3,000 this year due to the disruptive nature of the current U.S. administration creating market uncertainty and central banks potentially increasing gold purchases to diversify from U.S. dollar holdings,” Jim Wyckoff, a senior market analyst at Kitco Metals, said.

Gold provides stability during economic turbulence. Its adaptability and timeless appeal have increased its value over centuries. As market uncertainties persist, gold stocks are gaining popularity among investors due to their potential for higher prices and secure store of value.

Our Methodology

To make the list of 10 best gold stocks to invest in for portfolio diversification, we scanned the US market and settled on the top gold companies with significant resource reserves. We then analyzed the stocks and settled on those with solid underlying fundamentals and tremendous potential as long-term investment plays. Finally, we ranked the stocks in ascending order based on the number of hedge fund holders.

At Insider Monkey, we are obsessed with 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 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 42

Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) is one of the best gold stocks to invest in as it engages in the exploration and development of properties in Canada and internationally. The company operates tier-one mining assets that can produce more than 500,000 ounces of gold annually, backed by low-cost operations and 10-year tenure.

Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) can continue to produce gold at a comparatively steady rate of increase for the foreseeable future by concentrating on running big mines with substantial reserves left. By 2030, the company anticipates producing an average of about 7 million ounces of gold equivalent, a 30% increase over 2023 levels.

The company delivered solid third-quarter results, with gold production in line with the previous quarter. Net earnings per share rose 33% as operating cash flow totaled $1.18 billion and free cash flow $444 million. With the help of the Lumwana Super Pit expansion project and the Reko Diq copper-gold project, the company intends to significantly increase its mineral reserves net of depletion by 2024.

Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) is currently expanding production operations at its Donlin Gold, Fourmile, Lumwana Super Pit, Reko Diq, Goldrush, and the Pueblo Viejo mines. The project should strengthen the company’s gold reserves, positioning it to benefit from soaring prices.

By 2028, the Goldrush mine could produce 400,000 gold ounces annually. The 100% Barrick-owned Fourmile mine, which borders Goldrush, is producing grades twice as high as Goldrush and is expected to develop into another Tier One mine. In its second stage of development, the Reko Diq copper-gold project in Pakistan is expected to yield 500,000 ounces of gold and 400,000 tons of copper per year.

Overall GOLD ranks 3rd on our list of the best gold stocks to buy for portfolio diversification. While we acknowledge the potential of GOLD as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that certain AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than GOLD but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and Complete List of 59 AI Companies Under $2 Billion in Market Cap.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.