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 IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE:IAG) 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).
Aerial view of the Rosebel gold mine in Suriname with its open pits spanning across the landscape.
IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE:IAG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 19
IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE:IAG) is a leading gold producer with assets across Canada and West Africa. The company fully owns the Westwood project in Quebec, holds a 60% stake in the Côté Gold project in Ontario, and controls 90% of Essakane in Burkina Faso. With its focus on high-quality gold assets, IAMGOLD is setting itself up for increased production and profits, making it one of the best Canadian stocks.
IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE:IAG) reported strong financials for the year ended December 31, 2024. The company posted record revenue of $1.63 billion from selling 699,000 ounces of gold at an average price of $2,330 per ounce. This strong performance came from favorable gold prices and better-than-expected results from Côté Gold. Despite higher costs due to Côté Gold’s ramp-up, IAMGOLD ended the year with $1.2 billion in cash, creating a solid base for future growth.
The growth outlook for IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE:IAG) remains positive. The Côté Gold ramp-up is progressing smoothly, with production beating expectations and approaching full capacity. Essakane has been a standout performer, exceeding production targets. Adding to the good news, the company reversed a previous impairment charge at Westwood, resulting in a $455.5 million gain that boosted overall profits.
For 2025, IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE:IAG) targets gold production between 735,000 and 820,000 ounces, focusing on maximizing Côté Gold’s potential. The company aims to maintain cost controls, projecting cash costs of $1,200 to $1,350 per ounce. With strong financial reserves and a clear growth path, IAMGOLD is well-positioned to sustain momentum and make strategic investments to enhance its portfolio.
Overall, IAG ranks 10th on our list of best Canadian gold stocks to buy now. While we acknowledge the potential of IAG, 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 IAG but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.