Gold and Silver Prices Rise Due to Iran Conflict
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 02 2026
0mins
Source: Barron's
- Market Reaction: Precious metals prices increased early Monday.
- Investor Sentiment: The rise in prices is attributed to investor responses to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
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Analyst Views on FCX
Wall Street analysts forecast FCX stock price to rise
15 Analyst Rating
13 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 56.480
Low
46.00
Averages
58.79
High
70.00
Current: 56.480
Low
46.00
Averages
58.79
High
70.00
About FCX
Freeport-McMoRan Inc. is an international metals company focused on copper. The Company operates geographically diverse assets with significant proven and probable mineral reserves of copper, gold and molybdenum. The Company's segments include the Morenci and Cerro Verde copper mines, the Indonesia operations (including the Grasberg minerals district and PT-FI’s downstream processing facilities), the Rod & Refining operations and Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining. Its operations include North America, South America and Indonesia. In North America, it manages seven copper operations: Morenci, Bagdad, Safford (including Lone Star), Sierrita and Miami in Arizona, and Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico, and two molybdenum mines: Henderson and Climax in Colorado. It also operates a copper smelter in Miami, Arizona. In South America, it manages two copper operations: Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile. In addition to copper, the Grasberg minerals district also produces gold and silver.
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.
Investment Opportunities Amid Market Turmoil
- Undervalued Stocks: Sarat Sethi from DCLA highlights that despite market turmoil due to the Iran conflict, certain 'fallen angel' stocks are trading at significant discounts, indicating quality companies that investors can discover amid current volatility.
- Strong Fundamentals: He emphasizes that companies like Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) maintain robust fundamentals despite a 15% drop from peak prices, as strong demand for copper persists regardless of rising oil prices and economic slowdowns.
- Sector Opportunities: Waste Connections (WCN) is described by Sethi as a 'steady grower' currently at a one-year low, trading at 15 times cash flow, showcasing its potential as an undervalued asset amid broader market sell-offs.
- Economic Impact Concerns: Sethi warns that the conflict may exacerbate the existing 'K-shaped economy', disproportionately affecting lower-income consumers, leading to short-term pressures on retail and discretionary stocks, thus advising investors to be cautious in their selections.
See More
Multiple Companies Announce Quarterly Cash Dividends
- F&M Bank Dividend Growth: F&M Bank's Board approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per share, reflecting a 4% year-over-year increase, which indicates the company's stable financial performance with total assets of $3.43 billion, likely enhancing shareholder confidence and attracting more investors.
- InterDigital Regular Dividend: InterDigital announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.70 per share, payable on April 22, 2026, showcasing the company's ongoing profitability in the wireless and video technology sectors, which may enhance its market appeal.
- THOR Industries Dividend Approval: THOR Industries' Board approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.52 per share, indicating the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders amidst stable financial conditions, which is expected to strengthen investor trust.
- CMC Dividend Increase: CMC declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, an 11% increase from the previous month, marking its 246th consecutive dividend, demonstrating strong profitability and commitment to shareholders, which may further boost market confidence.
See More
U.S. Recovers $100 Million in Gold from Venezuela
- Gold Recovery Achievement: U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced at the CERAWeek conference in Houston that the U.S. successfully recovered $100 million in gold from Venezuela, marking the first precious metal shipment between the two countries in over 20 years, indicating a subtle shift in bilateral relations.
- Strategic Investment Opportunities: Burgum highlighted that Venezuela not only possesses the largest crude oil reserves in the world but also rich mineral and precious metal resources, and despite the collapse of its mining industry due to gang control, the U.S. sees potential for rebuilding this sector.
- Environmental and Investment Needs: Burgum noted that the Venezuelan government seeks to improve environmental conditions and attract modern investments to foster economic growth, presenting U.S. companies with opportunities to enter the market while potentially enhancing local environmental governance.
- Political Dynamics Impact: Under the Trump administration's encouragement, U.S. oil and gas executives are urged to invest in Venezuela's energy sector, while opposition leader Maria Corina Machado calls for the full privatization of the country's oil industry, reflecting the uncertainty of the future political landscape.
See More
Stock Price Movements of Various Companies
- Generac Stock Decline: Shares of generator manufacturer Generac fell 7% after its EBITDA margin forecast disappointed Wall Street, projecting EBITDA of $1.25 billion to $1.45 billion for 2028, below the consensus of $1.29 billion, with margins expected in the low 20% range, which could undermine investor confidence.
- Meta Layoffs: Meta Platforms saw a 1% rise in stock price despite plans to lay off several hundred employees across various divisions, including Facebook and Reality Labs, indicating a strategic move to optimize resources in response to market challenges, potentially impacting long-term growth prospects.
- Intuitive Machines Contract Win: Intuitive Machines surged over 15% after securing a $180.4 million contract with NASA to deliver seven science and technology payloads to the moon, a significant win that is expected to enhance the company's market position and future revenue outlook.
- PDD Holdings Revenue Growth: PDD Holdings' U.S.-traded shares increased by 7%, reporting total revenue of 123.9 billion yuan in the fourth quarter, a 12% year-over-year increase, although slightly below the consensus of 124.5 billion yuan, indicating the company's resilience in a competitive market.
See More
Freeport and Newmont See Gains: The Reasons Behind the Surge in Mining Stocks.
- Stock Market Reaction: Large mining companies saw a rise in stock prices early Wednesday.
- Influencing Factors: The increase was influenced by a reported U.S.-drafted peace plan amid ongoing conflict with Iran.
See More
Freeport-McMoRan Shares Rise on Copper Price Optimism
- Copper Price Surge: Freeport-McMoRan shares rose 2.3% pre-market as copper futures gained due to optimism surrounding the Trump administration's diplomatic efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict, indicating a positive outlook for industrial metal demand.
- Nickel Price Spike: Nickel prices surged on the London Metal Exchange following Indonesia's approval of export tariffs, which could significantly impact global nickel supply as Indonesia produces over 50% of the world's nickel, potentially driving prices higher.
- Aluminum Market Outlook: Despite a decline in aluminum prices on the LME, Goldman Sachs forecasts a Q2 global aluminum deficit of approximately 900,000 metric tons, the largest since 2019, with prices expected to rise to $3,200/ton due to Middle East disruptions.
- Future Supply Predictions: New aluminum supply from Chinese overseas investments is anticipated to ramp up in H2 2023, contributing to a projected global surplus of 1.8 million tons by 2028, indicating potential shifts in market dynamics.
See More
Investment Opportunities Amid Market Turmoil
- Undervalued Stocks: Sarat Sethi from DCLA highlights that despite market turmoil due to the Iran conflict, certain 'fallen angel' stocks are trading at significant discounts, indicating quality companies that investors can discover amid current volatility.
- Strong Fundamentals: He emphasizes that companies like Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) maintain robust fundamentals despite a 15% drop from peak prices, as strong demand for copper persists regardless of rising oil prices and economic slowdowns.
- Sector Opportunities: Waste Connections (WCN) is described by Sethi as a 'steady grower' currently at a one-year low, trading at 15 times cash flow, showcasing its potential as an undervalued asset amid broader market sell-offs.
- Economic Impact Concerns: Sethi warns that the conflict may exacerbate the existing 'K-shaped economy', disproportionately affecting lower-income consumers, leading to short-term pressures on retail and discretionary stocks, thus advising investors to be cautious in their selections.
See More
Multiple Companies Announce Quarterly Cash Dividends
- F&M Bank Dividend Growth: F&M Bank's Board approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per share, reflecting a 4% year-over-year increase, which indicates the company's stable financial performance with total assets of $3.43 billion, likely enhancing shareholder confidence and attracting more investors.
- InterDigital Regular Dividend: InterDigital announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.70 per share, payable on April 22, 2026, showcasing the company's ongoing profitability in the wireless and video technology sectors, which may enhance its market appeal.
- THOR Industries Dividend Approval: THOR Industries' Board approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.52 per share, indicating the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders amidst stable financial conditions, which is expected to strengthen investor trust.
- CMC Dividend Increase: CMC declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, an 11% increase from the previous month, marking its 246th consecutive dividend, demonstrating strong profitability and commitment to shareholders, which may further boost market confidence.
See More
U.S. Recovers $100 Million in Gold from Venezuela
- Gold Recovery Achievement: U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced at the CERAWeek conference in Houston that the U.S. successfully recovered $100 million in gold from Venezuela, marking the first precious metal shipment between the two countries in over 20 years, indicating a subtle shift in bilateral relations.
- Strategic Investment Opportunities: Burgum highlighted that Venezuela not only possesses the largest crude oil reserves in the world but also rich mineral and precious metal resources, and despite the collapse of its mining industry due to gang control, the U.S. sees potential for rebuilding this sector.
- Environmental and Investment Needs: Burgum noted that the Venezuelan government seeks to improve environmental conditions and attract modern investments to foster economic growth, presenting U.S. companies with opportunities to enter the market while potentially enhancing local environmental governance.
- Political Dynamics Impact: Under the Trump administration's encouragement, U.S. oil and gas executives are urged to invest in Venezuela's energy sector, while opposition leader Maria Corina Machado calls for the full privatization of the country's oil industry, reflecting the uncertainty of the future political landscape.
See More
Stock Price Movements of Various Companies
- Generac Stock Decline: Shares of generator manufacturer Generac fell 7% after its EBITDA margin forecast disappointed Wall Street, projecting EBITDA of $1.25 billion to $1.45 billion for 2028, below the consensus of $1.29 billion, with margins expected in the low 20% range, which could undermine investor confidence.
- Meta Layoffs: Meta Platforms saw a 1% rise in stock price despite plans to lay off several hundred employees across various divisions, including Facebook and Reality Labs, indicating a strategic move to optimize resources in response to market challenges, potentially impacting long-term growth prospects.
- Intuitive Machines Contract Win: Intuitive Machines surged over 15% after securing a $180.4 million contract with NASA to deliver seven science and technology payloads to the moon, a significant win that is expected to enhance the company's market position and future revenue outlook.
- PDD Holdings Revenue Growth: PDD Holdings' U.S.-traded shares increased by 7%, reporting total revenue of 123.9 billion yuan in the fourth quarter, a 12% year-over-year increase, although slightly below the consensus of 124.5 billion yuan, indicating the company's resilience in a competitive market.
See More
Freeport and Newmont See Gains: The Reasons Behind the Surge in Mining Stocks.
- Stock Market Reaction: Large mining companies saw a rise in stock prices early Wednesday.
- Influencing Factors: The increase was influenced by a reported U.S.-drafted peace plan amid ongoing conflict with Iran.
See More
Freeport-McMoRan Shares Rise on Copper Price Optimism
- Copper Price Surge: Freeport-McMoRan shares rose 2.3% pre-market as copper futures gained due to optimism surrounding the Trump administration's diplomatic efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict, indicating a positive outlook for industrial metal demand.
- Nickel Price Spike: Nickel prices surged on the London Metal Exchange following Indonesia's approval of export tariffs, which could significantly impact global nickel supply as Indonesia produces over 50% of the world's nickel, potentially driving prices higher.
- Aluminum Market Outlook: Despite a decline in aluminum prices on the LME, Goldman Sachs forecasts a Q2 global aluminum deficit of approximately 900,000 metric tons, the largest since 2019, with prices expected to rise to $3,200/ton due to Middle East disruptions.
- Future Supply Predictions: New aluminum supply from Chinese overseas investments is anticipated to ramp up in H2 2023, contributing to a projected global surplus of 1.8 million tons by 2028, indicating potential shifts in market dynamics.
See More
