Gold and Silver Prices Hit Record Highs, Mining Stocks Surge
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 22 2025
0mins
Should l Buy ASTS?
Source: Benzinga
- Gold Price Surge: Gold prices jumped 2.3% to $4,440 per ounce, marking the strongest daily gain in over a month, with a year-to-date increase of 67%, indicating strong investor demand for safe-haven assets that could further boost related mining stocks.
- Silver's Strong Performance: Silver prices rose 2.1%, nearing the psychological $70 level, with a year-to-date increase of 133%, reflecting robust market interest in precious metals that may attract more investors to related ETFs.
- Mining Stocks Rally: The VanEck Gold Miners ETF and Global X Silver Miners ETF surged 3.6% and 5%, respectively, indicating increased investor confidence in mining companies, which could drive capital inflows and enhance overall industry valuations.
- Overall Market Strength: Major U.S. equity benchmarks extended gains for the third consecutive session, with the S&P 500 rising 0.8% and approaching record highs, suggesting a rebound in market risk appetite that may support investor sentiment ahead of upcoming economic data releases.
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Analyst Views on ASTS
Wall Street analysts forecast ASTS stock price to rise
8 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 85.530
Low
43.00
Averages
91.68
High
137.00
Current: 85.530
Low
43.00
Averages
91.68
High
137.00
About ASTS
AST SpaceMobile, Inc. is engaged in building a global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on its intellectual property (IP) and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. The Company is engaged in designing and developing the constellation of BlueBird (BB) satellites and has planned space-based Cellular Broadband network distributed through a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Its SpaceMobile Service is being designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband services to end-users who are out of terrestrial cellular coverage using existing mobile devices. The Company intends to continue testing capabilities of the BW3 test satellite, including further testing with cellular service providers and the government. The Company has operations in India, Scotland, Spain, and Israel.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7 Launch Fails to Achieve Orbit
- Launch Failure: AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7 satellite failed to reach its intended orbit during the New Glenn rocket launch, as it was placed in a lower orbit than planned, rendering it unable to operate and leading to its de-orbiting.
- Insurance Coverage: The costs associated with BlueBird 7 are expected to be covered by the company's insurance policy, which will mitigate the financial impact of the launch failure, although the negative repercussions remain significant.
- Future Launch Plans: The company anticipates conducting an orbital launch every one to two months in 2026, aiming to have approximately 45 satellites in orbit by the end of the year, thereby advancing its space-based cellular network initiative.
- Production Progress: Currently, AST SpaceMobile is producing BlueBird 32, with BlueBird 8 to 10 expected to be ready for shipment in about 30 days, indicating the company's ongoing commitment to expanding its satellite network.
See More
Oil Price Surge Leads to Market Decline
- Market Decline: The S&P 500 index fell by 0.21%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 0.04%, and the Nasdaq 100 by 0.24%, indicating investor concerns over rising oil prices that could impact corporate earnings and overall market confidence.
- Oil Price Surge: WTI crude oil prices increased by over 5% due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the US's refusal to lift its naval blockade on Iranian vessels, which could exacerbate global oil and fuel shortages and raise operational costs for affected industries.
- Earnings Expectations: So far, 81% of the 48 S&P 500 companies that reported earnings have exceeded estimates, with Q1 earnings projected to rise by 12% year-over-year; however, excluding the tech sector, growth is only expected to be 3%, indicating signs of an overall economic slowdown.
- Airline and Chip Stocks Under Pressure: Airline stocks are down due to rising fuel costs, with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings falling over 6%, while chipmakers like Intel are also down more than 2%, reflecting the negative impact of high oil prices across multiple sectors.
See More
Midday Market Moves: Notable Stock Fluctuations
- Stanley Black & Decker Surge: Stanley Black & Decker's stock rose over 4% after the company stated that recent changes to Section 232 tariffs would not materially impact its full-year forecast, indicating strong confidence in its financial outlook.
- Fermi Stock Plunge: Shares of energy infrastructure developer Fermi fell more than 22% following the resignation of CFO Miles Everson and the recent departure of CEO Toby Neugebauer, raising concerns about the company's leadership stability and future direction.
- Biogen's Strategic Move: Biogen's stock increased nearly 3% after agreeing to pay $850 million for exclusive rights to sell felzartamab in China, which underscores its strategic expansion in the immune-related disease treatment market.
- Fertilizer Stocks Fluctuate: Fertilizer stocks experienced volatility as CF Industries rose nearly 2% due to ongoing shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, while Dow and LyondellBasell Industries also saw gains of about 4% and 2%, respectively, reflecting market reactions to supply chain challenges.
See More
AST SpaceMobile Stock Drops After Satellite Launch Failure
- Launch Failure: AST SpaceMobile's latest BlueBird satellite failed to reach its intended orbit after its Sunday launch, resulting in a 9.9% drop in stock price by 11:10 a.m. ET on Monday, indicating significant challenges in satellite deployment.
- Insurance Coverage: Despite the launch failure, AST has insured its satellites and expects insurance to cover the loss; however, this incident may delay the beta service launch for its DTC service, impacting future revenue and profitability.
- Future Launch Plans: AST aims to launch 45 satellites by the end of 2026, with plans for launches every one to two months; although the current failure may affect this timeline, the company has three more satellites ready for launch, demonstrating confidence in its future.
- Competitive Market Pressure: While AST faces setbacks, SpaceX has successfully deployed 650 DTC Starlink satellites and is already providing service, placing AST at a competitive disadvantage and highlighting the urgent need to accelerate its satellite deployment to maintain market relevance.
See More
AST SpaceMobile Shares Drop 9% After Satellite Launch Failure
- Satellite Launch Failure: AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7 satellite failed to achieve proper orbit after its launch by Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, causing shares to plummet 9% on Monday, indicating market concerns about launch success.
- Operational Impact: The satellite was placed in a lower-than-planned orbit, rendering it unable to sustain operations; however, the company still aims to launch satellites every one to two months in 2026, targeting around 45 satellites in orbit by year-end.
- Insurance Coverage: The loss of the satellite will be covered by the company's insurance, which alleviates some financial pressure, yet poses challenges to the company's future operational plans.
- Annual Performance Review: Despite Monday's drop putting ASTS in negative territory year-to-date, the stock has still risen over 270% in the past year, reflecting market confidence in its long-term potential.
See More
Market Update: Rising Oil Prices and M&A Activity
- Oil Price Surge Amid Tensions: Renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have led to rising oil prices, with the U.S. seizing an Iranian commercial ship attempting to evade a Navy blockade, potentially impacting global oil markets.
- M&A Activity on the Rise: Roofing and construction supplies distributor QXO has agreed to acquire installation firm TopBuild for $17 billion, positioning QXO as a leader in waterproofing and insulation, which is expected to significantly enhance its market share.
- Optimistic Apple Earnings Forecast: Morgan Stanley anticipates Apple will report quarterly earnings per share of $2.02 and revenue of $110.82 billion, exceeding market expectations, with analysts expressing confidence in Apple's supply chain management capabilities and maintaining a $300 price target.
- Airline Industry Hit by Fuel Costs: KLM has canceled over 150 European flights due to soaring jet fuel costs, indicating financial strain on the airline industry, which could negatively affect related companies like Boeing.
See More
AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7 Launch Fails to Achieve Orbit
- Launch Failure: AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7 satellite failed to reach its intended orbit during the New Glenn rocket launch, as it was placed in a lower orbit than planned, rendering it unable to operate and leading to its de-orbiting.
- Insurance Coverage: The costs associated with BlueBird 7 are expected to be covered by the company's insurance policy, which will mitigate the financial impact of the launch failure, although the negative repercussions remain significant.
- Future Launch Plans: The company anticipates conducting an orbital launch every one to two months in 2026, aiming to have approximately 45 satellites in orbit by the end of the year, thereby advancing its space-based cellular network initiative.
- Production Progress: Currently, AST SpaceMobile is producing BlueBird 32, with BlueBird 8 to 10 expected to be ready for shipment in about 30 days, indicating the company's ongoing commitment to expanding its satellite network.
See More
Oil Price Surge Leads to Market Decline
- Market Decline: The S&P 500 index fell by 0.21%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 0.04%, and the Nasdaq 100 by 0.24%, indicating investor concerns over rising oil prices that could impact corporate earnings and overall market confidence.
- Oil Price Surge: WTI crude oil prices increased by over 5% due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the US's refusal to lift its naval blockade on Iranian vessels, which could exacerbate global oil and fuel shortages and raise operational costs for affected industries.
- Earnings Expectations: So far, 81% of the 48 S&P 500 companies that reported earnings have exceeded estimates, with Q1 earnings projected to rise by 12% year-over-year; however, excluding the tech sector, growth is only expected to be 3%, indicating signs of an overall economic slowdown.
- Airline and Chip Stocks Under Pressure: Airline stocks are down due to rising fuel costs, with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings falling over 6%, while chipmakers like Intel are also down more than 2%, reflecting the negative impact of high oil prices across multiple sectors.
See More
Midday Market Moves: Notable Stock Fluctuations
- Stanley Black & Decker Surge: Stanley Black & Decker's stock rose over 4% after the company stated that recent changes to Section 232 tariffs would not materially impact its full-year forecast, indicating strong confidence in its financial outlook.
- Fermi Stock Plunge: Shares of energy infrastructure developer Fermi fell more than 22% following the resignation of CFO Miles Everson and the recent departure of CEO Toby Neugebauer, raising concerns about the company's leadership stability and future direction.
- Biogen's Strategic Move: Biogen's stock increased nearly 3% after agreeing to pay $850 million for exclusive rights to sell felzartamab in China, which underscores its strategic expansion in the immune-related disease treatment market.
- Fertilizer Stocks Fluctuate: Fertilizer stocks experienced volatility as CF Industries rose nearly 2% due to ongoing shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, while Dow and LyondellBasell Industries also saw gains of about 4% and 2%, respectively, reflecting market reactions to supply chain challenges.
See More
AST SpaceMobile Stock Drops After Satellite Launch Failure
- Launch Failure: AST SpaceMobile's latest BlueBird satellite failed to reach its intended orbit after its Sunday launch, resulting in a 9.9% drop in stock price by 11:10 a.m. ET on Monday, indicating significant challenges in satellite deployment.
- Insurance Coverage: Despite the launch failure, AST has insured its satellites and expects insurance to cover the loss; however, this incident may delay the beta service launch for its DTC service, impacting future revenue and profitability.
- Future Launch Plans: AST aims to launch 45 satellites by the end of 2026, with plans for launches every one to two months; although the current failure may affect this timeline, the company has three more satellites ready for launch, demonstrating confidence in its future.
- Competitive Market Pressure: While AST faces setbacks, SpaceX has successfully deployed 650 DTC Starlink satellites and is already providing service, placing AST at a competitive disadvantage and highlighting the urgent need to accelerate its satellite deployment to maintain market relevance.
See More
AST SpaceMobile Shares Drop 9% After Satellite Launch Failure
- Satellite Launch Failure: AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7 satellite failed to achieve proper orbit after its launch by Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, causing shares to plummet 9% on Monday, indicating market concerns about launch success.
- Operational Impact: The satellite was placed in a lower-than-planned orbit, rendering it unable to sustain operations; however, the company still aims to launch satellites every one to two months in 2026, targeting around 45 satellites in orbit by year-end.
- Insurance Coverage: The loss of the satellite will be covered by the company's insurance, which alleviates some financial pressure, yet poses challenges to the company's future operational plans.
- Annual Performance Review: Despite Monday's drop putting ASTS in negative territory year-to-date, the stock has still risen over 270% in the past year, reflecting market confidence in its long-term potential.
See More
Market Update: Rising Oil Prices and M&A Activity
- Oil Price Surge Amid Tensions: Renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have led to rising oil prices, with the U.S. seizing an Iranian commercial ship attempting to evade a Navy blockade, potentially impacting global oil markets.
- M&A Activity on the Rise: Roofing and construction supplies distributor QXO has agreed to acquire installation firm TopBuild for $17 billion, positioning QXO as a leader in waterproofing and insulation, which is expected to significantly enhance its market share.
- Optimistic Apple Earnings Forecast: Morgan Stanley anticipates Apple will report quarterly earnings per share of $2.02 and revenue of $110.82 billion, exceeding market expectations, with analysts expressing confidence in Apple's supply chain management capabilities and maintaining a $300 price target.
- Airline Industry Hit by Fuel Costs: KLM has canceled over 150 European flights due to soaring jet fuel costs, indicating financial strain on the airline industry, which could negatively affect related companies like Boeing.
See More
