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Key points
- Newcrest Mining share price rallies 6.3% as investors move on a rising gold spot price
- Geopolitical tensions and the potential for rate hikes are also putting wind in gold miners' sails today
- The mining giant is expected to release its quarterly results on 28 January
The Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) share price is glistening with a green complexion on Thursday.
At the time of writing, shares in Australia's largest listed gold mining company are trading at $25.47, up 6.3%. Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.05% in afternoon trade.
What's going on with the Newcrest share price today?
The Newcrest share price is having its best day since May 2020 when it gained 6.7%. However, the $19 billion gold-mining giant is moving without any new announcements out today.
If we step back and take a broader look at the gold sector, we see that Newcrest isn't alone in its joyous performance. For reference, here's how other gold miners are doing:
- Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) up 11%
- Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) up 8.5%
- Chalice Mining Ltd (ASX: CHN) up 6.1%
This information would suggest the reason behind Newcrest's move is due to a sector-wide catalyst. It is likely the strengthening in the spot gold price overnight that is causing today's momentum.
According to CNBC, gold rallied 1.7% to US$1,842.9 an ounce. The upward move places the precious metal at a 2-month high. In turn, the Newcrest share price is benefitting from it.
The reason behind gold prices making a move could be 2-fold.
Firstly, the most recent reports indicate the safe-haven asset has found renewed appeal amid geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine. White House press secretary Jen Psaki has said Russia could instigate a conflict at any point — possibly between January and February.
At the same time, investors have been rotating into investments that are perceived as inflation hedges as rate hikes look more likely.
Bloomberg Economics has forecast the first rate increase in the US in March. Meanwhile, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) expects the Reserve Bank to raise rates in August.
When are quarterly results coming?
The market's attention is heightened around this time of the year. We are fast approaching earnings season and some companies are already posting their quarterly results.
Newcrest's December quarterly results are slated for release on 28 January. There's a good chance this event will have shareholders on the edge of their seats, hoping the Newcrest share price reacts positively to the update.
