Despite lackluster third quarter and year-to-date performance for gold, the fundamental backdrop for precious metals and related mining share prices continues to strengthen in our opinion. Here's why we believe this:
Notwithstanding the wide array of bullish considerations (all of which deserve paragraphs of exposition that have been written elsewhere and are omitted here for the sake of brevity), the number one game changer for gold could be a loss of faith in the U.S. Federal Reserve Board. Unshakeable confidence in the Fed's stewardship of the financial system and the economy has been the anchor for the bull market in financial assets. That trust is at great risk, in our opinion, when (and if) tapering begins. In our Q2 Gold Strategy Letter ("You Gotta Have Faith"), we concluded:
"Faith in the Fed's omniscience is convenient to the investment consensus because it underpins the extraordinary overvaluation of financial assets. The relationship between overvalued financial assets and belief in an all-knowing Fed is symbiotic. Loss of that faith for heavily sedated markets would lead to losses of trillions of dollars in the world of financial assets."
The fourth quarter of 2021 poses a moment of truth for the Fed. If the Fed reacts to persistently hot inflation readings with tough talk but no action, its credibility may wither. If the tapering promised for November triggers falling stock and bond prices, a very likely event in our opinion, the Fed will take the blame, also damaging its credibility. Moreover, will persistent tapering be enough to tamp down intransigent inflation? Any of these possibilities would diminish investor trust.
Chairman Powell also knows that the Fed cannot afford to reverse course as quickly as in 2018 — when it attempted balance sheet normalization and rate hikes — without again embarrassing the institution. Therefore, the Fed may this time stick to its guns and attempt to ride out market adversity, an unpopular decision, especially if the already weakening economy slows further. The Fed can only lose the upcoming game of chicken and it will be interesting to see how it narrates its way out of this predicament. The question is, how much market and economic damage precedes the inevitable pivot?
Overconfidence, complacency, recklessness and intoxication come to mind when characterizing the current financial market zeitgeist. Market positioning for an abrupt loss of confidence in the mechanism inflating the bubble is almost non-existent, in our opinion. Sobriety is scarce and denial of risk is commonplace. As noted by Michael Solomon in a recent investor letter:
"A survey reported by Bloomberg [see Appendix A] confirms the absurdity and lack of rationality that we perceive in much of the market's behavior. In that survey, 59% of members of Gen Z (defined as 9 to 24-year-olds) confessed to being drunk when they trade. Of all investors surveyed, 32% admit to having traded when intoxicated." (Source: Marlin Sams Fund, LP 10/1/2021)
We believe gold mining stocks represent huge upside leverage to a potential loss of confidence. Downside risk is low because of their deeply discounted valuations. Figures 1-3 demonstrate the compelling absolute and relative value offered by gold mining shares as well as the asymmetric risk/reward proposition they represent:
Figure 1. Gold Miners Trading at a Higher Valuation Premium than S&P 500
EV/EBITDA: Gold Mining Equities vs. S&P 500 (2011-2021)
Source: Bloomberg as of 9/30/2021. Gold mining equities are represented by the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (GDM). Reflects the Enterprise Value (Market Capitalization plus Total Debt less Cash) to estimates of forward EBITDA compiled by Bloomberg. Higher figures reflect companies are trading at a higher premium relative to their earnings. You cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Figure 2. Gold Miners Showing Superior Metrics to S&P 500
Valuations and Fundamentals: Gold Mining Equities vs. S&P 500 as of 9/30/2021
Source: Bloomberg as of 9/30/2021. Gold mining equities are represented by the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (GDM). See definitions below. You cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Figure 3. Gold Miners Offer Higher Dividend Yields than the S&P 500
Dividend Yield: Gold Mining Equities vs. S&P 500 (2011-2021)
Source: Bloomberg as of 9/30/2021. Gold mining equities are represented by the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (GDM). You cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Since mid-June, gold and related mining stocks have been over-sold, shorted or ignored. The bearish thesis for gold and gold mining stocks has been that the Fed will slay inflation by "tapering" asset purchases, in stark contrast to their general dovishness over the past several economic cycles.
Now the rubber hits the road; the bear case for gold depends on the following fantasies:
Our Counter: They're the same thing — both restrictive monetary policies are designed to accomplish similar outcomes.
Our Counter: It can't. Excessive leverage will result in spreading defaults of marginal borrowers.
Our Counter: It is. Multiple signs of weakness are already showing up, including weak employment reports, poor consumer sentiment and negative China Caixin Manufacturing PMI (purchasing manager’s index).
Our Counter: They're not. There are plenty of signs of market averages topping.
Our Counter: Evidence is increasing that it is intransigent and unlikely to be stemmed by tapering.
In our opinion, the number one reason for disinterest in gold has been the seemingly endless equity bull market. However, it would seem that things can hardly get better for equity bulls. The rosy economic outlook, super easy monetary policy and bullish crowd psychology are not immutable. Odds suggest that future changes are more likely to be negative at the margin than positive.
As noted by Bob Farrell, "Exponential rapidly rising or falling markets usually go further than you think, but they do not correct by going sideways." Risks unperceived at market peaks can begin to multiply faster than investors can react. An unraveling of the current speculative euphoria, at a time when precious metals fundamentals have rarely been more solid, would constitute a near perfect environment for gold and gold miners.
Expectations for rising interest rates seem to be moving into high gear (see Cornerstone Macro). Somehow, these expectations are deemed to be harmful to gold but no threat to financial asset valuations in general. Perhaps this inconsistency can be explained (1) by the consensus belief that economic growth and strong earnings will be sufficient to offset the damage from rising rates and (2) that interest rates will rise just enough to put a lid on inflation but not economic growth and thereby render more draconian monetary tightening unnecessary. To us, this view ignores the yawning mismatch between the incremental supply of deficit-driven Treasuries and the lack of demand at ultra-low interest rates. As recently noted by Macromavens (10/12/2021):
"The point being that, as troubling as the recent backup in rates has been, it is FAR worse than surface-scanning investors dare imagine. The fact that $20 billion in foreign purchases, $38B in bank purchases, $8B in spec buying (and $40B in purchases by the Fed!) — which annualize to roughly $2.8 trillion in Treasury demand — failed to arrest the backup in rates (much less send them tumbling downward) SHOULD send ice cold shivers down the market's spine. For, unless one imagines that the pace of Treasury issuance is about to slow big time, (and that requires one hell of an imagination!) the recent action in the Treasury market reveals how impossible our financing situation has become."
Precisely. The financial markets have not taken into account the magnitude of supply or the distortion of interest rate price discovery caused by quantitative easing. The impending attempt at balance sheet normalization could prove far more disturbing to financial markets than the failed 2018 episode.
Amid "Gamification” Concerns, Nearly 6 in 10 Gen Z Investors Admit to Trading While Drunk
By Weston Blasi, (MarketWatch) Bloomberg 8.27.2021
Overview: According to a new survey, 59% of Gen Z traders claim to have bought or sold an investment while inebriated. Should you have to pass a breathalyzer to make trades on Robinhood (HOOD) or Charles Schwab (SCHW)? According to a new survey from consumer finance website MagnifyMoney, 32% of U.S. investors say they have made trades while drunk. Gen Zers fell into the trap most of any generation with 59% confessing to drunk trading — just 9% of baby boomers admitted to drunk trading.
Rate Hike Expectations are Rising
Quote from: Roberto Perli, Partner, Head of Global Policy, Cornerstone Macro
"This view is getting more and more traction in the market, and unfortunately is getting more and more likely. A big reason is that it's hard for Powell to manage the hawks in the FOMC when he is in limbo. By delaying his renomination, the Admin is also making a big policy error.”
EV/EBITDA: Enterprise Value (Market Capitalization plus Total Debt less Cash) to estimates of forward EBITDA compiled by Bloomberg. Higher figures reflect companies are trading at a higher valuation premium relative to their earnings. Free Cash Flow Yield: Operating Cash Flow less Capital Expenditure less Net Working Capital divided by the current stock price. Higher free cash flow yields reflect companies are generating greater amounts of cash flow relative to their share price. Return on Capital: measured by adjusted net income divided by total capital (total investment of shareholders and debt holders). Higher return on capital reflects that companies are better at turning outside investment into profits. Net Debt/EBITDA reflects total debt less cash divided by estimates of forward EBITDA compiled by Bloomberg. Companies with lower figures reflect lower leverage and debt as a percent of earnings. Profit Margin reflects forward estimates of net income divided by forward estimates of revenue, compiled by Bloomberg. Higher figures reflect companies are able to generate more earnings as a percent of top line sales, an indication of operating efficiency and expense management.
1 | Source: WSJ, by the Editorial Board. The Inflation Tax Rises; 10/13/2021 |
2 | Source: Bloomberg. Data for the period 12/31/1984 to 12/31/2020. Gold bullion is measured by the Bloomberg GOLDS Comdty Spot Price. |
3 | Source: “Monetary policy is the wrong tool”: Why economist El-Erian thinks the Fed is making a mistake. |
4 | Source: LAWRIE WILLIAMS: China’s 2021 gold demand already exceeds full year 2020. |
5 | Source: BNN Bloomberg. Gold regains shine after central bank buying drops to decade low. |
6 | Source: Meridian Macro Gold and Silver Report 10/16/2021. |
Important Disclosure
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. You cannot invest directly in an index. Investments, commentary and statements are unique and may not be reflective of investments and commentary in other strategies managed by Sprott Asset Management USA, Inc., Sprott Asset Management LP, Sprott Inc., or any other Sprott entity or affiliate. Opinions expressed in this content are those of the author and may vary widely from opinions of other Sprott affiliated Portfolio Managers or investment professionals.
This content may not be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without acknowledgment that it was produced by Sprott Asset Management LP and a reference to sprott.com. The opinions, estimates and projections (“information”) contained within this content are solely those of Sprott Asset Management LP (“SAM LP”) or its affiliates and are subject to change without notice. SAM LP makes every effort to ensure that the information has been derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, SAM LP and affiliates assume no responsibility for any losses or damages, whether direct or indirect, which arise out of the use of this information. SAM LP and affiliates are not under any obligation to update or keep current the information contained herein. The information should not be regarded by recipients as a substitute for the exercise of their own judgment. Please contact your own personal advisor on your particular circumstances. Views expressed regarding a particular company, security, industry or market sector should not be considered an indication of trading intent of any investment funds managed by SAM LP or its affiliates. These views are not to be considered as investment advice nor should they be considered a recommendation to buy or sell.
The information contained herein does not constitute an offer or solicitation to anyone in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation.
The information provided is general in nature and is provided with the understanding that it may not be relied upon as, nor considered to be, the rendering or tax, legal, accounting or professional advice. Readers should consult with their own accountants and/or lawyers for advice on the specific circumstances before taking any action.
© 2023 Sprott Inc. All rights reserved.
You are now leaving Sprott.com and entering a linked website. Sprott has partnered with ALPS in offering Sprott ETFs. For fact sheets, marketing materials, prospectuses, performance, expense information and other details about the ETFs, you will be directed to the ALPS/Sprott website at SprottETFs.com.
Continue to Sprott Exchange Traded FundsYou are now leaving Sprott.com and entering a linked website. Sprott Asset Management is a sub-advisor for several mutual funds on behalf of Ninepoint Partners. For details on these funds, you will be directed to the Ninepoint Partners website at ninepoint.com.
Continue to Ninepoint Partners