The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Gold Fields, IAMGOLD, Sandstorm Gold And Vista Gold

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – May 11, 2016 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Gold Fields Ltd. (GFI), IAMGOLD Corp. (IAG (LON:ICAG)), Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (SAND) and Vista Gold Corp. (VGZ).

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Here are highlights from Tuesday’s Analyst Blog:

4 Gold Stocks to Buy on 2016’s Price Rally

After the $1,300 per ounce barrier last week, gold prices declined sharply on Monday. This was probably a result of profit taking and the recent uptrend in the dollar. Additionally, a near-term increase in crude prices has sent markets higher, robbing the yellow metal of some of its sheen.

However, 2016 has been a particularly good one for gold. Additionally, the yellow metal is set to move higher given that conditions for its recent gains remain in place. Adding gold stocks to your portfolio may be a good option at this point.

Fed Keeps Rates Unchanged

Long-term trends show that gold gains when most of the world’s economies are devaluing their currencies. At the conclusion of its two-day meeting last month, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decided to keep interest rates flat within the 0.25% and 0.5% range.

Additionally, FOMC said that it expects “only gradual increases in the federal funds rate.” The Fed’s decision to hold rates where they are has helped the yellow metal gain nearly 19% year to date. After last Friday’s disappointing jobs report, the central bank is likely to maintain a dovish stance going forward.

Bank of Japan Holds Steady, Dollar Falls

Moreover, Bank of Japan (BOJ) kept its interest rates unchanged and announced no new stimulus measures to control the yen’s movement. Consequently, the yen increased almost 4% against the dollar to 108.12 yen. The stronger yen dragged the Nikkei 225 3.6% lower, which in turn had an adverse impact on global markets.

Additionally, the European Union, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Switzerland continue to keep their rates in negative territory. The idea is to boost exports and consequently growth by depreciating their respective currencies.

Our Choices

While accommodative central bank policies have increased gold’s luster, markets have experienced two consecutive weeks of declines. This has increased the attractiveness of gold as a safe haven asset.

At this point, gold stocks have significant momentum behind them. It is likely that this trend will continue going forward which makes betting on gold stocks a smart move.

Our selection is also backed by a good Zacks Momentum Score and Zacks Rank.

We narrowed down our choices with the help of our new style score system.

Our research shows that stocks with a Momentum Style Score of ‘A’ or ‘B’ when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) offer the best investment opportunities in the momentum investing space.

Gold Fields Ltd. (GFI) is an unhedged gold producer with operating mines in South Africa, Ghana, Peru and Australia.

Gold Fields Ltd. holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and has a Momentum Style Score of ‘A.' Its earnings estimate for the current year has improved by more than 100% over the last 30 days. The stock has gained 49.1% year to date.

IAMGOLD Corp. (IAG) explores, develops and operates mining facilities across North and South America as well as West Africa.

IAMGOLD holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and has a Momentum Style Score of ‘A.' Its earnings estimate for the current year has improved by 35.2% over the last 30 days. The stock has gained 139.4% year to date.

Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (SAND) concentrates on completing gold purchase agreements with gold mining companies that have advanced stage development projects or operating mines.

Sandstorm Gold holds a Zacks Rank #2 and has a Momentum Style Score of 'A.’ Its earnings estimate for the current year has improved by more than 100% over the last 30 days. The stock has gained 49.1% year to date.

Vista Gold Corp. (VGZ) concentrates on evaluating, acquiring and exploring gold projects in North America and Australia.

Vista Gold holds a Zacks Rank #2 and has a Momentum Style Score of ‘A.’ Its earnings estimate for the current year has improved by 50% over the last 30 days. The stock has gained 150.4% year to date.

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