Global warming has raised the economic status and political importance of critical minerals, but with that also comes an increased risk of resource nationalism across the globe.

The road to reaching net zero begins and ends with copper.

The need for more and better infrastructure around the world will only get bigger over time, widening the trillion-dollar gap that already exists between planned investment and the amount needed.

For the world’s leading economy, securing reliable supplies for these minerals is especially important to not only sustain its dominance but also shed its supply reliance on key rivals like China.

Some of the world’s largest mining companies and metal traders are warning the shortfall could arrive as early as 2025.

Increased demand from both central banks and investors provides further confirmation that precious metals, in particular gold, are the commodities to look at in 2023.

It can’t just be a coincidence that global central banks are buying this much gold, at a time when they’re making significant losses.

Under a certain market environment, precious metals are considered must-haves in a modern investment portfolio.

Silver Institute says the global silver market was undersupplied by 237.7 million ounces in 2022, “possibly the most significant deficit on record.”

Historically, gold has been viewed as a hedge against inflation, and given the high-price environment now, a rally would make perfect sense.

Precious metals are back in the spotlight in 2023 as signs of economic slowdown continue to surface and cause uneasiness among investors, in turn driving up the appeal of safe havens.

The US debt to GDP ratio in 1982 was around 35%. Today it is more than three times higher, at 120%.