The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, Dec. 8, edition that Desjardins Securities analysts John Sclodnick and Jonathan Egilo expect gold equities to "awaken" in 2024 with the price of the precious metal "surging." The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that in a research report previewing the year ahead titled "Golden Slumbers," the analysts emphasized the "strong price environment" is likely to create opportunities for investors. Mr. Sclodnick and Mr. Egilo say, "The general expectation for 2024 is that the Fed will cut rates." As a consequence, the Desjardins stockpickers say, "The gold price now appears set for outperformance." The analysts add, "Gold is trading near all-time highs, and we believe that NAVs are not currently reflecting the surge in the gold price." Mr. Sclodnick and Mr. Egilo recommend Aya Gold & Silver for investors seeking gold exposure. They call Aya Gold a "preferred name," citing "a number of key catalysts in 1H24 including first silver pour from the Zgounder expansion and a resource estimate at Boumadine." They give it a "buy" recommendation, with a $13.25 share target. Analysts on average target the shares at $13.75.