Barrick Gold nears record high as institutional bets surge on soaring gold prices
Barrick Gold’s stock has surged to near-record levels, closing at €38.72—just shy of its 52-week high. The price marks a 149% increase since the start of the year, driven by soaring gold prices and strong institutional interest. Yet, even as the metal hit fresh all-time highs, the shares dipped slightly in thin holiday trading.
The recent dip followed a broader 'sell the news' trend seen across the gold sector. Competitors like Agnico Eagle also faced intraday weakness, suggesting the pullback was not unique to Barrick. With trading volumes low over the holidays, even modest sell orders pushed prices down more sharply than usual.
Despite the short-term volatility, institutional confidence remains high. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC acquired 72,737 shares in Q2 2025, while Exchange Traded Concepts LLC expanded its stake by 71% in Q3, bringing its total to over 500,000 shares. Drummond Knight Asset Management now holds a position worth around $39.5 million, signalling a long-term bullish outlook. Overall, institutions own 90.82% of Barrick’s shares. The company’s strong financial position has also attracted investors. Persistent high gold prices have boosted free cash flow, giving Barrick greater flexibility. A recent 25% increase in its base dividend further strengthens its appeal to income-focused shareholders. As 2025 draws to a close, analysts expect Barrick to enter a consolidation phase at elevated levels. The key test will come when normal trading volumes return in the new year.
Barrick Gold remains a favoured choice for investors seeking gold exposure, backed by robust institutional support and rising dividends. The stock’s technical indicators suggest potential stabilisation after the recent pullback. How it performs once holiday trading ends will be closely watched in early 2026.
