Gold Fields expects gold prices to remain elevated in the near to medium term, supported by geopolitical uncertainty, sustained central bank buying and strong investor appetite for safe-haven assets.
Speaking on the company’s performance for the year and outlook on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Monday, February 23, Group CEO Mike Fraser said while current market conditions remain favourable for gold producers, the company is cautious about anchoring its strategy on short-term price movements and overreliance on short-term price spikes.
Gold Fields, he explained, bases its long-term planning and investment decisions on consensus forecasts rather than prevailing spot prices.
Gold prices have surged in recent months amid global economic uncertainty, currency volatility and shifting monetary policy expectations.
Also, current long-term consensus estimates place gold around $3,300 per ounce, and he stressed that all major capital allocation and reinvestment decisions are tested against sustainable long-term price assumptions.
However, he stressed that Gold Fields will take a measured approach to capital allocation and long-term planning.
We do not plan our business on the price of the day,” he indicated, explaining that investment decisions are guided by long-term consensus price forecasts rather than temporary spikes in the market.
According to Mike Fraser, consensus long-term projections place gold at around $3,300 per ounce – a level the company uses as a reference point when evaluating project returns, expansion plans and exploration spending.
The disciplined approach, he said, ensures the sustainability of operations across cycles and protects shareholder value should prices moderate from current highs.
With gold maintaining its appeal as a hedge against uncertainty, Gold Fields says it remains well positioned to benefit from favourable market conditions while maintaining financial prudence in its expansion and reinvestment strategy.
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