Reuters UK- Major gold firms grappling with declining output and surging costs are being cold-shouldered by investors opting for exposure to bullion through exchange traded funds (ETFs) or high-growth junior firms.
A wave of money flowing into gold ETFs, which issue shares backed by physical stocks of bullion, touched a record last week as investors sought a safe haven from other markets.
Traditionally, investors have bought gold mining shares for the extra leverage to benefit not only from a rising gold price but also higher profit margins.