(Kitco News) - Forget worries that the economy is facing a hard landing, debt levels are the bigger risk, said Joe Foster, gold strategist at VanEck.
Foster spoke to Kitco Mining on Wednesday at the 2024 Precious Metals Summit Beaver Creek in Colorado.
Gold hit several all-time highs in 2024. Foster attributes the historically high gold price of $2,500 per ounce to increased global risk, strong central bank demand, and geopolitical uncertainties. He believes that the Federal Reserve's expected interest rate cuts will further boost the gold price. Foster also anticipates economic turmoil due to high debt levels and potential geopolitical escalations, which could drive gold prices even higher.
While central bank buying has been the primary driver of the gold rally, Western investment in gold ETFs has also picked up recently, signaling growing interest from institutional investors.Despite gold hitting several all-time highs, interest in the metal by the broader investing community remains tepid.
Foster said investors need to be shaken up for interest in gold to pick up.
“I hate to say it, but I think we need a crisis,” said Foster. “I think the market really needs to get worried about the outlook for the economy, for the debt situation or… some escalation on the geopolitical scene. I think that's the type of thing that would really shake people up, and get them to go to gold.”
Regarding the gold mining sector, Foster observed that M&A activity has been lower than expected, but he anticipates an increase as companies adjust their base price for gold and become more attracted to acquisitions. He also highlighted the challenges faced by junior gold developers, who are now required to do more in terms of permitting and feasibility studies before attracting the interest of larger companies.
Coverage of the 2024 Precious Metals Summit Beaver Creek in Colorado is sponsored by Newcore Gold.
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