As Donald Trump’s trade wars intensify and the U.S. dollar loses ground, investors are pouring money into gold, a time-tested safe haven in times of economic volatility. This rush has driven gold prices to a historic high of $3,400 per ounce, jumping 12% in just one month.
The soaring demand for gold has lit a fire under gold mining stocks. According to AltIndex.com, the ten largest gold mining firms have seen a combined $100 billion boost in market capitalization so far this year, signaling a golden era for the sector.
South African Gold Mining Giants AngloGold Ashanti and Gold Fields Lead the Pack with Nearly 80% Year-to-Date Gains
Gold is one of the most trusted investments during uncertain times, holding its value when the economy is shaky. When markets become volatile, and confidence in traditional assets begins to drop, investors often turn to gold as a safe haven, and 2025 has proven this again. As President Donald Trump’s tariff wars send shockwaves through stock and crypto markets, investors are again rushing to gold for safety, causing gold miners` stock values to skyrocket.
According to AltIndex analysis, the world’s ten largest gold mining companies have all seen impressive double-digit stock value growth since the beginning of the year. In January, their combined market cap amounted to $221.3 billion, and now it’s $322.7 billion, showing a massive $101.4 billion increase in sixteen weeks. While all the major gold miners saw impressive gains, two companies stood out.
South African gold miners AngloGold Ashanti and Gold Fields have seen the biggest stock value growth, with 79% and 77% gains year-to-date, respectively. Canadian giants Kinross Gold and Agnico Eagle Mines aren’t far behind, with stunning gains of 50% and 49%, adding tens of billions to their market value.
Statistics show four more companies, Wheaton Precious Metals, Shandong Gold Mining, the world’s largest gold miner Newmont and Franco-Nevada, posted over 40% gains since January, followed by Northern Star’s 35% and Barrick Gold’s 23.8% increases. Measured in U.S. dollars, Newmont and Agnico Precious Metals saw the biggest year-to-date gains, adding $18.8 billion and $20.2 billion to their stock values, respectively.
Not a Single Loser Among the Top 30 Companies
The current gold rally is proving to be one of the most powerful in recent years, especially for the largest players in the sector. Every single one of the top 30 gold mining companies has seen its stock value surge since the beginning of the year, with the majority posting double-digit gains.
With ongoing trade wars and mounting macroeconomic uncertainty, there’s little sign this trend will slow down, and the price of gold is backing up the momentum. As stocks plunge and markets teeter on the edge of another bear market, gold has delivered a staggering 47% year-over-year return.