Sprott Executive Predicts Continued Precious Metals Momentum Through 2026

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 company tracks and significant new investor interest in its exchange-traded funds focused on precious metals, critical materials, and mining companies.

Schoffstall explained that geopolitical and economic uncertainties are primary drivers for precious metals demand. "We’re seeing trade wars and threats of tariffs. All of that bodes well for precious metals traditionally," he stated in an interview. This environment of instability has historically increased investor appetite for assets like gold and silver, which are often viewed as safe havens during turbulent times.

Looking ahead to 2026, Schoffstall expressed confidence that the trends observed in 2025 would persist. He specifically highlighted silver's potential for strong performance, noting its dual role as both a precious metal and an industrial metal. Approximately 60% of silver demand comes from industrial applications, including sectors like artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing. This industrial demand, combined with its precious metal status, positions silver uniquely for continued growth.

The original analysis featuring Schoffstall's comments was published on Benzinga, where further disclosures about the content can be found. The sustained interest in precious metals ETFs suggests a shift in investor strategy toward tangible assets amid global economic fluctuations. For market participants, this outlook implies that monitoring developments in trade policies, geopolitical tensions, and technological advancements in industries like AI will be crucial for understanding precious metals markets in the coming year.

The performance of companies like Sprott, which provides specialized investment products in this sector, serves as a barometer for broader market sentiment toward hard assets. As industrial demand for metals like silver intersects with investment demand driven by uncertainty, the precious metals sector may remain a significant area of focus for portfolios seeking diversification and inflation hedging in 2026.