Eric Sprott discusses the big week in silver and all of the metals as inflation picks up and interest rates rise.

Eric Sprott discusses the wild week in the precious metals markets as well as a few specific mining companies that he finds interesting.

This week, Eric Sprott discusses the latest US jobs report, the stock market and the surging open interest in Comex silver.

Michael Kosowan is the President and CEO of Torq Resources.Mr. Kosowan is an industry expert with over 20 years experience in the junior mining sector, having led mining investment and financings in the USA and Canada through his work with Sprott and other premier brokerage houses.

Ronald-Peter Stöferle is a managing partner at Incrementum AG in Liechtenstein and the author of the annual report, "In Gold We Trust".

Rick Rule (President and CEO of Sprott US Holdings) leads a world-renowned team of earth science and finance professionals.

One prominent 2017 storyline was, "Gold is dead — long live cryptocurrencies!" Gold and cryptocurrencies were cast as opponents in a "monetary" boxing ring featuring the two best alternatives to fiat currencies that are decentralized and function outside traditional government-controlled financial systems.

"If you have goals for your money, you might benefit by focusing on company quality based on specific metrics."

• Some speculators treat gold stocks like lottery tickets.
• Smart investors have financial goals and fit gold stocks into their portfolio.

"Historically, when gold rises steadily, or makes a significant jump upwards, the share prices of those companies rise in tandem."After the rapid rise to $1,250 from the low of $1,050 per ounce in late 2015, gold traded in a range between $1,200 to $1,300 for most of 2016 and 2017.