Why Trade Spats Could Make Mining Stocks Glitter
Another week, another round of politicians threatening to throw their toys out of the pram. This time, it’s the Americans rattling their sabres at their European allies, muttering about tariffs and trade barriers. To me, it all sounds depressingly familiar. Whenever the grand old game of global economics turns into a playground squabble, sensible people tend to duck for cover. And for investors, that means looking for shelter from the inevitable market storm.
When the headlines are full of bluster and brinkmanship, I find that capital gets awfully shy. It scuttles away from the riskier corners of the market and seeks refuge in assets that have a bit of history, a bit of tangible worth. This isn't some complex algorithm at play, it's human nature. Fear prompts a flight to safety, and for centuries, that safety has had a distinct, yellowish gleam.