Investing.com — Gold stocks marked a mixed performance in 2025, as a surge in bullion prices, to record highs, was offset by mining and operational challenges that left some companies struggling to capitalize on the bullion boom.

RBC Capital Markets flagged five gold stocks to watch in tandem with gold prices, with picks across gold royalty stocks and established bullion miners.

Gold prices soared to record highs through 2025 amid growing economic uncertainty sparked by changes in U.S. trade policy, a prolonged slowdown in China, and growing concerns over fiscal health in the developed world.

OR Royalties

RBC identifies OR Royalties as a “best idea” within its coverage. The company has underperformed in recent months amid broader compression in royalty sector valuations, following a period of steady expansion earlier in 2025. According to RBC, this pullback has created more attractive entry points for investors. The bank describes OR’s one- to three-year outlook as “compelling” and maintains it as a top pick among gold stocks.

Royal Gold

Royal Gold’s valuation compressed throughout 2025, a trend that accelerated following its July announcement of the Sandstorm acquisition. RBC notes that while the shares have recently begun closing the valuation gap with larger royalty peers, they still trade at a discount. This suggests further potential for Royal Gold to catch up to peer valuations, according to the bank’s analysis.