We recently published a list of 10 Best Canadian Gold Stocks to Buy Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) stands against other best Canadian gold stocks to buy now.

Gold remains a trusted store of value during economic uncertainty. Due to global inflation, geopolitical tensions, and central bank demand, the appeal of gold is surging to new highs. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global gold market, worth $291.68 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $457.91 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.8%. Reuters reported that this price surge has attracted investors, with spot gold hitting a record $2,936.38 per ounce and U.S. futures reaching $2,956.10.

Investor interest remains high as gold-backed ETFs saw a 26% jump in 2024, their best performance since 2010. Additionally, central bank demand is expected to exceed the 500-ton long-term average in 2025, further supporting prices, though any purchasing slowdown could pose risks.

Macroeconomic factors also affect gold’s future as the U.S. recently imposed a 25% tariff on Mexican and Canadian imports, along with additional duties on Chinese goods, sparking inflation worries. While automakers received temporary exemptions, market uncertainty persists. According to a Reuters survey, investors are watching the upcoming U.S. non-farm payrolls report, which could affect Federal Reserve policy and gold prices.

On the supply side, global gold production held steady at about 3,300 metric tons in 2024, with China, Russia, Australia, and Canada as the top producers. Meanwhile, the recycled gold supply rose 11% to 1,370 tons, reflecting increased market liquidity. With China and India accounting for over 60% of annual gold consumption, the countries remain crucial market influencers in 2025.

However, global gold trade patterns are shifting from their traditional eastward flow to meet China’s and India’s demands. Gold shipments are now being redirected to the U.S. as Asian retail demand weakens. Reuters reported that bullion banks are capitalizing on Comex futures rather than premium spot prices by redirecting gold supplies to the U.S. Furthermore, U.S. gold inventories have jumped nearly 80% since late 2024, with increased imports from London, Switzerland, and Asian markets, cementing America’s key role in the global market.

Additionally, technological innovation is reshaping the gold industry. Advances in bio-leaching, cyanide-free processing, and nanotechnology are boosting extraction efficiency and sustainability, promising lower environmental impact and positioning the sector for long-term growth.

Entering 2025, the U.S. gold market continues to be shaped by inflation, geopolitical uncertainties, changing trade policies, and technological advances. Amid these shifting market dynamics, gold remains a vital asset for those seeking security and growth potential.

Methodology

To compile our list of the 10 Best Canadian Gold Stocks according to hedge funds, we used the Finviz stock screener to find the 30 largest Canadian companies that are involved in the production, extraction, processing, or sale of gold. We then used Insider Monkey’s Hedge Fund database to rank those stocks according to the number of hedge fund holders as of Q4 2024. Finally, we picked ten stocks with the highest number of hedge fund holders. The list is sorted in ascending order of hedge fund sentiment.

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).

Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 43

Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) ranks among the top gold and copper producers worldwide, with mining sites spread across five continents. The company maintains a diverse portfolio, including significant gold operations in Argentina, Canada, the U.S., and Africa, plus copper projects in Chile, Zambia, and Saudi Arabia.

Regardless of regional difficulties, Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) posted impressive results during Q4, which ended December 31, 2024. Gold production increased 15% while copper output surged 33% compared to Q3. Net earnings shot up by 69% to $2.14 billion, and adjusted net earnings rose 51% to $2.21 billion. Moreover, EBITDA increased 30% to $5.19 billion, its highest in over ten years. Improved earnings boosted operating cash flow by 20% to $4.49 billion, with free cash flow more than doubling to $1.32 billion

Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) focused on rewarding shareholders by keeping its quarterly dividend at $0.10 per share and returning $1.2 billion to shareholders in 2024. This included $498 million in stock buybacks as the company capitalized on its undervalued stock.

Although production results varied by region, Veladero reached its best output in five years. Yet the slower ramp-up at Pueblo Viejo caused Latin American and Asia Pacific operations to miss targets slightly. However, Nevada Gold Mines performed well, reinforcing Barrick’s North American holdings.

For 2025, Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) predicts gold production of 3.15–3.5 million ounces and copper output of 200,000–230,000 tons. The company has also moved the Fourmile project to pre-feasibility, strengthening its future growth pipeline.

With these solid financials, premier assets, and a history of delivering returns, Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) remains one of the best Canadian stocks for those seeking gold and copper exposure.

Overall, GOLD ranks 2nd on our list of best Canadian gold stocks to buy now. While we acknowledge the potential of GOLD, our conviction lies in the belief that certain AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. 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 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires

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