The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday edition that as first quarter earnings season approaches, Desjardins Securities precious metals equity analysts are predicting "continued strength" across the sector, stemming "from ongoing geopolitical tension and anticipate continued price volatility driven by the uncertainty in the length of the war and its ultimate inflation impact." The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that Desjardins analysts Bryce Adams, Allison Carson and Amanda Lewis say in a note: "Gold and silver prices exhibited extreme volatility in 1Q26 with spreads from the quarterly highs to lows of $1,096/oz and $51.22/oz. Metal prices reached all-time highs in 1Q26 of $5,410/oz Au and $118.45/oz Ag before steeply correcting at the end of January following Trump's Federal Reserve chair nomination. Declines continued through March driven by the Iran war strengthening the U.S. dollar and increasing inflation and interest rate expectations. Gold and silver averaged $4,866/oz and $84.10/oz, respectively, in the quarter." The Desjardins analysts continue to rate Wesdome Gold Mines "buy," while boosting their share target by $2 to $34. Analysts on average target the shares at $29.90.