The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Oct. 21, edition that National Bank Financial precious metals analysts continue to see a "supportive environment" in the sector despite the impact of "persistent" inflation and recent interest rate hikes. The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that the analysts say in a note: We continue to expect U.S. debt levels and fiscal deficits to rise, heightened geopolitical uncertainty, and a softer USD, while central bank buying remains. ... While oil prices remain an important cost input, the Q3 focus broadens to labour, consumables, contractor rates and other site-level inflation, as well as the potential for project and sustaining capital pressures. Encouragingly, elevated by-product prices should continue to provide a substantial offset, supporting strong margins and cash flow across the sector. With this, we are focused on cost discipline and conversion of higher realized prices into FCF, rather than modest quarter-over-quarter movements in individual cost inputs." The National Bank analysts continue to rate Barrick Mining "outperform." The gave their share target a $2.50 trim to $72.50. Analysts on average target the shares at $73.27.