Sprott Inc. concluded 2025 with assets under management reaching an all-time high, according to company statements. Steven Schoffstall, Director of ETF Product Management at Sprott, attributed the strong performance to broad gains across the metals the firm follows and significant new investor interest in its exchange-traded funds focused on precious metals, critical materials, and mining companies.
Schoffstall explained the drivers behind this trend in an interview with Benzinga. He cited geopolitical and economic uncertainty as primary factors. "A lot of times it's that geopolitical uncertainty, economic uncertainty," Schoffstall stated. "We’re seeing trade wars and threats of tariffs. All of that bodes well for precious metals traditionally." This analysis suggests that investors are turning to assets like gold and silver as hedges against global instability and potential market volatility.
Looking ahead to 2026, Schoffstall indicated that the positive momentum for precious metals is likely to persist. "A lot of what we saw in 2025 is likely to carry through into 2026," he said of the sector. He specifically highlighted silver's potential for a strong performance, noting its dual role as both a precious metal and a critical industrial material. According to his remarks, almost 60% of silver demand stems from industrial applications, including key technology sectors like artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing.
This connection to high-growth technological industries provides a fundamental demand driver for silver beyond its traditional value as a monetary metal. For business and technology leaders, this forecast underscores the growing intersection between commodity markets and the tech supply chain. The anticipated continued strength in precious metals, fueled by both safe-haven demand and industrial consumption, could have significant implications for investment portfolios, corporate cost structures for technology hardware, and the strategic sourcing of critical materials.
The original analysis was published on Benzinga, which notes the content is for informational purposes only and not intended as investing advice. Further disclosures related to the content can be found via the source.
